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Biomedical subjects

Rod J Rohrich

Publications and source records attributed to Rod J Rohrich.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Management of posterior trunk defects.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Discuss nomenclature and anatomy associated with reconstruction of the back. 2. Perform preoperative assessment, decision making, and counseling of patients. 3. Describe current surgical planning, including careful analysis of the defect and appropriate selection of tissue to provide coverage while maximizing form and function. BACKGROUND: The plastic surgeon is called to reconstruct defects in the posterior truck that involve an extensive zone of injury. Simple solutions, such as wide undermining and primary closure, will not result in a stable closed wound. Successful closure of these wounds depends on preoperative evaluation of tissue needs and host defects, and selection of the most appropriate flap to close dead space and provide vascularized tissue to the wound bed. METHODS: The authors examined the literature regarding the available treatment options surrounding reconstruction of posterior back wounds. They review the important details surrounding the use of each flap and present select cases from their own experience regarding reconstruction of the back. RESULTS: : The posterior trunk benefits from multiple flaps that can be used in reconstruction of the back. The wound must be evaluated in terms of tissue requirements and host issues, such as infection or previous radiation. Most wounds can be closed in a single stage, after careful flap section based on the wound's needs and anatomic location, with minimal postoperative complications. Early and aggressive treatment of these wounds improves patient outcomes and can reduce the time spent in hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of the posterior trunk depends on careful analysis of the tissue defects, host issues, and application of functional anatomy. The majority of wounds can be reconstructed after thorough débridement with a vascularized muscle flap.

Back↗

Simplifying circumferential body contouring: the central body lift evolution.

BACKGROUND: Optimal central body contouring may be achieved with a combination of circumferential liposuction and excisional techniques for patients with diffuse lipodystrophy or generalized skin laxity or after massive weight loss. The central body lift has evolved to improve the contour of the trunk and proximal lower extremity in patients with skin redundancy and lipodystrophy. Liposuction is used as an adjunct to improve the results of excisional body contouring. The authors' goal is to review the literature and describe the evolution of their technique for the central body lift, which optimizes safety and contouring of the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks using a circumferential abdominoplasty and discontinuous circumferential liposuction. METHODS: The authors present a retrospective chart review of their series of 151 patients over a 12-year period that underwent the central body lift procedure. Patient selection, safety factors, key operative elements, and postoperative care are reviewed and discussed. RESULTS: There were three major complications (2.0 percent) (two deep vein thromboses and one pulmonary embolus) and 32 minor complications (21.1 percent). Surgical revision was required in eight patients (5.3 percent). Overall patient and physician satisfaction was high. CONCLUSIONS: The central body lift is an effective and safe body contouring technique for patients with diffuse lipodystrophy or generalized skin laxity or after massive weight loss. Adherence to safety guidelines is critical.

Abdomen↗

Defining vascular supply and territory of thinned perforator flaps: Part II. Superior gluteal artery perforator flap.

BACKGROUND: Superior gluteal artery perforator flaps are surgical options in breast and pressure sore reconstructions. Based on the recipient site, primary thinning of these flaps may be necessary for final optimal contour. As the thinning of a superior gluteal artery perforator flap should be based on the knowledge of perforator vascular territories to prevent vascular compromise, the authors performed an anatomical study to determine the number, location, and diameter of the perforators present in the superior gluteal artery perforator flap. Accompanying veins and acceptable locations for surgical incisions were also determined. METHODS: Fourteen superior gluteal artery perforator flaps were harvested from seven cadavers. Perforator flaps were thinned to 8 to 15 mm, except for a 2.5-cm radius around the dissected perforator. Vascular territory areas were quantified before and after thinning by photographic and radiographic methods, and respective vascular territory maps were constructed. Surgical incision "danger zones" of vertical and horizontal axes were determined at specific depths (relative to the skin surface) for each flap. Danger zone measurements were determined with an automatic three-dimensional vascular tree construction using computed tomographic images and several modeling algorithms. RESULTS: Mean perforator artery diameter and number at the fascia level were 0.91 +/- 0.07 mm and 2.86 +/- 0.77 (mean +/- SD), respectively. Perforator pedicles were located midway between the posterior superior iliac spine and the greater trochanter. After thinning, skin surface and whole flap vascular territories were reduced 80.9 percent (photographic) and 76.9 percent (radiographic), respectively, compared with unthinned vascular territory areas. From the skin at 4-, 6-, and 8-mm thicknesses, elliptical danger zones (two vertical segments and two horizontal segments) had overall vertical segment axis length ranges from the pedicles of 59 to 66 mm, 51 to 57 mm, and 49 to 51 mm, respectively. Horizontal axis segment length ranges were 61 to 76 mm, 61 to 66 mm, and 60 to 57 mm for 4-, 6-, and 8-mm skin thicknesses, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The superior gluteal artery perforator flap provides an excellent blood supply to adipose tissue but may be compromised when aggressively thinned. Surgeons may design and harvest partially thinned superior gluteal artery perforator flaps based on the anatomical vascular territory maps provided by this study.

Angiography↗

Mastopexy preferences: a survey of board-certified plastic surgeons.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this survey was to assess the current trends in mastopexy techniques and to compare satisfaction rates and complications associated with different techniques. METHODS: In September of 2002, a mastopexy survey was sent to 1500 members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery; 487 complete responses were received, for a response rate of 32.5 percent. Questions elicited categorical answers, and the data were evaluated using the chi-square test and the comparison of two proportions. RESULTS: The inverted-T incision technique is the most popular. Satisfaction was reported to be highest with the short scar periareolar inferior pedicle reduction (or SPAIR) and Hall-Findlay techniques. Physician satisfaction was lowest with the periareolar technique. The three most common complications for all techniques were suture spitting, excess scarring, and bottoming out. The periareolar group had a greater frequency of revision (p = 0.002). The inverted-T group had a greater frequency of bottoming out (p = 0.043). The short scar group had a greater frequency of asymmetry (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The traditional inverted-T technique is the most popular, but the newer short scar techniques have become more popular in the last 5 years. The inverted-T incision continues to be associated with bottoming out and excess scarring. The periareolar technique has the greatest need for revision and the lowest physician satisfaction, despite its application to a greater volume of mastopexies per year.

Adult↗

Reconstruction of acquired scalp defects: an algorithmic approach.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should: 1. Understand scalp anatomy, hair physiology, and skin viscoelastic properties as they relate to scalp reconstruction. 2. Understand the principles that allow for aesthetic reconstruction of scalp defects. 3. Understand the use of local tissue rearrangement for reconstruction of specific areas of the scalp. 4. Understand the use of tissue expansion and free tissue transfer for scalp reconstruction. BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of scalp defects is required for acute trauma, tumor extirpation, radiation necrosis, and the repair of traumatic alopecia or cosmetically displeasing scars. METHODS: The proper choice of a reconstructive technique is affected by several factors-the size and location of the defect, the presence or absence of periosteum, the quality of surrounding scalp tissue, the presence or absence of hair, location of the hairline, and patient comorbidities. Successful reconstruction of these defects requires a detailed knowledge of scalp anatomy, hair physiology, skin biomechanics, and the variety of possible local tissue rearrangements. In nearly total defects, local tissues may be inadequate and tissue expansion or free tissue transfer may be the only alternatives. RESULTS: Plastic surgeons are now able to obtain coverage over the calvaria after the most devastating of defects; however, the challenge to the reconstructive surgeon today is to do so with excellent cosmetic results. Cosmetic scalp reconstruction requires restoration and preservation of normal hair patterns and hair lines. CONCLUSIONS: Successful reconstruction of the scalp requires careful preoperative planning and precise intraoperative execution. Detailed knowledge of scalp anatomy, skin biomechanics, hair physiology, and the variety of available local tissue rearrangements allows for excellent aesthetic reconstruction.

Algorithms↗

Otoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Auricular deformities, specifically, prominent ears, are relatively frequent. Although the physiologic consequences are negligible, the aesthetic and psychological effects on the patient can be substantial. METHODS: Otoplasty techniques are used to correct many auricular deformities, including the prominent ear, the constricted ear, Stahl's deformity, and cryptotia. Various treatments and techniques have been developed for the correction of these deformities, including methods that excise, bend, suture, scratch, or reposition the auricular cartilage. RESULTS: The multitude of different approaches indicates that there is not one clearly definitive technique for correcting these problems. CONCLUSIONS: This article reviews the history of otoplasty, its anatomical basis and a method for evaluation, techniques for the correction of the deformity, and potential complications of the procedure.

Adolescent↗

Defining vascular supply and territory of thinned perforator flaps: part I. Anterolateral thigh perforator flap.

BACKGROUND: The anterolateral thigh perforator flap is increasingly being used for trauma and reconstructive surgical cases. With the thinned flap design, greater survivability and a decrease in donor-site morbidity are observed. To increase our knowledge of the vascular territories in these flaps, an anatomic study was performed to determine pedicle number, location, and diameter; accompanying veins; vascular territory; and where surgical incisions can be made safely during thinning, as opposed to the "danger zone." METHODS: Thirteen anterolateral thigh perforator flaps were harvested from seven adult cadavers. The largest perforator arteries were cannulated, and flaps were thinned to a thickness of 6 to 8 mm, with a 2.5-cm radius from the perforator retained. Vascular territories were quantified before and after thinning by nonradiographic and radiographic methods. A series of dyes were injected: red dye for skin (photography) followed by Omnipaque for the whole flap (radiography) before thinning, and blue dye for skin (photography) and lead oxide for the whole flap (radiography) after thinning. Pedicle locations were determined by ratios of anatomical landmarks. Danger zone measurements were derived at specific thicknesses using lateral radiographs of each flap. RESULTS: In anterolateral thigh perforator flaps, the mean perforator artery diameter at the fascia level was 1.00 +/- 0.08 mm (range, 0.84 to 1.11 mm) and the mean number of perforator arteries was 1.69 +/- 1.03 (+/-SD). Perforator pedicles were located near the midpoint of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral aspect of the patella in the vertical axis. The mean vascular territories were 256 +/- 52.5 cm2 (photography) and 351 +/- 72.8 cm2 (radiography) in unthinned flaps and 211 +/- 65.7 cm2 (photography) and 289 +/- 106.6 cm2 (radiography) in thinned flaps. Differences in overall vascular territories after thinning were 83.3 percent (photography) and 81.8 percent (radiography) compared with unthinned flaps. Four respective vascular territory maps were drawn showing surgical territories using percentile confidence intervals (98th and 90th) and averages. From the skin at thicknesses of 4, 6, and 8 mm, the 98th percentile danger zones were 33 to 37 mm (proximal to distal), 30 to 35 mm, and 27 to 31 mm from the pedicle in the vertical axis, respectively; in the horizontal axis, they were 30 to 34 mm (medial to lateral), 28 to 31 mm, and 25 to 29 mm. CONCLUSIONS: These data define anterolateral thigh perforator flap pedicle location, number, and diameter before harvesting, surgical danger zones during thinning, and vascular territories after thinning. The authors' guidelines provide surgeons with anatomical vascular territory maps to design and harvest specific flaps for optimal results.

Aged↗