In vivo and ex vivo confocal microscopy for the evaluation of surgical margins of melanoma

We report the first series of melanomas (MMs) where the surgical margins were evaluated both by ex vivo confocal microscopy (EVCM) and in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). We evaluated the surgical margins of 42 cutaneous MMs of lentigo maligna/lentigo maligna melanoma type and 2 mucosal MMs with EVCM. Cutaneous MMs also underwent RCM mapping. Imaging results were compared with histopathology. The rate of correct identification of the tumor margins (invaded or not invaded) was 97.6% for RCM (evaluations of cutaneous MMs) and 95.5% for EVCM (evaluations of both cutaneous and mucosal MMs). Our study showed that the MM extension is visible under EVCM and that the combination of in vivo RCM and EVCM can be a new strategy for the evaluation of surgical margins of MMs.

Superficial temporal artery perforator flap for reconstruction of periorbital and eyelid defects, a variant of the classic flaps dissected in perforator flap

INTRODUCTION

The eyelids reconstruction presents an aesthetic, but above all, a functional challenge. It must allow the good protection of the cornea. The development of perforator flaps is major in recent years and is gradually spreading to the face, which has pushed us to apply it to palpebral surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Since 2014, in the maxillofacial surgery department of St Etienne, four patients have benefited from a palpebral reconstruction. A temporal perforator flap, dissected on a perforator of the superficial temporal artery was performed for the anterior lamella and a palatal mucosa graft for the tarsal reconstruction.

RESULTS

The results were satisfying. Functionally, this technique allowed good occlusion of the eyelid and prevented the occurrence of ocular complications. On the aesthetic view, the position of the neo-eyelids is satisfying. No patient need retouching. The perforator flap allowed a significant mobilization without distortion of neighboring tissues, and maintaining frontal contractility.

DISCUSSION

This contemporary approach to flap dissection provides a good functional result, reduces the sequelae of the donor site and does not impose a secondary aesthetic gesture. However, despite these advantages, this type of dissection has the disadvantage of being technically more delicate and requires a trained operator.

Place of 3D printing in facial epithesis

Facial rehabilitation from facial epithets is part of the facial surgeon's therapeutic arsenal. The primary technique requires taking imprints on the patient, which has major drawbacks such as discomfort and difficulties for precisely recording anatomical surfaces. In this paper, we present a technical improvement in the design of facial epithesis, introducing application of a 3D printing technology. By exploiting digital data in DICOM format, it is possible to produce a digital copy of an epithesis. Based on this copy a model can be printed and then used to support the final prosthesis.

[Outcome of endoscopically assisted surgical treatment of mandibular condyle fractures: a retrospective study of 22 patients]

INTRODUCTION

The condylar region is a frequent localization of mandibular fractures; there are various types of management. Mini-invasive endoscopic surgery is an alternative to open reduction. We had as goal to evaluate the outcome of this technique.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a monocentric retrospective study of patients consecutively operated for a condylar fracture (type II to V in the Spiessl and Schroll classification) with intraoral route and endoscopic assistance, during 30 months. We assessed the functional and radiological outcomes, and the complications.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (25 fractures) were included. Seventeen patients (19 fractures) could be followed (mean follow-up: 16.7 months). The mean values were: interincisal opening, 45mm (±8.4); protrusion, 8.3mm (±1.9); ipsilateral excursion of the jaw: 8.6mm (±2); contralateral excursion: 8.7mm (±4). Three routes were used combined with a preauricular approach. The fracture reduction was good for 10 of the 19 fractures and poor for 3. The complications were: 3 cases of infection, 1 case of fixation failure with good consolidation; for combined approaches: 2 cases of temporary facial palsy and 2 cases of Frey syndrome.

DISCUSSION

Endoscopic assistance for the surgical management of the fracture of mandibular condyle is a reliable technique, with a good functional outcome, and a low rate of specific complications, especially for facial nerve lesion or esthetic outcome.