Bleomycin Electrochemotherapy of Dermal Cylindroma as an Alternative Treatment in a Rare Adnexal Neoplasm: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Brooke-Spiegler syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the continuous development of multiple benign skin appendage tumors. It is treated usually by repeated standard surgery. Here, we present a case study where electrochemotherapy (ECT) with bleomycin was used as an effective alternative approach in treating advanced dermal cylindromatosis of the head and neck in a patient with Brooke-Spiegler syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 45-year-old woman presented with multiple recurrent dermal cylindroma lesions on her scalp. Previous treatment consisted of several surgical excisions that resulted in psychological deterioration due to the formation of numerous scars and extensive alopecic areas. ECT was offered to provide tumor removal and disease control and to improve the patient's quality of life. RESULTS: The treatment was well tolerated, and a significant reduction in neoplastic tissue was achieved. Importantly, scalp skin condition significantly improved, regaining a fair follicular density on the margins. CONCLUSION: This report suggests the feasibility of bleomycin ECT as a less invasive alternative option for controlling multiple scalp cylindroma lesions with cosmetically acceptable results, and improving quality of life.

Nonvisualized sentinel node on preoperative lymphoscintigraphy in primary cutaneous melanoma: an 11-year retrospective survey.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in cutaneous melanoma patients evaluates the regional draining basin for occult micrometastatic disease. Occasionally, nonidentification of SLN impairs the acquisition of this important prognostic factor. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the outcomes of melanoma patients with negative lymphoscintigraphic findings and patients who underwent SLN biopsy from 2004 to 2015 ( n = 1200) were retrospectively reviewed for tumor characteristics and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Patients with nonvisualized lymph nodes (NV group) who underwent only preoperative lymphoscintigraphy were separated and compared with a cohort drawn from all melanoma patients who completed the surgical procedure within the same period (V group). RESULTS: A negative lymphoscintigraphic scan was observed in 38 cases (3.2% of all patients). The NV group showed a significantly older age (median 66.0 vs. 48.3 years; P < 0.0001). Head and neck melanomas were more frequent in the NV group compared to the control group (25.1 vs. 7.8%; P = 0.009). Tumor characteristics such as ulceration and Breslow thickness do not influence the lymphoscintigraphy result. No differences were found in overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The nonvisualization of regional lymph nodes by lymphoscintigraphy is more frequent in older patients with head and neck melanomas. From the clinical point of view, no specific recommendation emerged for patients' management because the nonvisualization of the SLN did not show a significant influence on DFS and OS rates. However, lack of knowledge of lymph node status suggests performing a tighter follow-up eventually by ultrasound evaluation of all potential lymph node drainage basins.

Regret and Quality of Life After Mastectomy With or Without Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Mastectomy represents a deep burden for women with breast cancer. Very little is known about the psychological consequences over time and the quality of life (QoL) of women so treated, with or without breast reconstruction (BR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 709 patients underwent mastectomy with or without BR between 2002 and 2012 at one institution. Among 468 surviving patients, a 60-query QoL questionnaire on personal issues including some European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire items was presented either by email, letter, or telephone interview. RESULTS: Of those questioned, 328 patients participated, whereas 140 (30%) declined the invitation or were unavailable. The median age was 63 years (range, 30-93 years). Stage I or II of disease was recorded in 73% of patients. Immediate BR was performed in 168 (51%) of 328 patients. Of the remaining patients, only 7 (4%) of 160 proceeded to delayed BR. Younger women had significantly worse Emotional Functioning and Social Functioning (SF) scores (P < .001), independently of tumor stage, and immediate BR improved that (P = .02). SF score was also worsened by chemotherapy (P = .03). Cognitive Functioning score was independent of age, BR, stage, or adjuvant therapies. Body Image and Sexual Functioning scores improved with BR (P < .03), and age was a strong co-variable (P < .001). On multivariate analysis, immediate BR was correlated with age and preoperative plastic surgery consultation. Some 68 (21%) of 328 patients regretted their decision or were disappointed with their choice regarding BR. CONCLUSIONS: Younger patients with breast cancer report a worse impact on their Emotional Functioning and SF scores after mastectomy, both of which are improved by BR. Reconstructing the breast at the time of mastectomy has a significant impact on Body Image and Sexual Functioning scores. A preoperative plastic surgeon consultation improves the rate of immediate BR, whereas delayed reconstruction is rarely adopted. Some 20% of patients are disappointed in or regret their decision regarding BR. We need to improve our management in consideration of these findings.

Direct-To-Implant and 2-Stage Breast Reconstruction After Nipple Sparing Mastectomy: Results of a Retrospective Comparison.

Breast reconstruction after nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM) plays, nowadays, a fundamental role in breast cancer management. There is no consensus on the best implant-based reconstruction technique, considering 2 stages (expander-prosthesis) or direct-to-implant (DTI). A retrospective review of consecutive adult female patients who underwent NSM with breast reconstruction over a 3-year period (January 2013 to December 2015) was performed. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the type of reconstruction: expander/prosthesis (group A) and DTI (group B). Anamnestic data were collected. Number and type of procedures, complications and esthetic satisfaction were registered and compared. Fifty-six patients were included in group A (34.6%) and 106 in group B (65.4%). Complications associated with the 2 types of breast reconstruction were not different (P = 0.2). Patients in group A received a higher number of total surgical procedures (considering revisions, lipostructures and contralateral symmetrizations) than those in group B (2.5 ± 0.69 and 1.88 ± 1.02, P = 0.0001). Satisfaction with breast reconstruction resulted higher in group A (7.5 ± 2.6 and 6 ± 1.9, P = 0.0004). At the multivariate analysis, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were not correlated with complications, regardless of the group (odds ratio, 0.91 and 2.74, respectively). Radiotherapy and chemotherapy did not even influence the esthetic result, regardless of the group (P = 0.816 and P = 0.521, respectively). Prosthetic breast reconstructions, both in a single and in 2 stages, are welcomed by patients and have relatively low and almost equivalent complication rates, independent of other factors such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, lymphadenectomy, smoking and age. In our experience, 2-stage breast reconstruction, although requiring more operations, is associated with a higher esthetic satisfaction. Patients who perform a DTI breast reconstruction after NSM should be informed of the high probability of surgical revision.

An electrical plasma dissection tool for surgical treatment of chronic ulcers: Results of a prospective randomised trial.

Cutaneous ulceration is a difficult medical problem and a major source of morbidity for patients. In the surgical treatment of ulcers, debridement is the first step, and it can be carried out using several surgical tools. Recently, new surgical devices have emerged using plasma-mediated electrical discharges with a lower peak temperature. A prospective single-blind trial was conducted on chronic ulcers not responsive to common non-surgical management. Patients were randomly separated into 2 groups: Group A received surgical debridement with conventional electrocautery, and Group B received surgical debridement using the plasma-mediated device. Histological samples were collected intraoperatively to evaluate the thermal damage during the surgical procedure and 2 weeks after surgery to evaluate the inflammatory response and collagen deposition. The width of coagulation necrosis at the incision margins in Group B was significantly shorter compared with Group A (P = .001). The inflammatory cell infiltration showed a cellular distribution percentage that was quite equal between the 2 groups. The granulation tissue showed an abundant deposition of dense and mature collagen in Group B, compared with Group A, where the mature collagen appeared in small quantities (P < .001). Microbial culture showed a lower incidence of postoperative infections in Group B compared with the control group (P < .05). The study demonstrated, based on the results, that the new technology with the use of a lower temperature electrosurgical device represents an effective therapeutic weapon for the surgical treatment of skin ulcers, both vascular and extravascular types.

Versatility of capsular flaps in the salvage of exposed breast implants.

Breast implant exposure due to poor tissue coverage or previous irradiation represents a surgical challenge both in the reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery practice. In case of implant extrusion or incipient exposure, the commonly suggested strategies, such as targeted antibiotic therapy, drainage and lavage of the cavity, fistulectomy, and primary closure, may be ineffective leading the surgeon to an unwanted implant removal or to adopt more invasive flap coverage procedures. Breast implant capsule, in its physiological clinical behavior, can be considered as a new reliable source of tissue, which can be used in a wide range of clinical situations. In our hands, capsular flaps proved to be a versatile solution not only to treat breast contour deformities or inframammary fold malpositions but also to salvage exposed breast implants. In this scenario, the use of more invasive surgical techniques can be avoided or simply saved and delayed for future recurrences.(Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2015;3:e340; doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000000307; Published online 30 March 2015.).

Freestyle perforator flaps: an innovative approach to soft tissue reconstruction.

Resurfacing of soft tissue defects consequent to skin cancer, melanoma, or sarcoma excision in different anatomical districts represents a difficult challenge for the plastic surgeon. Classic reconstructive procedures are frequently charged by unsatisfactory results. The introduction of perforator flaps in the clinical practice represented a revolution in the field of reconstructive plastic surgery. The technique further evolved with the introduction of the freestyle concept, allowing one to harvest a skin flap from any region of the body where an appropriate and detectable Doppler signal is present and to resurface soft tissue defects mobilizing the surrounding tissues, which present similar features compared with the recipient site in terms of color and texture, on a consistent vascular source and in a tension-free manner. The authors present their personal approach to the reconstruction of soft tissue defects after excision for a basal cell carcinoma involving the medial tibial region.

Treatment of early-stage pressure ulcers by using autologous adipose tissue grafts.

Assessing pressure ulcers (PUs) in early stages allows patients to receive safer treatment. Up to now, in addition to clinical evaluation, ultrasonography seems to be the most suitable technique to achieve this goal. Several treatments are applied to prevent ulcer progression but none of them is totally effective. Furthermore, the in-depth knowledge of fat regenerative properties has led to a wide use of it. With this study the authors aim at introducing a new approach to cure and prevent the worsening of early-stage PUs by using fat grafts. The authors selected 42 patients who showed clinical and ultrasonographic evidence of early-stage PUs. Values of skin thickness, fascial integrity, and subcutaneous vascularity were recorded both on the PU area and the healthy trochanteric one, used as control region. Fat grafting was performed on all patients. At three months, abnormal ultrasonographic findings, such as reduction of cutaneous and subcutaneous thickness, discontinuous fascia, and decrease in subcutaneous vascularity, all were modified with respect to almost all the corresponding parameters of the control region. Results highlight that the use of fat grafts proved to be an effective treatment for early-stage PUs, especially in the care of neurological and chronic bedridden patients.

A new simple technique to correct nipple inversion using 2 V-Y advancement flaps.

Nipple inversion is a particular condition characterized by shorter galactophorous ducts, periductal fibrosis, and lack of soft tissue under the nipple base. It can be congenital or acquired, and it affects about 10% of the female population. Many operative techniques have been described seeking to correct this deformity, but a unique landmark strategy does not exist yet. Although acceptable results have been reported, every surgical technique has its drawbacks. We describe our 5 years' experience in correcting inverted nipples by using a simple personal approach. Between January 2004 and January 2009, we treated 52 patients presenting with nipple inversion using 2 V-Y dermoglandular flaps performed in the dermoglandular portion of the nipple. This method is effective in the correction of moderate and severe inverted nipple deformities. Follow-up period ranged from 1 to 6 years. Results showed recurrence in 1 case and postoperative complications in 3 patients. The authors have found this to be an ideal procedure for correcting inverted nipple; the use of an easy to perform V-Y flap ensures nipple protrusion and support, lactation, and minimal scars.

Three cases of embolia cutis medicamentosa (Nicolau's syndrome).

Embolia cutis medicamentosa, also known as Nicolau's syndrome, is a rare complication due to i.m. injections. Its real incidence is actually underestimated. Many drugs have been associated with it, but at the time only a few studies showed a related pathogenetic mechanism. Symptoms consist of immediate local pain, edema and cutaneous, subcutaneous and even muscular necrosis occurring in the first 48 h. The type of treatment depends mostly on time of diagnosis. A medical resolution can be achieved through heparin and cortisone injections within the first 48 h. Surgical debridement has to be considered as the main treatment in case of late diagnosis. We present three cases of Nicolau's syndrome presenting to us in a short period of time that we treated with surgical debridement.