The feasibility of measuring caffeine clearance from saliva (SCl) was assessed in ambulatory patients with liver disease and in a control group, and the results were compared with quantitative liver function tests. For this purpose, the subjects were given 280 mg caffeine p.o. in decaffeinated coffee powder between noon and 4 p.m., and caffeine concentrations were measured in saliva (using an enzyme immunoassay) before bedtime and upon arising. In the cirrhotics (n = 29), SCl was 0.58 +/- S.D. 0.45 ml per min X kg, thus being reduced to approximately one-third of drug-free, nonsmoking controls (1.53 +/- 0.46, n = 18); although patients with noncirrhotic liver disease showed intermediate values (0.95 +/- 0.47), their reduction in SCl was significant (p less than 0.001). SCl was correlated with indocyanine green fractional clearance, galactose elimination capacity and aminopyrine breath test; however, the closest relationship (Rs = 0.80) was observed with the aminopyrine breath test. It is suggested that the measurement of SCl represents a noninvasive and innocuous procedure for quantifying hepatic microsomal function, and is suitable for routine use. Since a.m. saliva concentrations of caffeine are highly correlated (Rs = -0.94) with SCl, further simplification of the test to a single-point measurement appears possible.

Ambulatory Care↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Proboscis lateralis: treatment of two atypical cases.

Proboscis lateralis (PL) is a rare congenital malformation of the nose. We describe two atypical cases of proboscis we treated to obtain symmetrical nostrils. We used the PL as a donor tissue. Due to the variable aspects of this malformation, achieving an aesthetical goal remains a surgical challenge.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Parotidectomy: a plastic approach.

Three disadvantages are frequent after parotidectomy: a scar affecting the neck, a deep hollow between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the mandible (the larger the resection is, the deeper is the hollow), and a sweat secretion. These disadvantages can be prevented or reduced by using four simple procedures: (1) using a facelift incision; (2) using a very simple and original "trick," by displacing outward the posterior belly of the digastric muscle; (3) using a flap with an upper pedicle taken from the sternocleidomastoid muscle; and (4) using a double free graft, taken from the superficial and deep temporal fascias. These two grafts lay down on the net constituted by the preceding flaps. They line the skin, thus blocking the wrong innervation.

Cicatrix↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Our technique of hetero-lateral facio-facial anastomosis by means of nerve autografting in the treatment of permanent peripheral facial paralysis].

The authors describe the technique used in 12 surgical cases of heterolateral facio-facial anastomosis by nerve autograft in the treatment of permanent peripheral facial paralyses. Their main contention is that section of 50 p. 100 of the neurones of the peripheral branches of the facial nerve on the unaffected side does not impair motricity to any extent and that it therefore is possible to anastomose the proximal portion of some healthy branches to the corresponding distal portion of the affected side by placing between them a graft from the external saphenous nerve. The principles for fascicular suture as defined by Seddon and later by Millesi are followed. The technique differs from that made popular by Smith and later by Smii inasmuch as: --the bilateral, hidden face-lift incision makes possible a final passive musculotegumentary suspension of the paralysed side immediately improving the patient's appearance while the nerve re-establishes itself; --retrograde interfascicular dissection on the paralysed side allows precious centimetres to be gained; --pinpointing of the nerve suture area is possible by the placing of a silicone-coated ring with a clip some distance away.

Facial Nerve↗

PubMedDate not supplied