History of nurse-midwifery in reproductive health care

BACKGROUND: Recently, there have been a few reports recommending use of a 2 mm thick polytetrafluoroethylene soft tissue (Gore-Tex) patch for repair of thoracic wall defects. The potential role of these Gore-Tex patches was examined. METHODS: Five patients underwent chest wall tumor resection with thoracic wall reconstruction using a Gore-Tex patch (2 mm). We present a review of the complications experienced by five patients with Gore-Tex patches, as well as a review of the literature. RESULTS: Functionally and cosmetically, satisfactory results were obtained for 5 patients with Gore-Tex patch. There were no cases of infectious complications. However, we experienced one case of a flail chest postoperatively, in which reconstruction with two Gore-Tex patches of 30 x 15 cm, and 3 days of mechanical ventilation and chest wall support was needed. CONCLUSION: Our experience with Gore-Tex patches has been positive, and we recommend patch closure for thoracic wall defects.     

Breeding of Philander frenata (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae) in captivity

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Because water sorption of autopolymerizing acrylic reline resins is accompanied by volumetric change, it is a physical property of importance. As residual monomer leaches into the oral fluids and causes tissue irritation, low solubility of these resins is desired. Another requirement is a satisfactory bond between the autopolymerizing acrylic resins and the denture base acrylic resin. PURPOSE: This study compared the water sorption, solubility, and the transverse bond strength of 2 autopolymerizing acrylic resins (Duraliner II and Kooliner) and 1 heat-polymerizing acrylic resin (Lucitone 550). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The water sorption and solubility test was performed as per International Standards Organization Specification No. 1567 for denture base polymers. Bond strengths between the autopolymerizing acrylic resins and the heat-polymerizing acrylic resin were determine with a 3-point loading test made on specimens immersed in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 50 hours and for 30 days. Visual inspection determined whether failures were adhesive or cohesive. RESULTS: Duraliner II acrylic resin showed significantly lower water sorption than Kooliner and Lucitone 550 acrylic resins. No difference was noted in the solubility of all materials. Kooliner acrylic resin demonstrated significantly lower transverse bond strength to denture base acrylic resin and failed adhesively. The failures seen with Duraliner II acrylic resin were primarily cohesive in nature. CONCLUSIONS: Autopolymerizing acrylic reline resins met water sorption and solubility requirements. However, Kooliner acrylic resin demonstrated significantly lower bond strength to denture base acrylic resin.     

Safety of combined heat and moisture exchanger filters in long-term mechanical ventilation

Immediate breast reconstruction with the tissue expander is now established as an accepted procedure after mastectomy, and large series have been published concerning the technique and its complications. Unfortunately, only scarce information is available regarding the long-term aesthetic results and patient satisfaction achieved by immediate reconstruction using tissue expansion. In this study, we reviewed 52 patients who had undergone immediate breast reconstruction using the tissue expander with a follow-up of at least 1 year after completion of the reconstruction. We developed an objective assessment of patient satisfaction, aesthetic results, and the factors affecting them. The results show remarkable concordance of assessment by patient, surgeon, and independent observer: All gave good scores for aesthetic appearance (6.4 to 7.4 on a scale of 1 to 10). A total of 92.3 percent of patients rated their satisfaction as good to excellent. Symmetry was the main parameter influencing the patients' score, while the surgeon's score also was affected by the quality of the inframammary fold and capsular contracture. Breast size, chemotherapy, complications, time interval, and additional procedures had no relation to either scoring or patient satisfaction.     

Birth after electroejaculation coupled to intracytoplasmic sperm injection in a gun-shot spinal cord-injured man

Cervical reconstruction after postburn scarring remains a challenge for the plastic surgeon. Several well-known procedures are possible: split or full-thickness skin grafts, local flaps, free skin flaps, expanded skin,... In order to evaluate each technique, three procedures are compared with a long-term follow-up (> or = 1 year): skin expansion, free flap surgery and full-thickness skin grafting. Fifteen patients are reviewed, with five patients operated according to each method. In this study, each burn patient was suffering from a severe neck burn contracture, restricting the neck motility to a few degrees. These patients were operated on by different surgeons, according to their personal indications. The full-thickness skin graft is usually harvested from the abdomen (by means of a miniabdominoplasty) and is applied under a tie-over dressing. This simple procedure has few complications and gives satisfactory results. Skin expansion provides a good texture and color matching but has a higher morbidity and necessitates several procedures. Free flap surgery is time-consuming, gives a good functional result but poor cosmetic aspect (different colour, excessive bulk). Comparing the functional and aesthetic result of the three types of reconstruction in terms of morbidity, neck mobility, skin elasticity, skin sensitivity, matching and scar recurrence, full-thickness skin grafting seems to be the most adequate technique.     

Long-term follow-up of cranial bone graft in dorsal nasal augmentation

A follow-up of 363 cranial bone grafts for nasal reconstruction is presented. The main indications for the surgery were congenital, posttraumatic, or postrhinoplasty deformity. The results were satisfactory in the vast majority of cases. The complications associated with the grafts and with the donor site are discussed, as are the methods to treat and prevent these complications from occurring.     

Reconstruction of defects of the entire vermilion with a buccal musculomucosal flap following resection of malignant tumors of the lower lip

We reconstructed a defect of nearly the entire lower vermilion using a buccal musculomucosal flap following resection of a malignant tumor of the lower lip and obtained satisfactory results. The buccal musculomucosal flap was semi-spindle shaped and pedicled at the angle of the mouth. A flap measuring as much as 1.5 cm in width and 5 cm in length could be raised while ensuring that fibers of the buccinator muscle extended over its entire length. Using this technique, it was possible to reconstruct a wide defect following tumor resection and removal of almost the entire lower vermilion by means of only a transposition of a unilateral buccal musculomucosal flap after about one-quarter of the lower lip had been excised and sutured primarily. Reconstruction with this technique is a two-stage operation, and a secondary minor touch-up operation is performed on the angle of the mouth at the same time as repair of the dog-ear of the pedicle. Advantages of this technique are that food can be taken orally soon after the operation, hemodynamics in the flap are maintained stably because the flap contains fibers of the buccinator muscle, and the vermilion is given a natural eminence. In addition, postoperative drooling is minimized, and sensation returns to the vermilion within the early postoperative period. Based on these advantages, we think our technique should be the first choice for carrying out reconstruction of defects that are located mainly in the lower lip vermilion because this is a safe and reliable method with which we performed 12 cases of vermilion reconstruction without flap necrosis and with satisfactory aesthetic and functional results.     

Orbital reconstruction with individually copy-milled ceramic implants

Diagnostic advances such as computed tomography and new surgical techniques have dramatically improved both the functional and aesthetic outcome of orbital reconstructions. Taking a further approach, we designed ceramic implants (Bioverit) on the basis of stereolithographic models. After copy milling a resin template with a commercially available dental unit (Celay), the prefabricated implants were inserted for reconstruction of the lamina papyracea (n = 1), zygomatic complex (n = 2), infraorbital floor (n = 5), and rim (n = 3). Intraoperatively, only slight modifications of the implants had to be performed. The results were encouraging, as all cases showed a good aesthetic and functional postoperative outcome. Preoperative evaluation of the osseous defect and prefabrication of the required implant reduced operating time and patient morbidity significantly.     

Distal nerve entrapment following nerve repair

Failure of nerve repair or poor functional outcome after reconstruction can be influenced by various causes. Besides improper microsurgical technique, fascicular malalignment and unphysiologic tension, we found in our clinical series that a subclinical nerve compression distal to the repair site can seriously impair regeneration. We concluded that the injured nerve, whether from trauma or microsurgical intervention, could be more susceptible to distal entrapment in the regenerative stage because of its disturbed microcirculation, swelling and the increase of regenerating axons followed by increased nerve volume. In two cases we found the regenerating nerve entrapped at pre-existing anatomical sites of narrowing resulting in impaired functional recovery. In both cases the surgical therapy was decompression of the distal entrapped nerve and this was followed by continued regeneration. Thorough clinical and electrophysiologic follow-up is necessary to detect such adverse compression effects and to distinguish between the various causes of failed regeneration. Under certain circumstances primary preventive decompression may be beneficial if performed at the time of nerve coaptation.     

Changes in pulmonary artery size before and after total cavopulmonary connection

The aim of any abdominal wall reconstruction is maximal functional stability and adequate soft tissue coverage. The anatomy, elevation and clinical application of the myofascial tensor fasciae latae transposition flap and of the microvascular musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi free flap are presented. Repairing extensive fascial defects and recurrent hernias with the tensor fasciae latae transposition flap provides strong, dynamic, and functional reconstruction of fascial continuity to prevent a further recurrence. Adequate functional and aesthetic repair of a full-thickness abdominal wall defect can be optimally managed by the innervated microsurgical latissimus dorsi free flap.     

Value of scaphal graft in secondary rhinoplasties

The scaphal cartilaginous area is a most suitable anatomic site for cartilaginous graft harvesting. These grafts allow reconstruction of a flat dorsum, or a rounded dome, or alar cartilages or can be used for an extended tip graft. In some cases, both scaphes may be harvested. Raising of the grafts does not leave any sequelae when performed correctly. We have an experience of 20 cases. The main advantage of this graft is its flatness, which makes it ideal for the nasal dorsum. It has to be tailored, moderately crushed and included in a collagen "surgicel" in order to break the shape memory, slightly curved at its borders. We have used scaphal autografts in 15 cases of secondary rhinoplasties, 2 cases of cleft lip repair and in 3 cases of tertiary rhinoplasties. They solved most problems of missing cartilage, when minor defects had to be treated. These grafts will not solve major tissue defects which must be repaired by bone autografts, mostly iliac bone harvesting in our experience. The results of scaphal autografts are stable after 5 years. Resorption is moderate when the graft is correctly inserted, in an extramucosal pocket. The aesthetic result is maintained with a mean follow up of 2 years for 15 cases. The scaphal area of the ear therefore appears to be a favorable donor site for secondary, nose repair; it is easy to harvest, with inconspicuous morbidity and allows the raising of a good, flat and sculpturable material for cartilaginous nose replacement. Achieves the objectives of ore informed patients asking for artistic perfection.     

Long-term morbidity in total colonic aganglionosis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: No surgical treatment for total colonic aganglionosis (TCA) clearly has been proven superior. To identify clinical criteria associated with long-term functional outcome, a 28-year retrospective institutional review of this entity from 1969 through 1996 inclusive was undertaken. METHODS: Total colonic aganglionosis (TCA), defined here as aganglionosis extending from the anus to at least the ileocecal valve but no further than 50 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve, was identified in 29 infants and children. Appropriate leveling ileostomy was performed in 28 of 29 patients, and definitive surgical reconstruction was performed in 26 of 29. Three groups were identified based on the definitive surgical repair performed: group 1, construction lacking or incorporating a short ganglionic-aganglionic common channel (modified Soave or modified Duhamel, n = 8); group II, construction of an extended common channel (Martin-Duhamel, Martin-Soave; n = 6); and group III, all others including an intermediate-length common channel (n = 13). RESULTS: Functional outcome at extended follow-up (mean, 6.6 +/- 5.6 years; range, 0.7 to 23) was determined based on survival, long-term ostomy requirements, growth, major complications, continence, and enterocolitis and bowel movement frequency. Although long-term functional outcome was deemed satisfactory in six of seven patients in group I, function was satisfactory in none of six group II patients. Group III results were intermediate (satisfactory in 6 of 13). CONCLUSIONS: Acceptable long-term outcome was most frequent in TCA patients whose definitive repair did not incorporate an extended ganglionic-aganglionic common channel. The use of extensive lengths of aganglionic bowel to maximize fluid absorption is frequently met with substantial morbidity.     

Haemolysin from Mycobacterium avium complex isolates from AIDS patients

OBJECTIVES: 856 cases of hypospadias, operated over a period of 7 years, using various methods of one-stage repair, are reviewed in order to assess their functional and cosmetic results and their rate of complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 856 boys with an average age of 3.5 years were classified according to the classification proposed by Duckett (anterior, middle and posterior hypospadias). Magpi, Mathieu's (flip-flap technique) and pedicled flaps tubularized or as onlay were utilized, depending upon the severity of the anomaly. RESULTS: Satisfactory functional and cosmetic results without complications were obtained in 736 cases (85.9%). We had early complications with 72 cases consisting of 64 fistulas (7. 5%) and 8 cases of breakdown (0.93%), and 48 cases of delayed complications consisting of 26 meatal retractions (3.1%) and 22 cases of meatal stenosis (2.5%).     

Performance-based exposure control limits for pharmaceutical active ingredients

Numerous hypospadias correction techniques were described in the literature. The technique varies according to the position of the meatus and the importance of the chordee. These new techniques and the care taken in the manipulation of the tissues tend to decrease complications like stenoses and fistulas, frequent in the long urethroplasty. The correction of hypospadias should conform to aesthetic and plastic surgery. More than 300 corrections were carried out in our service. Surgical technique varied in the long run. Currently, we choose as often as possible a correction in one time: release of the chordae and urethroplasty. Straightening of the penis is obtained on one hand by release of the cutaneous chordae and wide dissection of the hypoplastic urethral plate and one or more dorsal plications according to Nesbit are carried out if it proves necessary. In the distal, glandular and coronal forms, the correction is of type M.A.G.P.I. (meatal advancement, glanduloplasty). The complication rate is extremely low. The aesthetic and functional result is very satisfactory. In the proximal forms, Duckett technique is used only in the obligatory cases given the large number of complications. It is generally replaced by Onlay technique. The urethral plate is left in continuity and serves as support to the pedicled and vascularized flap. In the intermediate situations with a middle shaft hypospadias, Mathieu technique is again of application. The aesthetic and functional result of this type of surgery requires good knowledge and careful application of the technique adapted to each case.     

Electron paramagnetic resonance studies of cobalt-substituted angiotensin I-converting enzyme

The traditional treatment of high-flow vascular malformations consists of selective embolization, surgical removal, or a combination of both. Recurrence of the lesion and bleeding control are still the main problems, and the result of treatment is sometimes disappointing. We suggest treatment of these lesions with surgical ligation of the distal major feeding arteries followed by intravascular injection of a sclerosing agent (3% tetradecyl sulfate), and surgical excision and reconstruction when indicated. We have found this to be an effective treatment regimen. We present 14 cases of high-flow vascular malformations of the head and neck area treated with this approach, of which 4 cases developed skin necrosis. Three of these 4 cases of skin necrosis were later treated with skin grafting and, in 1 case, an upper arm skin tube flap was used for nasal tip reconstruction. Three cases underwent delayed reconstruction using tissue expanders. From a symptomatic and aesthetic point of view, preliminary satisfactory results were obtained. We feel that this approach is a good option for treating difficult, high-flow vascular malformations.     

3-dimensional computed tomography with model preparation before mandibular reconstruction

Extended mandibular defects resulting from cancer resection are amenable to reconstruction with a free vascularized bone graft transplantation. Between 1992 and 1995, 12 patients were enrolled in a protocol including a preoperative 3D-CT used to develop a custom-made acrylic model of the mandible. Besides contributing to the assessment of tumor extension, 3D-CT helps determine the adequate limits of mandibular resection. 3D-CT has the advantage of providing the surgeon with a more familiar image of the mandible and the mandibular model, allowing better and quicker conformation of the bone flap. The graft can be shaped at the donor site before cutting its vascular pedicle, resulting in a shorter period of ischemia. This series demonstrated that preoperative mandibular modeling with 3D-CT helps improve functional and cosmetic results in mandibular reconstruction.     

Autologous latissimus breast reconstruction: a 3-year clinical experience with 100 patients

This article presents our technique of autologous breast reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi flap and studies the advantages, disadvantages, and results that can be expected. A consecutive sample of 100 patients was studied. The average length of follow-up was 20 months (range 8 to 44 months), and all of the subjects were reviewed in consultation without loss to follow-up. The supplementary volume of the latissimus dorsi was obtained from five fatty zones: fat on the cutaneous paddle, fat taken from the surface of the muscle, the scapular fat pad, the anterior fatty zone, and the supra-iliac fat pad. This technique must be measured against the transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap, free or pedicled, when the patient needs an autologous breast reconstruction. It can be used when the TRAM flap is contraindicated (this corresponds to 45 percent of patients of our sample) or when the dorsal donor site is preferred (55 percent of cases of our sample). The major complications are rare (1 percent partial necrosis and 1 percent total necrosis of the flap). The minor complications are represented mainly by the dorsal seroma. This is the main drawback of the technique, as it occurs in 79 percent of cases and regularly in obese patients. In view of this frequency, patients should be warned of its likely occurrence. The dorsal donor-site morbidity is relatively low; 4 percent of dorsal sequelae were classed as moderate, and 96 percent were considered low. The scapular sequelae have been classed as low in 97 percent of cases, and temporary scapular sequelae aggravation has been noted in 3 percent. Results of breast reconstruction using this technique are most encouraging. The level of patient satisfaction is high; 87 percent of them were deeply satisfied, 10 percent were satisfied, and only 3 percent were poorly satisfied. This group of poorly satisfied subjects (3 percent) consists of patients who suffered a serious postoperative complication. The aesthetic results have been judged excellent by surgeons in 85 percent of the cases, good in 12 percent of the cases, and poor in 3 percent of the cases; no result has been judged bad. This technique of breast reconstruction by autologous latissimus dorsi brings a major advance in breast reconstruction. The best indications of this technique are when one can bury the cutaneous paddle: cases of skin-sparing mastectomy, cases where the latissimus dorsi flap can be combined with an abdominal advancement flap, and cases of conversion of implant reconstruction to an autologous reconstruction.     

Detection of melanomas by digital imaging of spectrally resolved ultraviolet light-induced autofluorescence of human skin

AIMS: To evaluate the feasibility of papillary muscle shortening in a specific group of high risk patients with ischaemic mitral regurgitation undergoing mitral valve reconstruction. BACKGROUND: From January 1996 to December 1997, 712 (10.1%) out of a total of 7042 open heart patients underwent mitral valve surgery in our hospital. Mitral valve reconstruction was performed in 408 of these patients (57.3%) and valve replacement had to be performed in 304 patients (42.7%). METHODS: A specific technique of papillary muscle reconstruction was performed in 32 patients undergoing valve reconstruction (7.8%). These cases had degenerated and had developed fibrotic elongated papillary muscles, which resulted in prolapses of one or more parts of the mitral valve leaflets. The aetiology in this group of patients was ischaemic, requiring concomitant myocardial revascularization in 28 patients (87.5%) with a mean of 2.7 grafts/patient. All patients underwent papillary muscle shortening using a pericardium pledget-reinforced Polytetrafluoroethylene suture and annuloplasty with a Carpentier-Edwards Physio Annuloplasty Ring. Of these 32 patients, 17 (53.1%) were male, the mean age was 67.1+/-9.7 years (range 41 to 81 years) and all but one were in pre-operative NYHA class III or IV. RESULTS: There were two hospital deaths (6.2%). Postoperative Doppler echocardiography indicated satisfactory mitral valve function in all patients. Within the short mean follow-up period of 9.6+/-5.4 months (3 to 26 months) there was one non-cardiac-related death (3.1%). There was no need for reoperation, and no cases of thromboembolic and bleeding complications in the postoperative period. All patients were in NYHA functional class I or II at the time of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that mitral valve repair is a safe treatment for this group of high risk patients, and that papillary muscle shortening is a valuable tool in these patients with ischaemic mitral regurgitation undergoing surgery.     

Endocrine/exocrine intermediate cells in streptozotocin-treated Ins-IFN-gamma transgenic mice

Posterior pharyngeal will tumours are infrequent neoplasms with a very poor prognosis. The 5 year survival rate range from 3% to 32%. Most authors agree that the treatment of choice is surgery with post-operative radiotherapy. The results of treatment of 36 patients (tumour excision plus bilateral neck dissection and post-operative radiotherapy) in which the posterior pharyngeal wall defect was closed with a platysma myocutaneous flap were compared with other forms of repair (13 patients). The 5 year survival rate was 17.2% in the whole group. Laryngeal voice was achieved in 79% of patients having a platysma flap reconstruction. The platysma myocutaneous flap is very satisfactory for the repair of the posterior pharyngeal wall as it is easy to perform, it is oncologically safe and its functional results match well with other forms of reconstruction, with the advantage of laryngeal preservation.     

Reconstruction of upper cranial and cranial base defects utilizing the scalping flap

Reconstruction of midfacial defects by means of a scalping flap has been widely practiced and described in the literature. The advantages of the flap are familiar to surgeons who perform extirpations and reconstruction of the head and neck and include contiguous availability, simplicity of application, and a robust and redundant blood supply. Despite these merits, the flap has not been widely used for reconstructions of large anterior cranial defects or defects of the cranial base. A retrospective review of 11 patients who underwent reconstructions between 1990 and 1995 was performed. In each case, a reconstruction of a large anterior cranial or cranial base defect was carried out. The resulting soft-tissue defect was restored via the scalping flap. In six cases, this was carried out in a single procedure. In five cases, flap division and insetting were carried out in a subsequent procedure, following a 1- to 2-week delay. In all cases, the extirpation and reconstruction were well tolerated, and the average time of hospitalization was 5.9 days and ranged from 3 to 11 days. No major surgical complications occurred. One of 11 patients had a minor complication not requiring surgical intervention. There was one recurrence of a cranial base tumor approximately 2 years following the initial resection and reconstruction. In all cases, the final aesthetic and functional results were acceptable to excellent. Follow-up ranged from 11 months to 5 years. In conclusion, the scalping flap can be effectively utilized for soft-tissue coverage in the reconstruction of anterior cranial and cranial base defects. Use of this simple and versatile flap in craniofacial reconstruction is well tolerated and is associated with a low morbidity, a good aesthetic result, and a short hospital stay.     

Experience with segmental reconstruction of the radiated mandible with alloplastic prostheses

Reconstruction of the mandible after radiation therapy and segmental resection is often complicated by wound breakdown, osteoradionecrosis, and crippling of the oral cavity. These complications make patient salvage after radiated oral carcinoma a high-risk endeavor. Although head and neck surgeons have improved the reliability of mandibular reconstruction with microvascular free tissue transfer, medical and oncologic issues may prohibit their application. This report presents 12 selected cases undergoing alloplastic reconstruction of the mandible and soft tissue reconstruction of the oral cavity. Although not as reliable as some reports of free tissue transfers, the results were reproducible and satisfactory in these cases, with time-efficient hospitalization and functional rehabilitation. Ten of 12 prosthetic reconstructions have been durable in this study population for as long as 36 months.