Development of an Algorithm to Determine Which Costal Cartilage to Harvest.

Rib graft is a common source of cartilage in rhinoplasty. Donor site choices for this resource were identified according to the authors who presented the introduction of this technique. However, the scientific basis of this valuable method lacks information, including the anatomical properties of costal cartilage.

Blood and tissue levels of persistent organic pollutants and genetic susceptibility in patients with breast cancer.

We investigated possible associations between the internal concentrations of POPs and correlations between blood and tumor tissue concentrations in patients who underwent surgery for breast cancer and breast reduction as controls. Genetic variations in CYP1A1, GSTP1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 and hOGG1 were evaluated to determine whether they represent risk factors for breast cancer. Certain POPs have been found to be associated with breast cancer development.

Use of the pedicle of previously harvested pectoral myocutaneous flap as a recipient for free flaps in head and neck reconstruction.

Introduction: The pectoral myocutaneous flap (PMF) is a workhorse regional reconstructive option for head and neck defects. It is commonly used for primary reconstructions due to its advantages or as a life-boat flap in the salvage of failed reconstructions of free flaps. However, it also has intrinsic drawbacks, such as perfusion problems and partial or complete flap loss.

Simultaneous sequential anterolateral thigh free flaps with interposition comitant vein graft for one-stage lower extremity reconstruction: A case report.

Developments in the microsurgery have made perforator fasciocutaneous free flaps more popular in lower extremity reconstructions. They have acceptable donor site morbidities when compared to traditional methods. However; there are some possible limitations with these flaps such as anatomical variations and insufficiency to cover large and/or complex defects with a single flap.

Free Flap Reconstruction of Recalcitrant Defects in Cleft Palate Patients.

Introduction: Defects of the palate can be as a result of oronasal fistula of cleft patients and the ablative surgery of tumors. There are many studies about reconstruction of the defects of plate in the literature and most of them are related to tumor surgery. Despite the use of free flaps in cleft patients being not a new approach, the articles in the literature are very few.

The use of chimeric-superthin anterolateral thigh flap in reconstruction of laryngopharyngoesophagectomy defects of hypopharyngeal cancer.

Introduction: Due to 3D defects after resection of hypopharyngeal cancers, free flaps have become as first option for reconstruction and the anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) has been chosen frequently for soft tissue defects. Chimerization of the skin island of the ALT is also possible which can result in reconstruction of multiple defects simultaneously and monitorization of buried flaps. However, ALT can be bulky in some patients.

Transferring pectoral muscle flap to depleted neck to create a new recipient source for free flaps in head and neck reconstruction.

Introduction: The thoracoacromial vessels (TA) are one of the options as recipient for free flaps in head and neck reconstruction when the neck is depleted. However, it has limitations such as need of vein graft or kinking and being under pressure on clavicle. The authors describe a new modification of using pectoral branch of TA as recipient vessel.

Replantation of Pediatric Scalp Avulsions.

Scalp avulsions are rare but can be quite morbid clinical manifestations. Pediatric patients are different from adults as they have not completed their physical, sexual, educational, or psychosocial development. Therefore, the devastation of a failed scalp replantation is much greater on these individuals, their whole future lives, and families.

Comparison of Current Free Flap Options for Intraoral Lining and Tongue Reconstruction.

Free flaps have become the main alternative for intraoral reconstruction in current practice. However, controversy exists on pros and cons of different free flap options for this challenging area. Although there are various studies focusing on different free flap options, comparative studies are very few and there is not a single study comparing all 4 thin free flap options for intraoral reconstruction.

Flow through fibula and fasciocutaneous free flaps in oromandibular reconstruction.

Introduction: The osteocutaneous fibula is a workhorse flap for oromandibular reconstruction. Skin paddles not only perform soft tissue reconstruction but also serve as a monitor for the fibula. In cases where the skin paddle cannot be harvested as desired due to variations, two challenges arise, such as fibula follow-up and the need for a second free flap so recipient.

Blood Count Parameters can be Useful in Predicting Vascular Events in Microvascular Surgery: Results of a Preliminary Study.

Background: Vascular events are a major cause of flap failure and identifying patients who are at risk is of paramount importance. In the past, many studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of blood count parameters for ischemic events such as peripheral vascular diseases.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate whether blood count parameters can have predictive value for vascular events in microvascular flap surgery.

The Effect of Ceruloplasmin Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Epigastric Island Flap in Rats.

Background: Flap surgery is frequently used in plastic surgery to close tissue defects. Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a significant problem resulting in partial or total flap necrosis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ceruloplasmin on I/R injury in epigastric island flaps in rats.

The Effect of Botulinum Toxin on Flap Viability of the Posterior Thigh Perforator Flap in Rats.

Background: The use of perforator propeller flaps in lower limb reconstruction has increased recently. Many pharmacological agents are used to increase flap viability. Botulinum toxin has been used in various types of flaps in the literature.

Effect of Coagulation Status and Co-Morbidity on Flap Success and Complications in Patients with Reconstructed Free Flap.

Objective: Free flap surgeries constitute the basis of reconstruction surgery in patients with major defects. Prediction of complications that cause flap loss in such patients is important in terms of reducing the length of hospital stay and expenses. We aimed to retrospectively investigate the effect of co-morbidities and the coagulation status on flap loss and complications in patients with reconstructed free flap.

Results of 1001 liver transplantations in 23 years: Ege University experience.

Background/aims: Liver transplantation (LT) is now the standard of care for most end-stage liver diseases. Over the next 30 years, advances in medicine and technology will greatly improve the survival rates of patients after this procedure. The aim of the present study was to analyze retrospectively the results of 1001 patients withLT.

Comparative analysis of human UCB and adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells for their differentiation potential into brown and white adipocytes.

The differentiation potential of umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSCs) into brown and white adipocytes in comparison to Adipose tissue derived MSCs (AD-MSCs) were investigated in order to characterize their potency for future cell therapies. MSCs were isolated from ten UCB samples and six liposuction materials. MSCs were differentiated into white and brown adipocytes after characterization by flow cytometry.

Effect of platelet-rich plasma on reconstruction with nerve autografts.

Despite advances in understanding of peripheral nerve injuries and regeneration and advances in surgical techniques, successful outcomes cannot be guaranteed after reconstructive surgery. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been reported to have positive effects on nerve regeneration, as well as on tissue healing. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of PRP on nerve-grafted defects.

Free Hand Perforator Concept in Osteocutaneous Free Fibula Flap Through Posterior Approach.

Background: The fibula flap is a workhorse flap for bony reconstruction of oro-mandibular area and can be modified to include soft tissue for reconstruction of composite defects. However, the design of a reliable skin paddle that can be used for composite tissue reconstruction remains a challenge. The authors described the applicability of perforator concept for a more reliable free osteomusculocutaneous fibula flap.

Anatomic Basis for Penis Transplantation: Cadaveric Microdissection of Penile Structures.

We present a cadaveric dissection study to investigate the anatomic feasibility of penile transplantation. Seventeen male cadavers were dissected to reveal detailed anatomy of the dorsal neurovascular structures including dorsal arteries, superficial and deep dorsal veins, and dorsal nerves of the penis. Dorsal artery diameters showed a significant decrease from proximal to distal shaft.

Evaluation of the Effects of Bile on the Arterial Tonus in a Rabbit Model.

Background: Hepatic artery anastomosis is an essential part of live-donor liver transplantation, and during this anastomosis, an unusual contact between bile and vessel ends is observed. In this study, the effects of this nonphysiological contact in a rabbit model were evaluated.

Methods: The study was designed in 2 steps-in vitro and in vivo.

The evaluation of flap growth and long-term results of pediatric mandible reconstructions using free fibular flaps.

Currently, the free fibular flap is well accepted as the first choice for mandibular reconstruction. Achieving functional results in pediatric patients requires a different approach than that employed for mature patients. Because the pediatric craniofacial skeleton continues to grow, reconstruction is more challenging, and the long-term results can be different from those of adult patients.

Comparison of skin effects of immediate treatment modalities in experimentally induced hydrofluoric acid skin burns.

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) burns cause immediate damage and painful long-term sequellae. Traditionally, chelating agents have been used as the initial treatment for such burns. We have introduced epidermal growth factor (EGF) into an HF model to compare EGF with Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) treatments; 40 Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups.