Utility of routine preoperative laboratory testing for patients undergoing minor gynaecologic surgical procedures: interim analysis of their impact on intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Background: Despite discouragement from many scientific societies, routine preoperative testing remains a common practice. Minor gynaecological surgery, being widely performed in everyday practice, represents an opportunity for implementing cost-reduction policies by avoiding unnecessary diagnostic assessments. Objectives: To assess whether performing routine preoperative blood tests affects postoperative complications and cost-effectiveness in patients undergoing minor gynaecological surgery. Materials and Methods: An interim subgroup analysis of a retrospective study conducted by Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli (Rome) and Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (Udine) was performed. Patients who underwent surgery under general anaesthesia were included. The studied population was divided based on the preoperative work up. Clinical data, surgical features and complications were collected. Main Outcome Measures: Intraoperative and postoperative complications, healthcare expenditure in two groups. Results: Subgroup analysis included 1191 patients in Centre A (Rome) who underwent routine complete preoperative tests and 500 patients in Centre B (Udine), who underwent exams only if indicated. Population characteristics were similar in two groups. Postoperative complications were observed in 1.2% and 1.4% of cases in Group A and Group B, respectively (p=0.70). Severe complications occurred in 0.3% of cases in Group A and 0.4% in Group B. Group B showed a cost saving of approximately 70 Euros per procedure (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Preliminary data indicate that routine perioperative assessment did not reduce complication rates, hospital readmissions or surgical reinterventions. Given the high number of procedures, performing specific preoperative tests only when indicated may result in significant cost reduction. What is new?: This study selectively highlights the potential benefits to overall public health expenditure that could be achieved through stricter adherence to guidelines on preoperative assessment in minor gynaecological surgery.

3D versus 4K laparoscopic vaginal cuff closure after hysterectomy by surgeons in training: a prospective randomised trial.

Background: Technological advances in visual systems have contributed to overcoming the limitations in spatial perception of minimally invasive techniques. To date, there is a lack of literature on the advantages of 3D vision systems over 4K in laparoscopic surgery, although benefits have been observed in the training setting. Objectives: To compare operating times, perioperative outcomes, and task achievement using 3D and 4K vision systems for vaginal cuff closure performed by residents during total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). All surgeons in training have obtained the Gynaecological Endoscopic Surgical Education and Assessment (GESEA) certificate. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective randomised trial (NCT04637022). Women undergoing total hysterectomies for benign conditions between January 2021 and November 2023 were enrolled in the study. Vaginal cuff closures were performed by surgeons in training who had obtained the second level of the GESEA programme certificate. Results: Fifty-four patients were enrolled. There were no statistically significant differences in time between 3D and 4K vision for vaginal cuff closure (p=0.918). No statistically significant differences were observed for mean estimated blood loss (EBL) (overall: 62.85 ± 22.73mL; 3D: 65 ± 24.83mL; 4K: 61.11 ± 21.18; p=0.556) and median hospital stay (p=0.234). Three non-severe intraoperative complications in the 3D group (p=0.048) and three postoperative complications in the entire cohort (p=0.685) were reported. Conclusions: The operating time for vaginal cuff closure performed by trainee surgeons is similar when comparing 3D vision during conventional laparoscopy and 4K vision systems. The choice of surgical vision systems may be guided by a cost analysis and surgeon preferences. What is new?: Substantial evidence is lacking regarding the advantages of incorporating 3D vision into standard laparoscopy for gynaecological surgery. This research seeks to assess whether the 3D visual system can provide benefits as compared to 4K visualisation during laparoscopic vaginal cuff closure performed by surgeons in training within the GESEA 2 certification programme.

Caesarean scar defect and retained products of conception (RPOC): a step-by-step combined hysteroscopic and laparoscopic treatment.

Background: Uterine scar defect (also called uterine niche or isthmocele) associated to retained products of conception (RPOC) is an uncommon occurrence following caesarean section. Typically, the primary indicator is abnormal vaginal bleeding, and an accurate diagnosis can be established through ultrasound evaluation. Several surgical and endoscopic treatments have been described. Objectives: To show a step-by-step video of combined hysteroscopic and laparoscopic approach to perform isthmocele repair in a patient with caesarean scar defect and RPOC. Materials and Methods: We report a case of a 34-year-old patient who was referred to our Digital Hysteroscopic Clinic (DHC) for abnormal vaginal bleeding and persistent pelvic pain, three months after a caesarean section. A single-step diagnostic approach through transvaginal ultrasound and diagnostic hysteroscopy revealed the presence of an isthmic uterine niche within the caesarean scar area, containing a poorly vascularised heterogeneous hyperechoic focal mass measuring 33x11x33 millimetres. Main outcome measures: Removal of RPOC and surgical complications. Results: All retained placental tissue was removed and the uterine wall defect was corrected. No complications occurred and the patient was discharged two days after the procedure. Patient was asymptomatic at 3 months follow up and ultrasound and hysteroscopy showed a reconstituted uterine wall. Conclusion: An integrated hysteroscopic and laparoscopic approach seems to be an effective conservative method to remove RPOC and perform isthmocele repair with optimal surgical results.

Robotic platforms in gynaecological surgery: past, present, and future.

Background: More than two decades ago, the advent of robotic laparoscopic surgery marked a significant milestone, featuring the introduction of the AESOP robotic endoscope control system and the ZEUS robotic surgery system. The latter, equipped with distinct arms for the laparoscope and surgical instruments, was designed to accommodate remote connections, enabling the practice of remote telesurgery as early as 2001. Subsequent technological progress has given rise to a range of options in today's market, encompassing multi-port and single-port systems, both rigid and flexible, across various price points, with further growth anticipated. Objective: This article serves as an indispensable guide for gynaecological surgeons with an interest in embracing robotic surgery. Materials and methods: Drawing insights from the experience of the Strasbourg training centre for minimally invasive surgery (IRCAD), this article offers a comprehensive overview of existing robotic platforms in the market, as well as those in development. Results: Robotic surgical systems not only streamline established operative methods but also broaden the scope of procedures, including intra- and transluminal surgeries. As integral components of the digital surgery ecosystem, these robotic systems actively contribute to the increasing integration and adoption of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence-based data analysis and support systems. Conclusion: Robotic surgery is increasingly being adopted in clinical practice. With the growing number of systems available on the marketplace, the primary challenge lies in identifying the optimal platform for each specific procedure and patient. The seamless integration of robotic systems with artificial intelligence, image-guided surgery, and telesurgery presents undeniable advantages, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of surgical interventions. What is new?: This article provides a guide to the robotic platforms available on the market and those in development for gynaecologists interested in robotic surgery.

Laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage in a pregnant woman after fertility-sparing treatment for early-stage cervical cancer: an operative technique in ten steps.

Introduction: Fertility-sparing treatments are increasingly used in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. The residual shortened cervix might increase the risk of preterm birth. When a vaginal cerclage is not technically feasible, a laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage (LAC) could be offered before or after conception. In this article, we show how to safely perform a post-conceptional LAC in patients with insufficient residual cervical length for vaginal cerclage. Methods: A 34-year-old patient in the twelfth week of gestation who previously underwent repeated conisation for cervical cancer FIGO stage IA1 in 2021 was referred for cervical stenosis, which required a subsequent vaginal tracheoplasty. She became pregnant 3 months later. Ultrasound monitoring of the cervix showed a 15 mm cervical length. A step-by-step LAC in a pregnant woman was performed. Results: The Doppler velocimetry of the uterine arteries at the end of the procedure was normal. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported. The estimated blood loss was 100 mL and the total operative time of 120 min. The patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. A caesarean section was performed at 36 weeks of gestation for spontaneous contractions with excellent obstetric (male, 2860 gr) and neonatal outcomes. Conclusion: LAC in pregnancy, although made more difficult due to the size of the uterus, is a safe and feasible procedure combining the advantages of minimally invasive surgery with excellent obstetric result. Learning Objective: In this video is shown how to perform a post-conceptional transabdominal laparoscopic cerclage in a young woman with no sufficient cervical length for a vaginal approach.

Intravesical misplacement of vaginal contraceptive ring: a video report and review of the literature.

Background: The NuvaRing®, a hormonal vaginal contraceptive device, has gained widespread usage due to its favourable efficacy and safety profiles. Exceedingly rare instances of unintended misplacement in the bladder have been reported. This study presents a review of the literature and the first video report illustrating the extraction of an intravesical NuvaRing®, discussing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Objective: To illustrate an effective method for intravesical NuvaRing® retrieval and raise awareness about this unusual complication. Materials and Methods: A 27-year-old patient with low urinary tract symptoms related to NuvaRing® misplacement underwent diagnostic procedures, including ultrasound and diagnostic cystoscopy. A cystoscopic extraction under general anaesthesia was performed. Main outcome measures: The effectiveness of pelvic ultrasound for diagnosing an intravesical foreign body, successful cystoscopic removal of NuvaRing® from the bladder, and symptom resolution were assessed. Results: The intravesical NuvaRing® was identified through pelvic ultrasound. During cystoscopy, the ring was detected inside the bladder. Multiple attempts with cystoscopic alligator graspers were made; the NuvaRing® was eventually extracted using transurethral Heiss forceps. The patient experienced minimal blood loss and was discharged the following day, reporting relief from symptoms. Conclusions: Unintentional NuvaRing® placement in the bladder is an extremely rare event that healthcare providers should consider when patients present with urinary symptoms and pelvic pain. Pelvic ultrasound is an efficient diagnostic tool, possibly averting the need for further imaging techniques. Cystoscopy remains the preferred method for diagnosis and treatment. This video report illustrates an effective technique for NuvaRing ® extraction, especially when appropriate graspers are unavailable. Adequate instruction on NuvaRing® insertion should always be emphasised.

Port-site hernia recurrence at previous 5-mm laparoscopic access: case report and review of literature.

Port-site hernia (PSH) of less than 10 mm is an exceptionally rare complication of minimally invasive surgery (MIS). To date, there have been no cases in the literature reporting recurrence of PSH from a 5 mm incision. We present the first case of PSH recurrence in a woman who underwent surgery for benign gynaecological pathology via a MIS approach. Her post-operative course was complicated by an episode of symptomatic hernia arising from a 5 mm accessory trocar which was surgically managed. A few months later she re-presented with the same symptoms and had a PSH recurrence of the same port-site. Two corrective surgeries employing different techniques were performed. The first episode was managed laparoscopically using interrupted stitches. On the other hand, the PSH recurrence was managed by placement of a mesh. Ultrasound played a crucial role in diagnostics, especially in the recurrent setting. Due to the complete absence of similar cases in the literature, the decision making around the management of a PSH recurrence from a 5 mm trocar site proved to be challenging. As MIS is the current standard of care, more cases are likely to occur, however despite the increasing number of surgical procedures performed via MIS, no established guidelines for managing such complications have been proposed. Trying to bridge this gap, we present the case report of the first case of PSH recurrence from a 5 mm accessory port and a review of the most significant literature available to date. We finally summarise the reported cases of PSH and the types of surgical repair conducted to highlight the absence of a standard of care.

MITO END-3: efficacy of avelumab immunotherapy according to molecular profiling in first-line endometrial cancer therapy.

BACKGROUND: Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy significantly improves progression-free survival (PFS) compared to first-line chemotherapy alone in advanced endometrial cancer (EC), with a much larger effect size in microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) cases. New biomarkers might help to select patients who may have benefit among those with a microsatellite-stable (MSS) tumor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a pre-planned translational analysis of the MITO END-3 trial, we assessed the significance of genomic abnormalities in patients randomized to standard carboplatin/paclitaxel without or with avelumab. RESULTS: Out of 125 randomized patients, 109 had samples eligible for next-generation sequencing analysis, and 102 had MSI tested. According to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), there were 29 cases with MSI-H, 26 with MSS TP53 wild type (wt), 47 with MSS TP53 mutated (mut), and 1 case with POLE mutation. Four mutated genes were present in >30% of cases: TP53, PIK3CA, ARID1A, and PTEN. Eleven patients (10%) had a BRCA1/2 mutation (five in MSI-H and six in MSS). High tumor mutational burden (≥10 muts/Mb) was observed in all MSI-H patients, in 4 out of 47 MSS/TP53 mut, and no case in the MSS/TP53 wt category. The effect of avelumab on PFS significantly varied according to TCGA categories, being favorable in MSI-H and worst in MSS/TP53 mut (P interaction = 0.003); a similar non-significant trend was seen in survival analysis. ARID1A and PTEN also showed a statistically significant interaction with treatment effect, which was better in the presence of the mutation (ARID1A P interaction = 0.01; PTEN P interaction = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The MITO END-3 trial results suggest that TP53 mutation is associated with a poor effect of avelumab, while mutations of PTEN and ARID1A are related to a positive effect of the drug in patients with advanced EC.

Radiomics analysis of ultrasound images to discriminate between benign and malignant adnexal masses with solid ultrasound morphology.

OBJECTIVE: Our primary aim was to identify radiomic ultrasound features that can distinguish benign from malignant adnexal masses with solid ultrasound morphology, and primary invasive from metastatic solid ovarian masses, and to develop ultrasound-based machine learning models that include radiomics features to discriminate between benign and malignant solid adnexal masses. Our secondary aim was to compare the diagnostic performance of our radiomics models with that of the ADNEX model and subjective assessment by an experienced ultrasound examiner. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational single center study. Patients with a histological diagnosis of an adnexal tumor with solid morphology at preoperative ultrasound examination performed between 2014 and 2021 were included. The patient cohort was split into training and validation sets with a ratio of 70:30 and with the same proportion of benign and malignant (borderline, primary invasive and metastatic) tumors in the two subsets. The extracted radiomic features belonged to two different families: intensity-based statistical features and textural features. Models to predict malignancy were built based on a random forest classifier, fine-tuned using 5-fold cross-validation over the training set, and tested on the held-out validation set. The variables used in model building were patient's age, and those radiomic features that were statistically significantly different between benign and malignant adnexal masses (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney Test with Benjamini-Hochberg correction for multiple comparisons) and assessed as not redundant based on the Pearson correlation coefficient. We describe discriminative ability as area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) and classification performance as sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: 326 patients were identified and 775 preoperative ultrasound images were analyzed. 68 radiomic features were extracted, 52 differed statistically significantly between benign and malignant tumors in the training set, and 18 features were selected for inclusion in model building. The same 52 radiomic features differed statistically significantly between benign, primary invasive malignant and metastatic tumors. However, the values of the features manifested overlap between primary malignant and metastatic tumors and did not differ statistically significantly between them. In the validation set, 25/98 tumors (25.5%) were benign, 73/98 (74.5%) were malignant (6 borderline, 57 primary invasive, 10 metastases). In the validation set, a model including only radiomics features had an AUC of 0.80, and 78% sensitivity and 76% specificity at its optimal risk of malignancy cutoff (68% based on Youden's index). The corresponding results for a model including age and radiomics features were 0.79, 86% and 56% (cutoff 60% based on Youden's method), while those of the ADNEX model were 0.88, 99% and 64% (at 20% malignancy cutoff). Subjective assessment had sensitivity 99% and specificity 72%. CONCLUSIONS: Even though our radiomics models had discriminative ability inferior to that of the ADNEX model, our results are promising enough to justify continued development of radiomics analysis of ultrasound images of adnexal masses. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Simple hysterectomy versus radical hysterectomy in early-stage cervical cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis aims to compare the surgery-related results and oncological outcomes between SH and RH in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. METHOD: We systematically searched databases including PubMed, Embase and Cochrane to collect studies that compared oncological and surgery-related outcomes between SH and RH groups in patients with stage IA2 and IB1 cervical cancer. A random-effect model calculated the weighted average difference of each primary outcome via Review Manager V.5.4. RESULT: Seven studies comprising 6977 patients were included into our study. For oncological outcomes, we found no statistical difference in recurrence rate [OR = 0.88; 95% CI (0.50, 1.57); P = 0.68] and Overall Survival (OS) [OR = 1.23; 95% CI (0.69, 2.19), P = 0.48]. No difference was detected in the prevalence of positive LVSI and lymph nodes metastasis between the two groups. Concerning surgery-related outcomes, the comprehensive effects revealed that the bladder injury [OR = 0.28; 95% CI (0.08, 0.94), P = 0.04] and bladder disfunction [OR = 0.10; 95% CI (0.02, 0.53), P = 0.007] of the RH group were higher compared to the SH group. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggested there are no significant differences in terms of both recurrence rate and overall survival among patients with stage IA2-IB1 cervical cancer undergoing SH or RH, while the SH group has better surgery-related outcomes. These data confirm the need to narrow the indication for RH in early-stage cervical cancer.

ESGO-ESMO-ESP consensus conference recommendations on ovarian cancer: pathology and molecular biology and early, advanced and recurrent disease.

The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology, the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the European Society of Pathology held a consensus conference (CC) on ovarian cancer on 15-16 June 2022 in Valencia, Spain. The CC panel included 44 experts in the management of ovarian cancer and pathology, an ESMO scientific advisor and a methodologist. The aim was to discuss new or contentious topics and develop recommendations to improve and harmonise the management of patients with ovarian cancer. Eighteen questions were identified for discussion under four main topics: (i) pathology and molecular biology, (ii) early-stage disease and pelvic mass in pregnancy, (iii) advanced stage (including older/frail patients) and (iv) recurrent disease. The panel was divided into four working groups (WGs) to each address questions relating to one of the four topics outlined above, based on their expertise. Relevant scientific literature was reviewed in advance. Recommendations were developed by the WGs and then presented to the entire panel for further discussion and amendment before voting. This manuscript focuses on the recommendation statements that reached a consensus, their voting results and a summary of evidence supporting each recommendation.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of an integrated clinical-radiogenomic screening program for the identification of BRCA 1/2 carriers (e-PROBE study).

Current approach to identify BRCA 1/2 carriers in the general population is ineffective as most of the carriers remain undiagnosed. Radiomics is an emerging tool for large scale quantitative analysis of features from standard diagnostic imaging and has been applied also to identify gene mutational status. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and economic impact of integrating a radiogenomics model with clinical and family history data in identifying BRCA mutation carriers in the general population. This cost-effective analysis compares three different approaches to women selection for BRCA testing: established clinical criteria/family history (model 1); established clinical criteria/family history and the currently available radiogenomic model (49% sensitivity and 87% specificity) based on ultrasound images (model 2); same approach used in model 2 but simulating an improvement of the performances of the radiogenomic model (80% sensitivity and 95% specificity) (model 3). All models were trained with literature data. Direct costs were calculated according to the rates currently used in Italy. The analysis was performed simulating different scenarios on the generation of 18-year-old girls in Italy (274,000 people). The main outcome was to identify the most effective model comparing the number of years of BRCA-cancer healthy life expectancy (HLYs). An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was also derived to determine the cost in order to increase BRCA carriers-healthy life span by 1 year. Compared to model 1, model 2 increases the detection rate of BRCA carriers by 41.8%, reduces the rate of BRCA-related cancers by 23.7%, generating over a 62-year observation period a cost increase by 2.51 €/Year/Person. Moreover, model 3 further increases BRCA carriers detection (+ 68.3%) and decrease in BRCA-related cancers (- 38.4%) is observed compared to model 1. Model 3 increases costs by 0.7 €/Year/Person. After one generation, the estimated ICER in the general population amounts to about 3800€ and 653€ in model 2 and model 3 respectively. Model 2 has a massive effect after only one generation in detecting carriers in the general population with only a small cost increment. The clinical impact is limited mainly due to the current low acceptance rate of risk-reducing surgeries. Further multicentric studies are required before implementing the integrated clinical-radiogenomic model in clinical practice.

Imaging in gynecological disease (27): clinical and ultrasound characteristics of recurrent ovarian stromal cell tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and ultrasound characteristics of recurrent granulosa cell and Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study performed at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, Rome (Gemelli center), Italy. Patients with a histological diagnosis of recurrent granulosa cell tumor or Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor were identified from the database of the Department of Gynecological Oncology. Those who had undergone a preoperative ultrasound examination at the Gemelli center between 2012 and 2020 were included, and the data retrieved from the original ultrasound reports. In all of these reports, the recurrent tumors were described using International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) terminology. If a patient had more than one episode of relapse, information from all episodes was collected. If there was more than one recurrent tumor at the same ultrasound examination, all tumors were included. One expert sonographer also reviewed all available ultrasound images to identify typical ultrasound patterns using pattern recognition. RESULTS: We identified 30 patients with a histological diagnosis of recurrent granulosa cell tumor (25 patients, 55 tumors) or Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor (five patients, seven tumors). All 30 had undergone at least one preoperative ultrasound examination at the Gemelli center and were included. These women had a total of 66 episodes of relapse, of which a preoperative ultrasound examination had been performed at the Gemelli center in 34, revealing 62 recurrent lesions: one in 22/34 (64.7%) episodes of relapse, two in 4/34 (11.8%) episodes and three or more in 8/34 (23.5%) episodes. Most recurrent granulosa cell tumors (38/55, 69.1%) and recurrent Sertoli-Leydig tumors (6/7, 85.7%) were classified as solid or multilocular-solid tumors, while 8/55 (14.5%) recurrent granulosa cell tumors and 1/7 (14.3%) recurrent Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors were unilocular cysts and 9/55 (16.4%) recurrent granulosa cell tumors were multilocular cysts. The nine unilocular cysts had contents that were anechoic (n = 2) or had low-level echogenicity (n = 7), had either smooth (n = 4) or irregular (n = 5) internal cyst walls, and ranged in largest diameter from 8 to 38 mm, with three being < 20 mm and five being 20-30 mm. On retrospective review of the images, two typical ultrasound patterns were described: small solid tumor measuring < 2 cm (15/62, 24.2%) and tumor with vascularized echogenic ground-glass-like content (12/62, 19.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Some granulosa cell and Sertoli-Leydig cell recurrences manifest one of two typical ultrasound patterns, while some appear as unilocular cysts. These are usually classified as benign, but in patients being followed up for a granulosa cell tumor or Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor, a unilocular cyst should be considered suspicious of recurrence. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Primary flap closure of perineal defects to avoid empty pelvis syndrome after pelvic exenteration in gynecologic malignancies: An old question to explore a new answer.

Pelvic exenteration (PE) is a radical oncological surgical procedure proposed in patients with recurrent or persistent gynecological cancers. The radical alteration of pelvic anatomy and of pelvic floor integrity can cause major postoperative complications. Fortunately, PE can be combined with reconstructive procedures to decrease complications and functional and support problems of pelvic floor, reducing morbility and mortality and increasing quality of life. Many options for reconstructive surgery have been described, especially a wide spectrum of surgical flaps. Different selection criteria have been proposed to select patients for primary perineal defect flap closure without achieving any strict indication of the best option. The aim of this review is to focus on technical aspects and the advantages and disadvantages of each technique, providing an overview of those most frequently used for the treatment of pelvic floor defects after PE. Flaps based on the deep inferior epigastric artery, especially vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (VRAM) flaps, and gracilis flaps, based on the gracilis muscle, are the most common reconstructive techniques used for pelvic floor and vaginal reconstruction. In our opinion, reconstructive surgery may be considered in case of total PE or type II/III PE and in patients submitted to prior pelvic irradiation. VRAM could be used to close extended defects at the time of PE, while gracilis flaps can be used in case of VRAM complications. Fortunately, numerous choices for reconstructive surgery have been devised. As these techniques continue to evolve, it is advisable to adopt an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach within a tertiary medical center.