Plastic and reconstructive surgery
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Plast. Reconstr. Surg. · Feb 2009
Case ReportsThe plastic surgeon's role in extracranial-to-intracranial bypass using a reverse great saphenous vein graft.
Extracranial-to-intracranial bypass is used for flow replacement and diversion that prevent the serious complications associated with sudden ligation of the middle cerebral artery for treatment of complex tumors or aneurysms. Extracranial-to-intracranial bypass is a demanding procedure that requires experience in advanced microsurgical techniques. In this article, the authors review the first report of an extracranial-to-intracranial bypass performed by a plastic surgeon with emphasis on indications for microsurgical involvement in neurosurgical practice and on description of the surgical technique. ⋯ The reverse great saphenous vein graft is a good option for extracranial-to-intracranial bypass, with the advantages of high-flow graft, wide lumen, adequate length, easy harvest, and minimal donor-site morbidity. The plastic surgery/neurosurgery alliance allows scope for improved outcomes in complex neurosurgical cases and continues to push the frontiers of reconstructive microsurgery.
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Plast. Reconstr. Surg. · Feb 2009
Real-time in vivo assessment of the nerve microenvironment with coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy.
Current analysis of nerve injury and repair relies largely on electrophysiologic and ex vivo histologic techniques. In vivo architectural assessment of a nerve without removal or destruction of the tissue would greatly assist in the grading of nerve injury and in the monitoring of nerve regeneration over time. Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy is an optical process with particular sensitivity for high-lipid-containing molecules such as myelin. This in vivo nonthermal technique offers high-resolution images that the authors aim to evaluate in both normal and injured nerves. ⋯ The authors conclude that coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy has the ability to image the peripheral nerve following demyelinating crush injury. This technology, which permits in vivo, real-time microscopy of nerves at a resolution of 5 mum, could provide invaluable diagnostic and prognostic information regarding intraneural preservation and recovery following injury.
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Plast. Reconstr. Surg. · Feb 2009
Facial subunit composite tissue allografts in nonhuman primates: I. Technical and immunosuppressive requirements for prolonged graft survival.
Widespread application of composite tissue allotransplantation has been impeded by risks of rejection and conventional immunosuppression. The authors have developed a nonhuman primate composite tissue allotransplantation model that demonstrated reliable and long-term success necessary to progress to preclinical studies. ⋯ The authors have developed the first successful model of facial composite tissue allotransplantation in a nonhuman primate. Technical requirements include preservation of both internal and external jugular venous outflow. Tacrolimus monotherapy permitted prolonged rejection-free graft survival without early complications. This model provides a platform for further investigation of composite tissue allotransplantation tolerance and requirements for indefinite survival.
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Plast. Reconstr. Surg. · Jan 2009
Surgical outcomes of VRAM versus thigh flaps for immediate reconstruction of pelvic and perineal cancer resection defects.
Reconstruction following abdominoperineal resection or pelvic exenteration is commonly performed with regional flaps from the thigh or abdomen. This study compared the surgical outcomes and complications in cancer patients who underwent immediate reconstruction of these defects with vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) versus thigh flaps. ⋯ Immediate VRAM flaps result in fewer major complications than thigh flaps without increased early abdominal wall morbidity when used to repair abdominoperineal resection and pelvic exenteration defects.