Satisfactory Cosmetic Results Research Articles

Snowflake Amniotic Membrane in Scalp Reconstruction for Pitbull Bite.

Amniotic membrane, derived from the innermost placenta, is widely employed in surgery to help regenerate soft tissue and promote re-epithelialization. The authors detail a case report of a 59-year-old female who presented with a large, full-thickness scalp avulsion injury (13 × 10cm) after being attacked by her pet pitbull. Innovative application of "snowflake" or fragmented amniotic membrane to her wound bed was used during both stages of scalp reconstruction: irrigation and debridement with Integra biological membrane placement and later split-thickness skin grafting. The patient had an uncomplicated recovery with a satisfactory cosmetic outcome. The authors believe that the "snowflake" application of amniotic membrane played an important role in forming healthy granulation tissue and optimizing the wound bed for definitive coverage. "Snowflake" amniotic membrane may help maximize its mechanical and biological benefits and holds promise to be an important adjunctive treatment for surgical wound healing.

Surgical treatment of a teenager with an extensive wound defect of soft tissues against the background of severe combined injury

Extensive posttraumatic wounds, affecting functionally active areas and complicated by a purulent–necrotic process, are a serious problem in the acute period of injury due to a critical condition and in reconstructive surgical treatment. This study presents the case of a 16-year-old victim of a transport accident on a ferry who underwent a surgical treatment. Due to a truck collision, the girl was crushed against the metal structure of the ship and received a severe combined injury: closed craniocerebral injury, moderate brain contusion, linear fracture of the occipital bone on the right, closed chest injury, fracture of 9–11 ribs on the right, closed abdominal injury, rupture of the right kidney, damage to the bladder, retroperitoneal hematoma on the right, closed spinal injury, fracture of the spinous processes of the L4–L5 vertebrae, open fractures of the pelvic bones, and extensive posttraumatic wounds of the right half of the pelvic girdle and hip joints. During the initial hospitalization, the following were performed within 2 days: laparotomy, nephrectomy of a crushed kidney on the right, suturing of the bladder, primary surgical treatment of the wound in the sacrogluteofemoral region on the right and the wound of the left thigh with their primary suturing, and external osteosynthesis of the pelvic bones with a rod-based external fixation device. The early postoperative period was complicated by necrosis of injured soft tissues and a new surgical infection (polyantibiotic-resistant strains of microorganisms), which led to an increase in the size of the wound defect and loss of soft tissues due to their purulent melting. Complex surgical treatment aimed at eliminating surgical infection and transferring the wound process to the regeneration phase included repeated surgical treatments and the use of modern dressings and negative pressure therapy. An extensive wound defect of soft tissues caused by and injury or surgical treatment for purulent–necrotic complication was found in the functionally active zone of the hip joint and in the sacral region, which required the restoration of the skin of these areas. A strategy for surgical repair of a soft tissue wound defect is presented. Nonfree (rotated) blood-supply flaps were used: fasciocutaneous muscle flap based on the musculus tensor fascia lata from the right thigh and gluteal fasciocutaneous flap from the left gluteal region. After multistage surgical treatment, it was possible to replace an extensive wound defect of soft tissues and restore full skin in the hip joint and sacrogluteal region, which enabled avoiding trophic disorders and joint contractures and ensured a satisfactory cosmetic and functional result during 5-year followup.

CURRENT APPROACHES TO MANAGING MICROTIA

Microtia, a developmental anomaly of the external ear resulting in a deformed auricle, affects 1 to 5 individuals per 10,000. Literature suggests a male predominance, with nearly 2.5 times more male patients affected than females. Additionally, there is a notable right-sided predilection, leading to pronounced asymmetry, observed in approximately 83% of cases. Surgical reconstruction is the primary treatment for microtia, albeit a technically demanding procedure with challenges in achieving optimal aesthetic outcomes. Reconstruction typically involves autologous costal cartilage, known for its effectiveness but requiring advanced surgical skills. Complications, including pneumothorax, postoperative pain, chest wall deformity, and pathological scarring, are common with this approach. In recent years, surgeons have increasingly adopted modern techniques utilizing porous high-density polyethylene implants for reconstruction. This approach is gaining popularity due to the challenges associated with achieving satisfactory cosmetic results using autologous costal cartilage reconstruction. Based on the bibliosemantic and analytical methods employed to analyze the literature, we posit that this topic necessitates further investigation and a multidisciplinary approach. The involvement of otolaryngologists and maxillofacial surgeons is imperative for the comprehensive treatment of this pathology.

Total lower eyelid reconstructions with septal chondromucosal graft and pedicled flap on the superficial temporal artery

BackgroundSubtotal and total lower eyelid tissue loss after tumour excision is a complex issue for reconstructive surgeons. The anterior and posterior flaps must be restored to avoid compromising the functional and aesthetic prognosis of the eye. This study used a septal chondromucosal graft for the posterior lamella and a fasciocutaneous flap pedicled on the temporal artery for the anterior lamella. MethodWe conducted a 10-year monocentric retrospective study, including 18 patients who were treated using a septal chondromucosal graft with a temporal artery pedicle flap following tumour excision. We collected demographic and medico-surgical data related to flap survival, absence of ectropion, lagophthalmos and other post-operative complications. The aesthetic outcome was judged using a grading scale during the last follow-up consultation. ResultsAll grafts and flaps survived, whereas 2 patients required early repeat surgery (1 for ectropion and 1 for graft site haematoma). None of the patients developed lagophthalmos. Two patients had distal flap injuries that healed with local care. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome at the last follow-up visit. ConclusionCombining a septal chondromucosal graft with a fasciocutaneous flap pedicled to the temporal artery for total lower eyelid reconstruction is a reliable method with satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes.

Simultaneous integrated boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy post breast-conserving surgery: clinical efficacy, adverse effects, and cosmetic outcomes in breast cancer patients

BackgroundSimultaneous integrated boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy (SIB-IMRT) is an innovative technique delivering a higher dose to the tumor bed while irradiating the entire breast. This study aims to assess the clinical outcomes, adverse effects, and cosmetic results of SIB-IMRT following breast-conserving surgery in breast cancer patients.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 308 patients with stage 0–III breast cancer who underwent breast-conserving surgery and SIB-IMRT from January 2016 to December 2020. The prescribed doses included 1.85 Gy/27 fractions to the whole breast and 2.22 Gy/27 fractions or 2.20 Gy/27 fractions to the tumor bed. Primary endpoints included overall survival (OS), local–regional control (LRC), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), acute and late toxicities, and cosmetic outcomes.ResultsThe median follow-up time was 36 months. The 3-year OS, LRC, and DMFS rates were 100%, 99.6%, and 99.2%, respectively. Five patients (1.8%) experienced local recurrence or distant metastasis, and one patient succumbed to distant metastasis. The most common acute toxicity was grade 1–2 skin reactions (91.6%). The most common late toxicity was grade 0–1 skin and subcutaneous tissue reactions (96.7%). Five patients (1.8%) developed grade 1–2 upper limb lymphedema, and three patients (1.1%) had grade 1 radiation pneumonitis. Among the 262 patients evaluated for cosmetic outcomes at least 2 years post-radiotherapy, 96.9% achieved excellent or good results, while 3.1% had fair or poor outcomes.ConclusionsSIB-IMRT after breast-conserving surgery in breast cancer patients demonstrated excellent clinical efficacy, mild acute and late toxicities, and satisfactory cosmetic outcomes in our study. SIB-IMRT appears to be a feasible and effective option for breast cancer patients suitable for breast-conserving surgery.

Laparoscopically harvested omental flap for immediate breast reconstruction: a retrospective single-center study of 300 cases

BackgroundThe laparoscopically harvested omental flap (LHOF) has been used in partial or total breast reconstruction, but most studies on LHOF were case reports or small case series. However, the clinical feasibility and oncological safety of LHOF in oncoplastic breast surgery remains controversial. This study reported our experience applying LHOF for immediate breast reconstruction.MethodsBetween June 2018 and March 2022, 300 patients underwent oncoplastic breast surgery using LHOF at our institution. Their clinicopathological data, complications, cosmetic outcomes, and oncologic outcomes were evaluated.ResultsAll patients underwent total breast reconstruction using LHOF after nipple-sparing mastectomy. The median operation time was 230 min (ranging from 155 to 375 min). The median operation time for harvesting the omental flap was 55 min (ranging from 40 to 105 min). The success rate of the laparoscopically harvested pedicled omental flap was over 99.0%. Median blood loss was 70 ml, ranging from 40 to 150 ml. The volume of the flap was insufficient in 102 patients (34.0%). The overall complication rate was 12.3%. Subcutaneous fluid in the breast area (7%) was the most common reconstruction-associated complication, but most cases were relieved spontaneously. The incidence rate of omental flap necrosis was 3.3%. LHOF-associated complications occurred in two cases, including one case of incisional hernia and one case of vascular injury. Cosmetic outcomes were satisfactory in 95.1% of patients on a four-point scale by three-panel assessment and 97.2% using the BCCT.core software. Two local and one systemic recurrence were observed during a median follow-up period of 32 months.ConclusionsThe LHOF for immediate breast reconstruction is a safe and feasible method that involves minimal donor-site morbidity, satisfactory cosmetic outcomes, and promising oncologic safety.

Evaluating Pedicled Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap Reconstructions for Oral Malignancy and the Influence of Laterally Based Rotational Advancement Flap on Donor Site Integrity and Nipple Position in Male Patients.

Oral cancer poses a significant health burden, particularly in the male population of India. This study focuses on evaluating the outcomes of 48 pedicled Pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap reconstructions in male patients with oral malignancy. Given the challenges associated with microvascular flap reconstructions, especially in advanced cancer cases, older patients, and resource-constrained settings, the PMMC flap still serves as a valuable alternative. The study introduces a novel approach by incorporating a laterally based rotational advancement flap (LBRA) to address donor site integrity and decrease the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) displacement. Traditionally, PMMC flap designs tend to cause inward shifting of the NAC during chest donor site closure, impacting the aesthetic outcome. Surgical techniques involved wide local resection, neck dissection, and PMMC flap reconstruction. The Flap design included a horizontal orientation with adjustments based on defect location. Additionally, a laterally based rotational flap from the chest aided in donor site closure. Results demonstrate the versatility and reliability of PMMC flap reconstructions, with no total flap necrosis or major complications observed in the 48 cases. The LBRA technique effectively mitigated NAC displacement. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the advantages of PMMC flap reconstructions and introducing a technique to optimize donor site closure and decrease the medial shifting of the nipple. The adaptability, reliable vascular supply, and simplified learning curve make the PMMC flap a preferred choice in resource-constrained settings with high patient demand. In conclusion, this research underscores the continued relevance and effectiveness of the PMMC flap in head and neck reconstruction, offering satisfactory cosmetic and functional results. The introduction of the LBRA technique adds a nuanced dimension to improve outcomes, particularly in male patients with oral malignancy.

Management of ossifying fibroma of the bone of the maxilla: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract Ossifying fibroma (OF) is a slow-growing benign fibro-osseous neoplasm. It is mostly odontogenic in origin, and it arises in the jaws, particularly the mandible. OF is characterized by the production of bone and cementum-like calcifications in a fibrous stroma. OF reports of the bone of the maxilla are uncommon. Diagnosing OF can be challenging due to the considerable overlap of clinico-pathological characteristics with those of other neoplasms. Herein, the authors describe a case report OF in a 26-year-old male who presented with a huge fibro-osseous tumor of the maxilla. Histopathology established the diagnosis of maxillary OF. The tumor was surgically removed via a Weber–erguson approach with satisfactory functional and cosmetic results. No recurrence has been found after one year of follow-up. Clinical, radiological, and pathological characteristics, as well as surgical treatment approaches, are further discussed. This is one of a few documented cases of maxillary OF in our setting.

Complications Following Tissue Expander-Based Reconstruction in Pediatric Burn Injuries: A Retrospective Analysis.

Tissue expansion has been widely used to reconstruct soft tissue defects following burn injuries in pediatric patients, allowing for satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes. Factors impacting the success of tissue expander (TE)-based reconstruction in these patients are poorly understood. Herein, we aim to determine the risk factors for postoperative complications following TE-based reconstruction in pediatric burn patients. A retrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent TE placement for burn reconstruction from 2006 to 2019 was performed. Primary outcomes were major complications (TE explantation, extrusion, replacement, flap necrosis, unplanned reoperation, readmission) and wound complications (surgical site infection and wound dehiscence). Descriptive statistics were calculated. The association between primary outcomes, patient demographics, burn characteristics, and TE characteristics was assessed using the chi-squared, Fisher's exact, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Of 28 patients included in the study, the median [interquartile range (IQR)] age was 6.5 (3.3-11.8) years, with a follow-up of 12 (7-32) months. The majority were males [n = 20 (71%)], Black patients [n = 11 (39%)], and experienced burns due to flames [n = 78 (29%)]. Eleven (39%) patients experienced major complications, most commonly TE premature explantation [n = 6 (21%)]. Patients who experienced major complications, compared to those who did not, had a significantly greater median (IQR) % total body surface area (TBSA) [38 (27-52), 10 (5-19), P = 0.002] and number of TEs inserted [2 (2-3), 1 (1-2), P = 0.01]. Ten (36%) patients experienced wound complications, most commonly surgical site infection following TE placement [n = 6 (21%)]. Patients who experienced wound complications, compared to those who did not, had a significantly greater median (IQR) %TBSA [35 (18-45), 19 (13-24), P = 0.02]. Pediatric burn injuries involving greater than 30% TBSA and necessitating an increasing number of TEs were associated with worse postoperative complications following TE-based reconstruction.

Minimally invasive techniques for surgical treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease

Sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease (SPD) is a common disease that affects mainly young men and leads to a decrease in their quality of life and a long‑term loss of working capacity. According to the available statistical data, the disease prevalence in Europe and North America ranges from 26 to 40 cases per 100,000 people.
 Objective — to determine the effectiveness of minimally invasive techniques for surgical treatment of chronic and recurrent forms of SPD.
 Materials and methods. The study included 23 patients with SPD. It was clinical prospective, with a follow‑up period of 18 months. The evaluation criteria were defined as recurrences, the frequency of postoperative complications, the severity of the pain syndrome, the patient’s self‑assessment of the cosmetic effect, the duration of hospitalisation, and the duration of surgery.
 The results. The recurrence rate during the 18 months of observation was 39.1%. The overall frequency of postoperative complications was 21.7%. The median duration of surgery was 20 (CI 95% 15—25) minutes, and the median duration of hospitalisation was 2 (CI 95% 1—3) days. The median score of the pain syndrome according to the modified visual analogue scale was 5 (CI 95% 4—5) points on the 0th postoperative day, 3 (CI 95% 3—4) points on the third postoperative day, and 2 (CI 95% 2—2) points on the fifth postoperative day. The cosmetic effect of surgical intervention was rated as rather dissatisfied (17.4%), rather satisfied (52.2%), and completely satisfied (30.4%).
 Conclusions. Minimally invasive techniques are effective for the surgical treatment of chronic and recurrent forms of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease, reducing both the inpatient period and the surgery duration. Minimally invasive surgical treatment for chronic and recurrent forms of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease has been observed to cause a moderate pain syndrome in the early postoperative period while contributing to satisfactory cosmetic results in the remote period. The surgical treatment of chronic and recurrent forms of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease with minimally invasive techniques has been found to result in a relatively high recurrence rate (39.1% over 18 months of follow‑up).

Technical refinements of the scapular tip-free flap for mandibular reconstruction.

The use of scapular tip chimeric free flaps (STFFs) for reconstructing mandibular defects has recently become popular, but its utility relative to other bone-containing free flaps remains debatable. The aim of the report is to describe how technical modification of STFF impacted in its use for mandibular reconstruction also commenting results obtained in a unicentric series of patients. Patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction using an STFF from January 1, 2014 to June 1, 2022 were retrospectively enrolled in this report. We collected data on chimeric flap type, bone management, vascular pedicles, and the final outcomes. In total, 31 patients (13 men and 18 women) with a mean age of 68 years were enrolled. According to the classification system of Urken, 15 patients had body defects, while 7 had ramus defects, another 7 had symphysis defects, and 2 had both ramus and bodily defects. STFF was always harvested working in two equips simultaneously, in supine position. Dissection included preparation of chimeric components of the flap as latissimus dorsi, serratus and scapular tip. After pedicle dissection scapular bone was cut basing on reconstructive needing with a rectangular (stick) shape including the border of the scapula. In cases of longer bone harvesting, circumflex pedicle was also included to perfuse the upper portion of the scapular border. In five cases, the STFF was harvested with only the scapular angle component, and was thus a composite osteomuscular flap; for the remaining 26 cases, a chimeric STFF was used. Circumflex pedicle was included for eight patients. Six of the seven patients with symphyseal defects underwent a single osteotomy. The average length of the harvested was 69.92 mm (maximum length = 104 mm). The average height of transplanted bone was 26.78 mm (maximum height = 44.2 mm). Mouth-opening was normal in 25 patients, limited in 6 patients, and severely impaired in no patients. The cosmetic results were rated as excellent by 20 patients, good by 8 patients, and poor by 3 patients. The STFF is an excellent option for mandibular reconstruction when other flaps are not available and for patients in poor general condition. Technical innovations here presented made possible to harvest long bone segments with accurate shape thanks to osteotomies if needed and with adequate soft tissues components of the chimeric flap, ensuring satisfactory functional and cosmetic results.

Customised pre-operative cranioplasty to achieve maximal surgical resection of tumours with osseous involvement-a case series.

Surgical resection with bony margins would be the treatment of choice for tumours with osseous involvement such as meningiomas and metastasis. By developing and designing pre-operative customised 3D modelled implants, the patient can undergo resection of meningioma and repair of bone defect in the same operation. We present a generalisable method for designing pre-operative cranioplasty in patients to repair the bone defect after the resection of tumours. We included six patients who presented with a tumour that was associated with overlying bone involvement. They underwent placement of customised cranioplasty in the same setting. A customised implant using a pre-operative imaging was designed with a 2-cm margin to allow for any intra-operative requirements for extending the craniectomy. Six patients were evaluated in this case series. Four patients had meningiomas, 1 patient had metastatic breast cancer on final histology, and 1 patient was found to have an intra-osseous arteriovenous malformation. Craniectomy based on margins provided by a cutting guide was fashioned. After tumour removal and haemostasis, the cranioplasty was then placed. All patients recovered well post-operatively with satisfactory cosmetic results. No wound infection was reported in our series. Our series demonstrate the feasibility of utilising pre-designed cranioplasty for meningiomas and other tumours with osseous involvement. Following strict infection protocols, minimal intra-operative handling/modification of the implant, and close follow-up has resulted in good cosmetic outcomes with no implant-related infections.

Retrospective Comparative Study between Duplay and Koff Methods in Repair of Distal Hypospadias.

Hypospadias repair is a complicated surgery even in the best of hands. To date, there is a lack of consensus on which surgical technique offers more favourable post-operative outcomes. The present work was undertaken to evaluate and compare the outcomes and complications rates of two single-stage techniques widely used to repair primary anterior hypospadias, namely Thiersch-Duplay Tubularized Plate Urethroplasty and Koff Urethral Mobilisation and Advancement. Data from the medical records of 120 patients operated on for primary anterior hypospadias were retrospectively analysed and compared. The patients were divided into two groups: 60 patients underwent Thiersch-Duplay procedure (Group A) and 60 patients underwent Koff procedure (Group B). They were compared using the Chi-squared or Fisher's exact test to assess the relationship between the adopted surgical technique and the complications' development with a P < 0.05. Neither intraoperative complications nor acute post-operative complications occurred, whereas 28.3% (n = 34/120) cases have exhibited at least one late post-operative surgical complication, including 38.3% (n = 23/60) in Group A and 18.3% (n = 11/60) in Group B, revealing a better outcome of the Koff procedure despite the statistical insignificance (P = 0.102). We did not objectify any other complication besides meatal stenosis (MS), urethro-cutaneous fistula (UCF) and wound dehiscence. Overall, our study could not demonstrate the superiority of one technique above another. At the same time, it established the versatility, satisfactory cosmetic and functional results, low MS and UCF rates of Koff urethral mobilization and advancement technique in primary anterior hypospadias repair.

Feasibility and early cosmetic outcome of modified lateral intercostal artery perforator flap after breast conservative surgery

BackgroundThe lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap aims at replacing the excised breast lump with axillary tissue rich blood supply. The purpose of this study is to report the initial results of a modification LICAP flap technique in terms of intraoperative technical feasibility and short-term cosmetic outcomes in the early postoperative period.MethodsModified LICAP flap technique was performed on 36 female patients with pathologically proven BC located in the outer half of the breast in the period from June 1, 2021, to April 30, 2022.ResultsThe LICAP flap modification enabled performing the procedure with the patient in supine position without repositioning. The majority of the patients (90%) had satisfactory early cosmetic results as reported by the patients and oncoplastic independent surgeon.ConclusionModified LICAP flap reconstruction is feasible to be performed with the patient in supine position without repositioning and it has satisfactory early cosmetic outcomes.

Amniotic membrane dressings for treatment of aplasia cutis in newborns.

Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a rare congenital skin defect characterized by a focal or extensive absence of the epidermis, dermis, and occasionally, subcutaneous tissue. When the wound caused by this defect is wide or deep, various treatments are used, including skin grafting. The amniotic membrane (AM) is a biological dressing that facilitates re-epithelialization as it contains mesenchymal cells and numerous growth factors. To report the efficacy of AM dressings in treating the skin defects of ACC. This study was conducted on five neonates diagnosed with ACC born between 2018 and 2022, referred to the Children's Medical Center in Tehran, Iran. AM dressings were applied on wounds larger than 1 cm2. The wounds were assessed weekly and, if required, an additional AM dressing was applied. The skin defects gradually re-epithelialized after application of the AM. The complete healing process took around 3.5 weeks on average. No hypertrophic scarring was observed. The application of AM dressing resulted in satisfactory cosmetic outcomes, with no hypertrophic scar formation. Complete healing occurred in all cases except one. The length of the hospital stay ranged from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the size of the wound.

Comparison of elastic stable intramedullary nailing versus Kirschner wires in treatment of pediatric radial neck fractures.

The aim of the study was to compare the different internal fixations between elastic stable intramedullary nailing and Kirschner wires in treatment of angulated radial neck fractures. We retrospectively reviewed the patients with radial neck fracture without associated injuries who underwent surgery approach in our department during April 2011-March 2020. There were 62 patients meeting all the criteria with complete clinical data, with median age of 7.5 (IQR 5.8-9.5) years, 34 males and 28 females. The preoperative fracture pattern was assessed according to the Judet classification system. Depending on the materials implanted and fixation strategy, the patients could be divided into a Kirschner wire group and an elastic stable intramedullary nailing group. Final functional outcomes of patients were assessed by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score and Tibone-Stoltz functional evaluation classification. The Kirschner wire group included 37 patients, with 4.8 years median follow-up. The elastic stable intramedullary nailing group included 25 patients with 5.9 years median follow-up. There were no significant differences in gender, age, Judet classification, average operative time, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, Tibone-Stoltz classification, or length of hospital stay between groups. However, the time to union in the Kirschner wire group was significantly shorter than that in the elastic stable intramedullary nailing group (p < 0.05). Both groups achieved satisfactory functional and cosmetic results. In the management of pediatric radial neck fractures, both elastic stable intramedullary nailing and Kirschner wire internal fixation have shown equivalent therapeutic results, leading to satisfactory functional outcomes. The selection of the internal fixation approach can be influenced by the patient's fracture characteristics and the surgeon's preferences. Level III; Retrospective Comparison; Treatment Study.

Use of Validated Questionnaires to Predict Cosmetic Outcomes of Hypospadias Repair.

Hypospadias is a syndrome of penile maldevelopment. The primary goal of hypospadias surgery is to create a penis with normal appearance and function. Historically, the outcome of hypospadias repair has been assessed based on the need for reoperation due to urethroplasty complications (UC), including fistula formation, dehiscence, meatal stenosis, or development of a urethral stricture. The Glans-Urethral Meatus-Shaft (GMS) score is a standardized tool to predict UC. Analysis of the cosmetic outcomes of hypospadias repair based on the appearance of the reconstructed penis has been validated, and standardized scores have been published. The Hypospadias Objective Penile Evaluation (HOPE) score is a validated questionnaire used to assess postoperative cosmetic outcomes. Although predictors of surgical outcomes and UC have been well documented, predictors of optimal cosmetic outcomes are lacking in the literature. Furthermore, reoperation due to cosmetic considerations has been poorly reported. To identify predictors of cosmetic outcomes after hypospadias repair and to assess the reoperation rate according to cosmetic considerations. This prospective cohort study included 126 boys who underwent primary hypospadias repair. The severity of hypospadias, degree of penile curvature, glans width, preoperative HOPE, and GMS scores were documented. The standard technique for single-stage repairs, the tubularized incised plate urethroplasty, was performed. The primary endpoint was cosmetic outcomes evaluated by the HOPE score questionnaire six months postoperatively. Optimal cosmetic results were defined by HOPE scores ≥ 57. The study population consisted of the following cases: 87 (69%) subcoronal, 32 (25%) shaft, and 7 (6%) proximal hypospadias. Among the study participants, 102 boys (81%) had optimal cosmetic results (HOPE ≥ 57), and 24 boys (19%) had surgeries with suboptimal cosmetic outcomes (HOPE < 57). Ancillary procedures were performed in 21 boys (16%), of which 14 (11%) were solely for cosmetic considerations, and 7 were secondary to UC. Using the Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis of potential predictors of optimal cosmetic outcomes, the preoperative HOPE score had the highest area under the curve (AUC = 0.79; 95% CI 0.69-0.89, p < 0.001). After multivariable analysis, the degree of penile chordee (p = 0.013), glans width (p = 0.003), GMS score (p = 0.007), and preoperative HOPE score (p = 0.002) were significant predictors of cosmetic outcomes. Although meatal location predicted suboptimal cosmetic results in univariate analysis, it was not a factor in multivariable analysis. Over 80% of boys undergoing hypospadias repair achieved optimal cosmetic outcomes. More than 10% of cases underwent ancillary procedures, secondary solely to cosmetic considerations. Predictors of optimal cosmetic outcomes after hypospadias surgery included degree of chordee, glans width, and preoperative HOPE and GMS scores, which were the best predictors of satisfactory cosmetic results. Although meatal location is the main predictor of UC, it was not a predictor for cosmetic outcomes. Factors affecting cosmetic outcomes should be clearly explained to parents during the preoperative consultation.

The Shunt Valve Recession Technique as a Neuroplastic Surgery Adjunct in Complex and High-Risk Shunt Revisions: Technical Note and Case Series.

Ventricular shunting is one of the most common procedures in neurosurgery. However, complications and revisions are frequent. Patients requiring multiple revisions often suffer secondary issues with scalp healing over hardware. Many common ventricular shunt valves have an obligate thickness that creates a visible protrusion and can potentially cause local tissue ischemia and breakdown in the setting of repeated surgery. The authors present a simple technique for recessing the shunt valve into the underlying bone to alleviate protrusion in high-risk cases. Three example cases utilizing this technique are presented. The skull directly underlying the planned valve site is uniformly recessed with a cutting burr several millimeters as desired while maintaining the inner cortical bone layer. The valve is fixed with standard cranial plating hardware. Three patients are reported who underwent shunt valve recession as an adjunct to their shunt revision with neuroplastic surgery assistance. All patients had undergone multiple prior surgeries that had resulted in thin and high-risk fragile scalp. In 1 patient, the prior valve was eroding through the scalp before the described revision. All patients had satisfactory cosmetic outcomes, and there were no revisions in the 2-month follow-up period. Complex and high-risk ventricular shunt patients should be considered for shunt valve recession into the bone to reduce wound-related complications and enhance healing. This is a technically simple, safe, and effective technique to include as a neuroplastic adjunct.

A Novel Surgical Technique in Feminizing Genital Reconstruction: A Prospective Cohort Case Series

Background: Disorders of Sexual Development (DSD) encompass congenital conditions with inconsistencies between sex chromosomes, gonads, and sexual anatomy. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of a genitoplasty technique in DSD patients, focusing on functionality and cosmetics. Methods: A prospective cohort case series was conducted at a university hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Ten DSD patients underwent genitoplasty procedures with excision of urogenital membrane and use of local flap of labia minora for reconstruction. Data, including demographic information, operative findings, immediate and delayed postoperative information, were collected. Results: The single-stage genitoplasty technique demonstrated improved delayed cosmetic outcomes. Patients undergoing single-stage genitoplasty with excision of urogenital membrane and use of local flap of labia minora for reconstruction. This approach yielded superior long-term aesthetic outcomes, eliminating the need for additional surgeries. Conclusion: The new novel technique showed delayed satisfactory cosmetic outcomes compared to the previous one. Additionally, the new technique significantly reduced the need for subsequent interventions, such as second genitoplasty. These findings support the potential benefits of the new novel technique in improving long-term outcomes for individuals with DSD.

Reconstruction of Vagina with Bilateral Pudendal Thigh Flap: A Solution for Atresia/ Agenesis of Vagina

Reconstruction of vagina is a technically challenging surgery. The aim is to create a functionally and aesthetically satisfactory neovagina in a way that will be reliable and suitable for most atients. Use of bilateral udendal thigh fla to create a neovagina may overthrow the conventional methods as there is no necessity for osto erative dilation or vaginal intercourse to maintain adequate vaginal length and diameter. Vaginal reconstruction was done with bilateral udendal thigh fla s, in seven atients with vaginal agenesis, during 2 years, from July 2021 to June 2023. This method of vagino lasty is sim le, safe, and reliable and has shown satisfactory functional and cosmetic results. The reconstructed vagina has a natural angle and is sensate in its lower art. No osto erative stenting or dilatation is required. The donor site can be closed rimarily and the scar is well hidden in the groin crease. TAJ 2023; 36: No-2: 11-16