Lymphoscintigraphy for the diagnosis of extremity lymphedema: Current controversies regarding protocol, interpretation, and clinical application.

Appropriate diagnosis, staging and a further selection of the best treatment are fundamental for the management of patients with extremity lymphedema. Several clinical and imaging tools have been described for these purposes. Lymphoscintigraphy is still considered the gold standard imaging modality for diagnosing lymphedema. However, protocol variability and poor image resolution can make the interpretation challenging. Here, we reviewed technical aspects of lymphoscintigraphy, interpretation of the lymphoscintigraphy findings, staging, and its clinical application.

Summary of hands-on supermicrosurgery course and live surgeries at 8th world symposium for lymphedema surgery.

The hands-on supermicrosurgery course provided participants a valuable learning experience of in-depth practices of supermicrosurgical skills with experts. Seven live surgeries were successfully demonstrated at 8th World Symposium for Lymphedema Surgery. Variable donor sites for vascularized lymph node transfer were the submental, supraclavicular, groin, and omental; while the recipient sites included the wrist and axilla in upper limb; and popliteal and groin in the lower limb. The therapeutic and preventive lymphovenous anastomosis was also satisfactorily performed.

Staging and clinical correlations of lymphoscintigraphy for unilateral gynecological cancer-related lymphedema.

BACKGROUND: This study was to investigate the lymphoscintigraphy findings for the diagnosis and severity in unilateral gynecological cancer-related lymphedema (GCRL) and to correlate lymphoscintigraphy stages with the clinical findings. METHODS: Patients with unilateral GCRL who underwent lymphoscintigraphy were staged using the presence of ileo-inguinal lymph nodes, distal-lymphatic ducts, and dermal backflow findings. Taiwan Lymphoscintigraphy Staging (TLS) was divided into three patterns and seven stages: normal drainage (L-0); partial obstruction (P-1, P-2, and P-3); and total obstruction (T4, T-5, and T-6). Correlations between clinical lymphedema severity and TLS were evaluated using analysis of variance and multivariable linear regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 141 patients with unilateral GCRL were divided as follows: 6 (4.3%) in normal drainage, 56 (39.7%) in partial-obstruction, and 79 (56%) in total obstruction. Cellulitis episodes, circumferential difference, and computed tomography (CT) volumetric difference were shown to be statistically different between TLS stages (P < .001 for all). Total obstruction stages were the most significant factors associated with the severity of circumferential difference (ß = 19.72, 25.54, 32.42, respectively; P < .05) and CT volumetric difference (ß = 36.04, 45.12, 52.78, respectively; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Total lymphatic obstruction was present in 56% of unilateral GCGL. Lymphoscintigraphy stages were statistically correlated with episodes of cellulitis, circumferential difference and CT volumetric difference in unilateral GCRL.

Immunomodulation in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation: What Is the Role for Adipose-Derived Stem Cells?

Hand and face transplants are becoming increasingly common, recording progressively more penile, uterus, abdominal wall, and allotransplantation cases reported worldwide. Despite current protocols allow long-term survival of the allografts, the ultimate goal of donor-specific tolerance has not been achieved yet. In fact, the harmful adverse effects related to the lifelong administration of immunosuppressive agents are the main drawbacks for vascularized composite allotransplantations. Research is very active in investigating alternative methods to induce greater tolerance while minimizing toxicity. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) represent promising cell therapies for immunomodulation in preclinical and clinical settings. Their clinical appeal is due to their easy harvest in large quantities through a noninvasive and well-accepted approach; they may well promote donor-specific tolerance and potentially reduce immunosuppression. Several experimental studies exist, but lacking review articles reporting current evidence. This work proposes a literature review on the immunomodulatory role of ASCs in vascularized composite allotransplantations. In vitro and in vivo evidence will be summarized. The role that cell passaging and upstream progenitors-the so-called spheroid ASCs-may play in modulating the immune response will also be discussed. Finally, this article will summarize current knowledge on biodistribution, migration, and homing of injected stem cells. This review may well provide useful information for preclinical and clinical studies, aiming at a breakthrough for donor-specific tolerance.

Validity of the Novel Taiwan Lymphoscintigraphy Staging and Correlation of Cheng Lymphedema Grading for Unilateral Extremity Lymphedema.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to validate the new Taiwan Lymphoscintigraphy Staging, correlate it with Cheng Lymphedema Grading (CLG) and evaluate the treatment outcomes of unilateral extremity lymphedema. BACKGROUND: No consensus has been reached for diagnosis and staging for patients with lymphedema among medical specialties. METHODS: We included 285 patients with unilateral extremity lymphedema using lymphoscintigraphy. Lymphoscintigraphy was correlated to clinical symptoms and signs, and classified into normal lymphatic drainage, partial obstruction, and total obstruction. Inter- and intraobserver reliability of Taiwan Lymphoscintigraphy Staging, correlation between Taiwan Lymphoscintigraphy Staging and clinical findings were conducted. Patients were categorized in "surgical" (n = 154) or "nonsurgical" (n = 131) groups for outcome evaluation. RESULTS: Lymphoscintigraphy found 11 patients (3.9%) with normal lymphatic drainage, 128 (44.9%) with partial obstruction, and 146 (51.2%) with total obstruction. Taiwan Lymphoscintigraphy Staging showed high interobserver agreement [intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.82-0.94)], and significantly correlated to computed tomography volumetric difference (r = 0.66, P < 0.001) and CLG [intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.79 (95% confidence interval 0.72-0.84)]. At a mean follow-up of 31.2 ±â€Š2.9 months, significant improvement in the circumferential difference (from 23.9% ±â€Š17.6% to 14.6% ±â€Š11.1%; P = 0.03) with a mean circumferential reduction rate of 40.4% ±â€Š4.5% was found in surgical group. At a mean follow-up of 26.6 ±â€Š8.7 months, the nonsurgical group had increase of mean circumferential difference from 24.0% ±â€Š17.2% to 25.3% ±â€Š19.0% (P = 0.09), with a mean circumferential reduction rate was -1.9% ±â€Š13.0%. CONCLUSIONS: The Taiwan Lymphoscintigraphy Staging is a reliable diagnostic tool, correlated with clinical findings and CLG, aiding in the selection of the appropriate treatment to achieve favorable long-term outcomes in unilateral extremity lymphedema.

Vascularized lymph node transfer for treatment of extremity lymphedema: An overview of current controversies regarding donor sites, recipient sites and outcomes.

As lymphatic microsurgery has become more common, vascularized lymph node transfer ascended to the forefront in many centers for the surgical management of advanced stages of lymphedema showing substantial clinical improvement. However, no consensus has been reached among experts regarding many details of the procedures, including patient selection criteria, type of treatment, donor, and recipient sites and postoperative evaluation of the outcome. Here, we will review these issues and provide the current results of this procedure.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap using thoracodorsal recipient vessels and a low lateral incision.

BACKGROUND: Nipple-sparing mastectomy poses challenges in providing esthetically-pleasing immediate autologous breast reconstruction. This study was to investigate the outcomes of nipple-sparing mastectomy with breast reconstruction using free abdominal flaps between two different recipient sites. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2016, 79 patients who underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy with autologous breast reconstruction using thoracodorsal (TD) vessels in 30 cases or internal mammary (IM) vessels in 49 cases were investigated. Demographics, intraoperative findings, complications, and quality of life using Breast-Q questionnaire were compared between two groups. RESULTS: All flap survived. There was no statistical difference in age, BMI, ischemia time, and flap-used percentage. The TD artery had a statistically smaller diameter 1.8 ± 0.4 mm than the IM artery 2.7 ± 0.43 mm (p = 0.02). At a mean follow-up of 44.4 ± 35.2 months, there was no statistical difference in total complication rates between TD and IM groups (23.3% and 36.7%, respectively, p > 0.05). The "psychosocial well-being" of Breast-Q in TD group 83.9 ± 14.6 was statistically greater than IM group 72.8 ± 17.6 (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction using TD vessels with a low lateral scar is a safe procedure that provides an inconspicuous scar with better cosmesis and minimal complication rate.

Chimeric Free Vascularized Metatarsophalangeal Joint With Toe Fillet Flap: A Technique for Reconstruction of the Posttraumatic Metacarpophalangeal Joint With Concomitant Soft Tissue Defect.

For painful, dysfunctional, posttraumatic metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, the free vascularized toe joint transfer may represent a good solution. Successful reconstruction is potentially limited, however, by 2 features of the traditional vascularized metatarsophalangeal (MTP) transfer: inadequate arc of flexion and insufficient soft tissue coverage. The solution to both of these dilemmas lies in the manner of utilizing the donor site. Because of its innate hyperextensibility, rotating the MTP 180° volar to dorsal provides the greatest arc of flexion in the reconstructed MCP. Excellent soft tissue coverage can be provided by elevating the skin paddle of the transferred second toe as a chimeric fillet flap, based on the tibial plantar digital artery.

Versatility of the Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap in the Reconstruction of Large Defects of the Weight-Bearing Foot: A Single-Center Experience with 20 Consecutive Cases.

Background Reconstruction of the weight-bearing surface of the foot represents a challenging task. With very little scope to borrow glabrous tissue from adjacent areas means that achieving a "like for like" reconstruction is rarely possible. In this setting, alternative approaches need to be considered. In this article we present our experience with various differing designs of the anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) in the reconstruction of 20 large defects of the weight-bearing sole. Methods Twenty patients with complex soft tissue defects of the weight-bearing sole underwent reconstruction over a 5-year period. Five cases were complicated by osteomyelitis resulting in significant calcaneal defects. The follow-up period ranged from 8 to 48 months and outcomes were assessed by two-point discrimination and protective sensation, observation of gait, and the ability of the patient to return to wearing normal footwear. Results All flaps survived with the exception of two partial skin necrosis. Sensory nerve coaptation was performed in 12/20 cases. One patient underwent second-stage total calcaneal reconstruction with a fibula osteocutaneous flap. Five large defects were reconstructed with the split skin paddle technique to allow for direct donor-site closure. No evidence of postoperative ulceration was noted in any of the patients over the follow-up period and all were satisfied regarding the functional and aesthetic results achieved. Conclusion Complex defects of the weight-bearing sole can be successfully reconstructed using the free ALT flap resulting in very favorable functional outcomes. Even when calcaneal osteomyelitis has set in, excellent outcomes can be achieved.

Combined Double-breasted Full-thickness Abdominal Flap Plication and Acellular Dermal Matrix in Prune-belly Syndrome Reconstruction.

Background: Reconstruction of the abdominal wall in patients with prune-belly syndrome (PBS) following previous intra-abdominal procedures is a challenging problem with a high incidence of revision due to persistent bulging or herniation. The abdominal wall flaccidity not only produces a severe psychological and aesthetic discomfort for the patient but often determines functional disabilities, including inability to cough properly, impaired bowel and bladder function, and delay in posture and balance. Methods: The authors describe three cases of reconstruction of abdominal wall using a modified double-breasted abdominoplasty fascial plication with additional acellular dermal matrix interposition and review the literature for innovations in the use of abdominal repair for reconstruction of these difficult cases. Results: Three children with PBS at a mean age of 7.3 years achieved successful reconstruction of the abdominal wall, using the modified double-breasted abdominoplasty fascial plication with acellular dermal matrix interposition. Patients underwent previous procedures, including orchiopexy in two patients and bilateral nephrectomy in one patient. No postoperative complications have been found, apart from superficial skin dehiscence along the abdominal incision treated conservatively in one child. At mean follow-up of 42 months (range 28-56 months), no patient presented incisional hernia, persistent or recurrent fascial laxity with abdominal bulging. All patients achieved significant aesthetic and functional improvements, including children's ability to cough, spontaneous gain of abdominal tonus, balance, and ambulation. Conclusion: Modification of the original vertical, two-layer plications of the deficient abdominal interposing biological mesh has the purpose of improving strength, aesthetics, and function of the abdominal wall in pediatric patients with PBS.

Giant thigh lipomas: from a case report to a guide for the surgical approach.

The issue of international migration and health has received increased attention since its rise due to empirical studies on the immigrant paradox. Less examined has been research focused on countries in the Global South with growing immigrant population share and contentious debates on implications. Using data from the longitudinal National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) (2008-2017) and panel logistic regression this study focused on evaluating whether reported physical health, mental health, and life satisfaction are all associated with immigrant status in South Africa. Accounting for several sociodemographic factors, results emanating from analysis showed no significant evidence of association between overall immigration status and self-reported health or life satisfaction. This however did not apply to depression as immigrants were found to be significantly less likely to report depressive level scores. Interestingly, preference to migrate was also found to be significantly associated with depression, and life satisfaction. Further evaluation amongst racial groups showed that African immigrants are also significantly more likely to report better health than non-immigrant counterparts. This study argues for the need of contextualisation of the immigrant paradox as evidence thereof varies dependent on specific outcomes and communities. The importance of other associated social determinants of wellbeing is also highlighted since gender, race, age, class, education, relationship status, location, and behavioural factors were found to be significantly associated with wellbeing. Policies should thus be aimed at reducing structural inequalities in broad whilst also introducing social programmes that reduce behavioural or lifestyle activities that have negative implications on wellbeing.

The Impacts of Lymph on the Adipogenesis of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of adipose proliferation or differentiation in extremity lymphedema has not been thoroughly studied. This study investigated the impacts of the lymph harvested from lymphedematous limbs on the adipogenesis of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). METHODS: ASCs were isolated from the adipose tissue of normal extremities and cultured with lymph collected from Cheng lymphedema grade III to IV patients or adipogenic differentiation medium (ADM) and further subjected to differentiation and proliferation assay. The expression of adipogenesis genes was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction to investigate the effect of lymph on ASCs. The level of adipogenic cytokines in the lymph was also evaluated. RESULTS: The adipocytes were significantly larger in lymphedema fat tissue compared with that in normal fat tissues ( P < 0.00). The adipogenesis of ASCs cultured in lymph was significantly enhanced compared with in ADM ( P = 0.008) on day 10, suggesting that the adipogenesis of ASCs was promoted under the lymph-cultured environment. The expression of adipogenesis genes, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ( P = 0.02), CAAT/enhancer-binding protein α ( P = 0.008); fatty-acid binding protein ( P = 0.004), and lipoprotein lipase ( P = 0.003), was statistically elevated when the ASCs were cultured with lymph. The insulin content in lymph was statistically higher in lymph ( P < 0.001) than in plasma. CONCLUSIONS: The adipogenesis of ASCs was promoted under the lymph-cultured environment with statistically increased adipogenesis genes of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, CAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, fatty-acid binding protein, and lipoprotein lipase. The excess lymph accumulated in the lymphedematous extremity contained a greater insulin/insulin-like growth factor-2. These adipogenic factors promoted the expression of early adipogenesis genes and led ASCs to undergo adipogenesis and differentiated into adipocytes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The accumulation of adipose tissue in the lymphedema region was contributed from the content of excess lymph.

Efficacy of Vascularized Submental Lymph Node Transfer with Decongestive Therapy and Antibiotics for Early-Stage Lower Limb Filarial Lymphedema.

BACKGROUND: Filarial lymphedema (FLE) is the most common cause of secondary lymphedema, with endemic prevalence in developing countries. FLE traditionally has been managed with antibiotics and decongestive therapy (DCT) in the early stage or excisional surgery at the late stage. Results of vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) in postoncologic lymphedema have been encouraging, and VLNT is a widely accepted surgical treatment. The authors advocate that the combined treatment of antibiotics, DCT, and vascularized submental lymph node (VSLN) transfer could produce objective and subjective improvement of early-stage lower limb FLE. METHODS: Between January of 2019 and January of 2020, patients with early-stage lower-limb FLE who underwent VLNT were retrospectively reviewed. VLNT was harvested from the submental region in all patients. Outcomes were assessed using volume improvement, frequency of cellulitis, and lymphoscintigraphy, along with subjective scoring questionnaire. RESULTS: Three men and one woman with an average age of 27 years (range, 25 to 29 years) were included. Two patients presented bilateral lymphedema. One patient was lost at 3-month follow-up and not included in the analysis. Patients showed an initial decrease in circumferential measurements after antibiotics and DCT of 2074 ± 471 cc (39% ± 9%). At a mean follow-up of 12.3 ± 6.2 months, further improvement of limb volume of 2389 ± 576 cc (45% ± 10%) was achieved following VSLN transfer. Lymphoscintigraphy demonstrated dye uptake by the VLNT with reduced dermal backflow and none of the patients had episodes of postoperative cellulitis. Patients reported excellent outcome on subjective scoring (average score, 9 ± 1) and returned to their daily activities without wearing compression garments. CONCLUSION: The authors' early experience showed that VSLN transfer may represent an effective treatment option in the multimodal approach to early-stage lower limb FLE.

The Overwhelming Postsplenectomy Sepsis: Role of Plastic Surgeon.

The overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI) is a feared late complication of splenectomy, with high morbidity and a mortality rate of up to 50%. Although the management of this syndrome is the duty of clinical physicians, the interest of plastic surgeons in OPSI is related to the injury that can occur in tissues with an end circulation, such as the limb extremities, nasal tip, and lips. In the management of OPSI, surgical techniques are not highlighted. The role of the plastic surgeon can be fundamental for the prevention of further extension of the necrotic tissue, improving as much as possible the vascularization around it. Moreover, a critical role in the management of OPSI is avoiding superinfection of the necrotic areas by combining different techniques and methods, such as surgical debridements, negative pressure wound therapy, and conservative treatment. Last but not least, functional and aesthetic restoration of the injured parts is of paramount importance for the final outcome. In this article, we describe the management of two unvaccinated patients with necrosis of the extremities after OPSI.

Severe Typhoid Fever Complicated by Superior Mesenteric and Splenic Vein Thrombosis.

Typhoid fever (Typhoid or enteric fever) is still the most common bacterial bloodstream infection worldwide, caused by Salmonella typhi. The transmission route is indirect through passive vehicles such as contaminated water or food. Main clinical findings are a fever lasting more than three days, abdominal symptoms, leukocytosis, and anemia. Typhoid can cause a wide range of multi-organ complications. We report a particularly severe form of this infection complicated by superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein thrombosis, an extremely uncommon manifestation.

Reconstruction of Complex Anterior Chest Wall Defects: The Lasagna Technique.

Background: Sternal tumors are rare, comprising only 0.94% of all bone tumors, with the majority being sarcomas. An extensive composite defect is often the result of surgical resection. Reconstruction of this anatomical area is a challenge for plastic surgeons. Reconstruction must fulfil two different tasks: restoration of soft tissues and stabilization of the chest wall. Both are well defined, and many techniques have been historically proposed. Methods: We present the case of a 66-year-old man affected by sternal metastasis of lung non-small cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid features. After wide tumor resection, a large defect was created. Results: The patient underwent a complex multilayer reconstruction that combined multiple techniques: Gore DualMesh to reconstruct the pericardial plane and protect the heart muscle, omental flap to facilitate integration of the mesh, titanium bars to recreate chest wall stability, and bilateral pectoralis muscle flaps to cover hardware. This multilayer reconstruction was named the "lasagna technique." Conclusions: Due to the rarity of primary malignancies of the sternum, it is difficult to standardize a therapeutic approach. For this reason, it is necessary to customize the surgical treatment by combining several techniques and materials. Our lasagna technique may be considered a valuable option in treating these complex reconstructive cases.

Fat Grafting in Facial Palsy: A Secondary Revision Technique to Improve the Facial Aesthetics.

We report our experience of using autologous fat grafting (AFG) as an adjunct to dynamic and static facial reanimation surgical techniques in patients with facial palsy. A consecutive series of patients with facial palsy (congenital or acquired) treated by AFG between September 2007 and October 2017 were reviewed. Multiple strategies for initial dynamic facial reanimation have been utilized. Indications for AFG included asymmetry, volume deficiency, and visible muscle tethering. Standard AFG technique was used with fat harvested from the lower abdomen or thigh and injected into multiple affected areas. Fat grafting was repeated as necessary. Two-dimensional analysis was performed using standardized pre- and postoperative photographs to assess facial symmetry. Patient, surgeon, and independent evaluator satisfaction was recorded using a five-point Likert scale (0-4). Thirty-two patients with a mean age of 43 ± 15.5 years were treated with AFG following facial reanimation. A mean of 1.7 ± 1.4 secondary procedures were performed following initial dynamic reanimation before fat grafting. The average number of AFG episodes was 2.2 ± 1.4 with a mean volume of 12.9 ± 6.0 ml. Minimal complications were seen in either the donor or the recipient sites. There was significant improvement (P ≤ 0.001) of postoperative quantitative facial symmetry following fat grafting. At one-year follow-up, surgeon, patient, and independent evaluator were mostly satisfied (3.06 ± 0.62, 3.31 ± 0.59, and 3.16 ± 0.57, respectively). We report a positive experience of correction of facial asymmetry, contour abnormality and visible muscle pull with fat transplantation following dynamic facial reanimation. The procedure has been shown to be quick and simple, with few complications.

Secondary Autologous Fat Grafting for the Treatment of Chin Necrosis as a Consequence of Prone Position in COVID-19 Patients.

Due to the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, an increasing number of ill patients have been admitted to intensive care unit requiring mechanical ventilation. Although prone positioning is considered beneficial, long periods in this position may induce important complications, including pressure ulcers in high-risk and uncommon body areas. We report five cases of pressure ulcer necrosis of the chin in coronavirus disease 2019 patients as a consequence of mechanical ventilation in prone positioning using autologous fat grafting (AFG) as a secondary technique. A series of five patients with secondarily-healed chin necrosis treated by AFG between February and June 2020 were reviewed. All patients had been treated initially with surgical debridement followed by conservative treatment. Secondary AFG was performed to reduce patient's pain, improve chin contour-projection, and minimize cosmetic sequelae and scarring. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a five-point Likert scale (0-4). Vancouver scale was used to evaluate the chin scars clinically. The average amount of fat injected into the chin area was 8.1 ± 2.0 ml. At 6-month follow-up, all patients were mostly satisfied (average Likert-scale 3.2 ± 0.4). Based on the Vancouver scale, improvement of the chin scar from 9.5 ± 0.8 to 4.7 ± 0.8 was found. We report a positive experience with secondary AFG for correction of painful and unaesthetic scarring and contour abnormality following surgical debridement and secondary-intention healing of chin pressure ulcers.

Retropharyngeal, Parapharyngeal and Peritonsillar Abscesses.

Deep neck infections (DNIs) include all the infections sited in the potential spaces and fascial planes of the neck within the limits of the deep layer of the cervical fascia. Parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal infections leading to parapharyngeal abscess (PPA) and retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) are the most common. DNIs remain an important health problem, especially in children. The aim of this narrative review is to describe the management of peritonsillar, retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses in pediatric age. Despite relatively uncommon, pediatric DNIs deserve particular attention as they can have a very severe course and lead to hospitalization, admission to the intensive care unit and, although very rarely, death. They generally follow a mild upper respiratory infection and can initially present with signs and symptoms that could be underestimated. A definite diagnosis can be made using imaging techniques. Pus collection from the site of infection, when possible, is strongly recommended for definition of diseases etiology. Blood tests that measure the inflammatory response of the patient may contribute to monitor disease evolution. The therapeutic approach should be targeted toward the individual patient. Regardless of the surgical treatment, antibiotics are critical for pediatric DNI prognosis. The diagnostic-therapeutic procedure to be followed in the individual patient is not universally shared because it has not been established which is the most valid radiological approach and which are the criteria to be followed for the differentiation of cases to be treated only with antibiotics and those in which surgery is mandatory. Further studies are needed to ensure the best possible care for all children with DNIs, especially in this era of increased antimicrobial resistance.

Early venous congestion after diep flap breast reconstruction: case report of a successful management.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: More than 250 000 women estimated to be diagnosed with breast cancer in the USA every year. Mastectomy is primary treatment for more than a third of those with early-stage disease. Most of the patients undergoing mastectomy receive breast reconstruction. A number of. Surgical techniques have been described to reconstruct the breast. With autologous tissue breast reconstruction, the plastic surgeon uses patient's own tissues, taken from a different part of the body where there is an excess of fat and skin. Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is the autologous breast reconstruction technique of choice in our department due to long lasting results, low donor site morbidity and positive patient reported outcomes have been described.   Case Report: We present the case of a 42-year-old woman who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by left breast simple mastectomy, axillary lymph-nodes dissection and later adjuvant radiation therapy (RT). After conclusion of RT a DIEP flap breast reconstruction was performed. Nine-hours after the operation, signs of acute venous congestion were noted. The venous congestion was treated by a combined surgical and medical approach based on pedicle discharge and ICU resuscitation protocol. After take back surgery, the patient was tightly monitored in the intensive care unit where intravenous heparin infusion and leech therapy were performed for 2 days. Flap congestion resolved completely, and the patient was discharged.   Conclusions: Venous congestion is very difficult to treat due to its potential multifactorial nature. The most important step is to recognize this kind of emergency because irreversible microvascular damages will develop in 6-8 hours. Because of multiple causes of venous congestion a timely multidisciplinary approach is mandatory, to maximize flap salvage and success rates.