1550-nm nonablative laser resurfacing for facial surgical scars.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of 1550-nm (Fraxel SR1500 RE:Store; Solta Medical, Hayward, California) nonablative laser treatment of facial surgical scars.

Methods: In this prospective clinical study, a volunteer sample of 13 adults with Fitzpatrick skin types I to III and facial surgical scars with a postoperative duration longer than 6 months were enrolled. Subjects were treated once every 4 weeks for a total of 4 treatments.

Objective facial photograph analysis using imaging software.

Facial analysis is an integral part of the surgical planning process. Clinical photography has long been an invaluable tool in the surgeon's practice not only for accurate facial analysis but also for enhancing communication between the patient and surgeon, for evaluating postoperative results, for medicolegal documentation, and for educational and teaching opportunities. From 35-mm slide film to the digital technology of today, clinical photography has benefited greatly from technological advances.

Efficacy of Crosseal fibrin sealant (human) in rhytidectomy.

Objective: To examine the potential efficacy of Crosseal (the human protein, bovine component-free fibrin sealant) (OMRIX Biopharmaceuticals, Ltd, Brussels, Belgium) to reduce ecchymoses and hematoma formation in patients undergoing rhytidectomy.

Methods: Before initiation of the study, approval was obtained from the US Food and Drug Administration for an Investigational New Drug Application and off-label use of Crosseal and from the Institutional Review Board of the University of California, Davis. Patients undergoing rhytidectomy with or without concomitant procedures were voluntarily enrolled without compensation in the study (N = 9).

Endoscopic removal of a giant fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus.

Objectives: Giant fibrovascular polyps of the esophagus are rare benign tumors originating from the proximal esophagus. These pedunculated lesions can grow to "giant" proportions. Asphyxiation from aspiration of the regurgitated polyp is a well-described cause of death.

Cleft deformities in Zimbabwe, Africa: socioeconomic factors, epidemiology, and surgical reconstruction.

In the African country of Zimbabwe, a variety of socioeconomic factors have contributed to a lack of specialty care and resources for the indigent population. Although cleft lip and palate has a lower incidence in Africa (0.67 per 1000 births) than in Latin America or Asia, access to reconstructive surgery is often difficult to obtain.

Computer modeling and intraoperative navigation in maxillofacial surgery.

Purpose: Recent advances in computer-modeling software allow reconstruction of facial symmetry in a virtual environment. This study evaluates the use of preoperative computer modeling and intraoperative navigation to guide reconstruction of the maxillofacial skeleton.

Methods: Three patients with traumatic maxillofacial deformities received preoperative, thin-cut axial CT scans.

Comparison of 4 registration strategies for computer-aided maxillofacial surgery.

Purpose: Surgeons have recently started to use computer-aided surgery (CAS) to assist with maxillofacial reconstructive surgery. This study evaluates four different CAS registration strategies in the maxillofacial skeleton.

Materials And Methods: Fifteen fiducial markers were placed on each of four cadaveric heads.

Management of bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity.

Purpose Of Review: Management of bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity can be a challenging task. This paper provides an overview of bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity with an updated review of current management issues in the literature.

Recent Findings: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that orofacial clefts are now the most common birth defect.

Endoscopic management of facial fractures.

Purpose Of Review: Endoscopic applications in otolaryngology continue to expand, most recently in the area of maxillofacial trauma. Endoscopic management of orbital blow-out, frontal sinus, zygomatic arch, and subcondylar fractures has been described. This paper reviews the current literature including new techniques, indications, and outcomes in endoscopic management of facial fractures.

Management of trauma to the male external genitalia: the usefulness of American Association for the Surgery of Trauma organ injury scales.

Purpose: Injury to the male external genitalia is rare and, therefore, there are little data in the literature regarding the options for nonoperative management and outcome. To assist in defining the indications for nonoperative management the usefulness of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) organ injury scales for these injuries was examined.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 116 male patients with trauma to the external genitalia in a 10-year period and classified injuries according to the organ injury severity scales (scrotum, testis, penis and urethra) of the AAST.