Faculty Bibliography

OBJECTIVE:Vascular malformations (VMs) in the head and neck region often cause esthetic as well as functional problems for patients. Intramuscular VMs (IVM), such as those in the masseter, can cause severe facial asymmetry and typically are excised transcutaneously to facilitate wide exposure and safe dissection from the facial nerve. This requires extensive dissection, prolonged healing, and can lead to suboptimal facial scarring. METHODS:We describe the technique of resecting large IVMs of the masseter muscle in 3 patients using an entirely intraoral approach with continuous nerve monitoring and without visible facial scarring or secondary deformity. Preoperative injection of sclerotherapy was performed to reduce intra-operative bleeding and optimize resection. RESULTS:Successful excision was performed without complication in 3 patients to date. Total average operating room time was 120 minutes (range 95-145 minutes). Estimated blood loss was 213 mL (range 180-240 mL). The patients were discharged home either post-operative day (POD) 1 or 2, with 1 returning to work POD 4. Facial nerve function was normal postoperatively and no hematomas developed. Subjective masticatory function was equivalent to preoperative levels in all patients. CONCLUSIONS:Intraoral excision of VMs of the masseter muscle can be safely performed without added risk or complication. Continuous facial nerve monitoring allows minimally invasive approaches to be considered with less risk of iatrogenic facial nerve injury. We purport that this is a safe and effective method with substantially better esthetic outcomes compared with traditional transcutaneous approaches.

BACKGROUND:Single-stage cleft lip and palate repair is a debated surgical approach. While some studies have described favorable outcomes, concerns include the effect on craniomaxillofacial growth and increased risk of complications. To this date, there has not been a comprehensive appraisal of available data following combined cleft lip and palate repair. METHODS:An extensive literature review was performed to identify all relevant articles. The level of evidence of these articles was graded according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence Scale. RESULTS:A total of 22 relevant articles were identified, all of which were retrospective in nature. Patient age at the time of surgery ranged from 1 month to 10 years, the longest duration of follow-up was 18 years, and the largest study included 106 patients. Review of the literature shows that overall surgical outcomes following combined cleft lip and palate repair are encouraging. An increased rate of postoperative fistulas with associated speech abnormalities in some studies is noteworthy. Importantly, there is no evidence to suggest an impact on craniomaxillofacial growth, and psychosocial outcomes and parental satisfaction seem to be improved with single-stage surgery as compared with the staged approach. CONCLUSIONS:Our review shows overall favorable outcomes associated with combined cleft lip and palate repair. The limited follow-up time or nature of evaluated outcomes in some studies may underrepresent the true rate of adverse events, and highlights the need for additional long-term studies with standardized follow-up. To our knowledge, our review is the first to evaluate existing data regarding outcomes following combined cleft lip and palate repair.

Background/UNASSIGNED:Pierre Robin sequence (PRS)-related airway obstruction is often treated surgically; however, objective measures predicting the need for surgery are poorly defined. Methods/UNASSIGNED:A retrospective chart review was performed on 171 neonates with PRS. Infants were grouped based upon intervention modality: nonsurgical (conservative) or surgical [mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) or tracheostomy]. Demographic data, physical examination findings, and study results were compared between groups to determine risk factors for surgical intervention, and to predict long-term success or failure of those interventions. Results/UNASSIGNED:= 0.046) compared with the MDO group. Together with syndromic status, these risk factors were useful for predicting failure of MDO to avoid subsequent tracheostomy (test sensitivity and specificity were 64.2% and 100.0%, respectively). No long-term differences in speech or micrognathia were detected between the 3 groups; however, those treated conservatively or with MDO had improved long-term feeding and airway obstruction outcomes compared with the tracheostomy group. Conclusions/UNASSIGNED:Surgical intervention for PRS-related tongue-based airway obstruction should be strongly considered with an OI >20. Tracheostomy should be reserved for complex patients with concomitant syndromic diagnosis, neurologic impairment, and low birth weight.

Background/UNASSIGNED:Two-stage tissue expander (TE)/permanent implant (PI) breast reconstruction remains the most commonly performed technique in breast reconstruction. Predictions for the PI size preoperatively impact on the number and range of implants made available at TE exchange. This study aims to identify critical preoperative variables and create a predictive model for PI size. Methods/UNASSIGNED:Patients who underwent 2-stage implant breast reconstruction from 2011 to 2017 were included in the study. Linear and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify significant preoperative variables for PI volume. Results/UNASSIGNED:= 0.914. Conclusions/UNASSIGNED:Significant variables for predicting PI volume were TE final fill volume, TE size, and a history of preoperative radiation. The ability to more accurately predict the PI volume can improve surgical planning, reduce consignment inventory, and simplify operating room workflow.

BACKGROUND:A primary goal in chest wall reconstruction ('top surgery') for trans men is achieving a symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing position of the reconstructed male NAC. In the context of existing surgical techniques for top surgery, the ability to achieve this goal is limited. METHODS:The senior author's technique for component NAC creation in chest wall reconstruction for trans men with a modified skate flap and free areolar graft, in conjunction with double-incision mastectomy, is described. A retrospective analysis of 50 consecutive patients who underwent primary, bilateral chest wall reconstruction with this technique was undertaken for the period of March 2015 to October 2016. RESULTS:Average patient age was 30.64 years, with an average BMI of 28.54 kg/m. Eighty two percent of the sample received pre-operative testosterone therapy, and average operative time was 2 hours and 59 minutes. Average overall mastectomy specimen weight was 627.80 grams. Average length of hospital stay was 0.96 days. Average follow-up duration was 19.02 months.Complications occurred in 10% (n = 5) of patients, including seroma (4%), cellulitis (2%), hematoma (2%), and suture granuloma (2%). Only 5 patients (10%) underwent postoperative revision to adjust NAC size, projection, or symmetry. Twenty-eight patients (56%) underwent secondary revisions, including scar revisions (56%), liposuction (12%), and fat grafting (2%). CONCLUSIONS:The use of a modified nipple flap and free areolar graft in transgender chest wall reconstruction for trans men allows for flexible, component construction of the male NAC, in a safe and effective manner.

This article focuses on flap-related complications after creation of a neophallus for transgender individuals. It outlines the most frequently used flaps for this procedure and how flap-related complications can affect the overall outcome of the phalloplasty. With surgeons staging the procedure in different stages, it is important to understand the different strategies and the implication a flap-related complication can have on the end result and how it may be prevented.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Treacher Collins syndrome (TC) and Pierre Robin sequence (RS) are associated with hypoplastic mandible, glossoptosis, and consequent airway obstruction. Although TC and RS are often grouped together, airway outcomes of bilateral mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) have not been specifically studied in TC. The purpose of this study is to report on the clinical outcomes of MDO in the TC patient population. MATERIALS AND METHODS/METHODS:A twenty-year single-institution retrospective review of all patients with TC who underwent bilateral MDO was performed. Twenty-four patients were identified after exclusion due to different diagnoses or insufficient medical records. Data on comorbidities, airway status, MDO operations, and complications were collected. Data were compared with published clinical outcomes in RS and data for 13 RS patients from our institution. RESULTS:Surgical success, defined as prevention of imminent tracheostomy or successful decannulation within 1 year after primary distraction, was observed in 21% of TC patients and 65% of RS patients (P = 0.01). Repeat distraction was necessary for 11 TC patients (46%) and 1 RS patient. Complications were divided into minor, moderate, and major based on need for invasive management. Overall, 67% of TC patients had complications, 20% of which were major. CONCLUSIONS:Clinical outcomes to airway function after MDO are significantly inferior in patients with TC compared with patients with RS. Repeat MDO and longer course to decannulation are more prevalent in patients affected by TC.

This study evaluated comparatively two configurations (powder and putty) of a composite biomaterial based on PLGA (Poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/nanoescale hydroxyapatite (ReOss®, Intra-Lock International) through microscopic morphology, in vitro cytotoxicity, biocompatibility and in vivo response as a bone substitute. SEM and EDS characterized the biomaterials before/after grafting. Cytocompatibility was assessed with murine pre-osteoblasts. Osteoconductivity and biocompatibility were evaluated in White New Zealand rabbits. Both configurations were implanted in the calvaria of eighteen animals in non-critical size defects, with blood clot as the control group. After 30, 60 and 90 days, the animals were euthanized and the fragments containing the biomaterials and controls were harvested. Bone blocks were embedded in paraffin (n=15) aiming at histological and histomorphometric analysis, and in resin (n=3) aiming at SEM and EDS. Before implantation, the putty configuration showed both a porous and a fibrous morphological phase. Powder revealed porous particles with variable granulometry. EDS showed calcium, carbon, and oxygen in putty configuration, while powder also showed phosphorus. After implantation EDS revealed calcium, carbon, and oxygen in both configurations. The materials were considered cytotoxic by the XTT test. Histological analysis showed new bone formation and no inflammatory reaction at implant sites. However, the histomorphometric analysis indicated that the amount of newly formed bone was not statistically different between experimental groups. Although both materials presented in vitro cytotoxicity, they were biocompatible and osteoconductive. The configuration of ReOss® affected morphological characteristics and the in vitro cytocompatibility but did not impact on the in vivo biological response, as measured by the present model.

Background/UNASSIGNED:Donor-specific antibodies (DSA) to human leukocyte antigen increase the risk of accelerated rejection and allograft damage and reduce the likelihood of successful transplantation. Patients with full-thickness facial burns may benefit from facial allotransplantation. However, they are at a high risk of developing DSA due to standard features of their acute care. Case Presentation/UNASSIGNED:A 41-year-old male with severe disfigurement from facial burns consented to facial allotransplantation in 2014; panel reactive antibody score was 0%. In August of 2015, a suitable donor was found. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity crossmatch was negative; flow cytometry crossmatch was positive to donor B cells. An induction immunosuppression strategy consisting of rabbit antithymocyte globulin, rituximab, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and methylprednisolone taper was designed. Total face, scalp, eyelid, ears, and skeletal subunit allotransplantation was performed without operative, immunological, or infectious complications. Maintenance immunosuppression consists of tacrolimus, MMF, and prednisone. As of posttransplant month 24, the patient has not developed acute rejection or metabolic or infectious complications. Conclusions/UNASSIGNED:To our knowledge, this is the first report of targeted B cell agents used for induction immunosuppression in skin-containing vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation. A cautious approach is warranted, but early results are promising for reconstructive transplant candidates given the exceptionally high rate of acute rejection episodes, particularly in the first year, in this patient population.

BACKGROUND:While the US population overall has experienced improvements in oral health over the past 60 years, oral diseases remain among the most common chronic conditions across the life course. Further, lack of access to oral health care contributes to profound and enduring oral health inequities worldwide. Vulnerable and underserved populations who commonly lack access to oral health care include racial/ethnic minority older adults living in urban environments. The aim of this study was to use a systematic approach to explicate cause and effect relationships in creating a causal map, a type of concept map in which the links between nodes represent causality or influence. METHODS:To improve our mental models of the real world and devise strategies to promote oral health equity, methods including system dynamics, agent-based modeling, geographic information science, and social network simulation have been leveraged by the research team. The practice of systems science modeling is situated amidst an ongoing modeling process of observing the real world, formulating mental models of how it works, setting decision rules to guide behavior, and from these heuristics, making decisions that in turn affect the state of the real world. Qualitative data were obtained from focus groups conducted with community-dwelling older adults who self-identify as African American, Dominican, or Puerto Rican to elicit their lived experiences in accessing oral health care in their northern Manhattan neighborhoods. RESULTS:The findings of this study support the multi-dimensional and multi-level perspective of access to oral health care and affirm a theorized discrepancy in fit between available dental providers and patients. The lack of information about oral health at the community level may be compromising the use and quality of oral health care among racial/ethnic minority older adults. CONCLUSIONS:Well-informed community members may fill critical roles in oral health promotion, as they are viewed as highly credible sources of information and recommendations for dental providers. The next phase of this research will involve incorporating the knowledge gained from this study into simulation models that will be used to explore alternative paths toward improving oral health and health care for racial/ethnic minority older adults.