Lacrimal Apparatus Procurement in Face Transplantation:

The Application of a Venous Catheter for the Surgical Treatment of Punctal Occlusion

PURPOSE

Presentation about advantages of a new surgical technique in 20 patients with punctal occlusion with a venous catheter during punctoplasty.

METHODS

The arrangement of a 30-mm venous catheter used during puncoplasty surgery was performed in 10 patients with punctal occlusion. The venous catheter was removed after 15 to 45 days after surgery.

RESULTS

The use of the venous catheter supports the recanalization of the lacrimal drainage system 15 days after surgery. The venous catheter is easy to find, not expensive, and easy to use.

CONCLUSION

The technique is performed under regional anesthesia. Furthermore, after surgery, the recanalization of the lacrimal drainage system was observed with a significant reduction of the epiphora in 6 months after surgery.

Innovations in reconstructive microsurgery: Reconstructive transplantation

In the past 20 years, reconstructive transplantation (RT) has emerged as a viable reconstructive option for carefully selected patients. More than 100 upper extremity and 40 face transplants have been performed worldwide to date. Concomitantly, the portfolio of reconstructive transplantation has been extended by additional procedures such as lower extremities, abdominal wall, neck, uterus, genitourinary, and pediatric transplants. In the present review article, we aim to summarize the current state of knowledge about this exciting field.