Objective: The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is a workhorse in reconstruction of head and neck defects. The superficial cephalic vein is used most commonly for microvascular anastomosis; however, this vein has a variable course in the subcutaneous tissues. We have routinely isolated the cephalic vein within a reliable double fat plane, which has not been previously described. This study demonstrates the consistency of the cephalic vein within this double fat plane using a cadaveric model and our prospective operative experience raising the RFFF.Method: Four lightly preserved cadavers and one fresh cadaver were dissected by elevating a RFFF, identifying the double fat plane, and isolating the cephalic vein within this plane. Between August 2006 and April 2008, we prospectively recorded the anatomic location of the cephalic vein in 35 patients who had RFFF surgery.Results: The double fat plane and cephalic vein were identified in all cadaveric dissections. The double fat plane was identified and led to injury-free dissection of the cephalic vein in all 35 patients.Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of the double fat plane within the subcutaneous tissue of the radial forearm and its use as a consistent landmark in finding the cephalic vein. Our cadaveric studies and operative observations have demonstrated that the double fat plane is a reliable, consistent, and helpful guide for the isolation of the cephalic vein in RFFF surgery.

BACKGROUND:reconstruction of a total nasal defect presents a significant challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. The form, function, and aesthetic appeal of all the nasal subunits must be addressed. Classic teaching emphasizes the importance of restoring the internal lining of the nose, the rigid scaffolding, and the outer skin and soft tissue layer.METHODS:a restrospective review was undertaken in eight patients who had undergone total nasal reconstruction in two Canadian tertiary care centres. All eight patients had their nasal defect reconstructed with a radial forearm free flap for internal lining, titanium mesh for structural support, and a paramedian forehead flap for skin and soft tissue cover. Nasal function, graft survival, patient satisfaction, and complications were recorded.RESULTS:seven of eight patients were satisfied with the cosmetic outcome of their nasal reconstruction. Two patients reported poor nasal breathing owing to nasal stenosis. Two cases of minor titanium extrusion required operative intervention for repair. There were no cases of loss of the radial forearm free flap or paramedian forehead flap in this series.CONCLUSIONS:reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap, titanium mesh, and a paramedian forehead flap is a reliable, cosmetically appealing, and functional method for total nasal reconstruction. Minor surgical revisions should be anticipated to achieve the best cosmetic outcome. This is the first reported series using these three entities together to reconstruct total and subtotal rhinectomy defects.

OBJECTIVE Following consent, do pictures in a handout improve patients' recall of otologic surgical risks? STUDY DESIGN Prospective, randomized trial in a tertiary care centre. METHODS Patients undergoing otologic surgery were consented with a standardized checklist of risks by two surgeons. They were randomized (stratified by educational level) to receive either a pure text or a text and pictures handout outlining the risks of surgery. A telephone interview tested recall at a mean of 19 days. Twenty-six patients were resampled at 1 year. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Recall was analyzed with respect to type of handout, age, sex, and level of education. A subset of 31 patients was analyzed for the effects of which surgeon consented, previous otologic surgery, and actually reading the handout. RESULTS Fifty-one patients completed the study. The overall risk recall was 43%, with 45% in the pictorial group and 42% in the pure text group (p = .84). The illustrated handout did not improve the recall of any individual surgical risk either. Higher education improved risk recall from 36 to 54% (p = .009). Age, consenting surgeon, previous otologic surgery, and even reading the handout did not improve risk recall. A subgroup of 26 patients was followed up 1 year later, and their recall fell from 41 to 35%. The illustrated handout did not improve long-term recall (p = .674). CONCLUSION Pictorial cues do not improve recall of surgical risks, but education level does.

Results: In each of the 11 patients, 1 to 3 SLNs were identified by lymphoscintigraphy. All SLNs identified by lymphoscintigraphy were successfully identified and removed with the use of an intraoperative gamma probe. In 10 of the 11 patients, the biopsy findings from the SLN(s) accurately predicted the presence or absence of occult neck metastasis. There was 1 instance of a negative SLN with a positive neck dissection. The overall negative predictive value of the study was 91%. No aberrant lymphatic drainage patterns were observed in this study.