Ozge Ergun

Effect of Various Nerve Decompression Procedures on the Functions of Distal Limbs in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats: Further Optimism in Diabetic Neuropathy

It is known that diabetic neuropathy is the result of endoneurial edema caused by various biochemical reactions triggered by hyperglycemia. This sequence of events can cause cessation of circulation at the perineurial level, or the tough layer, which is not resilient enough to spread intraneural pressure. Internal and external limiting structures create a double crush phenomenon to the nerve structure. Decompression of the nerve trunk at separate levels is one of the adjuncts to the overall treatment plan for diabetic neuropathy. In this study, the right sciatic nerves of 30 rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were used; three groups were created. In the control group, the sciatic nerves were explored and dissected only. In group II, tarsal tunnel release was performed and accompanied by epineurotomy of the sciatic nerve and its peroneal and tibial extensions. In group III, in addition to the procedures performed in group II, perineural sheaths, exposed through the epineurotomy sites at both the peroneal and tibial nerves, were incised for decompression of the fascicles. Improvement in diabetic neuropathy was evaluated by using footprint parameters. The last print length values, estimated according to the 38-month measurements, were 26.1 ± 0.12 mm in the control group, 23.2 ± 0.07 mm in group II, and 22.2 ± 0.1 mm in group III. The toe spread and intermediate toe spread values of the groups were parallel to improvements in print lengths throughout the study. The best improvement was observed in the perineurotomy group. Finally, an electron microscopic study revealed variable degenerative changes in all groups, but they were milder in groups II and III. This experimental study reveals that adding internal decompression to external release doubled the effect in reducing derangement in the sciatic nerves of the rats and, in the authors’ opinion, offers cause for further optimism in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

Various applications of the medial plantar flap to cover the defects of the plantar foot, posterior heel, and ankle.

The medial plantar fasciocutaneous flap provides structurally similar tissue to plantar foot, posterior heel, and ankle defects with its thick glabrous plantar skin, shock-absorbing fibrofatty subcutaneous tissue, and plantar fascia. During the past 4 years, 24 patients (20 men, 4 women) with skin and soft-tissue defects over the plantar foot, posterior heel, or ankle were treated. They ranged in age from 20 to 42 years (mean, 24 y). The medial plantar flap was transposed to the defects in four different ways: proximally pedicled sensorial island flaps (N = 18), reverse-flow island flaps (N = 2), free flaps (N = 2), and cross-foot flaps (N = 2). Flap size varied from a width of 2 to 5.5 cm and a length of 5 to 7.5 cm. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 18 months (mean, 9 mo). Partial flap loss was observed in one free flap and one reverse-flow island flap. Partial skin graft lost in the donor site required regrafting in one patient. Durable, sensate coverage of the defects was achieved in all patients.

Management of maxillofacial problems in self-inflicted rifle wounds

Severe gunshot wounds to the face, produced by high-velocity rifles or shotgun blasts, present a formidable challenge to reconstructive surgeons. In this study, the results of 14 cases with gunshot wounded faces caused by fire from rifles are presented, and the principles of the management of those victims were determined. These patients had attempted to commit suicide and placed the muzzles of the rifles beneath their chins. The ages of the patients ranged from 20 to 24 years, with a mean age of 22 years. These wounds were caused by close-range gunshots (<10 cm), and the missiles had high velocity (more than 800 m/second). All patients had wounds in their submental triangle areas. The exit sites of the missiles differed among patients. All exit wounds were in the angle limited by the deviation from the gun-barrel axis. After clinical and radiologic evaluation and conservative debridement of all devitalized tissues, the fractures were reduced and stabilized appropriately. Large bony defects were treated by bone grafting, and all soft tissue lesions were closed in layers. The entrance and exit sites were covered primarily after thorough debridement except one case whose defect was reconstructed with bilateral sternocleidomastoid (SCM) flaps, one for submental skin and the other for the mouth floor. Intraoral soft tissues were then repaired by primary closure, tongue flaps, or SCM flaps in case they were necessary. Free tissue transfers were not required for treatment of secondary soft-tissue problems. Resolution of tissue edema, softening of scars in time, and insertion of bone graft may improve the deformity significantly. The initial anatomic reconstruction of the existing bone skeleton and the maximal use of regional tissue for cutaneous reconstruction provide an esthetic appearance that can never be duplicated by secondary reconstruction.

The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the delay procedure.

Background: This study evaluates the possibility of enhancing the beneficial effect of the delay procedure by using hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and the possibility of lessening the time required for maximal effect of delay procedure. Methods: Eight male Wistar rats were used in each of 10 groups. The surgical delay method was applied to the caudally based dorsal rat flap by incising the longitudinal borders and undermining the flap. In the first five groups, 3-, 7-, 10-, 14-, and 21-day delay periods were applied, and in the other five groups, hyperbaric oxygen therapy was applied during the delay periods. Blood circulation was measured with a laser Doppler flowmeter, and flap survival lengths were recorded. Histological analysis for vascular counting and determining vascular areas and microangiographic analysis for monitoring vascular status were performed. Results: In addition to the flap viabilities being increased, the maximum effect of the delay procedure could be achieved earlier with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Blood circulation in the flaps, vascular counts, and vascular areas were increased by applying hyperbaric oxygen during the delay period. Microangiographic results confirmed the beneficial effect of hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Conclusions: Hyperbaric oxygen treatment during the delay period can lessen the time period needed for the delay procedure and increase the effect of the delay itself.

Bilobed flap for web reconstruction in adult syndactyly release: A new technique that can avoid the use of skin graft

AIM The aim of the study was to describe the use of a bilobed flap for web formation of syndactyly release, which decreases the need for graft and also avoids the use of skin grafting in syndactyly cases. METHODS A retrospective review of this procedure was performed for 15 web space reconstructions. Patients were aged 20-23 years. The mean follow-up period was 7-12 months (mean 7 + 3.2). The operations were performed for the beneficial use of the dorsal hand skin by lowering the need for a skin graft. The flap was on the dorsum of the hand and proximal phalanx and was used for web formation. RESULTS Surgery was completed without skin grafting in nine cases of 14 web spaces; two of them were complex/complete syndactylies, and two of them were simple/complete syndactylies. We used a skin graft in one patient because of triangular flap necrosis in a second operation. The use of a bilobed flap allowed the construction of web spaces, providing satisfactory cosmetic outcomes. No partial necrosis or complications was observed in bilobed flaps. No secondary correction was needed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION The present surgical technique could be a new surgical option for web formation and reconstruction in primary and secondary cases, especially in an adult population in which the skin on the dorsum of the hand is more pliable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV.

Effect of hydrostatic dilation on flap viability of the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap model in rats.

Background: The technique of intraoperative vessel hydrostatic dilation is sometimes used to facilitate microvascular anastomosis and prevent vasospasm. Currently, delay procedures remain a reliable method of maximizing flap survival. The authors aimed to increase rat transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap viability by imitating the physical effect of a surgical delay procedure with hydrostatic dilation. Methods: Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of three TRAM flap groups (15 rats in each group): the control group, the delay group, and the hydrostatic dilation group. The surgical delay procedure was performed by division of right-sided cranial epigastric vessels and contralateral superficial inferior epigastric vessels. While elevating the flap, hydrostatic dilation was performed to the cranial epigastric artery and vein with a mean pressure of 250 mm Hg. The groups were compared by means of microangiography and survival ratio of TRAM flaps and mean artery lumen area, mean vein lumen area, and mean artery wall area of the flap pedicle 48 hours after elevation. Results: There was a significant difference between the control and hydrostatic dilation groups in favor of surface area viability and angiographic assessment (p < 0.01). Surgical delay has traditionally been accepted as the most reliable method of enhancing flap viability. No significant difference was revealed between the surgical delay and hydrostatic dilation groups (p > 0.05). In the hydrostatic dilation group, compared with the control group, an increase in vein diameter, a thinning of the artery wall, and an increase in lumen diameter were observed. Conclusions: The physical effect of blood flow is achieved acutely with hydrostatic dilation. This simple, dependable, one-stage hydrostatic dilation procedure can be used in clinical applications.

Camouflage of self-inflicted razor blade incision scars with carbon dioxide laser resurfacing and thin skin grafting

Background: Self-cutting using a razor blade is a type of self-mutilating behavior that leaves permanent and socially unacceptable scars with unique patterns, particularly on the upper extremities and anterior chest wall. These scars are easily recognized in the community and become a source of lifelong guilt, shame, and regret for the self-mutilators. In the presented clinical study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of carbon dioxide laser resurfacing and thin skin grafting in camouflaging self-inflicted razor blade incision scars. Methods: A total of 26 anatomical sites (11 upper arm, 11 forearm, and four anterior chest) of 16 white male patients, whose ages ranged from 20 to 41 years (mean, 23.8 years), were treated between February of 2001 and August of 2003. Detailed psychiatric evaluation preoperatively; informing the patient that the procedure is a “camouflage” operation; trimming hypertrophic scars down to intact skin level; intralesional corticosteroid injection to hypertrophic scars; carbon dioxide laser resurfacing as a single unit; thin (0.2 to 0.3 mm) skin grafting; compressive dressing for 15 days; use of tubular bandage; and protection from sunlight for at least 6 months constituted the key points of the procedure. Results: The scars were successfully camouflaged and converted to a socially acceptable appearance similar to a burn scar. Partial graft loss in one case and hyperpigmentation in another case were the complications. No new hypertrophic scar developed. Conclusions: The carbon dioxide laser resurfacing and thin skin grafting method is effective in camouflaging self-inflicted razor blade incision scars.

Is It Possible to Increase Flap Viability by Hydrostatic Dilation?: An Experimental Study in the Rat Abdominal Fasciocutaneous Flap Model.

IntroductionErgun et al previously demonstrated the efficacy of hydrostatic dilation in a TRAM flap model in an experimental study. We investigated the effect of hydrostatic dilation on a fasciocutaneous flap model. MethodsEighteen female Wistar rats were equally divided into 3 groups, of which 1 served as a control. In the second, the abdominal fasciocutaneous flap surgical delay procedure was performed by division of the left superficial inferior epigastric (SIE) vessels. In the third, hydrostatic dilation was performed on the left SIE artery and vein, with a mean pressure of 300 mm Hg, while elevating the flap on the right-sided SIE pedicle. The groups were compared by microangiography and by the survival ratio of abdominal flaps 7 days after elevation. ResultsThe mean (SD) flap necrosis rates were as follows: control group, 44.75% (4.31%); delay group, 33.32% (7.11%); and hydrostatic dilation group, 32.51% (5.03%). There was a significant difference between the control group and the other 2 groups (P < 0.05). There was no difference between the delay and hydrostatic dilation groups with respect to surface area necrosis. The microangiographies showed remarkable increased vascularity in the delay and hydrostatic dilation groups. ConclusionsHydrostatic dilation is a new method of enhancing flap viability that could be used in clinical cases in place of surgical delay once further studies and clinical trials are completed.

Surgical management of the windblown hand in the adult.

The windblown hand, first reported in 1897 by Emile Boix,1,2 is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by bilateral and symmetric arthrogryposis of the distal upper extremity. Malformations of the cranium, hand, foot, or mouth may accompany the hand deformity.3–5 Freeman-Sheldon syndrome is a rare form of distal arthrogryposis characterized by craniofacial anomalies, a rheumatoid-appearing hand, and pedal deformities.6 The windblown hand is the foremost deformity of the syndrome and may vary in severity.7–9 Contracture of the fingers associated with flexion, adduction contracture of the thumb and narrowing of the first web space, and ulnar deviation of the fingers at the metacarpophalangeal joints are the three constituent elements of windblown hand deformity. Zancolli and Zancolli10 classified the hand deformity into types 1, 2, and 3 (Table 1). Since the hand disease is progressive in nature, surgical treatment of the deformity should be instituted in the first year of life to achieve the best functional and aesthetic outcome. Distorted shape and decreased function of untreated windblown hands may cause significant psychological and functional problems. An adult patient with untreated windblown hand presents a formidable challenge for the hand surgeon and requires an individualized treatment. We present our surgical approach to the windblown hand deformity and the clinical outcomes achieved in the adult.

Reconstruction of a complex intercanthal defect with triple advancement flaps

A complex intercanthal skin defect, created by resection of a squamous cell carcinoma localised in the nasal root of a 52-year-old man, was successfully reconstructed using three axial pattern advancement flaps raised from the nasal dorsum and paranasal areas.