Introduction:Microvascular anastomosis is a crucial procedure in replantation surgeries. Venous insufficiency is one of the most consistent cause of failure or re-exploration in these surgeries necessitating the use of venous grafts.Materials and Methods:We discuss our study of 9 such replantation surgeries executed in calendar year 2013-2014, including a double finger replantation done in the same patient having total amputation of 4 fingers of the same (right) hand, in which an arterial segment was used as a microvascular interposition graft for venous anastomosis. Out of these 9 surgeries, 3 were re-exploration procedures for venous compromise and 6 were successful primary replantations.Results:In all, 8 replants were successful and one failed due to arterial compromise.Discussion:In our experience and extensive review of the previously available literature, we would like to portray the advantages of arterial segments as microvascular grafts in replant surgeries. Specifically, in a crush amputation injury for which the use of a vascular interposition graft is being contemplated. If any other digit is also amputated and is unsuitable for replantation, it can act as a potential donor site to harvest the arterial segment. However, when dealing with single finger amputation, the surgeon must be confident about the single digital arterial anastomosis, before harvesting the second digital artery as a microvascular graft.Conclusion:In our study, we found the use of arterial grafts in microvascular anastomosis of veins advantageous, as arterial segments have better ability to resist spasm due to environmental changes, better pressure tolerance as compared to venous segments, and provide an appropriate calibre match and ease of harvest in the same operative field.

CORRESPONDENCE 341FIGURE Retromolar placement of the tracheal tube with intermaxillary wire fixation in place.

No abstract

Background:The excellent freedom of movement and range of this flap when based on a the nasolabial perforator flap have not been sufficiently explored. In this study, along with demonstrating the other key advantages of this flap over its traditional counterpart, we will endeavour to fill these lacunae in the available literature.Materials and Methods:From February 2009 to February 2012, twenty patients with nasal defects were repaired with a nasolabial perforator flap in the Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. Of these, two patients (10%) underwent the procedure bilaterally. Thus, a total of 22 nasolabial perforator flap procedures were carried out. Prospectively, collected clinical records and data of each patient were retrospectively retrieved and reviewed to study the nasal defect and surgery done.Results:All the twenty (100%) patients had good functional and aesthetic outcome. All patients who had nasal stenosis preoperatively had very good improvement in the patency of the nasal passages, breathing and nasal blockage with complete recovery of symptoms. The patients were entirely satisfied with the functional recovery.Conclusions:The reliability and versatility of the nasolabial perforator flap exceed its recognised application in reconstruction of nasal defects and it must form a part of every plastic surgeon's armamentarium.

No abstract