Objective To summarize the present status and progress of the anatomy researches and clinical application of the facial artery perforator flap (FAPF). Methods The relative researches focused on the anatomy researches and clinical application of FAPF were extensively reviewed, analyzed, and summarized. Results The facial artery perforator (FAP) has constant anatomy. There are more facial artery perforators in the perioral region, and each FAP has two accompanying veins. Distinguished by inferior mandibular border, the upper and the lower flaps both are used for reconstruction of defects on the face. The most widely-used upper flap was FAPF, which is excellent choice of defects in mid-face. Additionally, angular artery perforator flap and lateral nasal artery perforator flap are becoming more and more popular. While submental artery perforator flap, whose pedicle locates under inferior mandibular border, is most used for reconstruction of lower face. FAPF for face defect repair can achieve good outcomes of function and appearance in clinical application. Conclusion Based on multiple advantages of good aesthetics and function outcomes, high survival rate, flexible design, and simple operation, FAPF is an optimal choice for defect repair of perioral region and nasal ala. However, Further study is needed to determine whether retaining tissue around the pedicle will affect vein reflux of the flap.
ObjectiveTo assess the health effectiveness, cost and cost effectiveness of different oral anticoagulation (OAT) therapies in China, including warfarin plus international normalized ratio (INR) test in hospital labs (Lab test), warfarin plus patient self-management (PSM) with point of care device, and novel anticoagulant (Dabigatran) alone. MethodsA Markov model containing four states (no complication, hemorrhagic event, thrombotic event and death) was developed to account for long-term cost and outcomes of warfarin/novel anticoagulant users including atrial fibrillation patients and deep venous thrombosis patients. Direct medical cost was taken into consideration, covering expenses of drugs, OAT monitoring and complication management. Both clinical and cost parameters were mainly derived from literatures. ResultsCompared with hospital lab test, the PSM pattern obtained a prolonged 8.48 years and 5.08 QALYs with the larger amount of cost, CNY 47 482. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of PSM versus hospital lab test came to CNY 19 240 per QALY gained, lower than GDP China per capita in 2014 (CNY 46 628). And the novel anticoagulant pattern was dominated by PSM pattern due to shortened QALYs while increased cost. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated the results were not sensitive to main indicators, including utility in different health status, complication probability, and disease management cost. ConclusionPSM can generate more QALYs by reducing the risk of major thrombotic and bleeding events with acceptable incremental cost, which turns to be the most cost effective way among the 3 patterns and demonstrates promising future in OAT management.
ObjectiveTo explore the plastic surgical treatment and the way to reduce hemorrhage for scalp and facial plexiform neurofibromas. MethodsBetween July 2004 and July 2013, 20 patients with scalp and facial plexiform neurofibromas (17 cases of neurofibromatosis type Ⅰ and 3 cases of plexiform neurofibroma) were treated, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 9 males and 11 females with an average age of 37 years (range, 18-56 years). The disease duration ranged from 8 to 56 years (mean, 19 years). The scalp was involved in 6 cases, the face in 7 cases, and both the scalp and face in 7 cases. The extent of involvement ranged from 4 cm×3 cm to 15 cm×13 cm. Obvious pigmentation was seen in 2 cases. Endovascular embolization was performed before surgical intervention in 4 cases. Preliminary sutures around the lesion were carried out in 18 cases having an involved range over 5 cm×5 cm. One-stage excision was performed in 17 cases, and two-stage excision in 3 cases. Wound repair and facial orthopedic treatment were performed after tumor excision. ResultsThe intraoperative blood loss was 100-500 mL (mean, 300 mL) for patients undergoing single operation. For 3 patients undergoing two-stage excision, the blood loss of the first operation was 500, 600, and 800 mL respectively, and the blood loss of the second operation was all 50 mL. Autologous blood transfusion of 200, 400, and 400 mL was performed in 3 cases respectively. The preliminary sutures were removed at 3-7 days (mean, 5 days) after operation. All the incisions healed primarily without secondary hemorrhage and hematoma, and the flap and skin graft survived totally. Fifteen patients were followed up 1 year to 7 years (mean, 2.5 years). All patients showed significant improvement in appearance. No significant progression, expanding, and sagging were observed. ConclusionEndovascular embolization and preliminary sutures around the lesion can be used to reduce hemorrhage in resection of plexiform neurofibroma in the scalp and face. Personalized surgical plan of benign neurofibromatosis should be made to reduce the tumor mass, to improve function and appearance.