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Biomedical subjects

Mithat Akan

Publications and source records attributed to Mithat Akan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

"Open y" technique in vessel diameter discrepancy.

For the last 20 years, free tissue transfers have increasingly become the mainstay of plastic surgery. Size discrepancy between the vessels during tissue transfers are frequently encountered in clinical practice, and this may potentially be an important factor in the patency of anastomosis. In our clinic, we first studied a rat model and a fresh sheep cadaver to improve the diameter discrepancy in microvascular anastomosis with "open y" technique. At the end of our research, we progressed to success, and the open y technique was applied to nine patients in our clinic with a diameter discrepancy in microvascular anastomosis. After finding the bifurcation of vessels (artery, vein, or a vein graft) that are prepared for anastomosis, a distal cut of 2-3 mm was made for the anastomosis, which is considered to increase the diameter. Both legs of the resultant "y"-shaped vessel were united after inserting the microscissors from one leg and exiting from the other. Performing an end-to-end anastomosis between the vessels, we obtain an increase in the diameter. By using this method, we eliminated the diameter discrepancy in microvascular anastomosis in nine patients in our clinic. There was not any flap loss. To increase the usage of this technique, when we come across a problem of size discrepancy, it is important to use the open y technique, both to the recipient vessels, donor vessels, and to the vein grafts. Owing to its high prevalence and the ease of application, we are convinced that this is a suitable technique in appropriate cases.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Alar transposition flap for stenosis of the nostril.

We present a technique that has successfully corrected severe bilateral nasal stenosis. It comprised an alar transposition flap. After a year's follow up the patient was satisfied with the results. We recommend this technique for selective stenosis of the nostril.

Constriction, Pathologic↗

Combined reconstruction of complex defects of the chest wall.

Defects of the chest wall are often encountered, and good results can be obtained both cosmetically and functionally from their treatment. We treated 13 patients with full thickness chest wall defects. Follow up ranged from 12 days to 19 months. Three had had recurrent breast carcinoma, seven relapse after excision of a sarcoma, two had had lesions of the chest wall after irradiation, and one had a sternal fistula. Local skin, musculocutaneous and free latissimus dorsi and anterolateral thigh flaps were done to cover soft tissue. Fascia lata, polypropylene (Marlex) mesh, and Marlex mesh-methylmethacrylate sandwich prosthesis, were used to stabilise the skeleton in nine patients. Two of the patients died postoperatively, one early. The use of Marlex mesh-methylmethacrylate sandwich prostheses for the stabilisation of the skeleton and local musculocutaneous flaps for covering soft tissues after resection of three or more ribs is effective.

Adolescent↗

Composite anterolateral thigh-fascia lata flap: a good alternative to radial forearm-palmaris longus flap for total lower lip reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Major defects of the lower lip are challenging to the reconstructive surgeon. The major goals in treating total lower lip defects are reconstruction of the external skin and mucosal lining and maintenance of oral competence and sphincter function. The authors describe reconstruction of total lower lip and larger full-thickness defects including the cheek and commissure by means of a composite anterolateral thigh-fascia lata free flap. METHODS: The flap was harvested with 5-cm fascial extensions at the superior and inferior margins. The flap was folded over the fascia lata to restore the intraoral lining and cover the external skin defect. Fascia lata extensions were divided longitudinally into two fascial strips at both margins of the flap. Two strips were tunneled through the orbicularis muscle in the upper lip and sutured to each other and to the orbicularis muscle. The remaining two strips were anchored to the zygomatic bone periosteum by permanent sutures. This procedure was used in 11 patients. RESULTS: In all cases, disease was advanced squamosus cell carcinoma. The patients' ages ranged from 37 to 72 years. Nine patients had cancer of the lower lip and two patients had a buccal cancer involving the lip. The entire lower lip, bilateral modiolus, and part of the cheek were resected in all patients, and mandibulectomy was performed in three patients. Flap survival was 100 percent. One patient died 10 days after the operation because of cardiopulmonary arrest. At the end of the 1-year follow-up period, all patients had good oral continence at rest and had achieved sufficient oral competence when eating. Eight patients were able to resume a regular diet and two patients could eat a soft diet. CONCLUSIONS: This flap is a good choice for reconstruction of the extensive head and neck defects. We think that anterolateral thigh-fascia lata composite flap has maximum reconstructive capacity and minimal donor-site morbidity. This flap has many advantages over the radial forearm flap and should replace to the composite radial forearm palmaris longus tendon flap when total lower lip reconstruction is concerned.

Adult↗

Toe-to-hand transfer from a cross-foot replantation in a traumatic four-extremity amputation.

Treatment of mutilating hand injuries often requires multiple innovative procedures. This report describes a case of multi-limbed amputations from a train injury and the extraordinary microsurgical approaches for a two-hand reconstruction. The first stage of the procedure was a cross replantation of the left foot to the right leg. The second stage was a combined second and third toe transfer from the cross replantation of the left foot to the right hand, and a sensate fibular osteocutaneous flap transfer for left hand reconstruction. Satisfactory function was restored, including good protective sensation. These kinds of extraordinary microsurgical approaches are useful salvage procedures for hand reconstruction, when presented with a case of multi-limb amputation.

Adolescent↗

Effects of clopidogrel and high dose aspirin on survival of skin flaps in rats.

Clopidogrel is a new antiplatelet agent with a different mechanism of action from aspirin. It is thienopyridine derivative that is chemically related to ticlopidine, which irreversibly inhibits platelet aggregation by selectively binding to adenylate-cyclase-coupled adenosine diphosphate receptors on the platelet's surface. Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent that acetylates cyclo-oxygenase and decreases the products of arachidonic acid metabolism, including thromboxane and prostacyclin. Necrosis of a flap is still an important complication in reconstructive surgery. To investigate the effects of clopidogrel or high dose aspirin on the survival of skin flaps, 30 rats were divided into three groups of 10 animals each: a control group, a clopidogrel group, and a high-dose aspirin group. No pharmacological agents were used in the control group. Of the two treated groups, the first was given clopidogrel 50 mg/kg/day and the second aspirin 200 mg/kg/day for three days before the operation. After seven days the viable areas of each flap were evaluated and the mean (SD) percentage in the control group was 47 (6), in the clopidogrel group 63 (4), and in the aspirin group 65 (5). Although the mean area of flaps that survived in the aspirin group was slightly higher than in the clopidogrel group, the difference was not significant (p = 0.54).

Animals↗

[Screw-wire combination technique in the reconstruction of anterior mandible fractures].

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the mandible are among frequently seen facial injuries and their reconstruction requires unique procedures. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy of screw-wire combination osteosynthesis technique in the treatment of simple and displaced, symphisis and parasymphisis mandible fractures. METHODS: In our clinic 9 simple and displaced, symphysis and parasymphysis fractures of mandible were treated with screw-wire combination osteosynthesis technique. By intraoral approach 4 screws were applied to both sides of the fracture site 5 mm away from either side placed at superior (n = 2) and inferior (n = 2) localizations. Lower and upper wires were placed bicortically, and unicortically respectively . In order to surround them with wire, the screws were not fully tightened. After surrounding the screws, the wires were tightened in a manner that would properly face the fracture sites mutually. Intermaxillary fixation was applied for 7 to 10 days in all patients. RESULTS: During follow up period we did not encounter infection, malunion, nonunion, delayed union and patient discomfort necessitating extirpation of the materials fixed. CONCLUSION: We think that screw-wire combination technique is an easy and effective method with low cost and fast healing especially in reconstruction of anterior mandible fractures.

Bone Screws↗

Can indications for lower limb replantation and revascularization be expanded with simultaneous free-flap transfer for limb salvage?

High-energy trauma from road accidents and work-related injuries is the most common cause of lower-limb traumatic amputations. Many of these cases require extensive debridement and substantial bone shortening for primary closure because of crushing and/or avulsion of the involved parts. Since 1998, the authors have replanted or revascularized five lower limbs in five patients. Free tissue transfers have been used to cover soft-tissue defects during replantation and revascularization in all patients. The numbers and kinds of free flaps include one latissimus dorsi muscle, two transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM), and two anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flaps. Survival of the replanted and revascularized limbs and transferred flaps was obtained in four patients. Below-knee amputation was performed because of flap necrosis and extensive infection in one patient. Simultaneous free-tissue transfers may be used simultaneously with lower limb replantation or revascularization to obtain functional extremities in appropriately selected patients. The indications for lower limb salvage may be enhanced and successful results may be obtained in one stage, with low complication rates and shorter hospital stays. The authors report their experience with simultaneous free tissue transfers and lower limb replantation or revascularization.

Adolescent↗

Increasing vessel diameter with the open Y technique for diameter discrepancy.

Free tissue transfers have increasingly become the mainstay of plastic surgery for the last two decades. Size discrepancy between the vessels in microsurgery is frequently encountered in clinical practice and may potentially be an important factor in the patency of the anastomosis. A rat model has been devised to improve the diameter discrepancy in microvascular anastomosis. Twenty Wistar rats have been used for this purpose. The external jugular vein was cut 1 mm distally from the bifurcation of the anterior and posterior facial veins. Both legs of the resultant Y-shaped vessel were united after inserting microscissors from one leg and exiting from the other. Performing an end-to-end anastomosis between the vein, which acquired an increased diameter as a result of this procedure, and the carotid artery prepared in the neck, helped to create an arteriovenous shunt. Patency was assessed in the operated rats 2 weeks later. In order to achieve a better understanding of the advantages of this technique, another study was carried out. In this subsequent study, specimens were collected from fresh sheep cadavers, including the brachiocephalic trunk, right common carotid, and right subclavian arteries. Different specimens were compared from each of the vessels and also from each of the subclavian and carotid arteries after they were joined together with the open Y technique and increased diameters of the vessels are obtained. As a result, the authors demonstrated that size discrepancy between the vessels was decreased, patency with a percentage of 94.1 was obtained, and when specimens from the fresh cadavers were evaluated, a reasonable gain was achieved. (p < 0.0001).

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Prefabrication of bone by vascular induction: an experimental study in rabbits.

The various methods of prefabricating flaps include vascular induction through staged transfer; pretransfer delay, expansion, and grafting; the use of alloplastic materials; and tissue bioengineering. In this experimental study, vascular induction was used to provide an axial vascular pedicle to randomly nourished tissue. Twenty-six New Zealand rabbits, ages and weights ranging between 6 months-1 year and 1.5-3.5 kg, respectively, were used. The sex difference was not considered. The deep inferior epigastric artery and vein were used to carry blood and were placed into a segment of femur to prefabricate the bone. Four weeks later, the viability of the segment of bone prefabricated by new axial pedicle was shown by scintigraphic study, and the new axial pedicle was ready for free transfer.

Animals↗

Using silicone gel sheet for the treatment of facial telangiectasias with sclerotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Telangiectasias are superficial cutaneous vessels that are visible to human eye and are present as a dilated venule, capillary, or arteriole. They are a common cause of concern, especially when located in face. Sclerotherapy is among the treatment alternatives, but facial telangiectasias are less responsive than those located on the leg. OBJECTIVE: To show the effectiveness of silicone gel sheet in improving the results obtained by sclerotherapy in facial telangiectasias. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2003, 32 patients were treated with sclerotherapy and silicone gel sheet (group 1). Twenty-six patients were treated with sclerotherapy and cotton ball (group 2), and 30 patients were treated only sclerotherapy (group 3). Patients were evaluated for 12 weeks for the degree of improvement and side effects. All complications, side effects, and number of sessions were also recorded at each follow-up visit. The number of sessions is limited to six. After the final follow-up visit, the photographs taken of each treatment site at baseline and at final visit were reviewed in a double-blinded manner based on a 0 to 4 scale by two physicians. RESULTS: Fifty one of the 88 patients showed improvement totally. In the silicone sheet-sclerotherapy group, 22 of the 36 patients showed improvement. In the sclerotherapy-cotton ball group, 14 of the 26 patients showed improvement, and in the sclerotherapy-only group, 15 of the 30 patients showed improvement completely within the 12 weeks. The patients treated with sclerotherapy-silicone gel sheet (group 1) had more improvement than the other groups. CONCLUSION: Combining silicone gel sheeting to sclerotherapy increases the success rate in treating facial telangiectasias, especially facial subunits, which have bone support.

Adolescent↗

[Successful results with the use of a new reconstruction material for soft tissue defects of the lower extremity: neurocutaneous flaps].

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the use of distally based neurocutaneous flaps in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the lower extremity caused by trauma or other reasons. METHODS: Sixty-six patients (49 males, 17 females; mean age 42 years; range 16 to 75 years) underwent reconstruction of lower extremity soft tissue defects with the use of neurocutaneous flaps. The defects were in the external (n=11) and internal malleolus (n=10), Achilles tendon (n=6), heel (n=11), foot (n=7), distal (n=9) and middle (n=7) third of the anterior tibia, the mid-plantar region (n=3), and the popliteal region (n=2). Sural and saphenous neurocutaneous flaps were used in 34 and 32 patients, respectively. The mean flap area was 135 square centimetres (range 54 to 286). The mean follow-up period was 32 months (range 11 to 58 months). RESULTS: Of sixty-six patients treated with neurocutaneous flaps, complete survival was achieved in 57 flaps (86.4%). Partial necrosis was encountered in six patients (9%). Total flap loss occurred in three patients (4.6%) who had diabetes, hypertension, and electrical burns, respectively. The most common complication during the postoperative period was venous congestion seen in 14 patients (21%), the majority of whom had diabetes (n=5), hypertension (n=3), and electrical burns (n=3), predisposing them to microcirculation disorders. This complication was successfully managed by leech therapy in 78.6%. CONCLUSION: Neurocutaneous flaps offer maximum reconstruction capacity with minimum donor site morbidity, making them a successful alternative in the treatment of soft tissue defects of the lower extremity in recent years.

Adolescent↗

Anterolateral thigh flap in the treatment of postburn flexion contractures of the knee.

The use of the anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flap in the reconstruction of soft-tissue defects around the knee among burn patients is described. The anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flap was used for eight patients (all male; mean age, 45 years; age range, 32 to 60 years). Flexion contracture was observed for seven patients with unhealed wounds and one patient with a healed burn wound. The anterolateral thigh flap was used as a free flap for six patients and as a distally based island flap for two patients. The flaps ranged from 8 to 17 cm in width and from 12 to 30 cm in length. Seven flaps were based on a musculocutaneous perforator, and two of them were thinned before transfer to the defect. A true septocutaneous perforator was observed in only one case. The mean follow-up period was 12.5 months (range, 3 to 23 months). Only one flap exhibited distal superficial necrosis, which did not compromise the final result. All patients returned to ambulatory status in 15 to 22 days. Extensor splints were applied to prevent mobilization of the skin graft at the flap donor site for only 7 days. The anterolateral thigh flap has many advantages for the reconstruction of postburn flexion contracture of the knee, as follows: (1) very large thin flaps can be elevated, (2) the two-team approach is possible, (3) color and texture matches are good, (4) the donor-site scar can be easily hidden, and (5) the technique allows early mobilization and patients can return to normal daily activity in a short time. Free or distally based anterolateral thigh flaps are a good choice, both aesthetically and functionally, for the reconstruction of soft-tissue defects of the knee region.

Adult↗

Use of honey as an adjunct in the healing of split-thickness skin graft donor site.

BACKGROUND: Different techniques are being used in treatment of split-thickness skin graft donor sites; however, there is not a widely accepted method established for these partial-thickness wounds. It is well known that honey has been very effective in the treatment of various types of wounds, but there is not any information about the usage of honey as split-thickness skin graft donor site dressing in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of honey-impregnated gauzes, hydrocolloid dressings, and as a conventional dressing, saline-soaked gauzes for skin graft donor sites. METHODS: This is a nonrandomized, prospective, open-label (noncontrolled), side-by-side comparison trial of various options that are available for second-intention healing of donor site for split-thickness skin grafts. Eighty-eight patients who underwent skin grafting were observed using two different groups. In the first group, the donor site was divided into two equal halves, with each half being treated with honey-soaked gauzes and the other half with paraffin gauzes (group 1A), hydrocolloid dressings (group 1B), and saline-soaked gauzes (group 1C) alternatively. In the second group, two separate donor sites were formed, with one of them being treated with honey-impregnated gauzes (groups 2A-C) and the other one treated with either paraffin gauzes (group 2A), hydrocolloid dressings (group 2B), or saline-soaked gauzes (group 2C). The healing time, rate of infection, and sense of pain were evaluated. RESULTS. : In the treatment of split-thickness skin graft donor sites, honey-impregnated gauzes showed faster epithelization time and a low sense of pain than paraffin gauzes and saline-soaked gauzes. There was no significant difference between honey-impregnated gauzes and hydrocolloid dressings with regard to epithelization time and sense of pain. CONCLUSION: The use of honey-impregnated gauzes is effective, safe, and practical. Honey can be an alternative material for the split-thickness skin graft donor site treatment.

Adolescent↗

Immediate use of medicinal leeches to salvage venous congested reverse pedicled neurocutaneous flaps.

Reverse pedicled neurocutaneous flaps have recently become popular for reconstructing soft tissue defects of the lower extremity. Venous congestion is a relatively common problem in these flaps in diabetic patients and those with electric burns, and this may cause partial or complete loss if capillary perfusion is not re-established urgently. We describe our experience of 13 neurocutaneous flaps, of which five developed venous congestion and were treated successfully with leeches placed immediately.

Adult↗