Biomedical subjects

T Safak

Publications and source records attributed to T Safak.

42 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1994

Modified Charles operation for primary fibrosclerotic lymphedema.

Radical excision of lymphedematous tissue with skin grafting (Charles operation) may be required for patients with advanced fibrosclerotic lower extremity lymphedema. Complications of this procedure include papillomatosis, wart formation, intractable skin ulcerations and weeping of lymph and are often considered major drawbacks of the operation. We have largely circumvented these sequelae by burying a strip of shaved split-thickness skin graft into the deep subcutaneous tissue thereby modifying the Charles operation. The strip of deepithelialized skin seemingly connects the superficial dermal lymphatics with subfascial deep lymphatics thereby facilitating lymph drainage and minimizing lymphedema accumulation and the complications outlined above. We have now treated 4 patients with advanced primary fibrosclerotic lymphedema using this modified technique. Not only were the patients improved in appearance and function with less trophic changes, but lymphscintigraphy using 99mTc-dextran also suggested improved interstitial tracer transport.

Humans↗

PubMed1993

Use of umbrella graft for nasal tip projection.

An adequate nasal tip projection is of the utmost importance for good nasal aesthetics. Conventional rhinoplasty procedures are not adequate for achieving nasal tip projection in "tips with inadequate projection" (TIP). This article describes our technique of using an umbrella-shaped cartilage graft to the tip. The graft is carved from caudal septal and alar cartilages. The results and advantages of the technique are discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Expansion of fascial flaps: histopathologic changes and clinical benefits.

In order to meet the requirements of large defects created by sacral and trochanteric pressure ulcers, tensor fasciae latae and lumbosacral fasciocutaneous flaps were expanded with a silicone expander in six patients (10 flaps). In 8 of the flaps the location of pressure ulcers was trochanteric, and in 2 it was sacral. In each case the period of expansion was 4 weeks. Histopathologic examination after expansion showed an increase in the vascularity and overall thickness of fascia in both types of flaps. After 4 weeks of expansion, the perifascial areolar tissue was replaced with thick granulation tissue in the tensor fasciae latae flaps. This markedly vascular layer of granulation tissue interposed between the fasciae and the subcutaneous tissue augmented the internal matrix of the flap, thereby lowering the potential for shearing during flap elevation. Conceivably, owing to the absence of an areolar tissue layer in the lumbosacral fasciocutaneous flaps, no layer of granulation tissue was observed. The average thickness of the fibrous capsule formed around the expanders was 573.2 microns, which was composed of three structurally different zones. Prior tissue expansion obviously assisted primary closure of the flap donor site. In addition, it seems that the tissue-expansion process rendered the distal portion of fascial flaps more robust because of increased vascularity. It is therefore proposed that preparatory tissue expansion of fascial flaps has several advantages. The obvious benefits include the ability to close larger defects while closing the donor site primarily. As a result of this study, the additional benefits may include a reduction in the mechanical shear potential of these flaps and an improvement in their vascularity.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed1993

Microvascular ear replantation with no vein anastomosis.

In replantation of a totally amputated ear, the artery only was repaired with no vein repair. Venous stasis was successfully prevented by daily skin punctures during the first 4 days postoperatively. The elastic cartilage framework with no internally circulating blood constitutes the major percentage of the auricle mass. Thus the metabolic demand of the ear is relatively small, according to its small caliber nutrient vessels. Although the successful result in this single case report means neither a consistent procedure nor uniformly safe choice of treatment, the potential use of the single-artery repair with no accompanying vein anastomosis in ear replantations, we believe, deserves to be considered.

Ear, External↗

PubMed1987

A simple technique for wedge biopsy of the liver.

A technique for wedge biopsy of the liver is presented. By applying pressure on the liver, biopsy is performed. Cauterization of the bleeding surfaces in small areas provides hemostasis without need for sutures and hemostatic agents.

Biopsy↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Macrodactyly: report of eight cases of a rare anomaly.

Macrodactyly or megalodactyly is a rare anomaly of the extremities. Neural factors are involved in the etiology. Presented here are eight cases which comprise five macrodactylous toes and three fingers. The mean age at first referral was 6.8 years. Six patients underwent resection of the proximal phalanges together with bulk reduction of the soft tissue mass. Only soft tissue reduction was performed in the remaining two patients. Skin necrosis was observed in two cases, one of which necessitated amputation at the proximal interphalangeal joint level. The functional outcome was evaluated as poor with limited range of motion and stiffness in the joints. As far as functional results are concerned, macrodactylous toes had a better prognosis than that of fingers. It was concluded that none of the available methods as yet gives ideal functional and cosmetic results in macrodactyly.

Adolescent↗