Influence of Flap Parameters on the Aerodynamic Performance of a Wind-Turbine Airfoil

A numerical method has been used to analyze the flow field related to a NACA 0015 airfoil with and without a flap and assess the influence of the flap height and angle on the surface pressure coefficient,lift coefficient,and drag coefficient.The numerical results demonstrate that the flap can effectively improve the lift coefficient of the airfoil;however,at small attack angles,its influence is significantly reduced.When the angle of attack exceeds the critical stall angle and the flap height is 1.5%of the chord length,the influence of the flap becomes very evident.As the flap height increases,the starting point of the separation vortex gradually moves forward and generates a larger wake vortex.Optimal aerodynamic characteristics are obtained for 1.5%(of the chord length)flap height and a 45°flap angle;in this case,the separation vortex is effectively reduced.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis induced by X-linked agammaglobulinemia:A case report

BACKGROUND Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis(PAP)and X-linked agammaglobulinemia(XLA)are rare diseases in children.Many theories infer that immunodeficiency can induce PAP,but these reports are almost all review articles,and there is little clinical evidence.We report the case of a child with both PAP and XLA.CASE SUMMARY A 4-month-old boy sought medical treatment due to coughing and difficulty in breathing for>2 wk.He had been hospitalized multiple times due to respiratory infections and diarrhea.Chest computed tomography and alveolar lavage fluid showed typical PAP-related manifestations.Genetic testing confirmed that the boy also had XLA.Following total lung alveolar lavage and intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy,the boy recovered and was discharged.During the follow-up period,the number of respiratory infections was significantly reduced,and PAP did not recur.CONCLUSION XLA can induce PAP and improving immune function contributes to the prognosis of children with this type of PAP.

Fifty-five cases of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis combined with lymph node metastasis:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Lymph node metastasis is a specific type of metastasis in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis(AE).Currently,there is a scarcity of describing the clinical characteristics and lymph node metastasis rules of patients with hepatic AE combined with lymph node metastasis and its mechanism and management are still controversial.Radical hepatectomy combined with regional lymph node dissection is a better treatment.AIM To analyse the clinical features of hepatic AE combined with lymph node metastasis to explore its treatment and efficacy.METHODS A total of 623 patients with hepatic AE admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from 1 January 2012 to 1 January 2022 were retrospectively analysed.Fifty-five patients with combined lymph node metastasis were analysed for their clinical data,diagnosis and treatment methods,follow-up efficacy,and characteristics of lymph node metastasis.Finally,we comparatively analysed the lymph node metastasis rates at different sites.Categorical variables are expressed as frequencies and percentages,and the analysis of difference was performed using theχ2 test.The Bonferroni method was used for pairwise comparisons when statistical differences existed between multiple categorical variables.RESULTS A lymph node metastasis rate of 8.8%(55/623)was reported in patients with hepatic AE,with a female predilection(69.1%)and a statistically significant sex difference(χ2=8.018,P=0.005).Of the 55 patients with lymph node metastasis,72.7%had a parasite lesion,neighbouring organ invasion,and metastasis stage of P3N1M0 and above,of which 67.3%,78.2%,and 34.5%of hepatic AE lesions invaded the bile ducts,blood vessels,and distant metastases,respectively.Detection rates of lymph node metastasis of 16.4%,21.7%,and 34.2%were reported for a preoperative abdominal ultrasound,magnetic resonance imaging,and computed tomography examinations.All patients were intraoperatively suspected with enlarged lymph nodes and underwent radical hepatectomy combined with regional lymph node dissection.After surgery,a routine pathological examination was conducted on the resected lymph nodes.A total of 106 positive lymph nodes were detected in six groups at various sites,including 51 single-group metastasis cases and four multi-group metastasis cases.When the metastasis rates at different sites were statistically analysed,we observed that the metastasis rate in the para-hepatoduodenal ligament lymph nodes was significantly higher than that of the other sites(χ2=128.089,P=0.000<0.05).No statistical difference was observed in the metastasis rate between the five other groups.Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa complication occurred in 14 cases,which improved after administering symptomatic treatment.Additionally,lymph node dissection-related complications were not observed.Recurrence after 2 years was observed in one patient.CONCLUSION Lymph node metastasis is a rare form of metastasis in hepatic AE,which is more frequent in women.Parahepatoduodenal ligament lymph nodes are commonly observed.Radical hepatectomy combined with regional lymph node dissection is a safe,effective,and feasible treatment for liver AE combined with lymph node metastasis.

Management of Square Carcinoma of the Lower Lip Using Camille-Bernard Flap under Local Anesthesia: When Constraints Dictate Our Attitude

Introduction: Squamous cell carcinomas of the lip essentially pose a therapeutic management problem. In the West, their treatment is done under general anesthesia and follows the classic rules of oncology. In our context of exercise, we sometimes have a different attitude dictated by various constraints. Observation: 55-year-old patient with no notable history, seen in consultation for a very large ulcerative-budding lesion on the right 2/3 of the lower lip with mucocutaneous involvement without lymph node findings found on examination. Faced with this suspicious lesion and the patient’s financial difficulties, we decided to operate under local anesthesia to remove this tumor. The oncological excision was followed by immediate plasty using a Camille-Bernard flap with a good immediate aesthetic and functional result and postoperative day 7. The patient was unable to take his surgical specimen to anatomy-pathology and was lost to follow-up due to lack of financial resources. On anatomo-pathological analysis of the surgical specimen, the margins were healthy with confirmation of squamous cell carcinoma (anapathological reading made for scientific interest). Discussion: The particular mentality of certain patients and their difficult financial conditions push us to have an unconventional therapeutic attitude in oncology, but which nevertheless makes it possible to resolve certain problems that we often face. Local anesthesia is possible and realistic in cases like ours and the results can be acceptable and life-saving.

Two-stage extraction by partial grinding of impacted mandibular third molar in close proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve

BACKGROUND Extraction of impacted third molars often leads to severe complications caused by damage to the inferior alveolar nerve(IAN).AIM To proposes a method for the partial grinding of an impacted mandibular third molar(IMM3)near the IAN to prevent IAN injury during IMM3 extraction.METHODS Between January 1996 and March 2022,25 patients with IMM3 roots near the IAN were enrolled.The first stage of the operation consisted of grinding a major part of the IMM3 crown with a high-speed turbine dental drill to achieve sufficient space between the mandibular second molar and IMM3.After 6 months,when the root tips were observed to be away from the IAN on X-ray examination,the remaining part of the IMM3 was completely removed.RESULTS All IMM3s were extracted easily without symptoms of IAN injury after extraction.CONCLUSION Partial IMM3 grinding may be a good alternative treatment option to avoid IAN injury in high-risk cases.

Pedicled abdominal flap using deep inferior epigastric artery perforators for forearm reconstruction: A case report

BACKGROUND Pedicled abdominal flaps are a widely used surgical technique for forearm reconstruction in patients with soft tissue defects.However,some drawbacks include restricted flap size,partial flap loss,and donor-site morbidity.To address these concerns,we present a case of a pedicled abdominal flap using the deep inferior epigastric artery perforators(DIEP)for forearm reconstruction in a patient with a large soft tissue defect.CASE SUMMARY A 46-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with forearm injury caused by a pressing machine.A 15 cm×10 cm soft tissue defect with complete rupture of the ulnar side structures of the forearm was found.One week after orthopedic management of the neurovascular injury and fractures using the first stage of Masquelet technique,the patient was referred to the plastic and recon-structive surgery department for wound coverage.Surgical debridement and negative-pressure wound therapy revealed a 20 cm×15 cm soft tissue defect.A pedicle abdominal flap with the DIEP was used to cover the defect.Three weeks later,the flap was detached from the abdomen,and the abdominal defect was directly closed.Subsequently,the second stage of Masquelet technique was performed at the fracture site at week 10.Finally,all donor and recipient sites healed without complications,such as flap dehiscence,infection,hematoma,or necrosis.Fracture site osteosynthesis was achieved without complications.CONCLUSION Pedicled abdominal flap using the DIEP provides a reliable option for forearm reconstruction in patients with large soft tissue defects.

Coinfection with hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis with abdominal wall abscess and sinus tract formation:A case report

BACKGROUND Hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis coinfections,particularly with concurrent abscesses and sinus tract formation,are extremely rare.This article presents a case of a patient diagnosed with this unique presentation,discussing the typical imaging manifestations of both echinococcosis types and detailing the diagnosis and surgical treatment experience thereof.CASE SUMMARY A 39-year-old Tibetan woman presented with concurrent hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis,accompanied by abdominal wall abscesses and sinus tract formation.Initial conventional imaging examinations suggested only hepatic cystic echinococcosis,but intraoperative and postoperative pathological examination revealed the coinfection.Following radical resection of the lesions,the patient’s condition improved,and she was discharged soon thereafter.Subsequent outpatient follow-ups confirmed no recurrence of the hydatid lesion and normal surgical wound healing.Though mixed hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis with abdominal wall abscesses and sinus tract formations are rare,the general treatment approach remains consistent with that of simpler infections of alveolar echinococcosis.CONCLUSION Lesions involving the abdominal wall and sinus tract formation,may require radical resection.Long-term prognosis includes albendazole and follow-up examinations.

Sternocleidomastoid flap for reconstruction of tongue small cell carcinoma: A case report

BACKGROUND The management of tongue carcinoma is excision and radical neck dissection followed with reconstruction.This is a case report of a patient with tongue squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)who underwent the procedure with sternocleidomastoid(SCM)flap reconstruction.CASE SUMMARY A 52-year-old woman without smoking history complained tongue ulcer since 3 years ago.Based on the histopathological examination,the patient was diagnosed with T2N2M0 right tongue SCC and underwent wide excision of tumor;right mandibular;neck dissection and were reconstructed with SCM flap.CONCLUSION SCC of the tongue requires wide excision and dissection of the neck and mandible if infiltration into the surrounding lymph nodes has been found.The SCM flap reconstruction could be used post-surgery.

Percutaneous management in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis:A sum of single center experiences and a brief overview of the literature

BACKGROUND Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis(HAE)is a serious zoonotic infection that affects humans.It may have a tumor-like appearance at times.Percutaneous treatment of HAE patients is extremely relaxing for them.HAE is a significant human zoonotic infection caused by the fox tapeworm Echinococcus Multilocularis larvae.It possesses the characteristics of an invasive tumor-like lesion due to its infiltrative growth pattern and protracted incubation period.The disease is endemic over central Europe,Asia,and North America.AIM To characterize HAE patients who were treated percutaneously,their outcomes,and the major technical features of percutaneous treatment in HAE.METHODS Patients who were treated with percutaneous cyst drainage and/or percutaneous biliary drainage were included in the study.Uncorrected abnormal coagulation values and solid or non-infected HAE with minor necrotic change were excluded.RESULTS Thirty-two patients underwent percutaneous cyst drainage,two patients underwent percutaneous biliary drainage,and four patients underwent percutaneous biliary drainage alone.Interventional radiology is utilized to drain echinococcal necrosis and abscesses within/without the liver,as well as diseased and clogged bile ducts.CONCLUSION Percutaneous drainage of cyst contents and/or biliary channels using a minimally invasive technique is a very beneficial.Percutaneous cyst drainage with albendazole therapy improves quality of life in patients who are unable to undergo surgery,even when the mass resolves with long-term treatment.

Two-step strategy—conjunctival flap covering surgery combined with secondary deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for the treatment of high-risk fungal keratitis

AIM:To investigate whether the two-step strategy[conjunctival flap covering surgery(CFCS)combined with secondary deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty(DALK)]is effective for patients with high-risk fungal keratitis(FK).METHODS:In this noncomparative,retrospective case series,10 subjects(6 males,4 females)with a mean age of 56.5±7.1(range 47-72)y with high-risk FK undergone the two-step strategy were included.Reported outcome measures were healing of the corneal ulcer,recurrence of FK,reject reaction,improvement in best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and relevant complications.RESULTS:The average diameter of corneal infiltrates was 7.50±0.39 mm,ranging from 6.94 to 8.13 mm.The mean depth of corneal infiltrates was 422.4±77.1μm,ranging from 350 to 535μm.The mean corneal thickness was 597.4±117.3μm,ranging from 458 to 851μm.Hypopyon and endothelial plaques were presented in all patients.The period between the two steps was 3.65±0.9(ranging from 3 to 5)mo.The graft diameter was 7.75±0.39 mm.At the last follow-up(average 9.25±3.39,ranging from 5.5 to 17mo),no fungal recurrence or graft rejection appeared,and all patients showed improvement of BCVA.One patient suffered from liver function impairment due to oral voriconazole for 4wk and recovered spontaneously after 1wk of drug withdrawal.CONCLUSION:The two-step strategy is safe and effective in the treatment of high-risk FK by transforming intentional therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty during acute infection to later optical DALK.It is a practical strategy,especially in areas lacking fresh donor corneas and eye bank services.

Sclerostin antibody improves alveolar bone quality in the Hyp mouse model of X-linked hypophosphatemia

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a rare disease of elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) production that leads tohypophosphatemia and impaired mineralization of bone and teeth. The clinical manifestations of XLH include a high prevalence ofdental abscesses and periodontal disease, likely driven by poorly formed structures of the dentoalveolar complex, including thealveolar bone, cementum, dentin, and periodontal ligament. Our previous studies have demonstrated that sclerostin antibody (SclAb) treatment improves phosphate homeostasis, and increases long bone mass, strength, and mineralization in the Hyp mousemodel of XLH. In the current study, we investigated whether Scl-Ab impacts the dentoalveolar structures of Hyp mice. Male andfemale wild-type and Hyp littermates were injected with 25 mg·kg−1 of vehicle or Scl-Ab twice weekly beginning at 12 weeks of ageand euthanized at 20 weeks of age. Scl-Ab increased alveolar bone mass in both male and female mice and alveolar tissue mineraldensity in the male mice. The positive effects of Scl-Ab were consistent with an increase in the fraction of active(nonphosphorylated) β-catenin, dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) and osteopontin stained alveolar osteocytes. Scl-Ab had no effecton the mass and mineralization of dentin, enamel, acellular or cellular cementum. There was a nonsignificant trend towardincreased periodontal ligament (PDL) attachment fraction within the Hyp mice. Additional PDL fiber structural parameters were notaffected by Scl-Ab. The current study demonstrates that Scl-Ab can improve alveolar bone in adult Hyp mice.

Salvage anastomosis in free PAP-flap breast reconstruction:What about free flap neovascularization?

Since the emergence of microsurgery in reconstructive surgery, free flaps have become a key tool in the management of patients with breast cancer. One such flap is the profunda artery perforator(PAP) flap. To date,there is no scientific consensus on whether voluminous free flaps remain dependent on their vascular pedicle throughout their lifespan. Therefore, the pedicle should always be carefully protected during revision surgery.In this article, we review the case of a middle-aged woman who suffered a pedicle transection needing reanastomosis during revision surgery six months after free-flap breast reconstruction. A 52-year-old woman who noticed a firm nodule in her right breast and armpit was referred to our department for surgical management. The Caucasian woman presented with no significant medical history or symptoms at the first consultation. Ultrasound-guided biopsy confirmed an invasive grade Ⅲ lobular carcinoma. Following staging,the patient underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy before a right mastectomy with a complete homolateral axillary lymph node dissection and postoperative radiotherapy. One year after completing radiotherapy, free flap reconstruction with a PAP flap was performed, and six months later, revision surgery was required to enhance the volume of the reconstructed breast with a tissue expander and later an implant. Unfortunately,pedicle transection occurred during revision surgery, causing complete devascularization of the flap, which was confirmed by intraoperative Indocyanine Green imaging. The authors elected to perform salvage reanastomosis during the surgery. In keeping with the author’s 23-year experience with free flaps, the vascular pedicle should always be preserved in voluminous free flaps, as neovascularization alone may not ensure whole flap survival. The authors suggest always attempting re-anastomosis if vessels are compromised during revision surgery.

Nasal sill reconstruction with the Abbe flap after skin cancer resection:A case report

Local flaps are widely known as the best option for partial nasal reconstructions depending on donor tissue laxity,vascularization,and defect shape and size.The nasolabial flap is used more often in the nasal sill.For larger defects,greater tissue mobilization with larger scars or free flaps is required.Historically,the Abbe flap has been used for lip reconstruction in patients with cleft lip deformities.It allows less retraction than other local flaps or skin grafts in patients with large defect sizes and great defect depths.This study reported on the application of the Abbe flap for nasal sill reconstruction on a 71-year-old female patient with nasal sill basal cell carcinoma who had undergone resection surgery with a posterior lip switch operation with satisfactory results.The application of the Abbe flap could be considered in patients with multiple previous surgeries and at risk for necrosis.

Minimally Invasive Maxillofacial Surgery Using Digital Work Surgery: A Case of Alveolar Ridge Reconstruction after Maxillary Cystectomy

Introduction: Iliac particulate cancellous bone and marrow (PCBM) is commonly used as a high-quality reconstruction material;however, PCBM cannot be extracted in sufficient amounts to meet demand. To determine the appropriate amount of iliac PCBM to be collected, we used digital technology to measure the volume required for jaw reconstruction before surgery. Clinical Case: The patient, a 23-year-old man, underwent surgery for a calcifying odontogenic cyst. A maxillary cyst occupied the left anterior-premolar region (tooth 21 - 25) and the deciduous canine remained;a permanent canine was included in the cyst. We planned to preserve the teeth except for the impacted canine, completely excise the maxillary cyst, and preserve the alveolar ridge morphology. Preoperative digital imaging was used to determine the amount of alveolar ridge reconstruction required and accordingly determine the amount of iliac cancellous bone to be harvested. We used a titanium mesh tray and grafts of iliac particulate cancellous bone and marrow to reconstruct the alveolar ridge. The amount of iliac cancellous bone that needed to be collected was clarified and the supply amount could be collected in just the right amount;thus, the cortical bone of the iliac inner plate could be preserved. The alveolar bone morphology was reconstructed to allow the placement of dental implants as per the preoperative digital surgery. Three years after the operation, no sign of recurrence has been observed. Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgery was performed by clarifying the amount of iliac cancellous bone graft that needs to be harvested, which improved the accuracy of surgery.

Subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap technique for microscopic reconstruction of eyelid defects

AIM:To describe the subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap technique for the microscopic reconstruction of eyelid defects and evaluate its outcomes.METHODS:The clinical data of 23 patients(23 eyes)who underwent microscopic reconstruction of eyelid defects with the subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap technique were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent eyelid tumor resection and one-stage microscopic reconstruction with the subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap for anterioror posterior-layer eyelid defects.The survival rate of the propeller flap,eyelid function and appearance,tumor recurrence rate,and patient satisfaction were evaluated after the surgery.RESULTS:The patients consisted of 12 men and 11 women,aged 31–82y(mean,58.9y).The longest followup time was 5y,and the shortest was 3mo.All the propeller flaps survived well.There was no significant difference in color and luster between the flap and adjacent tissues,and there was no dog ear phenomenon.No obvious scarring was observed.There were no obvious abnormalities of eyelid morphology or function,and no adverse complications such as exposure keratitis,entropion,ectropion,ptosis,and eyelid retraction.No tumor recurrence was found at the time of the last follow-up.All patients were satisfied with the surgical results.CONCLUSION:The subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap technique for the microscopic reconstruction of eyelid defects has satisfactor y outcomes in terms of eyelid function and esthetics,and merits clinical application.

Supraclavicular artery island flap for reconstruction of hypopharynx and upper esophagus defects:A case report and literature review

We report a case of a 74-year-old female with hypopharyngeal cancer who developed a pharyngoesophageal fistula and neck skin defect after total laryngectomy.To reconstruct the hypopharynx,upper esophagus,and neck skin defect,we used a supraclavicular artery island flap(SCAIF)for one-stage reconstruction.SCAIF offered reliable blood supply,minimal donor site morbidity,and excellent cosmetic outcomes.Although a small portion of the flap developed necrosis,it healed without surgical intervention.We also conducted a literature review of previously published articles on SCAIF for head and neck reconstruction.Our review highlights the advantages and limitations of SCAIF as a promising option for one-stage reconstruction of complex hypopharyngeal and upper esophageal defects with neck skin defects in selected patients.This case report provides valuable insights into the use of SCAIF in complex head and neck reconstructions,which can help improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Unusual clinical presentation of oral pyogenic granuloma with severe alveolar bone loss:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Pyogenic granuloma(PG)is a localized,reddish and vascularized hyperplastic lesion of the connective tissue which occurs in the oral cavity.In most cases,the presence of this lesion does not show alveolar bone resorption.The pathology is diagnosed clinically with some caution.However,the diagnosis and treatment are usually corroborated with histopathological evidence.CASE SUMMARY Three clinical cases of PG associated with bone loss were described in this study.The three patients presented tumor-like growth which bled on touch,and were associated with local irritant factors.Radiographs showed bone loss.All cases were treated with conservative surgical excision.The scarring was satisfactory,and there was no case of recurrence.The diagnoses were based on clinical findings,and were confirmed histopathologically.CONCLUSION The occurrence of oral PG with bone loss is unusual.Therefore,clinical and radiographic evaluations are important for the diagnosis.

“In situ bone flap” combined with vascular pedicled mucous flap to reconstruction of skull base defect

BACKGROUND At present,neuroendoscopy technology has made rapid development,and great progress has been made in the operation of lesions in the saddle area of the skull base.However,the complications of cerebrospinal fluid and intracranial infection after the operation are still important and life-threatening complications,which may lead to poor prognosis.AIM To investigate the method of in situ bone flap combined with nasal septum mucosal flap for reconstruction of enlarged skull base defect by endonasal sphenoidal approach and to discuss its application effect.METHODS Clinical data of 24 patients undergoing transnasal sphenoidal endoscopic approach in the Department of Neurosurgery,Affiliated 2 Hospital of Nantong University from January 2019 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent multi-layer reconstruction of skull base using in situ bone flap combined with nasal septum mucosa flap.The incidence of intraoperative and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and intracranial infection were analyzed,and the application effect and technical key points of in situ bone flap combined with nasal septum mucosa flap for skull base bone reconstruction were analyzed.RESULTS There were 5 cases of high flow cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)leakage and 7 cases of low flow CSF leakage.Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 2 patients(8.3%)and intracranial infection in 2 patients(8.3%),which were cured after strict bed rest,continuous drainage of lumbar cistern combined with antibiotic treatment,and no secondary surgical repair was required.The patients were followed up for 8 to 36 months after the operation,and no delayed cerebrospinal fluid leakage or intracranial infection occurred during the follow-up.Computed tomography reconstruction of skull base showed satisfactory reconstruction after surgery.CONCLUSION The use of in situ bone flap combined with vascular pedicled mucous flap to reconstruction of skull base defect after endonasal sphenoidal approach under neuroendoscopy has a lower incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and lower complications,which has certain advantages and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Preliminary study on the efficacy of lacrimal duct reconstruction with pedicled conjunctival flap in the treatment of severe lacrimal canalicular obstruction with conjunctivochalasis

AIM:To determine the efficacy and safety of pedicled conjunctival lacrimal duct reconstruction in the treatment of severe obstruction of superior and inferior lacrimal canaliculi with conjunctivochalasis.METHODS:This study was per formed as a retrospective analysis of patients who received conjunctival dacryocystorhinostomy with pedicled conjunctival flap reconstruction combined with tube intubation due to severe superior and inferior lacrimal canalicular obstruction with conjunctivochalasis from January 2019 to October 2019.The clinical data included the degree of preoperative epiphora and postoperative relief,preoperative examination of lacrimal duct computed tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy,postoperative evaluation of lacrimal duct function by chloramphenicol taste and fluorescein dye disappearance test,etc.Syringing was carried out to determine the reconstruction and patency of the lacrimal duct.RESULTS:All 9 patients(9 eyes)had severe canalicular obstruction with conjunctivochalasis.The patients included 4 males and 5 females aged between 47–65y with an average age of 52.2±6.7y.At 3mo follow-up,the tube was removed and the patients were followed for a further 3mo.After tube removal,6 patients showed no epiphora.These patients also had positive chloramphenicol tastes and normal fluorescein dye disappearance test results.Two patientshad epiphora.Also,syringing showed partial patency of the reconstructed lacrimal duct.One patient had no improvement in epiphora with negative chloramphenicol taste and fluorescein dye disappearance test results and obstruction of the reconstructed lacrimal duct.The total effective rate of the operation was 8/9,with no serious complications.CONCLUSION:Pedicled conjunctival lacrimal duct reconstruction conjunctival dacryocystorhinostomy is safe and effective for superior and inferior canalicular obstruction with conjunctivochalasis.

Measurement of combined flap thickness for reconstruction of decubitus ulcer using computed tomography

BACKGROUND Various reconstruction options have been introduced to treat decubitus ulcers.A combined flap that takes advantage of the fasciocutaneous and muscle flaps has been proven to be effective in reconstructing decubitus ulcers in previous studies.However,no studies have measured combined flap thickness.This is the first study to demonstrate the superiority of the combined flap by measuring its thickness using enhanced abdominopelvic computed tomography(APCT).AIM To evaluate combined flap modality as a useful reconstruction option for decubitus ulcers using measurements obtained through APCT.METHODS Fifteen patients with paraplegia who underwent combined flap surgery for reconstruction of decubitus ulcers between March 2020 and December 2021 were included.The defects in the skin and muscle components were reconstructed separately.The inner gluteus muscle flap was split and manipulated to obliterate dead space.The outer fasciocutaneous flap was transposed to cover the muscle flap and opening of the decubitus ulcer.Subsequently,we performed enhanced APCT at 3 wk and 6 mo postoperatively to measure the flap thickness.RESULTS The mean flap thickness was 32.85±8.89 mm at 3 wk postoperatively and 29.27±8.22 mm at 6 mo postoperatively.The flap thickness was maintained without any major complications such as contour deformities or recurrence.CONCLUSION Although there was a significant decrease in flap thickness as measured by APCT,the combined flap provided sufficient padding and maintained its thickness even at 6 mo after reconstruction,suggesting that the combined flap modality may be a useful reconstruction option for patients with paraplegic decubitus ulcers.