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Biomedical subjects

M S Freeman

Publications and source records attributed to M S Freeman.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Surgical therapy of the eyelids in patients with facial paralysis.

Patients with facial paralysis have a degree of lagophthalmos and paralytic ectropion. We present our experience in the surgical management of 25 consecutive patients treated for these problems. Paralytic lagophthalmos was corrected using gold weights inserted into the upper eyelid. The advantages and disadvantages of this surgical technique are reviewed. Medial canthoplasty and lateral canthoplasty were performed to rectify paralytic ectropion. Ancillary procedures included browpexy, upper-lid blepharoplasty, and temporalis sling. The results were excellent in 23 of 25 patients and good in the remaining two. After a minimum of 6 months' follow-up, there were no complications. The authors believe that the above procedures will yield consistently excellent cosmetic and functional results in patients with paralysis of the eyelids.

Cranial Nerve Neoplasms

Incision planning and basic soft-tissue surgery.

Incisions in the head and neck region need not result in unsightly scars. For open incisions, use of the RSTL or skin creases, along with good soft-tissue technique and attention to detail on closure, will yield excellent cosmetic results.

Face

Clavicular division technique. A new approach for lengthening the pectoralis flap.

Complications associated with using the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap increase significantly when a portion of the paddle is randomized and/or the flap is closed under tension. The clavicular division technique was devised to increase the length of the flap to help alleviate this problem. Thirty pectoralis major muscle flaps were dissected in fresh cadavers, using the clavicular division technique. The length of the flap after transposition was measured and recorded before and after clavicular division. The distance from the sternal notch to the clavicular division point was also recorded. The average gain in length was found to be 2.9 cm, with a range of 0.5 cm to 6.5 cm. The clavicular division technique has been used since in five patients. The increase in length has allowed us to discard some or all of the random portion of the flap. We advocate the use of this procedure on any patient where the surgeon is concerned about the viability of the random portion of the flap and/or when it is felt that the tension on the suture line is excessive.

Clavicle

Analysis of patient response to preoperative computerized video imaging.

Preoperative computer-assisted video imaging was performed on 50 consecutive rhinoplasty candidates, along with routine preoperative photographs and assessment. Each patient then completed a questionnaire dealing with the imaging process. Patient acceptance of the imaging process was excellent. Responses indicated that most patients felt that video imaging improved communication between patient and surgeon, increased patient confidence in surgery and surgeon, and enhanced the patient-physician relationship. The future use of computer-assisted video imaging in teaching, preoperative planning, and improved post-operative patient satisfaction is discussed.

Adult

Giant acquired tracheoesophageal fistulas: strategy for successful management.

Giant tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEF) present a significant management problem for the head and neck surgeon. Chronic aspiration and sepsis are associated complications that occur in these patients, who are frequently already debilitated from pre-existing medical calamities. The combination results in prolonged morbidity and frequent mortality. Recently, we have managed two patients with this difficult problem. The first patient was managed using conventional methods well described in the literature with an unsuccessful outcome. The second was managed differently using a two-stage approach. The esophageal stream was first excluded from the respiratory system via a surgical approach, which to the best of our knowledge has not been previously described in the literature. After a period of convalescence, the patient's alimentary tract is reconstituted with a gastric pull-up, reversed gastric tube, or colon interposition. We propose this as an alternative method of management for TEF.

Adult