UK survey of partial mastectomy and reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Partial mastectomy and reconstruction can extend the role of breast-conserving surgery, but the frequency of this type of surgery is unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A UK survey was performed to determine the frequency, indications, techniques and outcomes of partial mastectomy and reconstruction. RESULTS: Seventy-one of 180 (39%) respondents offered partial mastectomy and reconstruction. Reasons for not offering partial mastectomy and reconstruction included lack of experience (61%), uncertain indications (33%), uncertain benefits (45%) and concerns about oncological safety (22%). Immediate reconstruction was performed by 50% of respondents and perioperative margin analysis was uncommon. Respondents performed volume displacement or volume replacement or both approaches (23%, 18% and 59%). Complications included fat necrosis (68%), haematoma formation (55%), positive margins (46%), infection (41%) and flap loss or poor cosmetic outcome (10%). CONCLUSIONS: Partial mastectomy and reconstruction is becoming popular in the UK as an alternative to full mastectomy. Safe introduction of this approach in clinical practice will require a clearer understanding of technique selection, safety and clinical outcomes.

Long-term effect of oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery using latissimus dorsi miniflaps on mammographic surveillance and the detection of local recurrence.

INTRODUCTION: Latissimus dorsi miniflap is a breast-conserving volume replacement technique for the reconstruction of large breast defects. While mammographic features of miniflap reconstruction have been described, little is known about the incidence, mode of presentation and size of local recurrence after this procedure. This study aimed to investigate the impact of latissimus dorsi miniflap reconstruction on the frequency, presentation and detection of local recurrence. METHODS: Clinical, radiological and pathological data were reviewed in 261 patients. Complete records were available for 11 patients developing local recurrence, including mode, time of presentation and size of the recurrent tumours. All mammograms before and after local recurrence were assessed in relation to a range of specific characteristics including parenchymal density, flap visibility, architectural distortion, mass, calcifications, fat necrosis, skin thickening and breast oedema. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients developed local recurrence at 10.4 years following reconstruction (mean age 49 years, resection weight 182 g and tumour size 33 mm). Following radiotherapy, 0.5% of patients developed local recurrence each year, which increased five-fold when radiotherapy was omitted (HR 4.99). Local recurrences were diagnosed in five patients by mammography alone, in three by mammography and palpable lump, and in three by palpable lump alone. They were detected when small (15 mm) and were associated with new mammographic abnormalities in 10 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Long follow-up demonstrates that latissimus dorsi miniflap reconstruction allows oncologically safe breast conservation when combined with postoperative radiotherapy. Local recurrences are detected early, either by mammography, clinical examination or both, and detection is not compromised by the presence of a flap.

Dengue Fever-Associated Maculopathy and Panuveitis in Australia.

Purpose. To describe a case of dengue fever-associated maculopathy and panuveitis to raise awareness of these ophthalmic complications of dengue in Australia in the light of recent increasing numbers of outbreaks from equatorial through to tropical Australia. Case Report. A 37-year-old Caucasian Australian male returning from Cambodia presented with a bilateral dengue fever-associated maculopathy with left panuveitis diagnosed clinically and haematologically. Automated perimetry revealed bilateral paracentral scotomas while optical coherence tomography demonstrated the maculopathies to be of the diffuse retinal thickening type in the right eye and acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) type in the left eye. He was treated conservatively with only topical steroids and cycloplegia and made a full clinical visual recovery. Conclusion. Our case study underscores the importance of the awareness of the ophthalmic complications of dengue fever as despite their rarity they can be potentially sight threatening. The incidence of these complications is likely to rise in Australia with increased global warming and the distribution of Aedes aegypti into subtropical Australia.

Patient perceptions of second eye clear corneal cataract surgery using assisted topical anaesthesia.

AIM: To assess patient recall of intraoperative pain, anxiety, fear, and sensory (visual and auditory) perceptions during second eye clear corneal cataract surgery using assisted topical anaesthesia (ATA), in comparison with first eye cataract surgery using the same technique. METHODS: This prospective, consecutive, observational study was conducted in a free-standing dedicated ophthalmic day surgery centre. A voluntary questionnaire was distributed to 129 consecutive patients who underwent clear corneal cataract surgery using ATA. Two patients had to be converted to block anaesthesia, and were excluded. Patients were asked to rate intraoperative pain, anxiety, and fear using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and recollection of intraoperative visual and auditory perceptions. Results were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U and Spearman correlation tests. RESULTS: There were 70/127 (55%) patients undergoing first eye cataract surgery and 57/127 (45%) undergoing second eye surgery. There was no significant difference in mean pain, anxiety, and fear scores between those undergoing the second eye operation compared with those undergoing their first eye operation. Similarly, there was no significant difference in sensory perceptions between the two cohorts. Overall, there was a small but significant positive correlation between recall of visual and auditory perceptions and combined pain, fear, and anxiety scores (r=0.33, P=0.0002). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in levels of intraoperative pain, anxiety, fear, and sensory perceptions experienced by patients between the first eye and second eye surgeries. We recommend that preoperative counselling for a patient's second eye be as comprehensive as for the first eye surgery.

Recent Progress with Breast-Conserving Volume Replacement Using Latissimus Dorsi Miniflaps in UK Patients.

Significant volume loss during breast conserving surgery(BCS)can be anticipated in patients with small breast: tumor ratios, limiting the use of BCS in womenwith smaller breasts or larger tumors. Early experience with autogenous immediate volume replacement(IVR)at the time of BCS led to refinements in the technique, extending its role in clinical practice. The evolution of the technique has been examined, with particular reference to tumor selection, technique and modifications, histopathological findings, and cosmetic, radiological and psychologicalsequelae. Between 1991-1997, 62 patients underwent BCS and IVR using a latissimus dorsi(LD)miniflap. Tumors(diameter 22[ 5-40 ] mm)were located in the upper outer quadrant(29)center(15)upper inner quadrant(17)and lower outer quadrant(1)of the breast. Operations lasted 129(80-245)min, resecting specimens of 144(37-345)g. Margins were positive in 8/62 specimens(13%)and local recurrence was recorded in 5/62(8%), 4 of whom had not received radiotherapy. One local recurrence was treatedby mastectomy(1.8% of whole group)and 4 were treated by re-excision and delayedradiotherapy. The cosmetic, radiological and psychological outcomes of the procedure compared favorably with BCS alone. Breast-conserving volume replacement with LD miniflaps extends the role of BCS without compromising resection, cosmesis or surveillance, and provides a furtheroption in the surgical management of breast carcinoma.