Terence Goh

Early diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressing skin infection characterized by necrosis of the fascia and subcutaneous tissue, accompanied by severe systemic toxicity. The objective of this systematic review was to identify clinical features and investigations that will aid early diagnosis.

Thin superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap and supermicrosurgery technique for face reconstruction.

Abstract Distant free flaps have become a routine option for reconstruction of large, complicated facial soft tissue defects. The challenge is to find a flap that is pliable to provide good contour and function. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the use of superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flaps for facial defects. From November 2010 to June 2013, facial reconstruction was performed on 6 patients (age range, 15–79 years). The harvesting technique was modified to elevate above the deep fat, and the pedicles were taken above or just below the deep fascia. The mean size of the flap was 75.6 cm2, with a thickness of 7 mm; the mean pedicle length was 4.9 cm; and the mean artery caliber was 0.7 mm. The supermicrosurgery technique was used successfully in all 6 cases. Donor sites were all closed primarily. The mean follow-up was 16.7 months. All flaps survived without flap loss, and the donor sites healed without complications including lymphorrhea. The patients were satisfied with contour and function after reconstruction. The result of these 6 cases suggested that the SCIP flap can be a reliable flap for moderate-sized to large defects in the face. The use of new instrumentation and supermicrosurgical techniques allows use of the SCIP flap reliably while providing patients with a good contour, function, and minimal donor site morbidity.

The anterolateral thigh perforator flap for reconstruction of knee defects.

Introduction Large defects around the knee remain challenging reconstructive problems. We report our experience with the use of the anterolateral thigh perforator flap for various defects in this area, based on the anatomy seen intraoperatively. Methods and Materials Eight knee defects were reconstructed with the anterolateral thigh flap in accordance with our algorithm. Of them, 6 were performed as pedicled flaps and 2 as free flaps. For the pedicled flaps, 1 patient was reconstructed with an anterolateral thigh rotation flap, 3 patients with a directly transposed distally based anterolateral thigh flap, 2 patients with a “propeller” distally based anterolateral thigh flap. In the 2 patients reconstructed with the free anterolateral thigh flaps, the intramuscular part of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery was used as the recipient vessel. Results Reconstruction was successfully performed in all patients. Defects limited to the patella and above can be covered by antegrade anterolateral thigh rotation flaps. For larger defects, the distally based flap is needed. This can be used in cases where the perforators arise from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, either as a direct advancement or propeller flaps. In cases where the perforators are not usable or arises from the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, reconstruction was completed as a free flap. In such instances, the distal descending branch provides a reliable recipient vessel. Conclusion The anterolateral thigh flap offers a versatile and reliable option for defects around the knee. Its use requires a certain degree of reconstructive flexibility as the anatomic variations of the flap may require the flap to be transferred as a free flap in some cases.

Use of the microdebrider for treatment of fibrous gynaecomastia.

BACKGROUND In the quest for reduced scars and better aesthetic outcomes in minimally invasive surgical techniques for gynaecomastia, suction-assisted lipoplasty and ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty are now considered accepted recent advancements. Nevertheless, the fibrous glandular breast disc encountered in young, thin patients requires a separate peri-areolar incision as the disc cannot be removed with suction lipoplasty. The use of a microdebrider (powered shaving rotary device) is a potential solution to this problem. We present a series of eight patients with fibrous gynaecomastia that was successfully treated in this way. METHOD The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. The microdebrider cannula is used to remove the fibrous glandular breast tissue. Drains are inserted and fibrin glue is sprayed subcutaneously. Patients are discharged on the next day. Drains are removed on the 5th postoperative day. A compressive vest is worn for 6 weeks. (A video of the procedure can be seen on http://www.microflap.com/video3.asp). RESULTS The eight patients were successfully treated. No bleeding, haematoma or seroma was encountered. All patients were satisfied with the results of the surgery. CONCLUSION The microdebrider is a viable solution in the treatment of gynaecomastia with a fibrous breast disc. Excellent aesthetic results can be achieved with a single 3-mm incision.

Hilar Vessels of the Submandibular and Upper Jugular Neck Lymph Nodes: Anatomical Study for Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer to Extremity Lymphedema.

ObjectivesVascularized lymph node transfer for lymphedema is an emerging method of treatment. Vascularized lymph nodes have been harvested from a number of donor sites, that is, groin, axilla, and neck. There is a concern that harvesting nodes from the groin and axilla may lead to donor site lymphedema. This risk is greatly reduced in harvesting from the neck due to the abundant supply of lymph nodes here. In this cadaver study, we describe the submandibular and upper jugular groups of lymph nodes, demonstrate their hilar vessels, their source pedicles and drainage veins, quantified and qualified these groups of lymph nodes and their relationship to surrounding structures. MethodsFive fresh adult cadaver necks (10 sides) were dissected looking at the submandibular and upper jugular neck nodes under the microscope. We carried out vascularized lymph node transfer of upper jugular nodes from the neck to the groin of 1 patient with stage II lower extremity lymphedema and transferred vascularized submandibular nodes from the neck to the upper arm in 1 patient with stage II upper extremity lymphedema. ResultsThere was a mean of 3.2 (range, 1–5) lymph nodes in the submandibular group and a mean of 4.1 (range, 2–6) lymph nodes in the upper jugular group. The submandibular nodes were perfused by branches of the facial artery, that is, glandular and/or facial branches and/or submental artery in various permutations. The upper jugular nodes were perfused by the sternocleidomastoid artery, which branches from the superior thyroid artery (70%) or emerges directly from the external carotid artery (30%). Hilar veins were found to drain into surrounding larger draining tributary veins and ultimately into the internal jugular vein. At 1-year follow-up, there was a considerable decrease in girth circumference in our patients, no episodes of cellulitis after surgery, with subjective improvement in limb heaviness and skin pliability. ConclusionsThis knowledge of hilar blood supply will aid in transferring a lymphatic flap with intact microcirculation. When harvesting the submandibular nodes or upper jugular nodes, it is essential to harvest them based on their source pedicles, that is, facial artery and sternocleidomastoid artery, respectively, to supply live nodes to the recipient lymphedematous limb.

Defining the Optimal Segment for Neurotization-Axonal Mapping of Masseter Nerve for Facial Reanimation.

BackgroundRecently, there has been renewed interest in using the motor nerve to the masseter for facial reanimation. This article aims to identify the ideal segment of the masseter nerve for facial reanimation by mapping its anatomy and studying the axonal count in its branches. MethodsFifteen fresh cadaveric heads with 30 masseter nerves were dissected under the microscope. The masseter muscle was exposed with a preauricular incision, the course of the nerve followed and measurements of the nerve and its branches were taken to identify the topography of the nerve. The nerve was then harvested en bloc, fixed, and axon counts of cross-sections of the nerve recorded with ImageJ (an image analysing software). The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. ResultsThe masseter consists of 3 discrete muscle layers, and the nerve to the masseter that entered the muscle between the middle and deep layers in all specimens was dissected. The average length of the masseter nerve from the mandibular notch to the last branch was 49.1 ± 10.5 mm. At origin, the nerve diameter was 0.80 ± 0.2 mm and had 1395 ± 447 axons. After the first major branch at a distance of 19.3 to 29.9 mm from the origin, the axon count of the main trunk ranged from 655 to 1025. ConclusionsThe segment of the masseter nerve which has an axon count of 600 to 800 is located after the first branch of the masseter nerve at a distance of 29.9 ± 7.2 mm from the start of its intramuscular course. Given that an axon count of 600 to 800 approximates that of the zygomatic branch of the facial nerve it is postulated that nerve coaptation at this level is able to produce a clinically satisfactory smile.

Free-Flap Lower Extremity Reconstruction: A Cohort Study and Meta-Analysis of Flap Anastomotic Outcomes between Perforator and Nonperforator Flaps

Introduction Free‐flap outcomes in lower extremity reconstruction carry the lowest anastomotic success rates compared with other anatomical sites. Despite their advantages over traditional nonperforator flaps, free perforator flaps have only recently become established in this area due to the additional challenges faced. It is therefore crucial to assess the anastomotic outcomes of perforator and nonperforator free flaps. Methods We performed a single‐center retrospective cohort study and combined this with a meta‐analysis of the relevant literature. We evaluated three flap anastomotic outcomes: reexploration, operative salvage, and flap failure rates. Results Between January 2010 and June 2015, our center managed 161 patients who underwent lower extremity free‐flap reconstruction, which included 76 perforator flaps and 85 nonperforator flaps. The perforator flaps had higher reexploration rates compared with the nonperforator flaps, but this was not statistically significant (18.4 and 10.6%; p = 0.18). Perforator flaps had a higher flap salvage rate but were not statistically significant (78.6 and 22.2%; p = 0.374). Lastly, although not statistically significant, perforator flaps had a lower rate of complete failure due to anastomotic complications (3.9 and 8.2%; p = 0.336). The meta‐analysis included 12 studies (inclusive of the index study) and found no statistical difference in all three outcomes. Conclusion Our meta‐analysis is the first reported study and serves as an indication that free perforator flaps in lower extremity are as reliable as their traditional nonperforator counterparts. This does come with the prerequisite appreciation of the anatomical variations, the delicate handling of these flaps, and a low threshold for reexploration.

Free versus Pedicled Perforator Flaps for Lower Extremity Reconstruction: A Multicenter Comparison of Institutional Practices and Outcomes

Background Of all body regions, lower extremity wounds have been and remain the greatest challenge. Perforator free flaps have been accepted as a reasonable option to solve this dilemma but require the complexity of microsurgery. As a consequence, the possibility that pedicled perforator flaps could supplant even perforator free flaps has recently gained intense enthusiasm. Methods A retrospective investigation was undertaken to compare the validity for the use of perforator flaps of all types at three dissimilar institutions, that is, a university, a regional center, and a community hospital. All flaps performed in the 5‐year period, 2011 to 2015, were included to allow at least 1‐year follow‐up before data analysis. A total of 433 free perforator flaps and 52 pedicled perforator flaps had been performed specifically for the lower extremity. Results Patient demographics, wound etiology, and comorbidities were similar for all institutions. Free flaps were more commonly needed after trauma and for chronic ulcers. Pedicled flaps were more likely an option after tumor excision. Large defects or those involving the foot were better served by free flaps. Overall success for free perforator flaps was 90.1% and for pedicled perforator flaps was 92.3%, with no significant difference noted (p = 0.606) between institutions. Peripheral vascular disease was the only significant comorbidity risk factor for both free and pedicled flap failure. Conclusion Perforator flaps in general have become a reasonable solution for soft tissue defects of the lower extremity. Following careful consideration of the etiology, dimensions, location, patient comorbidities, and presence of adequate perforators, a pedicled or free perforator flap could potentially be successful. Pedicled perforator flaps, if adequate healthy soft tissues remain adjacent to the defect, forecast a continuance of the evolution in seeking simplicity yet reliability by the best flap possible for soft tissue closure of the lower limb wound.

A simple approach to facilitate the use of microdebrider for treatment of fibrous gynaecomastia.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2015.10.003 1748-6815/a 2015 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic powered rotatory shaving instrument attached to a continuous suction device. We have previously described the use of the microdebrider in patients with fibrous gynaecomastia to avoid the need for a peri-areolar incision for removal of the breast tissue. The microdebrider is ideal for the treatment of fibrous gynaecomastia as the serrated oscillatory blades enables sharp excision of the fibrous tissue in a controlled fashion. Due to the suction property of the microdebrider, one of the main drawbacks of this instrument is that the oscillating blades can catch the skin edge during cannula withdrawal. This can potentially cause skin lacerations or lacerations to the nipple areola complex. Moreover, repeated passages of both the microdebrider and the suction lipoplasty cannula mayalso lead to skin friction burns andhypertrophic scarring. Based on these potential complications, we propose an affordable modification using a 1 cc syringe as a cannula port for both the microdebrider as well as the traditional suction lipoplasty cannula. The tip of the 1 cc syringe (without plunger) is fashioned bymaking a straight cut at the distal tip using a No.15 blade (Figure 1). After making a 5 mm stab incision over anterior axillary line, blunt soft tissue dissection is then performed using an artery forceps prior to insertion of the refashioned syringe. The microdebrider cannula has a diameter of 4 mm and can be inserted easily through the 4.73mmdiameter syringe barrel (Figure 2).With the syringe as a cannula port, it protects the skin from accidental lacerations, friction burns, and hypertrophic scarring from both the microdebrider and the suction lipoplasty cannulas. It also allows better control during cannula withdrawal as the surgeon holds onto the syringe barrel.

Serratus anterior venous tributary as a second outflow vein in latissimus dorsi free flaps.

The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is a large and reliable myocutaneous flap with a consistently long vascular pedicle. However, the limitation of the thoracodorsal pedicle is that it has only one draining vein for anastomosis. We describe a simple technique of recruiting the tributary vein to the serratus anterior and using it as a second draining vein to alleviate congestion in lower limb reconstruction. The serratus anterior venous tributary segment is cut back to an avalvular segment which averages 5 mm in length. Provision of an additional venous outflow to the flap enabled a second venous anastomosis to the short saphenous vein (N = 1), the long saphenous vein (N = 2), a deep vein (N= 1), and to a deep vein via a vein graft (N = 1), respectively. Five patients with degloving injury of the lower extremity of sizes 150 cm(2) (10 × 15 cm) to 260 cm(2) (10 × 26 cm) underwent successful reconstruction using the LD muscle flap with the serratus anterior tributary vein as a second outflow vein. This serratus anterior venous tributary serves as a useful second outflow channel for alleviating venous congestion during lower limb reconstructive surgery and should be routinely preserved as a lifeboat.