Hyung-Sup Shim

Low versus High Fluence Parameters in the Treatment of Facial Laceration Scars with a 1,550 nm Fractional Erbium-Glass Laser

Purpose. Early postoperative fractional laser treatment has been used to reduce scarring in many institutions, but the most effective energy parameters have not yet been established. This study sought to determine effective parameters in the treatment of facial laceration scars. Methods. From September 2012 to September 2013, 57 patients were enrolled according to the study. To compare the low and high fluence parameters of 1,550 nm fractional erbium-glass laser treatment, we virtually divided the scar of each individual patient in half, and each half was treated with a high and low fluence setting, respectively. A total of four treatment sessions were performed at one-month intervals and clinical photographs were taken at every visit. Results. Results were assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and global assessment of the two portions of each individual scar. Final evaluation revealed that the portions treated with high fluence parameter showed greater difference compared to pretreatment VSS scores and global assessment values, indicating favorable cosmetic results. Conclusion. We compared the effects of high fluence and low fluence 1,550 nm fractional erbium-glass laser treatment for facial scarring in the early postoperative period and revealed that the high fluence parameter was more effective for scar management.

The Role of Resorbable Plate and Artificial Bone Substitute in Reconstruction of Large Orbital Floor Defect.

It is essential to reduce and reconstruct bony defects adequately in large orbital floor fracture and defect. Among many reconstructive methods, alloplastic materials have attracted attention because of their safety and ease of use. We have used resorbable plates combined with artificial bone substitutes in large orbital floor defect reconstructions and have evaluated their long-term reliability compared with porous polyethylene plate. A total of 147 patients with traumatic orbital floor fracture were included in the study. Surgical results were evaluated by clinical evaluations, exophthalmometry, and computed tomography at least 12 months postoperatively. Both orbital floor height discrepancy and orbital volume change were calculated and compared with preoperative CT findings. The average volume discrepancy and vertical height discrepancies were not different between two groups. Also, exophthalmometric measurements were not significantly different between the two groups. No significant postoperative complication including permanent diplopia, proptosis, and enophthalmos was noted. Use of a resorbable plate with an artificial bone substitute to repair orbital floor defects larger than 2.5 cm2 in size yielded long-lasting, effective reconstruction without significant complications. We therefore propose our approach as an effective alternative method for large orbital floor reconstructions.

A simple and easy surgical technique for open reduction of orbital wall fractures using a silicone sheet

The purpose of orbital wall fracture surgery is to reduce the herniated orbital contents into the orbital cavity and restore the fracture site. When approaching the orbital wall in blow-out fracture surgery, soft tissue is often an obstacle to a clear view of the fractured site. Although soft tissue can be moved aside using a retractor, there are many difficulties, including obscuration of the operative field by soft tissue and even soft tissue sandwiched between the fracture site and the orbital implant due to soft tissue mobility. Thus, the authors introduce a useful method utilizing a silicone sheet(BioPlexus Corporation, Ventura, CA, USA) in blow-out fractures. We performed surgery in a total of 381 patients with isolated orbital wall fractures between January 2007 and December 2012. All of the operations were performed by a single surgeon, Lim JS. All medical records were reviewed retrospectively through electronic medical records, and the study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of St. Vincent’s Hospital. The silicone sheet used in the surgery had a thickness of 0.062” and was prepared aseptically. The surgical procedure was performed under general anesthesia in all cases. The site of the fractured orbital walls was reached through a standard subciliary or transcaruncle method according to the site of fracture. After visualization of the fracture site, the soft tissue herniated through the fracture site was reduced into the orbital cavity. A sterilized silicone sheet was trimmed into a circular shape slightly larger than the fractured orbital wall and inserted temporarily between the orbital wall and the soft tissue, including the periosteum (Figure 1). Since the silicone sheet held the orbital soft tissue contents in place, the operator could simply insert a retractor between the silicone sheet and fracture site to visualize the fracture site, thus

A Simple and Reproducible Surgical Technique for the Management of Preauricular Sinuses

Preauricular sinus is a relatively common congenital anomaly that mainly exists on the anterior aspect of the anterior limb of the ascending helix. Although many surgical techniques have been developed, extirpation of the sinus is not easy because of the ramifications of the sinus, remnants of the sinus wall, and infection with or without formation of abscesses, which can all lead to disease recurrence. In our institution, we have surgically treated a total of 141 cases of congenital preauricular sinuses. Instead of using the conventional lacrimal probe and methylene blue method, we used a gentian violet–soaked Cottonoid, which has antibacterial effects against the main pathogen responsible for causing infection of the preauricular sinus. Results have been very favorable, with a zero recurrence rate. We present here a simple and reproducible surgical technique using a gentian violet–soaked Cottonoid that even beginning surgeons can easily follow.

A prospective randomised comparison of fixation methods in Tamai's zone I amputation

BACKGROUND The treatment of choice for fingertip amputation is replantation to restore function and aesthetics. The purpose of this study was to compare the success rates and salvage periods between patients with Tamais zone I amputation injuries treated with bony fixation and suture fixation. METHODS Fifty-five patients with Tamais zone I amputations with bony involvement were included in this study. The patients were allocated randomly to two groups treated by bony fixation with Kirschner (K-)wire and suture fixation, respectively. In the bony fixation group (n = 21), the distal phalangeal bone was fixed with K-wire; in the suture fixation group (n = 34), the amputated portion was fixed with sutures alone. The success rate was defined as the percentage of fully viable replanted cases, and the salvage period was defined as extending from the first postoperative day to the cessation of salvation. RESULTS The success rates for the bony and suture fixation groups were 90.0% and 91.1%, respectively, with no significant difference. The average salvage period was longer in the bony fixation group than in the suture fixation group (8.7 ± 1.25 vs. 6.4 ± 0.98 days; P = 0.01). No case of non-union of the distal phalangeal bone, limitation of motion, or disfigurement was observed in either group. CONCLUSION The average salvage period was significantly longer for the bony fixation group, but the success rates did not differ between groups. We suggest that bony fixation is not mandatory in the treatment of Tamais zone I amputation.

Differential Diagnosis of Intramuscular Schwannoma of the Craniocervical Region

Schwannomas in the head and neck are a relatively common condition. However, intramuscular schwannomas in the craniocervical region are extremely rare. The preoperative consideration of schwannomas is very important to preserve adjacent circulation and nerve function during the surgery in this area. Moreover, the treatment and preoperative evaluation of this condition is not firmly established in the past literatures. The authors successfully managed the intramuscular schwannoma in the craniocervical region, and provide the differential diagnoses with appropriate treatments.

Cervicofacial Primary Cutaneous Actinomycosis: Surgical Treatment for Complete Remission of the Disease.

Actinomycosis, an infectious bacterial disease caused by Actinomyces species, is very rare and is characterized by contiguous spreading, subacute to chronic granulomatous inflammation and the formation of multiple abscesses and sinus tracts that may discharge sulfur granules. Actinomycosis that presents on the skin without endogenous origin is called primary cutaneous actinomycosis, and the occurrence and treatment of primary cutaneous actinomycosis is rarely reported. This report describes the treatment of primary cervicofacial actinomycosis with a literature review, and emphasizes the importance of surgical option for complete remission of the disease.Actinomycosis, an infectious bacterial disease caused by Actinomyces species, is very rare and is characterized by contiguous spreading, subacute to chronic granulomatous inflammation and the formation of multiple abscesses and sinus tracts that may discharge sulfur granules. Actinomycosis that presents on the skin without endogenous origin is called primary cutaneous actinomycosis, and the occurrence and treatment of primary cutaneous actinomycosis is rarely reported. This report describes the treatment of primary cervicofacial actinomycosis with a literature review, and emphasizes the importance of surgical option for complete remission of the disease.

The Use of Topical Lidocaine Gel During Intermaxillary Fixation Procedure.

AbstractThis study aimed to validate the usefulness of lidocaine gel during intermaxillary fixation using arch bars in patients with mandible fracture by comparing 2 patient groups: one group using lidocaine gel in intermaxillary fixation and the other group undergoing traditional local infiltration.Subjects were patients with mandible fracture undergoing intermaxillary fixation using arch bars from March 2003 to February 2007. Twenty-three patients were anesthetized in the upper and lower gingiva by 2% local lidocaine solution injection; another 23 underwent topical anesthesia with 2% lidocaine hydrochloride gel applied to the upper and lower gingiva. The convenience of fixation was measured in terms of operation time and degree of pain according to the visual analog scale; arch bar loosening rate was assessed postoperatively.The mean operation times were 63 and 47 minutes in the groups undergoing local infiltration and using topical lidocaine gel, respectively. For pain degree according to the visual analog scale, the mean scores were 6.4 and 3.2 in the groups using local infiltration and topical lidocaine gel, respectively. When the arch bar loosening rate was measured postoperatively, the 2 groups differed significantly, with a rate of 26% in the group using local infiltration and 13% in the group using topical lidocaine gel.Application of topical lidocaine gel during intermaxillary fixation using arch bars in patients with mandible fracture relieves pain and offers convenience in performing the procedure. It can be a useful alternative method for patients who are sensitive to pain or have needle phobia.

Endotine Midface for Soft Tissue Suspension in Zygoma Fracture.

Abstract Treatment of zygomatic fractures necessitates dissection beneath the soft tissues of the cheek. Inadequate resuspension may lead to deformities, including cheek ptosis, lower lid ectropion, and lateral canthal dystopia. The authors present their experience using a biodegradable suspension device for cheek flap resuspension. Patients who received open reduction for unilateral zygomatic fracture between January, 2006 and December, 2013 at a single center were included in the study. Patients could choose whether or not to have Endotine midface inserted. Patients rated satisfaction on facial symmetry. Computed tomography (CT) at 15 months was assessed for soft tissue thickness at the level of the midpoint of the nasolabial fold on each side. Photographs at 15 months were viewed by 3 blinded plastic surgeons and rated for cheek drooping. The results for all 3 parameters were compared between the Endotine group and the control group. A total of 83 patients were included (43 in the Endotine group and 39 in the control group). Patient satisfaction scores were statistically higher (P = 0.03) in the Endotine group (3.70 ± 0.76) than the control group (2.85 ± 0.96). Computed tomography soft tissue thickness score ratio between affected and unaffected side was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the Endotine group than the ratio in the control group. Photography evaluation score difference between affected and unaffected side for the Endotine group (0.70 ± 0.77) was significantly (P = 0.041) smaller than the control group (1.92 ± 1.24). Endotine midface is easy to apply and effective in repositioning the elevated cheek flap in zygomatic fracture patients.

Contralateral Abdominal Pocketing in Salvation of Replanted Fingertips with Compromised Circulation

Abdominal pocketing is one of the most useful methods in salvation of compromised replanted fingertips. Abdominal pocketing has generally been performed in the ipsilateral lower abdominal quadrant, but we have also performed contralateral pocketing at our institute. To determine which approach is more beneficial, a total of 40 patients underwent an abdominal pocketing procedure in either the ipsilateral or contralateral lower abdominal quadrant after fingertip replantation. Dates of abdominal pocketing after initial replantation, detachment after abdominal pocketing, range of motion (ROM) before abdominal pocketing, and sequential ROM after the detachment operation and date of full ROM recovery and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH) score were recorded through medical chart review. Mean detachment date, mean abduction of shoulder after the detachment operation, and mean days to return to full ROM were not significantly different between the ipsilateral and contralateral pocketing groups. However, the mean DASH score was significantly lower in the contralateral group than the ipsilateral group. There were also fewer postoperative wound complications in the contralateral group than in the ipsilateral group. We, therefore, recommend contralateral abdominal pocketing rather than ipsilateral abdominal pocketing to increase patient comfort and reduce pain and complications.