New self-retaining retractor to facilitate surgical exposure

This new self-retaining retractor has blunt prongs that grip firmly but cause minimal trauma. A widely curved arc permits wide separation of the blades. Because the retractor is relatively long and heavy, it sits snugly within the wound, and the base is out of the surgical field. The extra length of the instrument permits considerable upward retraction of the central blade.     

Advances in the management of lower eyelid retraction

The purpose of this article is to describe the newer surgical techniques and materials available for repair of lower eyelid retraction. The anatomic basis, classification, and prevention of lower eyelid retraction are explored, as well as traditional methods of surgical management. Two case reports involving the successful use of acellular human dermis (AHD) for lower eyelid retraction are presented. Lower eyelid retraction is associated with a variety of etiologies, which mandate that the surgical repair be directed toward correction of the anatomic abnormality in each patient. Each surgical procedure and material used in the repair of eyelid retraction is associated with unique advantages and disadvantages. AHD has found multiple uses in oculoplastics, including reconstruction of the middle and posterior lamellae in eyelid retraction. An understanding of the mechanistic basis of lower eyelid retraction and familiarity with newer techniques and materials enable the oculoplastic surgeon to modify and individualize the operative repair, resulting in better surgical outcomes.     

Relationship between directions of cerebellar retractions and cochlear and vestibular nerve injuries

It is said that lateral-to-medial retraction of the cerebellar hemisphere is hazardous because, by this retraction, avulsion injury of the cochlear nerve and internal auditory artery may be caused. Caudal-to-rostral retraction of the cerebellar hemisphere is, therefore, recommended in operations in the CP angle such as microvascular decompression procedures. From the results of our present study, however, it can be said caudal-to-rostral retraction can easily cause vestibular nerve damage. However, rostral-to-caudal retraction may damage the cochlear nerve just as lateral-to-medial retraction does. These differences of the eighth nerve injuries according to directions of cerebellar retractions are explicable from the fact that the vestibule and vestibular nerve are located posterior to the cochlea and cochlear nerve. Most of dysequilibrium appearing after manipulations in the CP angle may be due to vestibular nerve damage-avulsion of the vestibular nerve and its accompanying vessels from the vestibular apparatus.     

What governs the size of the retraction gap in divided peripheral nerves

Summary The retraction gap in severed peripheral nerves form a part of the critical gap distance. It thus contributes to determining its size. The extent of retraction of severed nerves is variable and depends on joint movements. However, the individual distributions of the retraction gap are more or less constant and remain unaffected in various joint positions. The mean gap size is related to the level of nerve section and it becomes smaller as one moves distally. The degree of retraction increases in a wider, and decreases in a narrower section of the course of the nerves. In consequence of the existing attachments of each nerve to its bed there is inhibition of retraction, but much freer retraction is possible when these attachments are eliminated.Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. K. J. Zülch on occasion of his 70th birthday.     

Prospective study of tympanic membrane retraction, hearing loss, and multifrequency tympanometry.

Tympanic membrane retraction is a significant sequela of OME and has been linked clinically to atelectasis, ossicular erosion, and cholesteatoma. We investigated important factors for prediction of tympanic membrane retraction in a prospective study of 112 children. After 4 to 6 years of follow-up, 12% of ears had pars tensa retraction without atrophy, and 28% had various degrees of retraction with atrophy. Mild pars flaccida retraction was present in 23%, and severe pars flaccida retraction was present in 12%. Retraction severity was related to hearing level and multifrequency tympanometry. Three factors were significantly related to retraction severity: type of tube, male sex, and percent of visits in the second year with abnormal tympanograms. This study shows that type of tube was the most important factor in long-term outcome after tympanostomy tube treatment of OME.     

睑袋整复术后下睑退缩的矫正

目的：探讨矫正睑袋整复术后并发的下睑退缩的理想方法。方法：对5例（8只眼）下睑退缩较轻者，单纯施行经眦眦固定术缩紧外眦腱使下睑缘上移复位；对15例（27只眼）下睑退缩较重者，施行经眦紫固定术同时行Hamra释放弓状缘和保留眶脂肪的下睑成形术，以在缩紧外眦腱的同时松解下睑眶隔和眶脂肪层的瘢痕挛缩，悬吊眼轮匝肌及提升中面部皮肤补充下睑前层不足。结果：术后14例（25只眼）得到6－12个月的随访，除1例（1只眼）较重的下睑退缩矫正不全外，其余均获得满意效果。结果：①经眦眦固定术是矫正轻度下睑退缩简单而有效的方法；②施行经眦眦固定术同时行Hamra下睑成形术是矫正较重度下睑退缩的理想选择。     

Monitoring retraction pressure on the brain. An experimental and clinical study

The problem of minimizing tissue damage during brain retraction was studied both experimentally in dogs and clinically with the aid of newly designed strain-gauge retractor. The pressure required to obtain a specific exposure decreased gradually with time. The average time for a 50% reduction in retraction pressure was 6.6 minutes in the earlier trials of repeated retraction. The attenuation rate of retraction pressure gradually decreased when retraction of the same area was repeated. The lower the head position of the dog, the larger was the amplitude of brain retraction pressure. Clinical studies demonstrated that: 1) cerebrospinal fluid drainage was effective in decreasing the retraction pressure required; 2) use of multiple retractors reduced the pressure applied by each retractor; and 3) retraction pressure could be monitored when the strain-gauge retractors were applied to arteries and cranial nerves.     

Liver hematoma after laparoscopic nissen fundoplication: a case report and review of retraction injuries

Laparoscopic fundoplication is a safe and effective alternative to long-term medical therapy in select patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Among the technical challenges of laparoscopic fundoplication, retraction of the left lobe of liver can cause significant morbidity. Intraoperative complications from retraction injuries have been reported in the literature, but postoperative complications arising from liver retraction have not been published. The authors present a case of a symptomatic liver hematoma requiring hospital readmission for diagnosis and pain control and a review of retraction injuries.     

Management of upper eyelid retraction: a case treated with müllerectomy

Upper eyelid retraction is a common symptom related to several ocular pathologies. Conservative treatments have been shown to be of little value in maintaining the desired eyelid aperture. Surgery is therefore required to correct eyelid retraction. We report a case of upper eyelid retraction corrected with müllerectomy in a patient with an unacceptable cosmetic appearance.     

Mucosal proctectomy using an ultrasonic scalpel

Mucosal proctectomy is becoming the operation of choice in the surgical treatment of patients with ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis coli. Dissection of the rectal mucosa and submucosa from the underlying muscularis is often difficult and, in some instances, impossible to perform. The feasibility of using an ultrasonic device to perform mucosal protectomy was studied in eight dogs. This technique produced coagulative necrosis of the mucosa and muscularis mucosa with marked edema and congestion of the submucosa. The muscularis propria remained intact. Complete destruction of the distal 7 cm of rectal mucosa required a total duration of exposure to the ultrasonic probe of at least 12 minutes. In another five dogs, total colectomy was performed above the area of the mucosal proctectomy followed by endorectal pull-through of the ileum. Follow-up studies revealed healing of the ileonal anastomosis without retraction or stricture. This technique should allow mucosal proctectomy to be performed in those patients in whom standard dissection is not possible due to fibrosis of the submucosal plane.     

Revisional eyelid surgery: treatment of severe postblepharoplasty lower eyelid retraction

A common and challenging complication of lower blepharoplasty is severe lower eyelid retraction. This complication is esthetically displeasing and can result in ocular discomfort, blurred vision, and exposure keratopathy. The hard palate graft and cheek-lift procedures can eliminate the lower lid retraction without creating disfiguring facial scars. The authors discuss their approach to the treatment of severe lower eyelid retraction after cosmetic blepharoplasty.     

外伤性眼睑退缩的手术治疗

目的：探索采用异体巩膜移植行眼睑退缩矫正手术的疗效。方法：自上睑板上缘切断上睑提肌腱膜,或自下睑板下缘切断下睑缩肌,充分分离后使上下睑缘位置恢复正常,在上述腿膜与睑板之间植入 体巩膜片,以使上睑提肌腱膜或下睑缩肌延长。结果：本组18例22只眼,除1例轻度轿正不足和1例发生轻度上睑下垂体,其余均获得成功。结论：采用异体巩膜移植延长上睑提肌腱膜或下睑缩肌,是修复外伤或手术后眼睑退缩的有效手术方法。     

Extensive retraction artifact correlates with lymphatic invasion and nodal metastasis and predicts poor outcome in early stage breast carcinoma

Retraction artifact resulting in clear spaces around tumor cell nests is frequently seen in histologic material and may present difficulty in their differentiation from lymphovascular invasion. We noticed that retraction artifact seemed to be more common around groups of breast cancer cells compared with benign acini, and when extensively present, metastasis to axillary lymph nodes was often seen. Thus, we performed a study of 304 cases of stage pT1 and pT2 breast carcinomas to test our hypothesis that extensive retraction artifact in tumors correlates with lymphatic spread and outcome. Tumors were evaluated to determine the presence and extent of retraction artifact around tumor cell nests and the presence of lymphatic invasion. Lymphatic invasion was confirmed by D2-40 immunostaining. The extent of retraction artifact in tumors was correlated with clinicopathologic tumor features and patient outcome. Variable degree of retraction artifact was present in 183 of 304 (60%) invasive carcinomas, with its extent ranging from 0% to 90% (median 5%). The extent of retraction artifact showed a significant correlation with tumor size, histologic type, histologic grade, presence of lymphovascular invasion, and nodal metastasis. Further, extensive retraction artifact was significantly associated with poor overall and disease-free survival in both univariate and multivariate analyses. We propose that the apparent retraction of the stroma from cells of invasive breast carcinoma on routine histologic sections is not a phenomenon merely due to inadequate fixation as currently believed. Rather, it likely signifies important biologic changes that alter tumor-stromal interactions and contribute to lymphatic spread and tumor progression.     

Current and future practices in surgical retraction

Retraction of tissues and anatomical structures is an essential component of all forms of surgery. The means by which operative access is gained through retraction are many and diverse. In this article, the various forms of retraction methods currently available are reviewed, with special reference to hand held, self-retaining and compliant techniques. The special challenges posed by laparoscopic surgery are considered and future developments in new retraction techniques are anticipated.     

A pitfall in the interhemispheric translamina terminalis approach for the removal of a craniopharyngioma. Significance of preserving draining veins. Part I. Clinical study

The interhemispheric translamina terminalis approach has made total removal of a craniopharyngioma less risky. Nevertheless, one of the pitfalls of this approach is cutting of the draining veins combined with retraction. A case of craniopharyngioma in which a subcortical hematoma developed is reported. The divided draining veins and the 60-minute retraction period were thought to have caused this complication. We therefore determined the clinical effect of cutting the draining veins and retraction on the regional cerebral blood flow and the motor nerve action potential. There were marked changes and a hematoma occurred mostly when the veins were divided and retraction was applied over the area.     

自体耳软骨支撑矫正下睑退缩

目的探讨采用自体耳软骨矫正下睑退缩的方法。方法取自体耳郭软骨片游离移植,睑袋切口入路,将耳软骨置于眶下缘与下睑缘之间,支撑矫正下睑退缩。结果本组采用自体耳软骨支撑法,矫正下睑退缩3例,其中2例为睑袋术后致下睑绝对短缩,1例为甲亢凸眼致下睑相对短缩。此3例6只眼下睑退缩,矫正后症状消失,外形及效果满意。结论对于较严重的下睑退缩,取自体耳软骨支撑法,矫正下睑退缩,眼睑外形及效果满意,耳郭形态无改变,是一种简单、可靠、矫正效果良好的手术方法。     

A Simple Device for Incision Retraction and Protection in Endoscopic-Assisted Brow and Forehead Lifting

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic-assisted cosmetic surgery has revolutionized various procedures. Forehead and brow lifting performed with endoscopic technique has been shown to be predictable and has fewer complications than open techniques. Providing surgical access and protecting the hair follicles is paramount in endoscopically assisted brow and forehead lifting. OBJECTIVE: To describe a simple retraction device to assist in incision retraction and protect hair follicles. METHODS: A simple, inexpensive retraction device is described that has been used in 60 endoscopic brow incisions to effectively protect the hair follicles and retract incisions for operative techniques. In addition, other methods of follicular protection are discussed. RESULTS: Decreased incisional alopecia and improved surgical access are provided by the use of a simple retraction device and attention to follicular preservation. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic-assisted brow and forehead lifting is becoming the preferred method of upper facial rejuvenation. There is a steep learning curve and often the lack of attention to hair follicle protection results in localized incisional alopecia. In addition, improper surgical access complicates the procedure. A simple device is described to assist in retraction and follicular preservation.     

Elevated Liver Enzymes Following Open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity – Does Timing of Liver Retraction affect the Rise in the Levels of Transaminases?

Background: Liver retraction in open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) for morbid obesity may cause an elevation in liver transaminase levels postoperatively. This study attempts to ascertain whether timing of placement of the liver retractor would have any effect on the degree of derangement of the liver function tests. Methods: 12 patients undergoing open RYGBP were prospectively randomized into 2 groups. One group had the liver retractor applied early on in the operation, and had the gastric pouch constructed first, followed by construction of the jejunojejunostomy and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy. The second group had the jejunojejunostomy performed first, followed by placement of the liver retractor to allow construction of the gastric pouch and Roux-en-Y gastro-jejunostomy. Liver function tests were monitored postoperatively in both groups, and these were then statistically analyzed with respect to the duration of liver retraction. Results: Delayed liver retraction resulted in statistically significantly smaller increases in aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) compared with early liver retraction. AST levels returned to normal values within 1 week in both groups of patients. ALT levels returned to normal values within 1 week in the delayed liver retraction group, whereas levels took >1 week to return to normal in the early liver retraction group. Conclusions: Liver retraction causes abnormal transaminase levels following open RYGBP. Delayed liver retraction results in less rise in the AST and ALT levels compared with early liver retraction. Surgeons should construct the Roux-en-Y limb and jejunoje junostomy first, before proceeding with construction of the gastric pouch and gastrojejunostomy, thereby decreasing the duration of liver retraction and consequent relative liver ischemia.     

Ileostomy rod – is it a bridge too far?

OBJECTIVE: Defunctioning loop ileostomies are used commonly to protect low colorectal anastomoses and thereby reducing the serious complications of leakage. However, they are associated with specific complications such as retraction. Traditionally, a supporting rod is placed as a bridge to support both limbs of the stoma in the hope of reducing the incidence of stomal retraction. There is little evidence in the published literature to support this practice. The aim of this study was to determine whether using an ileostomy rod would reduce the incidence of stomal retraction. METHOD: A prospective, randomised controlled trial was performed in 60 consecutive patients who required a defunctioning loop ileostomy. Patients were allocated to either a 'bridge' or 'bridge-less' protocol. All the patients were assessed by dedicated stoma nurses for at least 3 months and until their stomas were closed. Their postoperative symptoms, including stoma activity and retraction rate, were recorded. RESULTS: Between May 2001 and June 2004, 57 patients completed the study (28 bridge; 29 bridge-less). There were no significant differences in the retraction rate between the groups. No clinical anastomotic leakage was recorded and none of the patients required early closure. CONCLUSIONS: If a loop ileostomy is constructed properly, stomal retraction is uncommon and routine use of a bridge is unnecessary.     

脑牵拉对兔脑神经元线粒体膜电位变化的影响

目的探讨脑牵拉压(BRP)的测量方法,及脑牵拉引起兔脑神经元线粒体膜电位变化的规律和机制。方法选用新西兰大白兔30只,平均随机分为30、40、50 g组,自制脑牵拉压测量装置并定标。流式细胞术检测各组脑牵拉压区神经细胞线粒体膜电位的变化。结果 30 g的 BRP牵拉30 min细胞线粒体膜电位为(97．14±2．27)％;40 g的BRP牵拉30 min引起细胞线粒体膜电位为(84．59±3．73)％,与30 g组相比明显降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0．01);50g的BRP牵拉15 min引起细胞线粒体膜电位为(45．28±3．51)％,与30 g组、40 g组相比差异具有统计学意义 (P<0．01)。结论该装置可精确测量脑牵拉压大小。脑牵拉可引起神经元细胞线粒体膜电位降低。实验性脑牵拉时,最好将BRP控制在40 g以下,以避免脑牵拉伤的发生。