"External Iliac Artery Injury After Total Hip Arthroplasty in an Infected Intrapelvic Hemiarthroplasty": A Case Report

CASE

We report a patient with intrapelvic prosthetic protrusion associated with infection after hemiarthroplasty for a fracture neck of the femur. We discuss the challenges involved in the management of this complex case with recommendations to manage a vascular injury.

CONCLUSION

In patients with an intrapelvic prosthesis, thorough preoperative vascular evaluation and vigilant postoperative check are required to prevent a vascular injury. In a suspected vessel injury after primary or revision total hip arthroplasty, it is imperative to get proximal control of the vessel before re-exploration. A combined arterial Doppler and computerized tomography angiogram is more reliable in picking up arterial impingement by acetabular screws.

Outcomes of Re-exploration Procedures After Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction

This study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of re-exploration procedures done after head and neck microvascular flap reconstructions. This is a retrospective review of 109 flaps in 106 patients (three patients had two flaps each) that underwent re-exploration procedures in 1001 consecutive free flap surgeries. The outcome was analysed in terms of the type of the flaps, re-exploration rate, flap salvage rate and overall flap success rate. Free radial forearm (RFF) was the commonest flap done (354, 35.3%). One hundred nine flaps underwent re-exploration procedures in 106 patients. Out of this, 79 flaps could be salvaged, and 30 flaps failed. There were also another ten flaps, which failed without any re-exploration. The overall re-exploration rate was 10.8%. The flap salvage rate was 72.4%. The overall flap success rate was 96.1%. Nearly three-fourths of the flaps with vascular compromise can be successfully salvaged with appropriate and timely intervention.

The Use Of Dermal Regeneration Templates For Primary Burns Surgery In A UK Regional Burns Centre

The gold standard of treatment for major burns is early burn excision and autografting. In major burns this is complicated by a lack of donor site availability. Another challenge after burn injury is achieving optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes. Dermal regeneration templates (DRT) are biomatrices that help to address these problems. Within our centre the most commonly used are two-stage Integra® and single-stage Matriderm®. We review the use and outcomes of DRT in primary burns reconstruction within our regional burns centre. All patients undergoing primary burn reconstruction using Integra® (n=59) or Matriderm® (n=35) over a 13-year period were included. Integra® was used in patients with significantly larger burns (20.4% TBSA vs 1.7% TBSA). Comparable levels of graft take were seen in both groups. Major infections were significantly higher in the Integra® group (11/35 compared to 3/59). There was no significant difference in haematoma development, hypertrophic scarring or the need for secondary reconstructive surgery. Burn contractures developed in 15 patients treated with Matriderm® and 21 with Integra®. DRT have been used safely and effectively and have played an increasingly important role in our service over the last 13 years. Integra® is used primarily in large burns with limited donor sites and Matriderm® in smaller burns in cosmetically sensitive areas.

Characteristics and outcomes of primary interposition vascular grafts in free flap breast reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

There is paucity of data on primary interposition vascular grafts (IVG) use in microsurgery. Our study examines the characteristics, indications and outcomes of IVG in free flap breast reconstruction.

METHODS

All cases of breast reconstruction with free flaps between January 2013 and June 2018 were examined and cases with primary IVG were included. Data were collected on patient, flap and graft characteristics, indications and outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 76 IVG, specifically 65 vein grafts and 11 arterial grafts, were used for 49 (of 1547) flaps in 48 (of 1346) cases. Of these, 52 grafts were primarily used to lengthen the pedicle and aid flap inset and 24 grafts to augment venous flow; 49 grafts were harvested from the flap harvest site, 7 from the anastomosis recipient site and 20 from a separate site. Of the total, 16.7% (8/49 flaps) required salvage procedures - seven cases for venous congestion and one for ischaemic compromise - in comparison to 4.3% in cases without IVG (65/1498) (p<0.0001). Out of 49 IVG flaps, three (6.1%) failed in comparison to 1.7% (26/1498), where IVG flaps were not used (p<0.05). Two were transverse upper gracilis flaps with vessel calibre mismatch, and one lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flap with past infected implant and failed deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEP).

CONCLUSION

We present the largest number of primary vascular grafts for free flap breast reconstruction in the literature. Primary IVG were used for at-risk flaps and had a success rate of 93.9%. This shows that IVG are a viable option to prevent venous congestion and lengthen the pedicle to aid inset and shaping; they are associated with higher complication rates bearing in mind the high-risk profile of the flaps these are used for.

Serial abdominal closure with Gore-tex mesh and Rives-Stoppa for an open abdomen secondary to intra-abdominal hypertension in burns

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) leading to abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) commonly occurs in major burns. To relieve the excess pressure, decompressive laparotomy is done which can lead to an open abdomen. Closure of the abdomen after a decompressive laparotomy is very difficult with bowel oedema. We describe our technique of closing the open abdomen in such situations with a combination of serial abdominal wall closure with a layered mesh and the Rives-Stoppa component separation technique.

First two bilateral hand transplantations in India (Part 2): Technical details

Introduction:

This article deals with two patients who underwent bilateral hand transplantation following amputation of both upper limbs at the distal third of the foream.

Materials and Methods:

The first patient had a history of loss of hands in a train accident , with possiblity of a run over element during the injury. The second patient lost his both hands in a mine blast. The preoperative work up included detailed clinical and psychological evaluation. The donor retrieval was similar in both the cases and the donors were housed in our own instittution. The donor preparation, recipient preparation and the transplant procedure was similar except for the need of primary tendon transfers in the left hand of the first patient.

Results:

The first patient needed a free flap transfer to cover compromised skin flap on the left hand on the second day. The second hand transplant was uneventful. Both the recipients are now back to their normal daily routines.

Conclusions:

Hand transplantation is a potentially life altering procedure, but to optimise the results, it is imperative that there is a meticulous planning and diligent execution with utmost importance to the detail coupled with a synchronised team effort.

First two bilateral hand transplantations in India (Part 4): Immediate post-operative care, immunosuppression protocol and monitoring

Introduction:

Being able to counter immune-mediated rejection has for decades been the single largest obstacle for the progress of vascular composite allotransplantation (VCA). The human immune system performs the key role of differentiating the 'self ' from the 'non-self '. This, although is quintessential to eliminate or resist infections, also resists the acceptance of an allograft which it promptly recognises as 'non-self'.

Materials and Methods:

Pre-operative evaluation of the recipient evaluation included immunological assessment in the form of panel reactive antibodies (PRA), human leucocyte antigen (HLA) typing, donor-specific antibody detection assays (DSA) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity assays (CDC). Induction immunosuppression was by thymoglobulin and the maintenance by the standard triple-drug therapy.

Results:

Both the recipients were managed by the standard triple drug therapy and have had only minor episodes of rejections thus far which have been managed appropriately.

Discussion:

Induction immunosuppression was by thymoglobulin and the maintenance by the standard triple-drug therapy. Various groups have tried various other formulations and regimes as well.

Conclusion:

A comprehensive plan has to be drawn up for immunological screening, selection and the post-operative immunosuppressant usage. The ultimate goal of these immunosuppression modalities is to achieve a state of donor-specific tolerance.

First two bilateral hand transplantations in India (Part 1): From vision to reality

Introduction

Vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation is a relatively new concept, which was unavailable in the Indian subcontinent till a bilateral hand transplant was carried out successfully in January 2015.

Materials and Methods

The setting up of the transplant programme involved obtaining legal clearances, creating public awareness, harnessing the institutional facilities, drawing up protocols, assembling the surgical team, managing immunological issues, rehabilitation and preparing the ancillary services.

Results

Both, the first and second bilateral hand transplants were resounding successes with both the recipients getting back to their original daily routines.

Conclusions

The organisation of the hand transplant programme was a large task, which necessitated intensive planning, and cooperation from various teams within and outside the institution. Exemplary team-work was the key to the phenomenal success of these path breaking endeavors in the subcontinent.

First two bilateral hand transplantations in India (Part 3): Rehabilitation and immediate outcome

Introduction

This report covers the strategies adopted for rehabilitation for the first and second dual hand transplants performed in India.

Materials and Methods

The team, under a trained physiatrist, including physiotherapy and occupational therapy personnel, was involved in the management of both these patients. The management protocol was developed considering previous reports as well as our management strategies in the rehabilitation of the replanted hands. The involvement of the team with the patients started in the 1st week itself and continued on a daily basis for the entire year.

Results

Outcome analysis was performed at 6 months and 1 year using the disability of shoulder and hand evaluation and hand transplant scoring system. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was done at the end of 1 year to assess the cortical integration of the transplanted hand.

Conclusion

Despite more than 110 hands being transplanted worldwide, hand transplant remains an experimental procedure. It is still not considered the "standard of care" for hand amputees. Outcome analyses performed worldwide do indicate that the procedure can provide a substantial improvement in the quality of life for the hand amputee, especially the bilateral amputees.

Objective analysis of microtia reconstruction in Indian patients and modifications in management protocol

Introduction:

An ideal ear, with representation of all anatomic landmarks, is the aim of any reconstructive surgeon embarking on reconstructing the ear in a microtia patient. The literature is abundant with the description of techniques, but these have been reported mainly in Caucasian and Oriental population. There have been very few publications on results in the population belonging to the Indian subcontinent. In spite of strictly adhering to the recommended techniques of reconstruction, the results obtained in these patients have often been marred by problems that are not reported with the Oriental or Caucasian populations. This may necessitate a relook into the management strategy of these cases. Hindering the assessment of the results, their reporting and auditing the improvement obtained by such change in the management strategy, is the lack of a standardized method for assessment of the outcome. Hence, an attempt was made in a series of patients who underwent microtia reconstruction to assess the outcome using a new tool based on the attained definition of anatomical components of the reconstructed pinna. Further effort was made to document the modifications in the technical execution of the reconstruction during the period of the study.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review of 44 patients and a prospective analysis of 11 patients, who underwent ear reconstruction for microtia from December 2003 to September 2014 at a tertiary care teaching hospital, was undertaken. Taking a cue from Nagata's description of an ‘ideal reconstructed ear’ which should show all the anatomical components, we developed an objective grading system to assess our results. The technique had undergone several changes during these years combining the principles of three universally accepted methods, that is, those described by Nagata, Brent, and Firmin. These changes, as well as the reasons behind them, were documented.

Results:

On objectively measuring and analysing the replication of normal morphologic characteristics of the reconstructed ears, we documented progressive improvement of our results. Good or excellent results could be achieved in 70% of cases in the second group compared to a poor outcome in more than 2/3^rd of the cases carried out during the initial period. Based on these results and the changes adopted in our practice we propose suggestions for management of microtia cases in the Indian population.

Conclusions:

An objective, weighted grading system has further enabled us to critically evaluate the outcomes and to further improve upon the existing results. Our amalgamation of the salient features of the established techniques as well as changes made based on our experience has enabled us to get good results more consistently in our attempts at microtia reconstruction. We believe that the adoption of such amalgamated methods will be more suitable in Indian patients.

Anatomic basis for an algorithmic approach for free fibula flap donor side selection in composite oro-mandibular defects

Introduction:

Head and neck oncological resections may result in composite oro-mandibular defects involving the oral mucosa (lining), mandibular bone and the skin (cover). Reconstructive options for such defects have evolved over a period. Free fibula flap reconstruction is currently accepted the world over as the gold standard for oro-mandibular defect reconstruction. Existing literature provides conflicting views about the use of a particular side and orientation of the fibula flap for achieving the optimal outcome. The purpose of this study is to confirm anatomically the effect of bone, soft tissue and vessel orientation on the ease of doing reconstruction.

Materials and Methods:

This is a cadaveric study. A mandibular model with a defect was used. This was pre plated to maintain continuity. Composite fibula flaps of the same dimension were harvested from both legs of a fresh cadaver. The harvested flaps were used to reconstruct the mandibular defect in different orientations and the best configuration for each reconstructive requirement was assessed.

Results:

Keeping the peroneal surface for plating, that is, facing outwards, four different configurations of the fibula flap are possible for a given mandibular defect. With a posterior vascular pedicle ipsilateral fibula is suitable for skin cover and contralateral for mucosal lining and the reverse for an anteriorly placed pedicle.

Conclusion:

The algorithm based selection of appropriate sided fibula flap facilitates complex mandibular reconstruction by placing the right kind of tissue at the right place and helps in reducing the donor site morbidity by allowing the surgeon to harvest only the required amount of skin.

Scar revision

Most surgical patients end up with a scar and most of these would want at least some improvement in the appearance of the scar. Using sound techniques for wound closure surgeons can, to a certain extent, prevent suboptimal scars. This article reviews the principles of prevention and treatment of suboptimal scars. Surgical techniques of scar revision, i.e., Z plasty, W plasty, and geometrical broken line closure are described. Post-operative care and other adjuvant therapies of scars are described. A short description of dermabrasion and lasers for management of scars is given. It is hoped that this review helps the surgeon to formulate a comprehensive plan for management of scars of these patients.