RESUMEN
Becoming a competent microsurgeon requires training in a variety of skills and competences. However, instructing the next generation of microsurgeons seems to be a challenging task, considering the current trend to reduce training hours along with increased patient expectations. To evaluate the microsurgical training opportunities at the Queen Victoria Hospital, we conducted a retrospective review of the last 3 and a half years, to identify the opportunities given to trainees during breast reconstruction cases. We also surveyed the microsurgical fellows who worked in our unit during the same period. A total of 848 free flaps were performed between November 2015 and May 2019 for 699 patients undergoing breast reconstruction, with a flap failure rate of 0.47%. For unilateral cases, more than half of the flaps were raised by trainees: 39% by fellows and 12% by specialist registrars. For bilateral breast and bipedicled reconstructions, these figures were 44% and 2%, respectively. A total of 1835 microvascular anastomoses were performed, of which 33% were done by fellows and 17% by specialist registrars, with the remaining 50% being done by consultants. Six of 8 fellows who worked in our unit during the studied period replied to our survey. All of them were pleased with their training experience, and the majority of them progressed to a consultant post after their fellowship. We consider that a standardized surgical approach, along with a high-volume caseload, allows delivering an outstanding training experience while maintaining low complications rates.
Asunto(s)
Colgajos Tisulares Libres , Mamoplastia , Hospitales , Humanos , Microcirugia , Complicaciones Posoperatorias , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
Microsurgical breast reconstruction accounts for 22% of breast reconstructions in the UK. Despite thromboprophylaxis, venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurs in up to 4% of cases. Using a Delphi process, this study established a UK consensus on VTE prophylaxis strategy, for patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction using free-tissue transfer. It captured geographically divergent views, producing a guide that reflected the peer opinion and current evidence base. METHODS: Consensus was ascertained using a structured Delphi process. A specialist from each of the UK's 12 regions was invited to the expert panel. Commitment to three to four rounds of questions was sought at enrollment. Surveys were distributed electronically. An initial qualitative free-text survey was distributed to identify likely lines of consensus and dissensus. Each panelist was provided with full-text versions of key papers on the topic. Initial free-text responses were analyzed to develop a set of structured quantitative statements, which were refined via a second survey as a consensus was approached. RESULTS: The panel comprised 18 specialists: plastic surgeons and thrombosis experts from across the UK. Each specialist completed three rounds of surveys. Together, these plastic surgeons reported having performed more than 570 microsurgical breast reconstructions in the UK in 2019. A consensus was reached on 27 statements, detailing the assessment and delivery of VTE prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study to collate current practice, expert opinion from across the UK, and a literature review. The output was a practical guide for VTE prophylaxis for microsurgical breast reconstruction in any UK microsurgical breast reconstruction unit.
Asunto(s)
Mamoplastia , Tromboembolia Venosa , Humanos , Anticoagulantes/uso terapéutico , Tromboembolia Venosa/prevención & control , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Reino UnidoRESUMEN
Background. Extensive degloving skin injuries in children are particularly challenging for the possible complications of restricting growth and function. Biodegradable temporizing matrix (BTM, PolyNovo) is traditionally used for acute burn care reconstruction and in this case was successfully used to manage a child with lower limb open fractures associated with severe degloving injuries. This novel use offers excellent short and intermediate outcomes.
RESUMEN
The evidence for lower limb flap (LLF) training regimens is equivocal. The commonest cause of LLF failure is venous congestion. The aim of this study was to investigate whether venous congestion could be reduced by patient-led isometric calf contractions during flap training. A prospective clinical study was conducted using photospectroscopy and laser Doppler (Oxygen to See) to assess healthy limbs and LLF characteristics during flap training and isometric calf contractions. Tissue oxygen saturation, venous congestion, and blood flow were measured at rest, as well as during and after limb dangling and calf contraction exercises. In the acute postoperative period following LLF surgery, dependency markedly reduced superficial flow (-55.20% ± 19.17%), with a concurrent increase in venous congestion (33.80% ± 28.80%); supine isometric contractions improved superficial flow and reduced venous congestion from postoperative day 5. Contractions cause a significant increase in blood flow in the outpatient cohort (+84.40% ± 7.86%, P = 0.009), with a mean time since discharge of 14 weeks. Our data suggest patient-led isometric calf exercises are well tolerated and may reduce venous congestion in the acute phase. Progressive changes toward normal physiological function were demonstrated in the outpatient rehabilitation period. Incorporating calf exercises into LLF rehabilitation may allow longer periods of leg dependency, quicker recovery from surgery, and ultimately improve outcomes.
RESUMEN
Neck pain is a relatively common pediatric complaint. Most is of benign etiology. We present an unusual case of epidural abscess with associated discitis in the cervical spine of a 12-year-old after a dental extraction. This potentially dangerous complication was diagnosed before neurological complications developed and was successfully treated with antibiotics alone, preventing the need for surgery. An extensive search of the literature has revealed only 5 cases of epidural abscess secondary to dental sepsis, and to the author's knowledge, this is the first reported case in the pediatric population. We present the case and a brief review of the literature on this subject.
Asunto(s)
Vértebras Cervicales , Discitis/etiología , Absceso Epidural/etiología , Dolor de Cuello/etiología , Extracción Dental/efectos adversos , Niño , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Discitis/patología , Absceso Epidural/patología , Femenino , Humanos , Imagen por Resonancia MagnéticaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Postoperative regimes designed to acclimatise lower limb free flaps to the changing flow dynamics of standing (flap training exercises) are widely employed despite a paucity of evidence for their use. This study utilises non-invasive monitoring of perfusion parameters to investigate flap training at the microcirculatory level. METHODS: Eight prospective patients undergoing lower limb reconstruction with anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous free flaps were enrolled. Combined tissue photospectroscopy and laser Doppler (O2C, LEA, Germany) was used to assess perfusion during five days of postoperative limb elevation and a subsequent three day flap training regime. Superficial Oxygen saturation (SO2), Haemoglobin concentration (rHb) and Flow measurements were taken. Readings were compared to pre-training control measurements. RESULTS: In the first five postoperative days of limb elevation, there were no significant changes in perfusion parameters. On commencement of flap training, 5 min of leg dependency resulted in mean decreases in SO2 of 45% on day 1 (p = 0.05) and 56% on day 2 (p = 0.02). Haemoglobin concentrations increased by 20% on day 1 (p = 0.01) and 26% on day 2 (p = 0.02). Flow decreased by 67% on day 1 (p = 0.19) and 78% day 2 (p = 0.03). On day 3 changes were observed to a lesser degree and only rHb increases remained statistically significant (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Prior to flap training, lower limb dependency causes reduced oxygenation, increased venous pooling and decreased flow consistent with venous congestion. Following a three day training regime, flap perfusion begins to accommodate for these changes. These findings provide a rationale for flap training, although further work is required to explain the mechanisms.
Asunto(s)
Flujometría por Láser-Doppler , Traumatismos de la Pierna/cirugía , Procedimientos de Cirugía Plástica/métodos , Flujo Sanguíneo Regional/fisiología , Colgajos Quirúrgicos/irrigación sanguínea , Adulto , Anciano , Velocidad del Flujo Sanguíneo/fisiología , Estudios de Cohortes , Estudios de Seguimiento , Fijación de Fractura/métodos , Fracturas Abiertas/diagnóstico por imagen , Fracturas Abiertas/cirugía , Alemania , Supervivencia de Injerto , Humanos , Traumatismos de la Pierna/diagnóstico , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Monitoreo Fisiológico/métodos , Oxígeno/sangre , Radiografía , Estudios Retrospectivos , Medición de Riesgo , Espectrofotometría , Colgajos Quirúrgicos/trasplante , Fracturas de la Tibia/diagnóstico por imagen , Fracturas de la Tibia/cirugía , Cicatrización de Heridas/fisiología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is a versatile flap offering many reconstructive options for head and neck defects. Its low bulk, ease of dissection, and excellent vascularity are among its advantages. Its low flap loss and complication rates offer the best choice for the reconstruction of oral, oropharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal lining. Evaluation of collateral circulation to the hand is important to avoid distal ischemia and donor site morbidity. Pulse oximetry can be used to augment Allen's test to assess collateral supply to the hand. This cost-neutral technique can be used in routine preoperative screening prior to RFFF surgery.