Congenital palatal fistula is a rare embryologic anomaly, occurring in one percent of cleft cases, often causing hypernasality and nasal regurgitation. We report a 3-year-old male with an isolated fistula at the hard-soft palate junction. Repair was performed using a combined technique: a turnover hinge flap for the nasal layer and Z-plasty flaps for the oral layer. A fistula at this area is difficult to manage because of paucity of tissue. The two layer closure that we describe is a refinement of technique with practical applications.

Syndactyly, a congenital hand deformity caused by failed phalangeal separation, often requires surgical correction to restore function and aesthetics. Traditional dorsal rectangular flap techniques involve skin grafting, increasing the risk of web creep and residual deformity. This study evaluates islanded perforator-based flaps, which offer better vascularization for improved outcomes. Preoperative Doppler ultrasound was used for vascular mapping to enhance surgical precision. This prospective observational study analyzed 31 webspaces in 26 patients undergoing syndactyly release. Doppler ultrasound was performed in 15 cases to guide flap selection. Islanded flaps were used when viable, while dorsal rectangular flaps were used otherwise. Data collection included demographics, preoperative evaluation, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes. Functional and aesthetic results were assessed using the Withey score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from the Patient Observer Scar Assessment Score Scale, and photographic analysis over follow-up. Syndactyly release was performed in 31 webspaces. Doppler mapping optimized flap design. Statistically significant findings showed improved VAS scores postsurgery, especially in younger patients (1-5 years, P = 0.0001 and 6-10 years, P = 0.0065) and males (P = 0.0000). Simple syndactyly had better outcomes than complex cases (P = 0.0004). Long-term VAS scores favored islanded flaps (1.9 ± 0.83) over dorsal flaps (2.60 ± 0.84). Scar quality improved significantly (P < 0.001 for 6+ months), with minimal complications in patients with islanded perforator flaps. Islanded perforator-based flaps present a promising alternative for syndactyly release, delivering superior functional and aesthetic results. The incorporation of Doppler mapping ensures vascular safety and reduces complications. Further research is needed to establish long-term outcomes.

Introduction:The heel is difficult to reconstruct if it is avulsed off following accidents. Heelpad avulsion may be suprafascial or subfascial. Reconstructive options include skin grafts and flaps, depending on the involvement of weight-bearing area and exposed bone. We describe a series of patients who underwent heel pad reconstruction. Materials and Methods:Patients were grouped into two, depending on flap or graft reconstruction. The number of operations, time taken for recovery, complications, revision surgery, sensations, and footwear use were analyzed. Dynamic pedogram analysis was performed to assess heel pressures. Results:Twenty-one patients were assessed, out of which flap reconstruction was performed in 12. Nineteen patients achieved full weight bearing. Seventeen patients required revision procedures such as flap thinning. The mean time to walk, in the flap group was 14.3 weeks (range: 10-20 weeks) while that in the graft group was 11.5 weeks (range: 6-16 weeks). There was no difference in the reinnervation when comparing presence of light touch ( p  = 0.49) and pain ( p  = 0.37) between the two groups. On pedogram analysis, the mean peak pressures in the graft group were significantly less when compared with normal foot ( p  = 0.017). The mean peak pressures were comparable in both involved and uninvolved feet, among patients who underwent flap reconstruction. Conclusion:Skin grafts demonstrated good stability even in the absence of customized footwear. A flap procedure can be avoided for suprafascial avulsions. The level of protective sensation achieved by spontaneous reinnervation seems to be sufficient for maintaining a functional well-healed foot.

Perioperative high dose rate brachytherapy involves insertion of brachytherapy catheter over the tumor bed during surgical removal of disease followed by radiation in the postoperative period. It has applications in radiotherapy dose escalation or reirradiation and for extending the surgical margins. We report here initial results of treatment in five cases of locally advanced head and neck cancers.

Background Finger amputations aim at preserving function and optimizing cosmesis. The crucial decision here is whether to preserve a stump or to do a ray amputation. The present study aimed to compare the functional outcome and postoperative quality of life after ray amputation or amputation through the proximal phalanx. Methods A prospective study was conducted from January 2019 to June 2020 in patients requiring single-finger amputation through the proximal phalanx or metacarpal. Patients were divided into two groups; Group A: amputation through the proximal phalanx and Group B: ray amputation of the finger. The following functional parameters were assessed: grip strength, hand circumference, palmar volume, and webspace span. The Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) score was employed to score hand function and aesthesis at 6 months in both hands. Results Thirty patients were enrolled. Findings in 26 patients (52 hands) were subjected to further analysis, 12 in Group A and 14 in Group B. Patients in both groups lost grip strength significantly compared with their contralateral normal hands (29.22 +/- 14.88 [Group A] and 34.57 +/- 19.12 [Group B]); however, it was statistically nonsignificant between the two groups. There was reduced mean palmar circumference in both groups' involved hands, but the decrease in circumference was statistically significant, only for Group B. Group B patients scored better in all the six subscales of the MHQ; however, only the Aesthetics score was significantly superior. The operated hand's webspace span increased significantly with respect to the normal contralateral web by a mean of 4.55 mm. Conclusion The study concluded that both the surgical options for the level of amputation should be discussed with the patients in detail, taking into account their occupational and personal requirements. Our study findings will help to objectively counsel the patients regarding expectations in functional and aesthetic outcomes following either technique.

This study was carried out to compare the efficacy of vacuum dressing and conventional dressing over split skin grafts in burn patients. It was a single-center prospective cohort study on patients, with less than 40% TBSA burn, undergoing skin grafting at 2 different sites simultaneously over the burn wounds. One site underwent conventional dressing following grafting, and the other underwent vacuum dressing. The primary objective was to compare the percentages of skin graft uptake on Day 5 and Day 14. The secondary objectives were to compare the duration of dressings, time for complete epithelization, need for regrafting, and wound swab culture positivity rates. Three independent examiners assessed the efficacy of dressings in terms of epithelization percentage, need for continued dressing, graft loss, wound swab culture positivity rate, and qualitative assessment of grafts. A total of 16 patients were included in the study. The graft loss, number of days of dressings, and complete epithelization time were statistically lower in the negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) group compared with the conventional group (P values .007, .006, and 0009, respectively). The percentage of epithelization was also found to be higher in the NPWT group (P = .006). The incidence of positive cultures and clinically significant graft loss was found to be lower in the NPWT group. However, this was not found to be statistically significant. NPWT dressings can be used in burn wounds following skin grafting and have been found to reduce the time for epithelization compared to conventional dressing.

Traumatic injuries of the upper limbs can often result in serious and challenging wounds involving multiple compartments such as skin, bone, tendons and neurovascular structures. These type of injuries of the upper extremity pose several challenges to the plastic surgeon. The main difficulty is to provide a stable, long lasting and aesthetically acceptable coverage that enables joints excursion so that patient can return to work at the earliest. Here, we present a case of 45 years old gentlemen who sustained severe crush injury associated with avulsed radial and ulnar artery of left upper limb following road traffic accident. At presentation, there was no pin prick in his hand and hand was pale. At first surgery, hand was revascularized using a vein graft in radial artery and skin grafting was done over the forearm defect as a temporary cover. After 12 hours, when the viability of hand was reassured, the defect was covered with free supra thin anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. Patient’s hand and flap both survived and he was discharged in a satisfactory condition.

Objective To measure the increase in effective pedicle reach with microdissection of musculocutaneous perforators during anterolateral thigh (ALT) free tissue harvest. Methods A review of our institution's free flap database was performed to identify ALT free tissue transfers. The distance from pedicle vessel origin to its perforator's insertion at the fascia lata (effective pedicle length [EPL]) was measured prior to and following intramuscular dissection of musculocutaneous perforators. Pertinent clinicopathologic variables were abstracted from the electronic medical record. Results A total of 314 ALT free flaps were performed between February 2017 and August 2022. Of these, 85 had documentation of EPL before and after musculocutaneous perforator dissection. ALT reconstruction was primarily performed for reconstruction of oncologic ablative defects (66, 78%). The mean EPL prior to perforator microdissection was 8.8 cm (standard deviation, SD 2.8 cm; range 3–15 cm). Following perforator dissection, mean EPL significantly increased to 14.0 cm (SD 3.0 cm; range 7–22 cm) with a mean net gain of 5.2 cm in distance (95% confidence interval 4.8–5.6 cm; p < 0.001). Nine patients (11%) required operating room take‐back for anastomosis revision (3, 3.5%), recipient site hematoma evacuation (4, 4.7%), and wound dehiscence (2, 2.3%); one complete flap loss due to venous thrombosis was observed. Conclusion Dissection of musculocutaneous perforators during ALT free flap harvest can increase effective pedicle reach by 5.2 cm or nearly 60%. This harvest technique can facilitate the performance of tension‐free anastomoses when substantial vascular pedicle length or vascular pedicle tunneling is required. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope , 134:666–670, 2024

Acrometastases, although infrequent, are well known in medical practice (Stomeo et al. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2015;2284-0729). While it may be the most probable diagnosis in a person with multiple lung lesions and an exophytic mass on the thumb, all cancerous lesions of thumb are not acrometastases. Histopathological examination is essential to ascertain the diagnosis—metastatic or primary tumor. A gentleman presented with an enlarging mass over his left thumb. X-ray showed a diffuse lesion replacing major part of distal phalanx, extending beyond its dimensions. He was worked up for amputation of thumb. During routine investigations for surgical fitness, chest x-ray revealed solid areas in bilateral lung fields. CT scan showed a large mass in left lung and a mass in the gall bladder. Working diagnosis of acrometastasis to thumb from a lung primary was made. Final diagnosis was Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of thumb with metastases to lungs, in light of histopathological findings. A primary skin tumor maybe misdiagnosed as a metastatic lesion in the presence of multisystem involvement. A high degree of suspicion and open mindedness thus needs to be kept even for rare diagnoses like Merkel cell carcinoma and a biopsy at the earliest be used for confirmation.

Background Benign mesenchymal tumors are rare tumors accounting for 5% of all salivary gland tumors and less than 10% of submandibular or sublingual gland tumors. Case presentation The present case study represents a rare case of large-size benign mesenchymal tumors arising from the mandible region. The patient comes with the complaint of prominent swelling on the right side of the lower jaw. Clinical history revealed that the swelling appeared around 5 years ago and enhanced over time to form a large tumor. The patient presented with signs of anemia and hypoproteinemia, which were developed due to dysphagia and bleeding in the tumor. A worm infestation was also found during the clinical examination, and severe pain, foul smell, fungating tumor, frequent pus discharge, and bleeding were also reported. The patient was treated by surgical removal of tumors within 8 h of surgery. Right segmental mandibulectomy with wide local tumor excision was performed under general anesthesia and prophylactic tracheostomy to maintain a secure airway. A huge defect of 8 cm × 6 cm was generated on the right side of the face after tumor removal, which was repaired with the help of local advancement flap reconstruction. The tumor size was 30 cm × 20 cm with a weight of 3.5 kg. Conclusion To our best knowledge, the present study is the first in the literature that has reported such a large tumor in the mandible region. The success of surgery presented in the current case is very rare to achieve in developing countries. By reporting the detailed procedures, the present case study will help increase the misdiagnosis, improper treatment, treatment delays, or associated complications.

Breast reconstruction in extensive post-mastectomy defects is challenging for a reconstructive surgeon. While a plethora of options is available for breast reconstruction, pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) flap remains the flap of choice for most surgeons. However, the size of the skin paddle of the LD flap may not suffice for extensive defects. We present a technical modification in the planning of the LD flap for its use in extensive defects.

Palatal fistulae are challenging complications following cleft palate repair. The addition of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) to cleft palate repair has been shown to reduce fistula formation in previous studies. The use of autologous dermal graft has all the structural advantages of ADM, has less rejection and immunogenic potential, and is cost effective. A prospective study. Patients with Group II and III cleft palate (Nagpur Classification) without prior intervention for palatal repair in the Department of Plastic Surgery at PGIMER from January 2020 till June 2021. The addition of autologous dermal graft for palatoplasty. Outcome of the study was fistula development or exposure of dermal graft. Autologous dermal graft was harvested of average dimension of 8.73 cm2 (range 5.25-18 cm2) from groin region. Sixteen patients were included in the study. Among them, 2 patients (12.5%) developed postoperative fistula (Type III &V Pittsburgh Classification). Our study showed that the rates of postoperative fistula formation are comparable with prior literature using artificial dermal matrices.

Circumcision is a customary ritual across many cultures. However, the safety of such procedures remains a concern. A boy underwent circumcision in 2014 by a religious worker at the age of 7 years. Post circumcision, the patient had gradual narrowing of the penis, between the glans and the shaft, with an iatrogenic partial glanular amputation and presented to us at the age of 14 years. The patient underwent end-to-end urethroplasty and glansplasty. Postoperatively, the patient did well and the wound remained healthy. Circumcision has complications even in expert hands. Religious circumcision can result in dreadful complications in children and adolescents.

Introduction: An unsightly scar following cleft repair can undo the good work of even an experienced surgeon. A functioning orbicularis oris muscle beneath the lip scar maintains a zone of dynamic tension resulting in a stretched scar. Botulinum toxin type A (BTA) can be used to create a temporary paralysis of the orbicularis muscle during the healing phase. This may lead to better scar formation after a cleft lip repair. Method: The present prospective randomized control trial enrolled 28 infants with unilateral cleft lip undergoing primary lip repair. They were randomized to receive injection of either BTA (botox group) or normal saline (control group) intraoperatively into adjacent orbicularis oris muscle immediately after completion of cleft lip repair. Blinded experts reassessed the scar after 6 months. Objective assessment was undertaken employing Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), and photographic scar width measurements. Results: Twenty-two subjects were able to complete a follow-up duration of 6 months. Children in the BTA (Botox Group) had a statistically significantly better VAS score and lesser scar width compared to the control group. However, the difference in the VSS score between both groups was not statistically significant. On comparing patients with cleft lip alone with cleft lip and palate, no statistically significant difference was found in VAS, VSS, and scar width. There were no complications associated with the use of botulinum toxin A. Conclusions: Botulinum toxin type A injection is a safe and effective addition to improve scar appearance following cleft lip repair. There was improvement in appearance of the scar in terms of width, but no improvement was seen in the scar pigmentation. The scar outcome is independent of cleft lip classification.

Introduction The study was carried out to evaluate the safety of early division of the pedicled flaps and to identify the optimum day of division. Methods This prospective, parallel arm, open-label, noninferiority, randomized controlled trial was carried out from January 2019 to July 2020. All patients (age, ≥5 years) undergoing reconstructive procedures using pedicled flaps were randomized in 1:1 ratio to receive either early division or conventional division protocol. In the early-division group, the flap perfusion, if satisfactory on day 8 by clinical and thermographic methods, a clamp was applied on the pedicle. The clamp was gradually tightened to produce controlled delay, and perfusion assessment was repeated after complete tightening. If satisfactory, the flaps were divided. Primary endpoints were flap at 24 hours after division, day of division, and day of complete inset of the flap. Secondary end points included perfusion of the flap on day 8, morbidity parameters (wound infection/suture dehiscence, need for secondary surgery and donor site morbidity), quality of life, and function scores. Results Thirty-five patients were included in each group. The 2 groups were similar in terms of various demographic, clinicopathological variables, defect and flap characteristics. The flap survival rate was similar (P = 0.31) between the early (34/35) and standard (35/35) division groups. The early-division group had a significantly early mean day of flap division (mean difference of 12.74 days; P < 0.00001) and complete flap inset (mean difference of 12.09 days; P < 0.00001). All flaps had satisfactory perfusion on day 8. The wound infection rate was 1.33 times significantly higher in the conventional group (P = 0.033). There was a higher incidence of donor site morbidity (9% vs 0%) in the conventional group when compared with the early division group. The quality of life and function scores at 3 weeks (mean difference 2.37; P < 0.001) and 6 weeks (mean difference 3.76; P < 0.001) and adjacent joint stiffness were significantly higher in the early division group when compared with conventional group. Conclusions The pedicled flaps can be divided significantly early at an average duration of 10 to 11 days after flap inset with increased patient satisfaction rate and with a reduced postoperative morbidity. The authors have included a diversity of pedicled flaps used in different anatomic locations. By using stratified block randomization, we could ensure that the distribution was similar between the 2 groups, thus minimizing the heterogeneity in the analysis. This could also potentially indicate the usefulness of the controlled delay technique, irrespective of the anatomic location and type of the flap.

Introduction This study evaluates the clinical presentation, tumor characteristics, and clinical outcomes of surgically treated benign and malignant brachial plexus tumors (BPTs). Methods A prospective study of patients with BPTs from June 2015 to August 2020 was conducted. All patients underwent surgical resection with microneurolysis and intraoperative electrical stimulation to preserve the functioning nerve fascicles. Results Fourteen patients with 15 BPTs underwent surgical resection. Mean age was 37.8 ± 12.3 years; with male to female ratio 4:10. The clinical presentations were swelling (100%), pain (84.6%), and paresthesia (76.9%). The lesions involved roots (5/15), trunk (5/15), division (1/15), and cords (4/15). Thirteen patients had benign pathology (8 schwannomas, 3 neurofibromas, 2 lipomas) and two had malignant neurofibrosarcoma. Gross total resection was achieved in all cases except a dumbbell tumor. The mean follow-up period was 24 ± 5 months. Postoperatively, all patients reported improvement in pain and paresthesia with no new sensory deficit. All patients had developed initial motor weakness (Grades 2–4); however, full power (Grade 5) was recovered by 3 to 5 months. Conclusion Total resection can be achieved by appropriate microneural dissection and electrophysiologic monitoring and is potentially curative with preserving function.

The damage caused by gunshot injuries (GSI) is often unpredictable. In the civilian population, majority of the extremity injuries are due to handguns. GSI have a high risk of neurovascular injury, compartment syndrome, wound contamination, comminuted fractures with devitalized bony fragments, and extensive soft tissue damage. Neurovascular damage is the primary cause of mortality and morbidity in GSI involving extremities. These injuries require emergent surgical debridement and irrigation. Often, serial debridements are required before reconstruction. The lower leg has extremely less redundant soft tissue support. Thus, local options are very limited and distant tissue transfer is required for the reconstruction. Free composite anterolateral thigh flap is a versatile armamentarium for the reconstruction of through and through soft tissue defect of the distal leg. We report a case of GSI to the distal third of the leg which was treated successfully using debridement and free composite anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap transfer.

Loss of skin over the dorsum of foot is a common clinical entity. Infection, trauma, and vascular disease represent the most common etiological factors. Salvage of foot in these cases has a bearing upon the quality of life of the patient. The reconstruction process is often complex and varied as per exigencies. Reverse sural artery flap is an easy and reliable option for reconstruction of dorsum of foot defect. Reverse sural artery draws its vascularity from the communication of the peroneal artery and the median sural artery. The flow of the flap is from the distal to the proximal and represents an elegant option for dorsum of foot. We have described the peninsular variant of the reverse sural artery. The coverage of the defects of the dorsum of foot in trauma can be performed either immediately if the wound conditions are favorable or we may have to delay the procedure of definitive cover by a few days till the wound conditions improve by use of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) application. Split thickness graft, reverse sural artery flap, and free flaps provide safe and viable options for dorsum of foot defects. Reverse sural artery is reliable option in the armamentarium of the reconstructive surgeon. Gaba S, Sharma RK, John JR, et al. Reverse Sural Artery Flap for Dorsum of Foot Reconstruction. J Foot Ankle Surg (Asia Pacific) 2021;8(1):28–32.

Post traumatic complex defects of the forearm require multiple operations and prolonged rehabilitation. Segmental bony defects of the radius and ulna are occasionally seen as part of these complex wounds. There are a few options in bridging the skeletal defect. These include corticocancellous bone grafting, creation of a one bone forearm, and vascularised fibula. Vascularised bone grafting is superior in an ischemic and fibrosed area as it enhances local blood supply. The fibula is usually used to bridge the defect in one bone, i.e. the radius. A young male presented with an open comminuted fracture of radius and ulna following a crush injury to the left upper limb. The reconstruction was done in two stages—first a pedicled thoracoumbilical flap for soft tissue and in later stage a double-barrel free fibula flap for segmental bone loss. The above approach offered the best chance of skeletal healing in a complex defect. The patient was able to gain reasonably good upper extremity function with the described technique.