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Biomedical subjects

K A Shumrick

Publications and source records attributed to K A Shumrick.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Modification of the subunit principle for reconstruction of nasal tip and dorsum defects.

This article reports our observations on, and modification of, the subunit principle with regard to reconstruction of nasal tip and dorsum defects. Forty-two patients who underwent reconstruction of a nasal tip and/or dorsum defect with a forehead flap were reviewed. These patients were categorized by how the subunit principle was used in their reconstruction and graded on the aesthetic outcome of the reconstruction. We found that the patients who had both the nasal tip and dorsum replaced obtained better results than those who had just 1 subunit replaced (P = .008). Review of postoperative photographs shows that the reason for this discrepancy in aesthetic outcomes is the line of transition between the forehead skin and remaining nasal skin if only 1 subunit is replaced. With this observation in mind, we feel that patients undergoing reconstruction of the nasal tip and/or dorsum should be evaluated for discrepancies in tissue type between the recipient nasal site and forehead donor site. If the tissues are noted to be significantly disparate, the reconstructive surgeon may consider replacing both subunits with a single forehead flap.

Esthetics↗

Nasal reconstruction in the elderly patient. The case for not letting age determine method.

OBJECTIVES: To review a series of nasal reconstructive procedures in elderly patients, and to discuss management issues related to reconstructing nasal defects in patients 80 years and older. DESIGN: Retrospective review identifying patients 80 years and older undergoing significant nasal reconstructive surgery. SETTING: University and private practice settings. PATIENTS: Patients 80 years and older requiring significant nasal reconstructive surgery, with nasal defect large enough to require a forehead flap for skin resurfacing. Patients whose defects were allowed to granulate or who had skin grafts were excluded. INTERVENTION: Nasal reconstructive surgery using advanced surgical techniques such as forehead flaps and cartilage grafts. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complications related to surgery or use of anesthesia and whether patients believed the effort and resources required to complete the nasal reconstruction were worth it. RESULTS: Fifteen patients 80 years and older underwent nasal reconstructive surgery using forehead flaps. In addition, 5 patients had intranasal mucosal grafts and 6 had cartilage grafts. There were no instances of anesthetic or perioperative morbidity or mortality. In addition, all flaps completely survived, and results were judged as good to excellent. CONCLUSIONS: Actuarial evidence shows that a 90-year-old American woman has a 40% chance of living to be 95 years old. Presently, with the improved level of functioning of octogenarians and nonagenarians, we are also concerned with their facial appearance, and want to use the optimum reconstructive technique. The decision of what type of reconstructive surgery to perform should not be based simply on a patient's age but must also take into account the patient's mental status and wishes, and medical condition. Our evidence supports the concept that, in the appropriately chosen patient 80 years and older, forehead flaps and cartilage grafting can be performed without significant morbidity.

Aged↗

Early perioperative use of polytef suspension for the management of facial paralysis after extirpative skull base surgery.

BACKGROUND: The satisfactory management of facial paralysis after extirpative skull base surgery has been notoriously difficult. To optimize physical and psychological recovery, early perioperative use of polytef (polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE]) facial suspension has been used in patients with either profound electrophysiological or anatomical disruption of the facial nerve. OBJECTIVE: To review the efficacy of this clinical algorithm. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective medical record review. SETTING: Tertiary care University Hospital Inc, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records review of 32 patients who underwent lateral skull base surgery with resultant facial paralysis who had facial rehabilitation using polytef suspension. RESULTS: All patients who underwent polytef facial suspension reported improvement in both facial function as well as aesthetics. One patient had a late extrusion of the polytef implant. CONCLUSION: The early peri-extirpative application of this technique provides psychological and physical support to patients with facial paralysis who are recovering from lateral skull base surgery. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2000;2:243-248

Adult↗