Long-term follow-up of repair of external nasal deformities in rhinoscleroma patients

INTRODUCTION

Rhinoscleroma (RS) is a chronic, progressive, granulomatous infectious disease endemic in Egypt and the Middle East, affecting the nose in 95-100% of cases, and resulting in functional and esthetic sequelae. The aim of the study was to investigate the feasibility of performing reconstructive procedures to improve external deformities in RS patients, with long-term follow up.

PATIENTS & METHODS

This prospective, controlled cohort study included 25 patients who were seeking rhinoplasty to improve their esthetic appearance, with evident clinical and histopathological history of RS. Another 25 patients seeking esthetic augmentation rhinoplasty in the same period formed the control group. All the participants were evaluated objectively by two independent rhinoplasty surgeons, and subjectively with ROE 2 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

All the participants showed significant improvement in esthetic facial evaluation postoperatively, with a correlative rise in ROE score. There was an insignificant difference between the studied groups. Inconsequential complications were encountered throughout the follow-up period, but with insignificant incidence in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Rhinoplasty for correction of RS external deformities is both safe and beneficial, with no risks of flaring up or increased complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 2b.

[Resection of recurrent rectal cancer]

A curative treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) can only be achieved with a complete resection and microscopically tumor-free surgical margins (R0). Imaging techniques are the most important investigations for the preoperative staging of local and systemic diseases. Due to substantial improvements in surgical strategies and techniques, previously unresectable tumors can now be excised. Several publications have demonstrated the oncological benefits of high sacral resection for LRRC. High subcortical sacrectomy (HiSS), extended lateral resection and extended lateral pelvic sidewall excision (ELSiE) belong to the newer surgical options. Biological meshes, various myocutaneous flaps, titanium and bone allografts can be used for reconstruction. Specialized centers provide an efficient management of complications and postoperative treatment.

Plastic reconstructive surgery techniques for defect coverage of extended skull base defects

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Large skull base defects are extremely difficult to treat and have a severe impact on patients' physical appearance and functional aspects. These extensive defect zones are mainly caused by trauma, surgical interventions, or wide tumor excision. High-level microsurgical techniques are necessary to provide sufficient treatment. The aim of this study is to describe successful reconstructive strategies for surgical treatment.

METHODS

Nine patients with skull base defects were treated in our department from 2008 to 2014 (n = 9). Plastic surgical reconstruction was performed with latissimus dorsi (LD;) (n = 4), LD-scapula flaps (n = 2), vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flaps (n = 2), and a greater omentum flap (n = 1). The mean follow-up period was 2.3 ± 2.2 years (0.5-4.5 years). Oncologic diseases (8 patients) and iatrogenic damage (1 patient) caused the massive skull base defects.

RESULTS

In all cases, we achieved the final surgical treatment of large skull base defects by free flaps with permanent wound closure. The mean operating time was 5:53 h (range 4:45-7:52 h). The primary outcome measures were survival and sufficient defect coverage. Flap survival rate was 100%, and none of the patients deceased during the follow-up period. Furthermore, we demonstrated the surgical key points of LD-scapula flap closure in detail.

CONCLUSION

Plastic surgical defect coverage by well-perfused tissue flaps of large skull base defects provides an efficient and effective treatment option. Complex skin, soft tissue, and dural defects can be successfully covered with these preformed free flaps. The choice of flap is based on the individual case.