Compassionate use of cefiderocol in a complex case of extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii fracture-related infection: a comprehensive approach and multidisciplinary management.

PURPOSE: Fracture-related infections (FRI) pose a difficult management problem, as they require numerous surgical interventions and extended antibiotic treatments, especially when a multidrug-resistant organism is involved, with a paucity of available literature that provides guidance. RESULTS: A 42 year-old male presents an open diaphyseal tibia and fibula fracture, complicated by soft tissue necrosis and infections caused by extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (XDR-Ab). Initially treated with a damage control external fixator, the patient underwent multiple surgical procedures, including radical debridement, negative pressure wound therapy, external fixator revisions and reconstructive surgery using a latissimus dorsi free flap. The emergence of colistin resistance in the Acinetobacter baumannii strain led to the compassionate use of cefiderocol, finally achieving clinical cure. CONCLUSIONS: This case report is one of the firsts that highlights the potential efficacy of cefiderocol in treating challenging bone and joint infections sustained by XDR-Ab. The successful outcome also emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach in achieving favorable results in complex FRI.

Orthotopic vascularized lymph node transfer in breast cancer-related lymphedema treatment: Functional and life quality outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic disease that occurs up to 65% of breast cancer survivors. Traditional treatment is conservative, but new surgeries as lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) and vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) are at disposal. This study aims to investigate the orthotopic VLNT efficacy in BCRL. Results in terms of limbs' reduction rates and quality of life improvement are compared with the outcomes reported in Literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During patients' selection, inclusion criteria were monolateral ISL stage II or III BCRL with pathologic lymphoscintigraphy imaging and a minimum of previous 6 months of unsuccessful conservative treatment. Bilateral lymphedema, local recurrence or systemic metastasis, acute infection of the limb and deep venous trombosis were exclusion criteria. Surgery consisted in VLNT from the gastroepiploic region to the axilla with axillary scar dissection. RESULTS: From August 2019 to December 2021, 25 patients were included. At the preoperative scintigraphy exam, mean lymph transport index (TI) was 30 (range; 22.7-29.3). Nine of them (36%) were ISL stage II and 16 (64%) were stage III. Average follow-up was 13.5 months (range; 12-19 months). VLN flaps' survival rate was 100%. One year after surgery, the mean Circumferential Reduction Rate (CRR) resulted 44.62 (range; 27.4-60.3). Infections' rates presented a statistically significant reduction, from an average of 2.4 (range; 1-4) to 0.2 (range; 0-1) episodes per year. Life quality index measured with the LYMQOL questionnaire showed significant improvement after 1 year, from a mean score of 3.28 (range; 2-5) to 8.12 (range; 7-9). CONCLUSION: When compared with Literature evidence, the results of the current study are in line with both VLN inset ways related to BCRL treatment. An optimal therapeutic choice should consider benefits and drawbacks of each orthotopic and heterotopic VLNT, taking into account surgeon's preference and experience and patients' related factors and expectations.

Supermicrosurgery with perforator-to-perforator anastomoses for lower limb reconstructions - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Supermicrosurgical flaps based on perforator-to-perforator microanastomoses have been described for lower limb reconstruction. This approach offers the benefit of raising short pedicles while sparing axial vessels, which effectively enables complex reconstructive techniques in comorbid patients at high risk of reconstructive failure. The aim of our study is to assess the surgical outcomes of perforator-to-perforator based flaps in comparison to conventional free flaps for reconstructions of the lower limb district, through a systematic review of literature and meta-analysis. METHODS: A search on PubMed, Embase, Cohrane, and Web of Science was performed between March-July 2022. No restrictions were placed on study date. Only English manuscripts were assessed. Reviews, short communications, letters, correspondence were excluded after reviewing their references for potentially relevant studies. A Bayesian approach was used to conduct the meta-analysis comparing flap-related outcomes. RESULTS: From 483 starting citations, 16 manuscripts were included for full-text analysis in the review, and three were included in the meta-analysis. Out of 1556 patients, 1047 received a perforator-to-perforator flap. Complications were reported in 119 flaps (11.4%), which included total flap failure in 71 cases (6.8%), partial flap failure in 47 cases (4.5%). Overall flap complications had a HR of 1.41 (0.94-2.11; 95% C.I.). Supermicrosurgical and conventional microsurgical reconstructions were not associated with statistically significant differences (p = .89). CONCLUSION: Our evidence supports the safety of surgical outcomes, with acceptable flap complication rates. Nevertheless, these findings are limited by poor overall quality which must be addressed and used to encourage higher-level evidence in the field.

Reversed distal laterodigital adipofascial flap for nail-bed reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Lesions of the distal phalanges of the fingers frequently involve the nail bed. There are few therapeutic options for nail-bed reconstruction and they often lead to painful scars and onychodystrophy. We present our experience with the distal adipofascial laterodigital reverse flap. METHODS: Fifteen patients (average age 46.33 years, range 28-73) with tumors or traumatic injuries (crush injuries, nail avulsion, and partial fingertip amputations) of the nail bed, underwent digital reconstruction through the distal adipofascial laterodigital reverse flap from June 2018 to August 2019. The size of the fingertip defect covered with the flap was ranged between 1.1 × 1.1 and 1.6 × 1.2 cm (average size 1.4 × 1.2 cm). The flap was harvested enrolling subcutaneous tissue from the lateral aspect of the middle and distal phalanx from the less damaged side. RESULTS: The average size of the harvested flaps was 1.3 × 1.2 cm (range 1.1 × 1.0 to 1.4 × 1.1 cm). All adipofascial flaps survived entirely and the nail bed healed in all patients, with an average healing time of 21 days and a subsequent regrowth of the nail. The follow up ranged from 6 to 12 months, with a mean of 7 months. CONCLUSIONS: The distal reverse adipofascial flap provides a very versatile and reliable coverage of the distal finger and its nail bed. It is a rapid and reproducible surgical procedure with poor morbidity for the donor site. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Technical Refinements and Outcomes Assessment in Prepectoral Pocket Conversion After Postmastectomy Radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Several studies show how submuscular breast reconstruction is linked to animation deformity, shoulder dysfunction, and increased postoperative chest pain, when compared to prepectoral breast reconstruction. In solving all these life-impairing side effects, prepectoral implant pocket conversion has shown encouraging results. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to propose a refinement of the prepectoral implant pocket conversion applied to previously irradiated patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study on 42 patients who underwent previous nipple- or skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate submuscular reconstruction, followed by radiotherapy. We performed fat grafting sessions as regenerative pretreatment. Six months after the last fat graft, we performed the conversion, with prepectoral placement of micropolyurethane foam-coated implants. We investigated the preconversion and postconversion differences in upper limb range of motion, Upper Extremity Functional Index, and patient satisfaction with the breast and physical well-being of the chest. RESULTS: We reported a resolution of animation deformity in 100% of cases. The range of motion and the Upper Extremity Functional Index scores were statistically improved after prepectoral implant pocket conversion. BREAST-Q scores for satisfaction with the breast and physical well-being of the chest were also improved. CONCLUSIONS: The refined prepectoral implant pocket conversion is a reliable technique for solving animation deformity and improving quality of life in patients previously treated with submuscular reconstruction and radiotherapy.

"Hook Shape" Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy and Prepectoral Implant Reconstruction: Technique, Results and Outcomes from a Preliminary Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is a surgical procedure increasingly performed for breast cancer or risk reduction surgeries. The site of skin incision seems to affect not only cosmesis but also technical ease in operating and vascular viability of the nipple. We present a series of patients who underwent a modified vertical surgical approach for NSM, which resulted to be safe, reliable, and with good esthetic results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2016 to February 2019, 27 "Hook Shape" incision NSMs were performed. All patients underwent an immediate subcutaneous muscle-sparing reconstruction with tissue expander covered by a titanium-coated polypropylene mesh, followed by a second surgical step with expander substitution and lipofilling on the definitive implant when indicated. Preoperative and postoperative BREAST-Q patient-reported outcomes measure was performed in all cases. RESULTS: Postoperative morbidity was evaluated: One patient developed seroma and another presented a systemic infection that resolved with intravenous infusion of antibiotics. One patient experienced vertical wound dehiscence, recovered after conservative treatment and without implant exposure. No implant loss was observed. Nipple-areola complex necrosis or ischemia rate was 0%. The BREAST-Q outcomes reported significant increases in the overall satisfaction with breast (p < 0.05), psychosocial well-being (p < 0.05), and sexual well-being (p < 0.05) sections. Scores in the physical impact of surgery section appeared to decline from preoperative to postoperative evaluations, with no statistically significant results. CONCLUSION: The mastectomy incision pattern can burden the surgical challenge, impact vascular viability of the nipple and significantly affect the aesthetic outcomes in breast reconstruction. We report our experience with an alternative approach for NSM, which appears a safe, practical, and reproducible method for patients with small- to medium-sized breasts and little/medium ptosis (grade I or II). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Portable Negative Pressure Wound Dressing in Oncoplastic Conservative Surgery for Breast Cancer: A Valid Ally.

Background and Objectives: The use of oncoplastic techniques has spread widely in the last decade, with an expansion of the indications and demonstration of excellent oncological safety profiles. A potential downside may be the increased complication rates, which could influence the timing of adjuvant therapy. To date, there is increasing evidence that negative pressure therapy on closed wounds can reduce complication rates after surgery. From this perspective, we tested the use of portable negative pressure wound dressings (NPWDs) in oncoplastic surgery to minimize early post-operative admissions to the outpatient clinic and prevent surgical complications. Materials and Methods: An observational prospective cohort study was conducted on a population of patients who underwent quadrantectomy and wise-pattern reduction mammoplasty for breast cancer. The primary objective of the study is represented by the evaluation of the impact of NPWD on post-operative outcomes in an oncoplastic surgery setting. Patients enrolled between January 2021 and January 2023 were divided into two groups, the conventional dressing (CD) group and the NPWD group, by a simple randomization list. Results: A total of 100 patients were enrolled, with 52 in the CD group and 48 in the NPWD group. The use of NPWD significantly reduced the wound dehiscence rate (2.0% vs. 7.7% p = 0.002) and the number of one-month postoperative admissions to our clinic (3.8 ± 1.1 vs. 5.7 ± 1.3 p = 0.0009). Although not significant, it is possible to note a trend of reduction of clinically relevant postoperative total complications in patients treated with NPWDs. Conclusions: NPWDs may represent a useful tool in the post-surgical management of complex oncoplastic procedures, ensuring less wound dehiscence. Furthermore, the use of these dressings led to a significant reduction in admissions to the clinic, promoting a lower use of resources by hospitals and effective prevention of possible complications.

Unilateral immediate deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstruction following skin sparing mastectomy: A comparative study on revision surgeries to improve breast symmetry.

BACKGROUND: The number of revision surgeries to improve breast asymmetry after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is still high worldwide with impact on both patients and healthcare systems. These procedures include fat grafting, contralateral breast symmetrization, scar revision, flap repositioning and remodeling. A previously published DIEP flap insetting algorithm has proven to be effective in selecting patient-tailored strategies to achieve excellent aesthetic outcomes. This study investigated whether this insetting algorithm was effective in reducing revision surgeries in patients undergoing SSM and immediate DIEP flap breast reconstruction to achieve the goal of a one-stage reconstruction. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study included 60 patients (group A) treated without the DIEP flap standardized insetting algorithm and 60 patients (group B) treated with the standardized insetting algorithm, which considers among its variables the type of breast to be reconstructed, abdominal tissue thickness, rotation due to harvesting side. Demographic data, operative data, complications and number of revision surgeries were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty primary and 106 revision surgeries were performed. Groups were homogenous for age (p = .32), body mass index (p = .77), flap weight (p = .7), operative time (p = .87) and early complications (p = .78). When excluding isolated nipple reconstruction from the revision surgeries, one-stage reconstruction was successfully performed in 26 patients in group A (43.3%) and 39 patients (65.0%) in group B, with a statistically significant difference between the groups (p = .003). CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of a standardized insetting algorithm for immediate unilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction can be effective in reducing the number of revision surgeries for breast asymmetry, making a one-stage reconstruction an achievable and reliable target.

Combined lymph node transfer and suction-assisted lipectomy in lymphedema treatment: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have analyzed the combination of suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL) and vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) in lymphedema treatment, reporting positive outcomes. However, it is difficult to draw conclusions due to the heterogeneity of the studies. Aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of VLNT and SAL in lymphedema treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2016 and May 2019, 94 patients with upper or lower limb stage IIb-III lymphedema were enrolled and treated with the gastroepiploic VLNT followed by SAL. Patients were prospectively evaluated through circumference measurement and clinical examination, including number of episodes of cellulitis. RESULTS: Among patients enrolled in the study 83 were affected by lower limb lymphedema (LLL) and 11 were affected by upper limb lymphedema (ULL). Average follow-up was 3 ± 0.8 years. In the LLL group, the mean circumference reduction rates (CRR) were 60.4, 56.9, 29.6, and 55.4% above and below the knee, above the ankle, and at the foot level, respectively. A statistically significant difference was noted at all the levels (p < .05), but above the ankle (p = .059). Regarding the ULL group, the mean CRR were 80.7, 60.7, 65.0 and 49.6% above and below the elbow, at wrist and at mid-hand, respectively. CRR were reported at all the levels but no statistical difference was noted. The number of episodes of cellulitis dropped significantly (p < .05). CONCLUSION: This study supports the use of VLNT+SAL in lymphedema grades IIb-III, with important implications for the clinical practice.

Breast Animation Deformity: A Retrospective Study on Long-Term and Patient-Reported Breast-Q Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the aesthetic outcomes and quality of life of patients who underwent neurotomy of the lateral and medial branch of the pectoralis nerve for animation deformity after breast reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Health-related quality of life questionnaire and cosmetic outcome evaluation were conducted using the preoperative and the postoperative BREAST-Q modules for reconstructive surgery. An external author also assessed the general aesthetic outcome before and after surgery. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients with animation deformity after breast reconstruction were enrolled: 43 in group 1 (second-stage breast reconstruction), 10 in group 2 (permanent breast prosthesis), and 9 in group 3 (Baker III-IV capsular contraction). Patients scored high level of satisfaction with outcome concerning all aspects of the survey. Overall satisfaction with breast was significantly increased after surgery in all the 3 groups, whereas physical well-being was improved in group 1 and group 3 and psychosocial well-being was improved in group 1. General outcome evaluation by an external author, compared with the preoperative condition, also showed significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Section of the lateral and medial branches of the pectoralis nerve represents an easy and reproducible technique, associated with low morbidity and very good results in terms of patient satisfaction, comfort, and hospitalization.

A prospective study on combined lymphedema surgery: Gastroepiploic vascularized lymph nodes transfer and lymphaticovenous anastomosis followed by suction lipectomy.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the appropriate treatment of lymphedema. Proposed techniques include lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), vascularized lymph nodes transfer (VLNT), and suction lipectomy (SL). The benefit of combined procedures has also been postulated. In this prospective study, a combined protocol is proposed as an alternative to single-procedure strategies. METHODS: Between January 2016 and October 2018, we enrolled patients with secondary lymphedema of lower limbs, stage II-III according to the International Society of Lymphology, progressive swelling and skin tonicity >60. Thirty-seven consecutive patients were dichotomized into group I, undergoing VLNT, and group II undergoing VLNT and LVA. Gastroepiploic lymphnode flap was harvested through laparoscopy, and in the same operation, LVAs were performed in group II on the basis of indocyanine green lymphography and patent blue findings. Two weeks later, SL was performed in all the patients. Patients were prospectively evaluated through clinical examination, circumference measurement, and skin tonicity. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 2 ± 0.8 years. The first consecutive 21 patients were treated with VLNT followed by SL. The next 16 patients underwent combined VLNT and LVA, followed by SL. A mean of 2.4 LVAs were performed. A significant difference in the postoperative circumference measurements was found overall (p < .05): 52.6 ± 18.9 above the knee, 42.9 ± 25 below the knee, 36.2 ± 37 at foot. The postoperative tonicity dropped by 12.7 ± 6.3% (p < .05). The episodes of cellulitis significantly decreased to 0.1 ± 0.3 (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: LVA, VLNT, and SL can be integrated together in a combined approach, in synergy to enhance the outcomes.

Extended Latissimus Dorsi Kite Flap (ELD-K Flap): Revisiting an Old Place for a Total Autologous Breast Reconstruction in Patients with Medium to Large Breasts.

BACKGROUND: The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap represents one of the most reliable methods for autologous breast reconstruction. However, in many patients, the exclusive use of this technique may not guarantee the restoration of an adequate volume and projection. We report our experience with the extended latissimus dorsi kite flap (ELD-K flap), an alternative surgical approach to maximize the volume of the fleur-de-lis pattern LD flap, for total autologous breast reconstruction. METHODS: Between 2016 and 2018, 23 patients were subjected to mastectomy and immediate autologous reconstruction with "extended latissimus dorsi kite flap" (ELD-K flap), technique that employs an extended version of the LD musculocutaneous flap, based on the skeletonized thoracodorsal pedicle and a trilobate skin incision with an inferiorly based vertical branch. The BREAST-Q questionnaire was administered preoperatively, and one year after surgery to evaluate the quality of life results of the patients. BREAST-Q latissimus dorsi module was also provided. RESULTS: Average body mass index was 29.7 kg/m2 (range 25-40 kg/m2). Mild complications occurred in only six cases, and eight patients underwent treatment to improve the donor site scar outcome. Patients indicated high scores in quality of life measures with an increase in all BREAST domains from the preoperative to the postoperative period. A statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) was noted in: "overall satisfaction with breasts" (p < 0.05), "psychosocial well-being" (p < 0.05), "physical impact of the surgery" (p < 0.05). Within the LD module, participants reported a mean score of, respectively, 73.8 and 67.9 for "satisfaction with back" and "satisfaction with shoulder and back function" domains. CONCLUSIONS: The extended incision allows the recruitment of additional tissue to provide enough volume to complete the reconstruction without implants. The isolation of the vascular pedicle allows for extreme freedom and mobilization of the flap, ensuring adequate filling of the breast. ELD-K flap may expand the indications for a total autologous LD immediate breast reconstruction, representing an additional and reliable alternative in selected cohorts of patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Dual-Plane Retro-pectoral Versus Pre-pectoral DTI Breast Reconstruction: An Italian Multicenter Experience.

BACKGROUND: The use of conservative mastectomies has risen significantly during the last few years. The reconstructive choice of direct-to-implant reconstruction has become more practicable with modern mastectomy techniques. The initial trend in Italian centers was to use dual-plane hybrid reconstruction. However, a high level of complications has been registered. From 2015 onward, in our centers, a pre-pectoral approach has been adopted. The authors sought to describe the Italian trend to gradually discard the sub-pectoral technique with lower lateral pole coverage of the prosthesis using ADMs comparing it with the pre-pectoral approach with ADMs, without any muscle dissection, in terms of complication rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter retrospective clinical study was performed from January 2010 to June 2018. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups: Cases with an ADM-only coverage pre-pectoral reconstruction made up the first group (Group 1). Those with the retro-pectoral muscular position + ADM implant coverage comprised the second one (Group 2). Complications such as seroma, hematoma, wound dehiscence, surgical site infection, reconstruction failure, animation deformity and capsular contracture were recorded. RESULTS: We performed 716 direct-to-implant reconstructions: 509 were partially sub-pectoral and 207 were pre-pectoral. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. Incidence of complications was higher in dual-plane reconstructions. There were statistical significant differences in the rates of seroma and hematoma. CONCLUSION: Using the pre-pectoral approach, the authors have experienced favorable aesthetics and superior clinical and functional outcomes. Retro-pectoral muscular ADM implant coverage has to be considered only in specific complicated second-stage surgeries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Genital Lymphedema and How to Deal with It: Pearls and Pitfalls from over 38 Years of Experience with Unusual Lymphatic System Impairment.

Background and Objectives: Conservative treatment represents an essential pillar of lymphedema management, along with debulking and physiologic surgeries. Despite the consistent number of treatment options, there is currently no agreement on their indications and possible combinations. When dealing with unusual lymphedema presentation as in the genitalia (Genital Lymphedema-GL), treatment choice becomes even more difficult. The authors aimed to present their targeted algorithm of single and combined treatment modalities for rare GL in order to face this paucity of information. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from a prospectively maintained database since January 1983, and cases of GL that were managed in the authors' department were selected. Only patients that were treated in the authors' institution and presented a minimum follow-up of 3 months were admitted to the current study. Results: From January 1983 to July 2021, 19 patients with GL were recruited. All the patients were male, and their ages ranged from 21 to 73 years old (average: 52). Ten cases (52.6%) presented with ISL (International Society of Lymphology) stage I, five (26.3%) were stage II and four (21.1%) were stage III. GL was managed with conservative treatment (12 cases), LVA (LymphaticoVenous Anastomosis) (3) or surgical excision (4). In a mean follow-up of 7.5 years (range: 3 months-11 years), no major complications occurred, and all cases reached improvements in functional and quality of life terms. Conclusions: Contrary to the predominant thought of the necessity to avoid surgery in unusual lymphedema presentations such as GL, they can be managed using targeted multimodal approaches or by adapting well-known procedures in unusual ways to achieve control of disease progression and improve patients' quality of life.

Use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Systems after Radical Vulvectomy for Advanced Vulvar Cancer.

A retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of negative pressure wound therapy in improving vulvectomy healing. Women who underwent radical vulvectomy with complete inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy for advanced vulvar cancer were divided into two groups according to immediate postoperative care: patients treated with negative pressure wound therapy using the device applied on the site of the wound (including vulva and inguinal region), and patients receiving conventional care. 18 patients were included in the study. 7 (38.9%) women were treated with negative pressure wound therapy immediately after the surgery and were included in the intervention group, and 11 (61.1%) patients were included in the control group. Women who received negative pressure wound therapy had significantly lower length of stay in the hospital (14.2 ± 4.7 versus 17.1 ± 6.1 days, mean difference -6.90 days, 95% confidence interval -11.91 to -1.89), and significantly lower length for wound healing (-31.90 days, 95% confidence interval -43.48 to -20.32). In conclusion, the utilization of the negative wound pressure therapy may contribute to reduce hospitalization after radical vulvectomy for vulvar cancer. Large and well-designed randomized trials with cost effectiveness analyses are needed to confirm these findings.

Free gastroepiploic lymph nodes and omentum flap for treatment of lower limb ulcers in severe lymphedema: Killing two birds with one stone.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In patients with lymphedema, the disruption of the lymphatic network increases skin turgor and fibrosis of subcutaneous tissue, delays wound healing, causing recurrent ulcerations and infections. In these cases, management of ulcers can be challenging. METHODS: Between January 2016 and June 2018, patients presenting with lymphedema were enrolled at our Institution. We selected patients with severe lymphedema and ulcers of lower limbs and we performed a surgical approach, involving free gastroepiploic lymph nodes and omentum flap, harvested through laparoscopy. RESULTS: We enrolled 135 patients presenting for lymphedema. Among them, 10 eligible cases underwent excision of the ulcer and reconstruction with omentum flap. Mean age was 57.8 years and average follow-up 24.1 months. Circumferences and skin tonicity significantly decreased from the preoperative period. Lymphoscintigraphy showed improvement of the lymphatic drainage and restoration of lymphatic network. No episodes of infection were recorded in the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Our combined procedure merges free flap techniques and lymphedema surgery: omentum covers the defect while providing a new source of lymph nodes, improving the lymphatic networks of the affected limb. This technique can highly increase the quality of life of the patient in a single-stage operation with fast recovery and low donor site morbidity.

Freestyle Perforator Puzzle Flap for Posterior Trunk Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Closure of extensive defects of posterior trunk can be challenging for reconstructive surgeons owing to the need of a large bulk of well-vascularized tissue to resurface the skin and the exposed hardware and to fill the dead spaces. We hypothesized that elevating multiple perforators flaps in various patterns would allow for reconstruction of large posterior trunk defects with tension-free primary closure and minimal donor site morbidity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2013 and December 2016, 23 patients with large posterior trunk defects underwent reconstruction with a multiple freestyle perforator flaps approach. We experimented a freestyle perforator-based reconstruction, which consists of designing a sequence of flaps, able to adequately fit the defects, allowing for tensionless primary closure. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 60.2 years (range, 18-80 years). A total number of 62 perforator flaps was performed, with an average of 2.6 flaps per patient. We were able to successfully cover defects up to 27 × 29 cm. A single perforator was used in 58 flaps, whereas more than 1 perforator was applied in 4 flaps. In all cases, the donor sites were closed primarily, and patients healed uneventfully. Six patients underwent radiotherapy after surgery, but no complication occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In this series of extensive defects of the posterior trunk, a tension-free closure was achieved by distributing the tension to multiple freestyle perforator flaps, supplying sufficient volume of tissue and reliable vascularization. This approach can be a valid tool in facing reconstruction of large and complicated defects of the posterior trunk.

Nasal Reconstruction With Two Stages Versus Three Stages Forehead Fap: What is Better for Patients With High Vascular Risk?

In nasal reconstruction, it is necessary to replace all anatomic layers in order to reinstate correct aesthetics. The most apt donor site to use in order to cover the nose has been recognized as forehead skin. Traditionally 2 phases are required to reconstruct the forehead flap; however, an intermediate third phase was described by Millard which is between transfer of the flap and division of the pedicle. These methods will be compared in this study with regard to both complication rates and aesthetic results in high vascular risk patients.46 patients were enrolled in the study, all of whom were undergoing either total or subtotal nasal reconstruction from January 2001 to March 2018. The 2-step technique (2S Group) was performed on 30 patients and the 3-step technique (3S Group) was performed on 16. Evaluation questionnaires were completed by patients and a plastic surgeon who was extraneous to the study to evaluate aesthetic satisfaction. Complications other than flap necrosis such as infection, wound dehiscence and hematoma were recorded. VAS and Likert mean values, used to evaluate aesthetic satisfaction, were examined with a Student t test and were discovered to be relevant. Complication rates studied with Fisher exact test showed no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. The 3-phase method for nose reconstruction using a forehead flap represents a better functional and aesthetic option for patients at high vascular risk.

Simultaneous Restoration of Swallowing and Voice Function With Ileocolon Free Flap.

BACKGROUND: Free ileocolon flap is a reliable technique allowing simultaneous restoration of swallowing and speech. The aim is to report our 6-year experience in a single center. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients treated between 2010 and 2015 were included in the study. Swallowing and speech function were evaluated in 27 patients with a 7-point and 5-point Likert scale, respectively. Moreover, 12 of them consented to voice spectrum analysis (VSA). RESULTS: Complications noted were: aspiration (3), esophagocutaneous fistula (2), and stricture (1). Seven patients experienced self-limited diarrhea. Regarding swallowing function, 77.8% scored ≥5 on Likert scale whereas speech Likert scale showed excellent results (score >12) in 74%. VSA demonstrated mean phonation time of 10.75 seconds, mean frequency of 131 Hz and mean dynamic range of 56 dB. CONCLUSION: In experienced hands, the ileocolon flap is safe and effective, particularly in patients with long-life expectancy, providing good swallowing and speech function without further procedures/prostheses.

Lower Body Lift After Bariatric Surgery: 323 Consecutive Cases Over 10-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: Lower body lift is a widespread procedure for massive weight loss patients aimed to improve the contour of the lower trunk, gluteal region and proximal lower extremity. The data about complications are confusing, and there is a lack of uniform studies for massive weight loss patients. A simple formula to carry out a reliable procedure in a short time with a low complication rate should be advocated. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed data of 323 patients undergoing lower body lift after bariatric surgery over a 10-year period. Selection criteria, careful preoperative marking, reliable intra- and postoperative care and a few surgical tips are discussed. All the complications (both major and minor) and the aesthetic satisfaction were evaluated. Risk factors assessed were patient age, tobacco consumption, current BMI, operative time and combined surgery. RESULTS: The overall complication rate was 42%. We recorded a lower rate of major complications and skin dehiscence; no infection and no skin necrosis were observed. The most frequent complication was seroma (35%). A complication development was straight related to age (p = 0.0177) and tobacco use (p = 0.0336). Patients' satisfaction about overall aesthetic was high. CONCLUSIONS: We present our case load and describe an easy recipe to perform a safe surgery without undermining and liposuction in short operative times. The reasonable overall complication rate and the surprisingly lower rate of dehiscence and skin necrosis combined with a pleasant aesthetic result make the lower body lift an easy and safe procedure, when applied to the appropriate patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.