Retrospective Study on Optimizing Breast Augmentation Outcomes in Transgender Patients: A Comprehensive Analysis of Tumescent Local Anesthesia Technique.

BACKGROUND: Tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) involves the infusion of a saline solution containing lidocaine and epinephrine into tissues to achieve localized anesthesia and vasoconstriction. While the use of TLA in sub-glandular augmentation mammoplasty has been documented, we present a modified TLA approach for primary sub-muscular breast augmentation in transgender patients based on our experience over the past years. METHODS: Between the years 2014 and 2021, we performed primary sub-muscular breast augmentation on 20 transgender patients under TLA and conscious sedation. The tumescent solution consisted of 25 mL of 2% lidocaine, 8 mEq of sodium bicarbonate, and 1 mL of epinephrine (1 mg/1 mL) in 1000 mL of 0.9% saline solution. Initially, the solution was infiltrated between the pectoral fascia and the mammary gland, and subsequently, during the surgery, under the pectoralis major muscle. RESULTS: The average volume of tumescent solution infiltrated during TLA was 740 mL per breast. There were no reports of adrenaline or lidocaine toxicity, and no cases required a conversion to general anesthesia. Patients experienced no pain or discomfort during the preoperative infiltration or surgical procedure. Reoperations due to short-term complications never occurred. We observed a major complication rate of 5%, represented by 1 hematoma. Long-term complications comprised one case of implant dislocation and one occurrence of dystrophic scar formation. No cases of capsular contracture needing reoperation, asymmetry, and implant rupture occurred. In total, one individual (5%) requested larger implants. Follow-up time ranged from 30 days to 1 years. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, augmentation mammaplasty is a valuable choice for transgender women aiming to enhance their feminine characteristics and alleviate gender dysphoria. It is imperative for patients to conduct thorough research, grasp the potential pros and cons, and consult experienced healthcare professionals in transgender care. Additionally, tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) has proven to be a safe and efficient method for sub-muscular breast augmentation, providing effective pain control with minimal postoperative complications, resulting in high patient satisfaction. 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 .

Salvage Strategies for Local Recurrences of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Nasal Vestibule: A Single-Center Experience of 22 Years.

Squamous cell carcinomas of the nasal vestibule are an extremely rare neoplastic disease. Although brachytherapy is gaining popularity for primary treatment, surgery remains the best option in case of recurrences. The aim of this paper is to outline our treatment experience of local recurrence of SCCNVs over the past 22 years. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of the patients who underwent surgical treatment for local recurrence of SCCNV: data regarding age, sex, primary tumor treatment, recurrence location and time of appearance, surgical resection, type of reconstruction, postoperative complication, surgical revision, and re-recurrence rate were analyzed. Twenty patients were included in the study. The median period for recurrence appearance was 17 months, and the prevalent location of recurrence was the nasal alae. Prevalent reconstructive procedures were the nasolabial flap and paramedian forehead flap. No postoperative complications were observed, and one case of re-recurrence was detected at 12-months of follow-up. Based on our experience, salvage surgical procedures for SCCNV recurrences must be individualized and carefully planned, taking into account the peculiar pattern of tumor spread and the presence of scar and heavily radiotherapy damaged tissue from previous treatment; delayed reconstruction should be considered for all the cases with skeletal involvement.

Mutational Profiles of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas with Different Patterns of Clinical Aggression from Head and Neck Regions.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is a prevalent malignancy with a rising incidence and a notably high mutational load. Exploring the genetic nuances of cSCC and investigating molecular approaches stands as a potential avenue for improving outcomes in high-risk patients. This retrospective case-control study involved two cohorts, one of 14 patients (the "discovery cohort") and the other of 12 patients (the "validation cohort"), with cSCC located in the head/neck anatomical region and diagnosed at the pT2 stage. Overall, cases developed early local relapses of the disease, whereas controls never relapsed during the entire follow-up period. A next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach conducted on histological samples revealed that TP53 and CDKN2A were the most frequently mutated genes in our series. No specific mutations were identified as potential prognostic or therapeutic targets. Controls exhibited a tendency toward a higher mutational rate compared to cases. It is possible that an increased number of mutations could prompt the cSCC to expose more antigens, becoming more immunogenic and facilitating recognition by the immune system. This could enhance and sustain the immunological response, potentially preventing future recurrences.

Autologous coverage for direct-to-implant pre-pectoral reconstruction in large and ptotic breasts: a new technique.

Direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction after skin reducing mastectomy in large and ptotic breast is characterized by a high rate of complication. The Dermal Sling is commonly used to give extra coverage to the lower pole of the mammary implant to lower the risk of implant exposure in case of wound dehiscence at the T-junction. The aim of the paper is to detail an original technique that combines an inferior dermal sling with pectoral and serratus fascial flaps, to create a pre-pectoral pouch. We retrospectively review the clinical data of the patients who underwent Type IV/V mastectomy and DTI breast reconstruction with the described technique. Minor and major post operative complications were analyzed. Patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated at one year of follow-up through Breast-Q and Validated Aesthetic Scale. Ten patients (fourteen breasts) were included in the study. Skin and/or NAC necrosis occurred in three breasts. One patient underwent implant removal due to periprosthetic infection. At one of follow-up no capsular contracture nor migration of the implant were clinically detected in all patients. One patient had a visible rippling at the upper quadrants of the new breast. Good patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcomes were reported. The association of fascial flaps and dermal sling is a viable option for breast reconstruction in patients with large and ptotic breasts. Along with providing an autologous coverage for the implant, it allows to maintain a good projection, maximize symmetrization in case of concomitant contralateral reduction mammoplasty and avoid any implant displacement.

Multidisciplinary Management of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Scalp: An Algorithm for Reconstruction and Treatment.

Background: Scalp-associated cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) presents formidable treatment challenges, especially when it leads to full-thickness defects involving bone. Aggressive or recurring cases often demand a multidisciplinary approach. Leveraging our surgical experience and a literature review, we introduce a therapeutic algorithm to guide the selection of reconstruction methods, particularly for locally advanced lesions, furthermore showing the synergy between surgery and other therapies for comprehensive, multidisciplinary disease management. Methods: Our algorithm stems from a retrospective analysis of 202 patients undergoing scalp cSCC resection and reconstruction over a 7-year period, encompassing 243 malignancies. After rigorous risk assessment and documentation of surgical procedures, reconstruction methods were therefore related to malignancy extent, depth, and individual clinical status. Results: The documented reconstructions included 76 primary closures, 115 skin grafts, 7 dermal substitute reconstructions, 33 local flaps, 1 locoregional flap, and 1 microsurgical free flap. Patients unsuitable for surgery received radiotherapy or immunotherapy after histological confirmation. Precise analysis of tumor characteristics in terms of infiltration extent and depth guided the selection of appropriate reconstruction and treatment strategies Combining these insights with an extensive literature review enabled us to formulate our algorithm for managing scalp cSCCs. Conclusions: Effectively addressing scalp cSCC, especially in locally advanced or recurrent cases, demands a systematic approach integrating surgery, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Our multidisciplinary team's decision-making algorithm improved patient outcomes by offering a broader spectrum of therapeutic options that can synergistically achieve optimal results.