Biomedical subjects

Goetz A Giessler

Publications and source records attributed to Goetz A Giessler.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Functional total and subtotal heel reconstruction with free composite osteofasciocutaneous groin flaps of the deep circumflex iliac vessels.

Functional and esthetic reconstruction of the bony and tendinous structures with a stable, sensate soft tissue integument after complex posttraumatic defects of the heel is demanding. Cases are rare in the literature and hardly comparable due to their heterogeneity. The reconstructive approach has to consider both patient profile and the reconstructive tree, with free microvascular flaps playing a primary role. The goals are the reconstruction of both osteotendinous structures and slender soft tissue lining for proper shoe fitting for ambulation and mechanical and thermal protection. The flap should be sensate in weightbearing areas to optimize gait and to prevent long-term complications by ulcers. The osteofasciocutaneous deep inferior circumflex artery (DCIA) flap is especially suitable for complex heel defects with subtotal or total loss of the calcaneal bone as all components (iliac bone, groin skin, and fascia lata) can have a wide range of size and shape. We operated on 2 cases with this variable composite flap. One patient had a complete heel defect by war shrapnel. The complete calcaneus, soft heel, and Achilles tendon were reconstructed. The second patient had an empty os calcis after a comminuted fracture and a lateral crush-induced soft tissue defect. In both patients, a stable wound closure, osseous integration, and weightbearing ambulation could be achieved.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Microsurgical reconstruction of noma-related facial defects with folded free flaps: an overview of 31 cases.

Noma is primarily affecting children in underprivileged countries and results in disfiguring facial defects, loss of mandibular movement, and subsequent social disintegration. Plastic surgery in West Africa traditionally uses pedicled flaps. In large, complex, or central facial defects, though, pedicled flaps are apt to be too small or have a significant donor site morbidity. Since 1999, we have been using free microvascular flaps in Nigeria. In 5 Interplast missions, 31 patients (age 5-45 years, median 20 years, female to male ratio 18:13) underwent 31 free flap procedures in Nigeria, 27 of them for primary treatment. The operative time ranged from 3.75-8.75 hours (mean 5.5 hours). An external distractor/fixator to maintain mouth opening was mounted in 13 cases. All anastomoses were done with loupe magnification. Three flaps failed completely, 1 partly, and 4 patients showed minor wound infections. No donor-site complications occurred. Free flaps can be a suitable and safe closure for complex noma defects even in underprivileged circumstances, if patient profile and own microsurgical routine allows it. Patient disfigurement can be less than in pedicled flaps regarding the donor sites.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Free flap transfer for closure and interposition-arthroplasty in noma defects of the lateral face associated with bony ankylosis.

Noma defects of the anterolateral face are often associated with fibrous or bony ankylosis fusing the mandibula to the skull base. According to the extent of the ankylosis, the temporomandibular joint mobility can be restricted or even completely frozen. In third world conditions the surgical approach to severe forms of bony ankylosis consists of a single linear opening osteotomy (trismus release) and the closure of the noma defect with locoregional flaps. Relapse of jaw immobility is common and may be caused by minor bone resection, the lack of adequate postoperative physiotherapy, or even the scarring of the defect coverage. In 4 years the authors have gained increasing experience with folded free flaps for simultaneous closure of outer and inner lining of large noma defects and the maintenance and training of re-established jaw function by the use of a dynamic external distractor fixed between the zygoma and the mandibular body. The authors report the bony reankylosis can be reduced by extended wedge osteotomies of the bony bridge and tip-like shaping of the ascending mandibular ramus. To preclude the reossification of the osteotomy site and fibrous scar formation, a dermofatty or muscular tail of the free flap is interposed into the bone gap. Two cases were treated according to this concept with a free parascapular and a latissimus dorsi flap in combination with simultaneous arthroplasty. During a 6-month follow-up period, no signs of a recurrent reduction of mandibular movement were noted in either case.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Noma: experiences with a microvascular approach under West African conditions.

Noma (cancrum oris) is a serious ulcerating disease that generally begins in the gingival sulcus of children. One of the main areas of prevalence today is West Africa. If noma is survived, it results in disfiguring midfacial defects and intense scarring. Oral incompetence is often combined with trismus resulting from scar formation or bony fusion between the maxilla and the mandible. Reconstructive approaches with pedicled flaps from the head or shoulder area for closure of the outer defects have been prone to donor-site complications or have not properly addressed the trismus, leading to high recurrence rates. During three West African Interplast missions, a single-stage procedure was developed for reconstruction of the inner and outer linings of the oral, nasal, and paranasal cavities, with restoration of jaw function. The procedure consists of radical scar excision, placement of an external distractor for mouth opening, and primary closure of the defect with a folded free parascapular flap for full-thickness coverage. Twenty-three patients with various noma-related defects were treated with this procedure; two cases are described in detail. This combined treatment can be a safe successful procedure for patients with noma, especially those with severe soft-tissue destruction and profound trismus, even under demanding surgical conditions.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Soft tissue coverage in devastating hand injuries.

Plastic surgical therapy of mutilating hand injuries represents a multifaceted task to the hand surgeon, where considerations about indication, timing, and structure of the soft tissue coverage play a major role in reconstruction. The concept of early primary reconstruction (including emergency procedures) and fast rehabilitation not only demands thoughtful tissue preparation but also mastering of a bandwidth of plastic surgical techniques. Systematic algorithms based on the reconstructive ladder help in decision making in the complexity of soft tissue coverage but have to be adjusted to the individual case profile. General considerations and strategic planning are explained and illustrated by three clinical cases.

Adult↗