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Background: Microvascular flap reconstruction (MFR) of medium–large tongue defects following ablative surgery is the standard of care. The decision for MFR is often made prior to surgery or intraoperatively depending on the extent of the defect and the volume of remnant tongue. However, there exists no objective technique to predict this requirement preoperatively. This knowledge is crucial for counseling and planning. We aimed to identify an objective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurement tool to predict the need for MFR of tongue tumors. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing surgery (with or without reconstruction) for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. Patients had a preoperative MRI as part of their assessment. As per our institution protocol, the decision for the requirement of MFR was made by a consensus of two experienced reconstructive surgeons intraoperatively. This decision was correlated with the ratio of tumor volume to the total tongue volume (tv) as observed in the MRI. Results: A total of 47 patients were identified. Twenty-eight patients underwent reconstruction, while 19 did not. The ratio of tumor thickness to tongue thickness (Tt/tt) was calculated, and a cutoff of >0.395 (sensitivity 89.3% and specificity 89.5%) was found to significantly correlate with the decision for MFR (P < 0.001). The volume of a tumor to total tv ratio was calculated from the data of 22 cases, and a cutoff of >4.2 (sensitivity 83.3 and specificity 90) was found to be correlated significantly with the decision for MFR (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Tt/tt ratio is a useful tool to determine the need for MFR of tongue tumor excision defects in the preoperative setting and can help guide counseling.

Background: Large vascular malformations (VM) are complex lesions anatomically, functionally or both. The criteria to define “Large” vascular malformations were unclear. This study aims to retrospectively identify Large VM based on clinical features and discussed about the method we adopted in management. Methods: This is retrospective study of analyzing all patients of vascular malformations treated by us since 2003. The criteria to categorize large vascular malformations were outlined after analyzing the anatomical area of involvement, functional disturbances by these lesions, operability of the lesions, morbidity associated with resection, and the requirement of reconstruction. All cases were managed by a multi-disciplinary team. Various methods utilized to control the bleeding varied from simple wound packing to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) assistance. The resection was either curative or palliative. Complete excision in the form of radical resection was carried out in all possible cases intended with curative aim. Vascularized tissue transfer was done to reduce the morbidity following surgical resection. Results: Out of 268 patients, 26 patients fulfilled the criteria for large vascular malformations. The predominant site of involvement is head and neck. 80% had more than one indication for surgery. Majority of the cases 54% were arterio-venous malformations (AVM) followed by 31% of capillary venous malformations (CVM). The commonest indication for surgery is bleeding in 73% followed by cosmetic disfigurement in 61.5%. Compressive wound packing with delayed wound closure and preoperative embolization were the commonly employed methods for bleeding control. CPB assisted resection was carried out in 5 cases. On analysing the recurrence, 7.7% had in complete excision, 36% in incomplete excision and 12% in cases of vascularized tissue transfer. Conclusion: The clinical criteria outlined in our study will be useful in identifying “Large” vascular malformations. Compression wound packing with delayed closure plays a major role in bleeding control immediately after resection. CPB assistance for aiding resection can be considered in selected cases. Complete resection in the form of radical excision will reduce the recurrence. Palliative resection provides symptom free disease when complete resection is not viable. The tissue transfer for the wound cover controls the residual disease in cases of incomplete resection.

Radial forearm free flap (RAFF) is the workhorse flap for oral cavity reconstruction. In the context of oncological reconstruction with radial forearm flap, the patient-reported outcomes of donor site morbidity amongst Indian patients have not been reported previously. Cultural and racial differences prevent extrapolation of morbidity data from Western literature. We aimed to evaluate subjectively the subjective long-term functional and aesthetic outcomes of the RAFF donor site. Patients who underwent RAFF reconstruction for intra-oral defects between 2014 and 2016 were included. Two questionnaires (Cosmesis and Sensibility and Forearm Disability) were administered. Fifty-two patients who completed a 2-year follow-up were identified. Thirty-five patients (67%) had complaints regarding the donor site. With regard to cosmesis and sensibility, hand numbness was seen in 21 (40.4%) patients. With regard to forearm disability, a problem in lifting heavy weights was seen in 22 (42.3%) patients. Only three patients in the entire cohort had complaints regarding the cosmesis of the forearm scar. Overall disability score was low (7.83). With regard to donor site morbidity, numbness and difficulty in lifting weights was the most common complaint. There is good acceptance of the donor site and scar with minimum morbidity. These findings are useful for the preoperative counselling of the patients. This is the first Indian study evaluating the long-term subjective outcomes of the radial forearm donor site. We believe the RAFF is still the most preferred flap for oral reconstruction.

This study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of re-exploration procedures done after head and neck microvascular flap reconstructions. This is a retrospective review of 109 flaps in 106 patients (three patients had two flaps each) that underwent re-exploration procedures in 1001 consecutive free flap surgeries. The outcome was analysed in terms of the type of the flaps, re-exploration rate, flap salvage rate and overall flap success rate. Free radial forearm (RFF) was the commonest flap done (354, 35.3%). One hundred nine flaps underwent re-exploration procedures in 106 patients. Out of this, 79 flaps could be salvaged, and 30 flaps failed. There were also another ten flaps, which failed without any re-exploration. The overall re-exploration rate was 10.8%. The flap salvage rate was 72.4%. The overall flap success rate was 96.1%. Nearly three-fourths of the flaps with vascular compromise can be successfully salvaged with appropriate and timely intervention.

The purpose of the present study was to translate and culturally validate the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire, Version 4.1 (UW-QOL v4.1) in Malayalam, a language commonly used in the state of Kerala in India. The tool underwent translation and adaptation. The translated instrument then underwent a pretest survey in 30 patients. The intention was to identify any problems with the questionnaire when applied to the participants and make any minor changes if required. This was followed by validation in 100 patients. The reliability was tested for internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha. Concurrent validity was tested by correlating it with the concurrently administered FACT-HN questionnaire scores. Construct validity was tested using 'Known-group validity.' Pretest survey did not identify any major problems. There was a moderate to strong correlation between the PF, SEF subscales and the composite scores on UW-QOL scores and the Head and Neck Cancer subscale and the FACT-H&N Total score. QOL scores were more in early staged patients and those who underwent no reconstructive procedure. This proved the construct validity. This study validates the Malayalam version of the UW-QOL instrument. It is reliable, valid and culturally adapted.

Introduction Salvage surgery is the treatment option in recurrences and second primary tumors. This paper aimed to study the options and outcomes of reconstruction and the predictors of poor reconstructive outcomes in salvage surgery for head and neck cancers. Study Design This is a retrospective study of all patients who underwent reconstructive flap surgery as part of salvage surgery for head and neck cancers between the years 2004 and 2017. Methods The initial treatment may be single modality radiotherapy or surgery or multimodality with combinations of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Any pathology that required surgical salvage was included. Any procedures done purely as reconstructive surgery were excluded. Predictor variables included demographical, clinical, and treatment factors. The outcome parameter was the occurrence of any flap-related complication or not. The complications and morbidity related to the procedures are reported Results Ninety-three patients underwent loco-regional flaps (LRF group), and 100 had free flaps (FF group). Pectoralis major flap was the commonest flap used in 68 patients (73.1%). Anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap was the commonest free flap and comprised 41% of the FF group. Any skin-related complication was seen in 35 patients (37.6%) and 41 (41%), respectively, in LRF and FF subsets. Any flap-related complication was seen in 16 patients (17.2%) and 29 patients (29%), respectively, in LRF and FF subsets. A summary measure “any one of the complications” was seen in 46 (49.5%) and 57 (57%), respectively, in LRF and FF subsets. Univariate and multivariate analysis for any flap-related complication identified no statistically significant predictor. Conclusions Soft tissue flaps were preferred in salvage reconstruction, though the defects had a bony component. In the microvascular free flap reconstruction era, pectoralis major flap has shifted its role from a “workhorse flap” to a “salvage flap.” About half of the patients develop some complications. Flap-related complications are also common. In salvage surgery, it is important that an appropriate flap is selected, suitable for the setting, according to the indications, neck, and patient conditions.

Bilateral hand amputation (BHA) is a life-changing event that can result in a great degree of loss of function. Prosthetic limb replacement and Composite tissue allotransplantation are the treatment options. Understanding the BHA in terms of economic utility will help direct future research and upgrading in healthcare delivery. This is a cross-sectional study in 32 BHA who have completed a minimum of six months after wound healing. The primary objective was to assess the convergent validity of three different Health Utility derivation methods, namely the Time Trade-Off (TTO), EuroQol Questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and EQ-VAS (EuroQol Visual Analog Scale) among BHA. The secondary objective was to correlate the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores with the Health Utility (HU) scores and see whether the DASH score predicts the HU scores derived by different methods. The mean (SD) HU scores for TTO, VAS and EQ-5D-5L were 0.34 (0.25), 0.61 (0.25) and 0.46 (0.20) respectively. HU derived by the TTO method displayed a weak correlation with EuroQol based derivatives (EQ-VAS & EQ-5D-5L). But there was a moderate correlation between values by EQ-VAS & EQ-5D-5L. Hence, the EuroQol HU derivative is preferable to TTO. The mean (SD) of the DASH score was 48.4 (22.9). There was a strong correlation between the DASH scores and HU derived by different methods. Also, the DASH score is seen to be a good predictor of HU scores. This study is the first to derive health utility and correlate the DASH with HU scores in the BHA scenario.

Objectives The purpose of this paper is to report the technique and outcomes of the use of gastro-omental free flap reconstruction in glossectomy defects. Materials and Methods This is a prospective case series of 9 patients of tongue squamous cell carcinoma, who underwent either subtotal or partial glossectomy and reconstruction with gastro–omental free flap. The flap anatomy, surgical technique and the outcomes including the swallowing and speech are presented. Results Five patients underwent partial glossectomy and 4 had sub-total glossectomy. The median age was 43 years; and the median follow up was 11.4 months. Laparoscopic harvest was done in 8 patients. There was one flap loss. Seven patients underwent postoperative radiotherapy. Functional evaluation was done in 5 patients who were disease free. Four could tolerate soft diet orally, one patient was on liquid to pureed diet. Speech was intelligible in 4. None of the patients had any complications related to laparotomy or laparoscopy. Conclusion Gastro-omental flap provided a secretory mucosal surface and was beneficial in the saliva depleted patients post radiotherapy. The laparoscopic harvest of this flap has minimized donor site morbidity. One patient had a flap loss. Two patients reported superficial ulcerations on the surface, one of them had to undergo surgical debulking to correct it while the other healed with conservative measures. Speech and swallowing outcomes of the reconstructed tongue was good, especially in patients with partial glossectomy. The reconstructed gastric mucosal flaps tolerated the adjuvant radiation well.

Background: Pharyngeal reconstruction is a challenging aspect of reconstruction after resections for head-and-neck cancer. The goals of reconstruction are to restore the continuity of the pharyngeal passage to enable oral alimentation and rehabilitation of speech wherever possible. This study was performed to determine the outcomes following pharyngeal reconstruction in total laryngectomy (TL) using different reconstructive options and to determine the predictors of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) and swallowing dysfunction. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of patient data between 2003 and 2010 of patients undergoing TL with partial or total pharyngectomy. Demographic and treatment details were collected and analysed. Univariate analysis was performed to determine predictors of PCF and swallowing dysfunction. Results: Fifty-seven patients underwent pharyngeal reconstruction following TL, 31 of whom had received prior treatment. Following tumour resection, 31 patients had circumferential defects and 26 patients had partial pharyngeal defects. The flaps used include pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (n = 29), anterolateral thigh flap (n = 8), gastric pull-up (n = 13) and free jejunal flap (n = 7). PCF was seen in 20 patients, of which 15 (75%) were managed conservatively and 5 required another surgery. At last follow-up, 99 patients (68%) were on full oral alimentation. Tracheo-oesophageal puncture and prosthesis insertion was done in 20 patients, of whom 17 (85%) developed satisfactory speech. Partial pharyngeal defects were associated with a higher risk of PCF on univariate analysis (P = 0.006) but were not significant on multivariate analysis. Post-operative swallowing dysfunction was significantly higher with hypopharyngeal involvement by tumour (P = 0.003). Conclusion: Pharyngeal reconstruction in TL is feasible with good results. Majority of the patients swallow and regain acceptable swallowing function within 3 months.

Introduction: This report covers the strategies adopted for rehabilitation for the first and second dual hand transplants performed in India. Materials and Methods: The team, under a trained physiatrist, including physiotherapy and occupational therapy personnel, was involved in the management of both these patients. The management protocol was developed considering previous reports as well as our management strategies in the rehabilitation of the replanted hands. The involvement of the team with the patients started in the 1st week itself and continued on a daily basis for the entire year. Results: Outcome analysis was performed at 6 months and 1 year using the disability of shoulder and hand evaluation and hand transplant scoring system. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was done at the end of 1 year to assess the cortical integration of the transplanted hand. Conclusion: Despite more than 110 hands being transplanted worldwide, hand transplant remains an experimental procedure. It is still not considered the “standard of care” for hand amputees. Outcome analyses performed worldwide do indicate that the procedure can provide a substantial improvement in the quality of life for the hand amputee, especially the bilateral amputees.

Introduction: Vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation is a relatively new concept, which was unavailable in the Indian subcontinent till a bilateral hand transplant was carried out successfully in January 2015. Materials and Methods: The setting up of the transplant programme involved obtaining legal clearances, creating public awareness, harnessing the institutional facilities, drawing up protocols, assembling the surgical team, managing immunological issues, rehabilitation and preparing the ancillary services. Results: Both, the first and second bilateral hand transplants were resounding successes with both the recipients getting back to their original daily routines. Conclusions: The organisation of the hand transplant programme was a large task, which necessitated intensive planning, and cooperation from various teams within and outside the institution. Exemplary team-work was the key to the phenomenal success of these path breaking endeavors in the subcontinent.

Introduction: Being able to counter immune-mediated rejection has for decades been the single largest obstacle for the progress of vascular composite allotransplantation (VCA). The human immune system performs the key role of differentiating the ‘self’ from the ‘non-self’. This, although is quintessential to eliminate or resist infections, also resists the acceptance of an allograft which it promptly recognises as ‘non-self’. Materials and Methods: Pre-operative evaluation of the recipient evaluation included immunological assessment in the form of panel reactive antibodies (PRA), human leucocyte antigen (HLA) typing, donor-specific antibody detection assays (DSA) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity assays (CDC). Induction immunosuppression was by thymoglobulin and the maintenance by the standard triple-drug therapy. Results: Both the recipients were managed by the standard triple drug therapy and have had only minor episodes of rejections thus far which have been managed appropriately. Discussion: Induction immunosuppression was by thymoglobulin and the maintenance by the standard triple-drug therapy. Various groups have tried various other formulations and regimes as well. Conclusion: A comprehensive plan has to be drawn up for immunological screening, selection and the post-operative immunosuppressant usage. The ultimate goal of these immunosuppression modalities is to achieve a state of donor-specific tolerance.

Introduction This is the first case of supracondylar level transplant from the Indian subcontinent, performed for a bilateral below elbow amputee. It has a completely different set of challenges for the transplant team, with a relatively shorter ischemia time window.The technical considerations for the same have been discussed in detail in this article. Materials and Methods The patient was a 19-year-old female who lost her both upper limbs at proximal forearm level due to severe crush injury following a road traffic accident. Insufficient bone length on either side necessitated a supracondylar level transplant. The preoperative workup included detailed clinical evaluation, biochemical, and psychological evaluation.The donor was a young brain-dead, male patient from a hospital, 30 minutes away. The donor and recipient preparations in this case were unique. The recipient’s own elbow flexors and extensors were used while the elbow joint was from the donor. The specific challenges we faced during this procedure have been described in detail. Results The transplantation has been a complete technical success, with the patient rehabilitated back to her independent life style. This article describes only the technical considerations. The functional recovery aspect is part of an another soon to be published manuscript. Conclusion Supracondylar level arm-transplant requires a highly coordinated team effort with precise preoperative planning, along with meticulous attention to detail to achieve a successful outcome. In properly selected patients, it could be a life-changing procedure, worth all the effort.

Introduction: External volume expansion (EVE) is one method, which has been utilised for increasing the survival of adipose tissue grafts. EVE releases positive pressure from the graft and also induces intense levels of edema that decreases diffusion of metabolites essential for graft survival initially. The ideal timing of external volume expansion in relation to the injection of the fat to facilitate survival is not yet clear. Aims and Objectives: This study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the efficacy of external volume expansion applied at variable time points in relation to the injection of the fat. Materials and Methods: Athymic mouse was the animal model and human lipo-aspirate mixed with PRP was used as graft. An indigenous dome shaped silicone device was fabricated to deliver a negative pressure of -30 mm of Hg. The EVE was applied at variable time intervals. At the end of 4 weeks visual, histological and radiological features of the injected fat were compared. The adipose tissue was stained with human vimentin to ascertain the origin of the retained fat. Results: All the grafts, which had EVE, had significantly better volume retention and vascularity. The groups which underwent a delayed EVE or prior expansion followed by concomitant graft injection and expansion showed the most optimal vascularity and graft retention. Conclusions: A delayed EVE or prior expansion followed by concomitant graft injection and expansion may be the most ideal combinations to optimize graft take. However, on account of the relatively small sample size, there was a limitation in drawing statistically significant conclusions for certain variables.

Introduction: Symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is still seen frequently in referral centers all over India. These patients require parathyroidectomy and this study aimed to assess the roll of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay when concordant results of two localization studies were available. Study Design: We analyzed the case records of patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHPT from January 2005 to June 2015. Results: Of 143 patients included in the study, technetium 99m methoxyisobutylisonitrate dual phase scintigraphy showed true positive images in 93.7% and high definition ultrasonography in 84.6% of patients. Concordance in localization studies was observed in 121 (84.6%) patients, successful parathyroidectomy was done in 117 (96.7%) patients with concordant localization studies. Intraoperative PTH monitoring showed 97.84% sensitivity and 75% specificity and predicted failure in 2 patients with concordant imaging. However, re-exploration was not successful in these patients. Conclusion: When concordant result is available between parathyroid scintigraphy and anatomical imaging surgical cure rate is high in trained hands. Re-exploration is unlikely to be successful since these patients require higher imaging.

Organ donation after brain stem death is quite common in the west. In India, the procedure is still gaining acceptance. The surgical steps for multi-organ retrieval have evolved in different centers with significant variations, and the scientific evidence levels for each technique are low. Organ retrieval requires a fairly rapid surgical technique to avoid ischemic injury to the target organs yet avoid iatrogenic injuries. This article offers and outline of the multi-organ donation procedure. It details the abdominal organ retrieval techniques and touches on thoracic organs and composite tissue grafts as well. It also briefly touches upon machine perfusion of organs.

Introduction: Microsurgical tissue transfer in the pediatric population is challenging for several reasons– small vessel diameter, flap size, difficulties with postoperative flap monitoring, and difficulty in anticipating tissue growth and remodeling. In addition, head-and-neck reconstruction is uniquely difficult due to the functional deficits after ablative surgery. We present our series of microvascular reconstruction for tumors of the head and neck in the pediatric population. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of microvascular reconstruction performed in our institution for benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck for patients aged

Today in the world of smart cities, with growing infrastructure and public demand rising, there is an immediate need to supply the demands at various points by any single organization. In this course of visiting such large number of points, there is a possibility for the organization to cover some avoidable points which has no valuable outcome. This creates the problem of time and effort optimization which is very important with this growing scale. In this paper, we propose the idea to solve the above-stated problem by using the IoT sensors to check which all points need to be covered and eliminate such avoidable points from the course of our path. After reducing the points of travel, the remaining points can be covered optimally using Travelling Salesman Problem algorithm. In this paper, we have illustrated the problem of waste collection in smart cities in which there are multiple waste bins all over the city but only those bins are to be emptied that are suitably filled. This leads to reduction of waste of valuable resources like fuel, time and effort.

Introduction: This article deals with two patients who underwent bilateral hand transplantation following amputation of both upper limbs at the distal third of the foream. Materials and Methods: The first patient had a history of loss of hands in a train accident, with possiblity of a run over element during the injury. The second patient lost his both hands in a mine blast. The preoperative work up included detailed clinical and psychological evaluation. The donor retrieval was similar in both the cases and the donors were housed in our own instittution. The donor preparation, recipient preparation and the transplant procedure was similar except for the need of primary tendon transfers in the left hand of the first patient. Results: The first patient needed a free flap transfer to cover compromised skin flap on the left hand on the second day. The second hand transplant was uneventful. Both the recipients are now back to their normal daily routines. Conclusions: Hand transplantation is a potentially life altering procedure, but to optimise the results, it is imperative that there is a meticulous planning and diligent execution with utmost importance to the detail coupled with a synchronised team effort.

Introduction: An ideal ear, with representation of all anatomic landmarks, is the aim of any reconstructive surgeon embarking on reconstructing the ear in a microtia patient. The literature is abundant with the description of techniques, but these have been reported mainly in Caucasian and Oriental population. There have been very few publications on results in the population belonging to the Indian subcontinent. In spite of strictly adhering to the recommended techniques of reconstruction, the results obtained in these patients have often been marred by problems that are not reported with the Oriental or Caucasian populations. This may necessitate a relook into the management strategy of these cases. Hindering the assessment of the results, their reporting and auditing the improvement obtained by such change in the management strategy, is the lack of a standardized method for assessment of the outcome. Hence, an attempt was made in a series of patients who underwent microtia reconstruction to assess the outcome using a new tool based on the attained definition of anatomical components of the reconstructed pinna. Further effort was made to document the modifications in the technical execution of the reconstruction during the period of the study. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 44 patients and a prospective analysis of 11 patients, who underwent ear reconstruction for microtia from December 2003 to September 2014 at a tertiary care teaching hospital, was undertaken. Taking a cue from Nagata’s description of an ’ideal reconstructed ear’ which should show all the anatomical components, we developed an objective grading system to assess our results. The technique had undergone several changes during these years combining the principles of three universally accepted methods, that is, those described by Nagata, Brent, and Firmin. These changes, as well as the reasons behind them, were documented. Results: On objectively measuring and analysing the replication of normal morphologic characteristics of the reconstructed ears, we documented progressive improvement of our results. Good or excellent results could be achieved in 70% of cases in the second group compared to a poor outcome in more than 2/3rd of the cases carried out during the initial period. Based on these results and the changes adopted in our practice we propose suggestions for management of microtia cases in the Indian population. Conclusions: An objective, weighted grading system has further enabled us to critically evaluate the outcomes and to further improve upon the existing results. Our amalgamation of the salient features of the established techniques as well as changes made based on our experience has enabled us to get good results more consistently in our attempts at microtia reconstruction. We believe that the adoption of such amalgamated methods will be more suitable in Indian patients.

Purpose Bilateral maxillectomy defects, if not adequately reconstructed, can result in grave esthetic and functional problems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcome of reconstruction of such defects. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective case series. The defects were analyzed for their components and the flaps used for reconstruction. Outcomes for flap loss and functional indices, including oral diet, speech, and dental rehabilitation, also were evaluated. Results Ten consecutive patients who underwent bilateral maxillectomy reconstruction received 14 flaps. Six patients had malignancies of the maxilla, and 4 patients had nonmalignant indications. Ten bony free flaps were used. Four soft tissue flaps were used. The fibula free flap was the most common flap used. Three patients had total flap loss. Seven patients were alive and available for functional evaluation. Of these, 4 were taking an oral diet with altered consistency and 2 were on a regular diet. Speech was intelligible in all patients. Only 2 patients opted for dental rehabilitation with removable dentures. Conclusions Reconstruction after bilateral maxillectomy is essential to prevent esthetic and functional problems. Bony reconstruction is ideal. The fibula bone free flap is commonly used. The complexity of the defect makes reconstruction difficult and the initial success rate of free flaps is low. Secondary reconstructions after the initial flap failures were successful. A satisfactory functional outcome can be achieved.

The free fibula is a versatile and commonly used free flap in microvascular reconstruction. It allows for reconstruction of both bone and soft tissue defects. In head and neck reconstruction, the skin paddle harvested along with the flap allows for the reconstruction of skin or oral mucosal defects. After skin paddle harvest, the donor site can be closed primarily or with skin grafts. Grafting the donor area is the common method used. However, this could lead to delayed healing because of the poor graft over the area of peroneal tendons. Propeller flaps have been extensively reported for closure of leg skin defects. We report a series of 10 patients in whom we used a local propeller flap for the closure of the fibula flap skin donor site. The donor defects could be satisfactorily closed without the need of a skin graft in 9 patients. This method is simple, reliable, and suitable for closing small to medium defects.

Introduction Renal dysfunction associated with primary hyperparathyroidism was studied mostly in patients with mildly asymptomatic or asymptomatic parathyroid disorders. Clinical and biochemical profile of asymptomatic and symptomatic disease vary grossly. The present study analyzed renal function in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and the relation with clinical features, biochemical features and sonologic changes of kidneys in a cohort of primary symptomatic hyperparathyroidism. Study design Cross-sectional study was done in a cohort of surgically proven patients of primary symptomatic hyperparathyroidism. Urinary tract was evaluated with high definition Ultrasonography and renal function was estimated using Modification of Diet in Renal disease (MDRD) Study equation before and after parathyroidectomy. Result Case records 145 patients were studied and there were 44 patients (30.4%) with estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . Associated renal complications, coincident hypertension and high serum level of calcium were strongly associated with renal dysfunction. Renal dysfunction marginally improved after 1 year following surgical cure of hyperparathyroidism in 25% of patients with renal dysfunction. There was no detectable change in renal function during the follow up period. Conclusion There was high prevalence of renal dysfunction among symptomatic hyperparathyroidism. Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism should undergo complete sonological assessment of kidneys which may include presence of nephrocalcinosis and cortical echogenicity. Successful parathyroidectomy prevented deterioration of renal function in most of patients and a significant subset with renal dysfunction showed improvement of functional status.

Extensive and complex defects of the head and neck involving multiple anatomical and functional subunits are a reconstructive challenge. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the reconstructive indications of the use of simultaneous double free flaps in head and neck oncological surgery. This is a retrospective review of 21 consecutive cases of head and neck malignancies treated surgically with resection and reconstruction with simultaneous use of double free flaps. Nineteen of 21 patients had T4 primary tumor stage. Eleven patients had prior history of radiotherapy or chemo-radiotherapy. Forty-two free flaps were used in these patients. The predominant combination was that of free fibula osteo-cutaneous flap with free anterolateral thigh (ALT) fascio-cutaneous flap. The indications of the simultaneous use of double free flaps can be broadly classified as: (a) large oro-mandibular bone and soft tissue defects (n = 13), (b) large oro-mandibular soft tissue defects (n = 4), (c) complex skull-base defects (n = 2), and (d) dynamic total tongue reconstruction (n = 2). Flap survival rate was 95%. Median follow-up period was 11 months. Twelve patients were alive and free of disease at the end of the follow-up. Eighteen of 19 patients with oro-mandibular and glossectomy defects were able to resume an oral diet within two months while one patient remained gastrostomy dependant till his death due to disease not related to cancer. This patient had a combination of free fibula flap with free ALT flap, for an extensive oro-mandibular defect. The associated large defect involving the tongue accounted for the swallowing difficulty. Simultaneous use of double free flap aided the reconstruction in certain large complex defects after head and neck oncologic resections. Such combination permits better complex multiaxial subunit reconstruction. An algorithm for choice of flap combination for the appropriate indications is proposed.

Component failures due to excessive flow-induced vibration are still affecting the performance and reliability of nuclear power stations. Tube failures due to fretting-wear in nuclear steam generators, and vibration related damage of reactor internals are of particular concern. In the Indian nuclear industry, flow induced vibrations are assessed early in the design process and the results are incorporated in the design procedures. In this paper the details of flow induced vibration studies on internals like liquid zone control unit and poison injection units of heavy water filled calandria of 700 MWe Indian pressurized heavy water reactor is given. This includes computational fluid dynamics studies from which the velocities are extracted for the components lying inside the calandria. With these velocities as input, further studies are performed to predict the dynamic behavior of these components. Results of these calculations as well as conclusions derived from this investigation are presented. Based on the studies it has been established that flow induced vibration is not a concern in the present design of 700 MWe calandria internals.

Introduction: Ameloblastomas are benign but aggressive odontogenic tumors with have a high propensity for bony destruction. They require to be excised completely to avoid local recurrence, and these resections involve significant functional and esthetic disturbances. With the advent of microvascular reconstruction, they can be excised, and defects are reconstructed with preservation of form and function. This paper presents our experience with wide excision and microvascular reconstruction for maxillomandibular ameloblastomas, and to describe the planning, resection, microvascular reconstruction, and rehabilitation of these patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of records for patients treated with wide excision and microvascular reconstruction for maxillomandibular ameloblastomas at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences Kochi between 2003 and 2015 was performed. Clinical and pathological features were described, and a literature review was performed. Results: A total of 48 patients were identified with equal sex distribution and mean age at presentation of 35 (range 16–71) years. Half of these patients had primary lesions, and the remaining half had the recurrent disease (range 1–4 previous surgeries). Forty patients (83%) had mandibular lesions and the remaining had the maxillary disease. All patients had wide excision with a gross bony margin of 1 cm and reconstruction with microvascular flaps (fibula free flap = 41, distal circumflex iliac artery flap = 3 and scapular free flap = 2, anterolateral thigh flap = 1 and radial forearm free flap = 1). Mean tumor size was 4.73 (2–14) cm. At a median follow-up of 21 months, all patients were free of recurrence. Successful dental rehabilitation was achieved in 40 patients (83%). Conclusion: This approach leads to results in excellent local control, functional, and esthetic outcomes. Although managing these patients is challenging, multidisciplinary expertise and planning are crucial for successful management.

The case of reverse sural artery neurocutaneous flap done for lower leg defects under combined sciatic and femoral nerve block is presented. Doing the flap using this method of anesthesia makes the positioning changes necessary during surgery easy. All flaps survived. Nine out of the ten blocks acted satisfactorily. The technique of giving the combined block is described in brief. The mean time of onset of action was 16.62 min, and the mean duration of action was 6.26 h using 1% Lidocaine with 1 in 200,000 adrenaline.

In this prospective, randomized study, 60 patients requiring a single sheet of graft were randomized into 2 groups. Tumescent infiltration was used for anesthesia in one group and femoral nerve block in the other. The pain during administration of anesthesia, the time required for onset of action, the pain during graft harvest and the failure rates were recorded. Statistical comparison was done using Fischers Exact probability test for the failure rates and Mann Whitney- U test for the other parameters. The pain during administration was significantly higher for tumescent infiltration. The time for onset of action was significantly faster with femoral nerve block. The pain during harvest and the failure rates did not show any significant difference. We conclude that tumescent infiltration is more painful than femoral nerve block but equally effective as anesthesia with no difference in the failure and complication rates.

Background Reconstruction after partial cricotracheal resection is technically demanding and is seldom reported in literature. The purpose of this study was to report a technique of reconstruction of such a defect with a radial forearm flap supported by a titanium mesh. Methods A 75-year-old man who was diagnosed with a case of papillary carcinoma thyroid, underwent excision of the tumor with a partial cricotracheal resection. The defect was reconstructed with a free radial forearm flap with fascia suspended on a titanium mesh. Results At a follow-up of 6 months after treatment, the patient has normal nasal breathing and an acceptable voice. Conclusion This reconstructive technique enabled us to maintain the integrity of the subglottic airway. Our technique was unique in that we used the skin-lined part of the radial forearm flap to line the airway and the fascia to cover the titanium mesh outside, thereby preventing plate exposure. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012

Anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap is a common flap with multitude of indications. The purpose of this article is to review the reconstructive indications of the flap in head and neck defects. This is a retrospective study of 194 consecutive ALT flaps. Data including patient characteristics (age, sex, comorbidities), disease characteristics (histology, T stage), and flap characteristics (size of the flap, type of closure of ALT donor site) were collected. The outcome in terms of flap success rate, surgical, and donor site morbidity were studied. A total of 194 flaps were performed in 193 patients over a period of 10 years. Mean age of the patients was 55 years (range 16-80 years). Out of the 193 patients, 91 (47.1%) patients had oromandibular defects, 52 (26.9%) had tongue defects, 15 (7.7%) had pharyngeal defects, 17 (8.8%) had skull base defects, 4 (2%) had scalp defects, and 14 (7.2%) had contour defects of the neck. The overall flap success rate was 95.8% (8 total flap loss out of 194). Hypertrophic scar was the commonest donor site problem seen in 20 (10.3%) patients. This study shows the versatility of free ALT flap in head and neck reconstruction. It is a reliable and safe. Donor site morbidity is minimal.