The Journal of craniofacial surgery
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Case Reports
Long-Term Multifunctional Outcome and Risks of Face Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation.
Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) to reconstruct complex centrally located facial defects and to restore vital functions in a 1-staged procedure has worldwide gained acceptance. Continuous long-term multidisciplinary follow-up of face transplant patients is mandatory for surveillance of the complications associated with the immunosuppressive regime and for functional assessment of the graft. In December 2011, our multidisciplinary team performed a digitally planned face transplant at the Ghent University Hospital, Belgium on a 55-year-old man with a large central facial defect after a high-energy ballistic injury. ⋯ Despite serious complications during the first 12 months, multifunctional outcome in the first face transplant in Belgium (#19 worldwide) is successful. This should be attributed to the continuous and long-term multidisciplinary team approach. As only few reports of other face transplant patients on long-term follow-up are available, more data need to be collected and reported to further outweigh the risk benefit ratio of this life changing surgery.
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Head and neck wounds can present a reconstructive challenge for the plastic surgeon. Whether from skin cancer, trauma, or burns, there are many different treatment modalities used to dress and manage complex head and neck wounds. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy has been used on wounds of nearly every aspect of the body but not routinely in the head and neck area. This study was conducted to demonstrate our results using the VAC in the treatment of complex head and neck wounds. ⋯ Our results demonstrate that the wound VAC provides a reliable, effective, and durable dressing for a multitude of complex head and neck wounds. Additionally, it is a valuable tool when traditional surgical procedures are not a viable option.
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Single Suture Craniosynostosis (SSC) occurs in 1 in 2,500 live births and is the most common type of craniosynostosis treated in most centers. Surgical treatment has evolved over the past century and open techniques are tailored to the specific suture type. Additionally, the concept of multi-disciplinary team care has proliferated and is becoming the standard of care for SSC. The combination of these evolutions, we believe, has improved the safety of cranial vault surgery for SSC. ⋯ The surgical treatment of SSC has evolved from lengthy, risky procedures to become almost routine at most craniofacial centers. Additionally, the care for patients with SSC has evolved from a single provider to a multidisciplinary team concept based around protocols for workup, delivery of anesthesia, streamlined surgical procedures and post-operative care and assessment. This evolution has given open cranial vault surgery for SSC an acceptable safety profile.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
The Efficacy of Levobupivacaine Hydrochloride-Dexamethasone Infiltration for Post-Tonsillectomy Pain in Adults.
The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of peritonsillar infiltration of a levobupivacaine hydrochloride and dexamethasone combination for post-tonsillectomy pain in adult patients. ⋯ Peritonsillar infiltration of a levobupivacaine hydrochloride and dexamethasone combination may provide pain reduction and decrease analgesic consumption in the postoperative period after adult tonsillectomy.
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To summarize our experience in surgery approach to brainstem cavernous malformation (BSCM). ⋯ Proper surgery approach is important to assure total resection, protect normal vital structures, and avoid recurrence.