Prophylactic Intraoperative Nasolacrimal Duct Intubation in Surgical Treatment of Facial Fractures-Is There a Role?

Nasolacrimal duct (NLD) damage is associated in the majority of type II and III naso-orbito-ethmoid (NOE) fractures. Our study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic NLD intubation in the setting of facial fractures, by comparing incidence of postoperative epiphora and wound infection. A retrospective matched control study was conducted on all patients with surgically treated facial fractures from 2008 to 2013 (  = 280) (IRB ref number: DSRB 2013/01198).

Disinfection capabilities of a 222 nm wavelength ultraviolet lighting device: a pilot study.

Objective: To demonstrate the efficacy of the SafeZone UVC (Ushio Inc., Japan) 222 nm ultraviolet C (UVC) light to reduce bacterial burden in pressure ulcers (PUs) in human patients. This research is the first human clinical trial using 222 nm UVC in eradicating bacteria in human wounds.

Breast reconstruction rate and profile in a Singapore patient population: a National University Hospital experience.

Introduction: Breast reconstruction is an integral part of breast cancer management with the aim of restoring a breast to its natural form. There is increasing awareness among women that it is a safe procedure and its benefits extend beyond aesthetics. Our aim was to establish the rate of breast reconstruction and provide an overview of the patients who underwent breast reconstruction at National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore.

Rare Cause of Facial Palsy: Case Report of Tick Paralysis by Ixodes Holocyclus Imported by a Patient Travelling into Singapore from Australia.

Background: Ticks are blood-sucking arachnids that feed on all classes of vertebrates, including humans. Ixodes holocyclus, also known as the Australian Paralysis Tick, is capable of causing a myriad of clinical issues in humans and companion animals, including the transmission of infectious agents, toxin-mediated paralysis, allergic and inflammatory reactions, and mammalian meat allergies in humans. The Australian Paralysis Tick is endemic to Australia, and only two other exported cases have been reported in the literature.

Sirtuin 5 is Anti-apoptotic and Anti-oxidative in Cultured SH-EP Neuroblastoma Cells.

As a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent deacetylase, demalonylase, and desuccinylase, sirtuin 5 (SIRT5) in host cells has been reportedly observed in the mitochondria, in the cytosol/cytoplasm or in the nucleus. Various functional roles of SIRT5 have also been described in cellular metabolism, energy production, detoxification, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, but some of the reported results are seemingly inconsistent or even contradictory to one another. Using immunocytochemistry, molecular biology, gene transfection, and flow cytometry, we investigated the expression, subcellular distribution, and possible functional roles of SIRT5 in regulating apoptosis and oxidative stress of cultured SH-EP neuroblastoma cells.

Pneumocephalus Following Air Travel in a Patient With Preexisting Facial Fractures and Dural Tears.

Changes in cabin pressure can potentially cause expansion of any preexisting intracranial air resulting in tension pneumocephalus. The authors describe a 28-year-old man, who was involved in a motor vehicle accident complicated by multiple facial fractures and a dural tear while on his way to the airport. Instead of seeking medical attention after the accident, he proceeded with a 2-hour commercial flight.

An Algorithm for the Management of Concomitant Maxillofacial, Laryngeal, and Cervical Spine Trauma.

Concomitant maxillofacial, laryngeal and cervical spine injuries may occur after high-energy accidents. Although this presentation is uncommon, the multiple injuries may compromise airway, breathing, circulation, and neurologic function. We identified 8 adult trauma patients admitted to the National University Hospital with the concomitant injuries.

Retained broken implants in the craniomaxillofacial skeleton.

Facial fracture patients are seen in a Level 1 trauma hospital. In our institution, we manage many patients with facial fractures and carry out more than 150 surgical procedures every year. Open reduction and internal fixation is our management of choice.

Innovative intraoperative titanium mesh preparation for safer implantation.

Titanium meshes have been extensively used in craniomaxillofacial surgery. The benefits of these titanium implants include being inert, stable, and radiopaque and having good drainage properties. The titanium mesh is cut to shape and bent before implantation, which may give rise to the cut edges being jagged and sharp.

Stabilization of mobile mandibular segments in mandibular reconstruction: use of spanning reconstruction plate.

The fibular free flap is the gold standard for mandibular reconstruction. Accurate 3-dimensional contouring and precise alignment of the fibula is critical for reestablishing native occlusion and facial symmetry. Following segmental mandibulectomy, the remaining mandibular fragments become freely mobile.

The deep inferior epigastric perforator and pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap in breast reconstruction: a comparative study.

Background: Our objective was to compare the complication rates of two common breast reconstruction techniques performed at our hospital and the cost-effectiveness for each test group.

Methods: All patients who underwent deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap and transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap by the same surgeon were selected and matched according to age and mastectomy with or without axillary clearance. Patients from each resultant group were selected, with the patients matched chronologically.

The deep inferior epigastric perforator flap for breast reconstruction: Is this the ideal flap for Asian women?

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the outcome and safety of the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap for breast reconstruction in a group of Southeast Asian women treated in our unit and to identify risk factors for breast reconstruction using the DIEP flap in this population.

Materials And Methods: This is a prospective study on 50 consecutive DIEP flap breast reconstructions by a single surgeon in an academic institution between July 1999 and July 2006. Data on patient demographics, diagnosis, procedure type, adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatments, risk factors and complications were prospectively collected and registered in a clinical database.

Expansion and hepatocytic differentiation of liver progenitor cells in vivo using a vascularized tissue engineering chamber in mice.

Current cell-based treatment alternatives to organ transplantation for liver failure remain unsatisfactory. Hepatocytes have a strong tendency to dedifferentiate and apoptose when isolated and maintained in culture. In contrast, liver progenitor cells (LPCs) are robust, easy to culture and have been shown to replace damaged hepatocytes in liver disease.

Patent blue dye in lymphaticovenular anastomosis.

Introduction: Lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) has been described as a treatment of chronic lymphoedema. This microsurgical technique is new and technically difficult. The small caliber and thin wall lymphatic vessels are difficult to identify and easily destroyed during the dissection.

Cervicofacial, retropharyngeal and mediastinal emphysema: a complication of orbital fracture.

Retropharyngeal and mediastinal emphysema is associated with traumatic aerodigestive tract injury, and may be associated with potentially severe and even life-threatening complications. Retropharyngeal emphysema or pneumomediastinum, in the absence of severe trauma to the visceral organs, is rare following facial fractures. We report a case of extensive subcutaneous emphysema extending to the retropharyngeal space and mediastinum following an orbitozygomatic fracture.