Motor and sensory morbidity associated with the anterolateral thigh perforator free flap.

Objective: To quantify changes in motor function, sensation, and lower extremity quality of life following anterior lateral thigh free flap (ALT) resection.

Methods: This mixed methods study contained both a prospective cohort arm (n = 20) and retrospective cross-sectional arm (n = 20). In both arms, patients underwent formal motor and sensation testing of the ipsilateral and contralateral thigh by sphygmomanometry and monofilament testing.

Absorbable Steroid-Impregnated Spacer After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery to Reduce Synechiae Formation.

Objective: Middle meatal synechiae formation after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) leads to higher rates of revision surgery. We aimed to determine if there are different rates of postoperative synechiae following ESS for CRS between patients who received a nonabsorbable spacer (NAS) placed in the ethmoid cavity versus patients who had a steroid-impregnated absorbable spacer (AS) placed at the middle meatal entry.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent ESS for CRS at a single tertiary referral center from October 2009 to October 2013.

Vascularized composite autograft for adult laryngotracheal stenosis and reconstruction.

Background: Adult laryngotracheal reconstruction for airway stenosis and after oncologic ablation can be extremely challenging.

Methods: Patients with the above conditions not amenable to or refractory to conventional treatments were offered specialized reconstruction by wrapping a contoured costal cartilage graft with a vascularized microvascular carrier. All constructs were lined with buccal mucosa grafts.

Endoscopic ligation of the patulous eustachian tube as treatment for autophony.

Objectives/hypothesis: Patulous eustachian tube remains a challenging management problem in otolaryngology. The autophony experienced by this patient population can be severe, and as yet no reliable surgical method exists to reduce or eliminate this annoying symptom. Our objective was to develop a novel endoscopic technique to assist these patients.

Left atrial reduction plasty: a novel technique.

We describe a novel technique of left atrial volume reduction in a patient presenting with severe dyspnea from severe mitral insufficiency, giant left atrium, and compressive symptoms of dysphagia and dysphonia. Resection involved circumferential excision of the left atrium anterior to the pulmonary venous vestibule and posterior to the mitral valve and fossa ovalis, including the left atrial appendage. A chordal-sparing bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement, tricuspid valve annuloplasty, and coronary bypass were also performed.

The buccinator flap: a review of current clinical applications.

Purpose Of Review: This article reviews the buccinator flap, its relevant surgical anatomy, surgical technique, and applications in head and neck reconstruction.

Recent Findings: Reconstruction of defects after extirpation of head and neck neoplasms can be challenging and complex. Various reconstructive techniques, including skin grafts, regional flaps, and free tissue transfer, can be employed in restoration of form and function after ablative surgery.

Cardiac function following prolonged exercise: influence of age.

This study sought to determine the influence of age on the left ventricular (LV) response to prolonged exercise (PE; 150 min). LV systolic and diastolic performance was assessed using echocardiography (ECHO) before (pre) and 60 min following (post) exercise performed at 80% maximal aerobic power in young (28 ± 4.5 years; n = 18; mean ± SD) and middle-aged (52 ± 3.

Left ventricular contractile function is preserved during prolonged exercise in middle-aged men.

We examined left ventricular (LV) performance before, during, and following prolonged exercise (EX) in 12 healthy middle-aged men [means +/- SE: age = 43.5 +/- 1.9 yr; maximal O(2) uptake (Vo(2max)) = 51.