Serhat Sibar

Disulfiram Implantation for the Treatment of Alcoholism: Clinical Experiences from the Plastic Surgeon's Point of View

Background Disulfiram implantation is a widely used treatment alternative for alcohol abuse, yet reports on the surgical aspect of disulfiram implantation with respect to patient and drug-related treatment efficacy and wound complications are very limited. We present our clinical experiences with disulfiram implantation and discuss the surgical outcomes obtained with different anatomical planes for implantation. Methods Medical records of all patients referred to our clinic from the psychiatry department between 2007 and 2013 for disulfiram implantation were retrospectively analyzed. Implantation was carried out using 10 sterile Disulfiram tablets (WZF Polfa S.A.), each tablet containing 100 mg of disulfiram. The procedure was carried out by implanting the tablets randomly in either a subcutaneous or an intramuscular plane. The location and the plane of implantation and the complications were recorded for each patient and compared to determine the differences in the outcomes. Results A total of 32 implantation procedures were evaluated for this study. Twenty-five implants were placed in the intramuscular plane (78.2%), while seven implants were placed subcutaneously (21.8%). Exposure was encountered in three of the seven subcutaneous implants (42.9%), while no exposure was seen with the intramuscular implants. Incomplete absorption of the tablets was encountered in one patient with a previous subcutaneous implant who presented 1 year later for re-implantation as part of the continuation of therapy. Conclusions To overcome the issue of treatment continuation in the case of disulfiram therapy, which may be ceased due to frequently encountered wound complications, we believe that implantation in the subscapular intramuscular plane allows both uneventful healing and an out-of-reach implant location.

The Effect of Albumin and Platelet-Poor Plasma Supplemented Botulinum A Toxin on Bioavaliability: An Experimental Rabbit Model

Abstract Today, botulinum toxin is commonly used for cosmetic purposes throughout the world. Despite various agents reducing the efficiency of toxin are well defined, the studies related to increasing the bioavailability are limited. The purpose of our study is to assess the effect of the preparation of toxin by diluting with platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and/or albumin instead of standard dilution (saline) on bioavailability in cosmetic-purpose botulinum toxin applications. In the study, 24 New Zealand rabbits were used. Right anterior auricular muscle was preferred for toxin injections. Subjects were divided in 4 groups and in every group; botulinum A toxin (BTxA) that was prepared by different dilution methods was injected. 2.5 U saline-diluted BTxA was injected to the subjects in group 1, 2.5 U ready-to-use rabbit albumin-diluted BTxA was injected to group 2 and 2.5 U autologous PPP-diluted BTxA was injected to group 3 and pure saline was injected to group 4. Before the injection (0th week) and in the second, sixth, and 12th weeks after the injection, visual and electroneuromyographic evaluations of the ears of the subjects were performed. In the second week, median amplitude levels in group 2 were significantly found lower than other groups. In the sixth week, median amplitude levels in group 1 were significantly found lower than other groups. In 12th week, no significant difference was found among all the groups in terms of median amplitude levels. Visual findings were also correlated with electroneuromyographic findings. It was observed that the dilution of BTxA with albumin had caused a stronger paralysis when compared to dilution with saline or PPP at the beginning (second week); however, in the following weeks (sixth week), it was seen that dilution with saline had maintained paralysis better when compared with other dilution methods. In cosmetic BTxA applications, dilution of the toxin with albumin or PPP instead of standard dilution has no positive effect on bioavailability and such modifications regarding this kind of dilution are found unsuitable. Further studies are needed to directly relate the results with clinical applications.

The Effect of Subcutaneous Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection on Viability of Auricular Cartilage Grafts.

Introduction:Although cartilage grafts are frequently used for structural integrity and volume restoration, one of the main concerns dealing with cartilage grafting is gradual volume loss and unpredictable viability rates of cartilage grafts. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a well known platelet concentrate reported to enhance cartilage repair and stimulates chondrocyte proliferation and matrix biosynthesis. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of subcutaneous PRP injection on improving the viability of cartilage grafts. Materials and Methods:Six circular cartilage grafts were obtained from auricular cartilages of 6 New Zealand white rabbits. Cartilage grafts were prepared in 3 forms: block, crushed, and crushed/wrapped with Surgicel (Surgical, Ethicon, Somerville, NJ). Grafts were placed to 6 dorsal subcutaneous pockets and pockets were closed. Autologous PRP was prepared and injected subcutaneously into the pockets of experiment groups. At the end of 8 weeks, cartilage grafts were removed. Cartilage mass reduction rates were measured. Resorption rates of cartilage grafts and formation of fibroelastic and bone tissue were microscopically evaluated. Results:All of the cartilage grafts lost significant weight. Viability scores of block cartilages were higher than crushed cartilages. Although less weight loss rates and higher histopathologic scores were obtained in subcutaneously PRP injected cartilage graft groups, these results were not statistically significant. Conclusions:Although our study gives a new insight about increasing the viability of cartilage grafts, the subcutaneous PRP injection did not result in improving the viability of cartilage grafts in this experimental design.

Orthognathic treatment of facial asymmetry due to temporomandibular joint ankylosis

The aim of this study was to present a case series of the orthognathic treatment of facial asymmetry due to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis and to characterize the current treatment modalities through a literature review. Four patients who presented with facial asymmetry due to TMJ ankylosis between 2010 and 2014 were included in this study. TMJ ankylosis was surgically treated before bimaxillary surgery with advancement genioplasty in some of the cases. In 2 cases, 3-dimensional (3D) models were used for diagnosis and treatment planning, as 3D models are very important tools for planning surgical maneuvers. Aesthetically pleasant facial symmetry and a good facial profile were obtained in all the cases.

Technical Aspects and Difficulties in the Management of Head and Neck Cutaneous Malignancies in Xeroderma Pigmentosum

Background Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by xerosis, ultraviolet light sensitivity, and cutaneous dyspigmentation. Due to defects in their DNA repair mechanism, genetic mutations and carcinogenesis inevitably occurs in almost all patients. In these patients, reconstruction of cutaneous malignancies in the head and neck area is associated with some challenges such as likelihood of recurrence and an aggressive clinical course. The aim of this study is to discuss the therapeutic options and challenges commonly seen during the course of treatment. Methods Between 2005 and 2015, 11 XP patients with head and neck cutaneous malignancies were included in this study. Demographic data and treatment options of the patients were evaluated. Results The mean age of the patients was 32 years (range, 10–43) (4 males, 7 females). The most common tumor type and location were squamous cell carcinoma (6 patients) and the orbital region (4 patients), respectively. Free tissue transfer was the most commonly performed surgical intervention (4 patients). The average number of surgical procedures was 5.5 (range, 1–25). Six patients were siblings with each other, 5 patients had local recurrences, and one patient was lost to follow-up. Conclusions Although genetic components of the disease have been elucidated, there is no definitive treatment algorithm. Early surgical intervention and close follow-up are the gold standard modalities due to the tendency toward rapid tumor growth and possible recurrence. Treatment must be individualized for each patient. In addition, the psychological aspect of the disease is an important issue for both patients and families.