[Comparison between different anchors for zone I flexor tendon repair]. / Comparaison des différentes ancres dans les réinsertions transosseuses de tendons fléchisseurs profonds en zone I.

INTRODUCTION: Transosseous reinsertion has been used to complement the Bunnell pull-out technique in the repair of zone I deep flexor tendon injuries. The aim of this study is to compare the different devices on the market in terms of complication, functional recovery and ease of use. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This is a single-center study including all patients who underwent transosseous anchor reinsertion from 2010 to 2021 with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up. Twenty-seven patients were included. The anchors used were of different types: Microfix® Quickanchor plus® and Miniquick anchor® from DePuy Mitek; Juggerknot® Soft Anchor 1.0mm from Zimmer-Biomet; or Kerifix® 4.0 from KeriMedical. We analyzed intraoperative data, complications and functional recovery by quickDASH score. RESULTS: The average age was 38.6 years (± 16.1), the demographic characteristics were identical in the different groups. There was a significant difference in the number of anchors used intraoperatively before definitive placement (P=0.02), to the disadvantage of the Juggerknot® anchors. There was no significant difference in terms of complications and functional recovery evaluated by the quickDASH. CONCLUSION: Our study did not find significant differences between the different anchors in terms of complications and functional recovery. Some anchors seem to have a better grip during placement than others.

Breast reconstruction through exclusive lipomodeling or in addition to a flap: Current status in Franche-Comté.

INTRODUCTION: Breast reconstruction after cancer surgery through lipomodeling can be performed alone or in combination with a flap. Our objective is to describe the proportion of techniques used on patients who underwent autologous reconstructive surgery after tumorectomy or mastectomy in Franche-Comté. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A bicentric retrospective observational study was conducted between October 2017 and December 2021 (NCT06101732), including three groups: those who underwent exclusive lipomodeling reconstruction after mastectomy (1) or in addition to a flap (2), and those who underwent exclusive lipomodeling reconstruction after tumorectomy (3). Socio-demographic, medical, and surgical data were collected and recorded in a specially designed software. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty-one lipomodeling procedures were performed on 91 patients. In group 1, the average transferred volume was 1191mL with an average number of sessions of 4.4 spreads over 19.4months. In group 2, the average transferred volume was 676mL with an average operative time of 2.5 spread over 16.1months. In group 3, the average transferred volume was 223mL with an average number of sessions of 1.5 spreads over 6.2months. Regarding postoperative complications, 11% had cysts of fat necrosis, 4.4% had infections, and 2.2% had hematomas. CONCLUSION: Lipomodeling is a technique that has clearly established itself in the field of breast reconstructive surgery. It results in a few complications and improves the final aesthetic outcome whether used exclusively or in addition to a flap.

[Emergency free flap in reconstruction of the lower limb: About 23 cases over 11 years]. / Reconstruction des pertes de substance des membres inférieurs par lambeau libre en urgence : à propos de 23 cas sur 11 ans.

OBJECTIVES: To study the coverage period influence and various parameters concerning the microsurgical act on the patient clinical outcomes. METHODS: We report 23 cases of reconstruction of lower limb loss of substance by free flap operated from 2010 to 2021. Among them, 9 patients were operated on as an emergency versus 14 in the secondary or late phase of the trauma. RESULTS: The average age of injured patients operated on emergency was 42 years (17-68 years) and 34 years for the patients who undergo deferred surgery (17-57 years). The sex ratio (female/male) was 22% in patients operated on urgently and 7% in patients operated on later. Regarding the type of free flap, it was Serratus anterior muscle flap in 10 cases, Latissismus dorsi flap in 9 cases, ALT flap in 3 cases and Gracilis muscle flap in 1 case. There were 2 failures of vascularized free transfer (8.7%) with complete necrosis of the flap and 3 revision surgeries on venous thrombosis which finally made it possible to obtain 3 flap successes. We analyze the results (complications/osteitis) according to the time to coverage. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we did not find any significant difference between the groups operated in emergency and at a distance concerning the rate of infection and failure of the flaps.

[Complications and quality of life after bodylift: About 143 patients]. / Complications et qualité de vie après bodylift inférieur : à propos de 143 patients.

INTRODUCTION: The rise of bariatric surgery has led to a considerable increase in the demand for weight loss surgery. The lower body lift consists of removing the residual abdominal fat and skin excess and re-tensioning the surfaces. The objective of our study was to evaluate the associated complications, as well as the consequences of this surgery on the quality of life of the patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective monocentric study was conducted in patients operated on for lower body lift between 2010 and 2019 at the University Hospital of Besançon. We collected postoperative complications and studied the satisfaction and quality of life of the operated patients using the Body-QoL and SF-36 questionnaires. RESULTS: One hundred forty-three patients were included with a mean age of 41.2 years. The mean body mass index was 26.6kg/m2 with a mean weight of 73.8kg and a mean weight loss of 54.4kg. Forty-one patients (29.7%) had at least one complication. Most complications were minor, with 16.8% of scar disunions, and 7% of complications were major, requiring revision surgery. Ninety-three patients (65%) responded to the satisfaction questionnaires with improvement mostly in physical symptoms and social life. CONCLUSION: The lower body lift is an effective, safe procedure with mostly minor complications that do not influence quality of life. Patient satisfaction is high, and it is therefore justified to continue offering this procedure to correct the sequelae of massive weight loss.

[The incidence of hand trauma the COVID-19 epidemic setting]. / L'incidence des traumatismes de la main dans le contexte épidémique COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: In France, a lockdown was enforced from March 17 to May 11, 2020. It was renewed with different modalities from April 3 to May 3, 2021. Our objective was to compare the epidemiology of hand and wrist trauma injuries during these periods to a control period, with the hypothesis of a decreased incidence of hand and wrist trauma. METHODS: Patients consulting at a trauma emergency center of a university hospital labeled SOS-Mains were included during lockdowns, and were compared with a control group who consulted during an equivalent period in 2019. We retrospectively collected demographic and clinical data in relation to hand and wrist injuries. RESULTS: During lockdowns, there was an increase in these injuries relative to the total number of patients (from 16% to 22% and 18%). We found a decrease during the first lockdown in the number of fractures, amputations, burns, infections, injuries secondary to a work accident and isolated wounds but a significantly higher proportion of tendon and vasculonervous injuries in the first lockdown (12% vs. 4%). CONCLUSIONS: In first lockdown, the incidence of hand and wrist injuries decreased, but there was an increase in tendon and microsurgical injuries. This may be explained by the change in leisure activities. This underlines the importance of preventive measures concerning the risks related to some activities (use of sharp/motorized tools) in this context of health crisis.

[Abdominoplasties: Do we still need to drain in 2021?] / Abdominoplasties : faut-il encore les drainer en 2021 ?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to consider the use of drainage when performing an abdominoplasty with regards to postoperative complications for two groups of patients. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From January 1st 2017 to December 31th 2019, 215 patients underwent an abdominoplasty in our institution. In this retrospective, comparative, single institution study, patients were divided into two groups: "drainage" D (n=162) when suction completed abdominoplasty, "no drainage" ND (n=53) when suction didn't completed abdominoplasty. Early and distant complications were retrieved for each group and compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups concerning the occurrence of seroma postoperatively (8% of patients in group D and 11.3% of patients in group AD). The drainage group D experienced more seroma's punctures (2,3± 1,0) and the mean of punctured fluid was higher (386,5ml±350,4ml) compared to the no drainage group ND (1,3+- 0,5 number of punctures with a mean punctured fluid of 165,8mL± 224,2mL). The mean hospital stay was shorter for group ND (2,9± 1,8 days) than for group D (4,4+- 1,7 days), P<0,0001. CONCLUSION: Performing an abdominoplasty with quilting suture but drainless doesn't seem to increase postoperative complications statistically. The authors recommend, under the guise of a quilting suture, not to systematically drain the abdominoplasties and to reserve this technique for patients at risk of complications (high BMI, significant weight loss and co-morbidities).

[Tuberous breast deformity correction: Long-term satisfaction assessment with BREAST-Q questionnaire]. / Correction des seins tubéreux : évaluation de la satisfaction à long terme à l'aide du BREAST-Q.

BACKGROUND: Tuberous Breast Deformity (TBD) is a complex breast malformation: shape, size and symmetry of breast can be affected. It causes physical and mental suffering with significant effect on life quality. The purpose of this study is to assess patients satisfaction and patients quality of life after TBD surgery over time. METHODS: All TBD patients operated between January 2007 and December 2018 were retrospectively identified for the study and those treated whith implant and/or mammoplasty were included. Different parameters have been recorded: age, malformation severity, breast symmetry, BMI, pregnancies, breast-feeding, type of primary surgery, complications and number of re-operations. Long-term satisfaction was assessed thanks to a BREAST-Q questionnaire (with a special « augmentation ¼ or « reduction/mastopexy ¼ module according to the primary surgery). RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were included: 35 patients had recieved bilateral breast implants, 14 patients had received unilateral breast implant with or without collateral mammoplasty, and 33 patients had undergone breast reduction surgery. The total average for the medical follow-up was 7.4 years. The number of intervention was significantly higher for patients who had undergone breast augmentation surgery (P=0.001) and for patients with severe TBD (P=0.01). Forty patients replied to the BREAST-Q questionnaire. Patients satisfaction scores were not significantly different between the different groups. Regarding life quality scores, patients undergoing a breast augmentation surgery with bilateral implants seemed to have a better "sexual well-being" score (P=0.03). "Physical well-being" score was lower for patients who had a breast reduction compared to the other groups (P=0.01). Patients with breast implants had significant better quality of life scores, especially for the following parameters: "psychosocial well-being" (P=0.02), "sexual well-being" (P<0.001), "physical well-being" (P<0.001) and "satisfaction with breast" (P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: TBD surgery basically provides long-term satisfaction for most of the patients. The number of re-operations does not seem to deteriorate satisfaction over time.

[Limb necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) and necrotising fasciitis: A bicentric study between 2000 and 2017 on the quality of life and functional impact]. / Atteinte des membres dans les DHBN-FN : étude bicentrique entre 2000 et 2017 sur la qualité de vie et impact fonctionnel.

INTRODUCTION: Limb necrotising soft tissue infection and necrotising fasciitis surgical debridement results in significant soft tissue losses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional impact and the quality of life of survivors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This bicentric retrospective study included 62 patients treated for limb necrotising soft tissue infection and necrotising fasciitis (NSTI-NF) between 2000 and 2017. Demographic, clinic, biologic and surgical data were found in Patients Medical Records. Survivors at the moment of data collection (2018) were met; their quality of life was assessed using SF-36, DLQI, BSHS-B scores and their active joints motions were measured using a goniometer. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (87.1% of the living patients at this moment) were assessed. For the joint above the injury, mean loss of flexion was 9.19% and 5% for extension whereas for the joint under the injury, mean loss of flexion was 37.65% and 48.6% for extension compared to non-injured side. Mean quality of life scores were: SF-36p: 45.88, SF-36m: 51.31, DLQI: 10.48, BSHS-B: 105.81. The statistical analysis was not able to establish a correlation between loss of motion and quality of life. CONCLUSION: We have not found a relationship between loss of joints motions and long term quality of life for those patients. High excised body surface area and high length of stay are correlated with high DLQI and thus a lower quality of life.

[Use of coupler for venous anastomoses in cervico-facial reconstruction. Retrospective study on 51 free flaps]. / Utilisation du coupleur pour les anastomoses veineuses en reconstruction cervico-faciale. Étude rétrospective sur 51 lambeaux libres.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the interest of the mechanical anastomosic coupling device for venous anastomoses in a series of cervico-facial reconstructions after carcinologic excision. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2017, 46 patients underwent free flap cervico-facial reconstruction. We performed 54 venous anastomoses for 51 free flaps. Mechanical venous anastomoses were performed with a coupler (Coupler®). Thrombotic complications and choice of recipient vessels were assessed for the entire series. RESULTS: Venous anastomoses were performed using a coupler in 33.3% of the flaps (n=18). Mean operative time was lower for reconstructions with mechanical coupler anastomoses, and significantly for fibula flaps. Of eight thromboses, six were venous, two of which after the coupler anastomosis. The thrombosed veins were the branches of the internal jugular vein and the anterior jugular veins. The diameter of the couplers used was respectively 2.5mm and 2mm. CONCLUSION: The use of the microvascular coupling system for venous anastomoeis would help reduce the occurrence of venous thrombosis, but larger and prospective studies should be conducted. This coupling system, relatively easy to use, would overcome the lack of congruence of anastomosing veins and reduce the risk of intimal injury. Regarding the recipient vessels, the anterior jugular vein should not be used as first line because the risk of vascular complications seems more important.

[Nerve transfer between the intercostal nerves and the motor component of the musculocutaneous nerve. Anatomical study of feasibility]. / Transfert nerveux entre les nerfs intercostaux et la composante motrice du nerf musculocutané. Étude anatomique de faisabilité.

INTRODUCTION: The intercostal nerves (ICN) transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) can restore elbow flexion in complete brachial plexus palsy. The last cases our service dealt with, allowed our staff to observe two different situations. In the 2 first patients, we were able to proceed with an intraneurodissection of the MCN motor component up to the axillary cavity level, while on the third case such dissection could not be performed as high. The aim of this work is to assess the feasibility of a transfer on the MCN's motor component. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: We conducted a series of 5 cadaver dissections of the MCN and ICN on the anatomy laboratory. Using magnifying loupes to perform an intraneurodissection, we were able to split the motor and sensory fibers as they stood out. It would help motor recuperation avoiding directional error on sensitive component. RESULTS: The ICN can be sutured on the motor component of the MCN, provided the dissection is very minutious. DISCUSSION: The intraneurodissection of the MCN up to the axillary cavity level is possible as the interfascicular exchanges are scarce there. Publications already refer to the possibility of a nerve transfer between the ICN and the motor component of the MCN. Therefore, our researches suggest that such a procedure can be considered for routine procedures. CONCLUSION: The neurotization is one of the latest breakthroughs in terms of brachial plexus surgery. We are hopeful that anatomical researches could lead to optimization possibilities.

[Use of indocyanine green angiography in reconstructive surgery: Brief review]. / Angiographie au vert d'indocyanine en chirurgie reconstructrice : revue de la littérature.

BACKGROUND: The success of flap surgery is highly dependant of vascularisation, according to the principle of dermal and subdermal perfusion. This principle requires compatible dimensions for the survival of the flap. Indocyanine green angiography (ICG), a technique enabling an assessment of vascularization by fluorescence, has received a considerable impetus during the last two decades. The purpose of this article was to conduct a review on this technique and to evaluate its relevance in flap surgery. METHOD: We reviewed all articles referenced on PubMed from 1995 till 2015 using a search combining the terms 'indocyanine green', 'flap', 'near-infrared', 'fluorescence', 'imaging' OR 'angiography'. RESULTS: One hundred fifty five articles were found and among those thirty-four were selected. ICG is a reliable technique to locate perforants vessels, to determine the outlines of the flat and evaluate its per- and postoperative viability and to appraise anastomoses. CONCLUSION: This technique allows a reliable and real-time assessment of potential necrotic areas and an improvement in the detection of complications compared to conventional techniques.

[Surgical management of a series of pressure ulcers: Report of 61 cases]. / Prise en charge chirurgicale d'une série d'escarres : à propos de 61 cas.

INTRODUCTION: Retrospective study about pressure ulcers surgical treatments in a series of 61 in 43 patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess the management of pressure ulcers in spinal cord injury patients who had been operated in our institution. RESULTS: On the 61 pressure ulcers, location was ischial in 35 cases, sacral in 15 cases, trochanteric in 7 cases, lateral malleolar in 2 cases, on the heel in 1 case, and 1 was located lateral to the fibular head. Comorbidities were searched pre- and postoperatively. Fifty-five muscular, cutaneous flaps or myocutaneous, 5 fasciocutaneous and 1 excision/suture were realized. The mean follow-up was 8.6 years, and we observed 9 pressure ulcers recurrences (14.8%). We had a total result of 15 (24.6%) complicated pressure ulcers, with 8 early complications (13.1%) and 7 delay (11.5%). Antibiotic therapy was prescribed in 54 (88.5%) surgery cases and 7 were operated without any (11.5%). CONCLUSION: Pressure ulcers are major public health focus that need to be improved. A multidisciplinary care, mixed with education of patients are mandatory to achieve these goals: reduce complications and recurrences. Thanks to muscle sparring, perforators flap should become the gold standard of pressure ulcers surgery.

[An original "double-arched" radial forearm flap for soft palate reconstruction. Case report]. / Conformation du lambeau antébrachial en arche sur mesure pour la reconstruction du voile du palais. Cas clinique.

INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of the soft palate after oncologic resection remains a surgical challenge. Speech and swallowing problems are the consequences of velopharyngeal incompetence following soft palate resection. Free tissue transfer like radial forearm flaps can be used in larger defects for complex reconstruction. The conformation of the flap in order to be closer to the shape of the soft palate improves the functional outcome. In the same way, we describe an original "double-arched" flap design. METHODS: A double arch of the exact length of the soft palate tumor resection is designed. After suturing, the flap spontaneously formed a double arch of the exact dimensions of the resected piece. RESULTS: The patient achieved good functional recovery without any surgical complications. CONCLUSION: The original "double-arched" forearm flap design allows a tailored reconstruction with exactly the same shape and dimensions, preserving the functional requirements of speech and deglutition.

[Benefit of simultaneous contralateral breast symmetry procedure with unilateral breast reconstruction using DIEP flaps. About 33 cases]. / Intérêt de la symétrisation immédiate au cours de la reconstruction mammaire unilatérale différée par DIEP. À propos de 33 cas.

BACKGROUND: After unilateral breast reconstruction, a procedure on the contralateral breast is often needed to achieve symmetry. Here, we present a single surgeon's experience with performing contralateral symmetry procedures simultaneously with DIEP flap. METHODS: We evaluated 33 consecutive patients (mean age, 52.1 years) who underwent DIEP flap unilateral breast reconstruction and a simultaneous contralateral breast procedure performed and 2 patients with delayed controlateral symmetry procedures. A single-stage breast cancer reconstruction is successful if after the original reconstruction no correction for revision of breast mound, or contralateral breast procedures are performed, under general anesthetic, to complete the reconstruction. RESULTS: In 24 patients (73%), breast reconstruction was completed after a single stage with one general anesthetic, and in 8 patients (24%), revisions were performed with two general anesthetic (7 patients) and three general anesthetic in one case. Reconstructions requiring more than one general anesthetic were due to 4 of 39 (10%) postoperative complications. Mean operating time was 485 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: For patients who need contralateral reduction mammoplasty or mastopexy for symmetry, performing these procedures and breast reconstruction simultaneously facilitates single-stage breast reconstruction in most patients.

Smoking and plastic surgery, part I. Pathophysiological aspects: update and proposed recommendations.

OBJECTIVES: Smoking patients undergoing a plastic surgery intervention are exposed to increased risk of perioperative and postoperative complications. It seemed useful to us to establish an update about the negative impact of smoking, especially on wound healing, and also about the indisputable benefits of quitting. We wish to propose a minimum time lapse of withdrawal in the preoperative and postoperative period in order to reduce the risks and maximize the results of the intervention. METHODS: A literature review of documents from 1972 to 2014 was carried out by searching five different databases (Medline, PubMed Central, Cochrane library, Pascal and Web of Science). RESULTS: Cigarette smoke has a diffuse and multifactorial impact in the body. Hypoxia, tissue ischemia and immune disorders induced by tobacco consumption cause alterations of the healing process. Some of these effects are reversible by quitting. Data from the literature recommend a preoperative smoking cessation period lasting between 3 and 8 weeks and up until 4 weeks postoperatively. Use of nicotine replacement therapies doubles the abstinence rate in the short term. When a patient is heavily dependent, the surgeon should be helped by a tobacco specialist. CONCLUSIONS: Total smoking cessation of 4 weeks preoperatively and lasting until primary healing of the operative site (2 weeks) appears to optimize surgical conditions without heightening anesthetic risk. Tobacco withdrawal assistance, both human and drug-based, is highly recommended.

Smoking and plastic surgery, part II. Clinical implications: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Tobacco addiction is a risk factor for complication in plastic surgery. The authors have assembled concrete arguments detailing the risks of perioperative and postoperative complication that are incurred by a patient with continued tobacco intoxication who wishes to undergo a surgical intervention. RESEARCH STRATEGY: Through application of the PRISMA criteria, we have carried out a systematic review of the literature, in which we explored five databases while using predefined keywords. We selected randomized, controlled observational studies on the perioperative and postoperative complications related to tobacco use in actively smoking, abstinent and non-smoking patients. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The levels of evidence for each article were evaluated. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Incidence parameters including the Odds Ratio and relative risk were calculated for each complication of which the number of occurrences had been indicated. Meta-analysis of the results was carried out. RESULTS: We included 60 observational studies. In the cosmetic surgery group, we calculated a combined Odds Ratio of 2.3 [1.51-3.54] P<0.001 for surgical site infections and 2.5 [1.49-4.08] P<0.001 for delayed wound healing. In the bariatric surgery sequelae group, we found a combined Odds Ratio of 3.3 [1.90-5.64] P<0.001 with regard to delayed wound healing and 3.1 [1.39-7.13] P=0.006 for cutaneous necrosis. No proof was provided as to the possible influence of tobacco on the success rate of free flap microsurgery, but it is difficult to extrapolate results on the latter to digital reimplantation. CONCLUSIONS: The review underlines the fact that patients with smoking habits run a significantly heightened risk of cutaneous necrosis, particularly in the event of major detachment (cervico-facial lift, skin-sparing mastectomy, abdominoplasty), of additionally delayed wound healing and of addition surgical site infections. Rigorous preoperative evaluation of smokers could help to diminish these risks.

[Emergency free flap in reconstruction of the lower limb. Thirty-five years of experience]. / Reconstruction des pertes de substance de membres inférieurs par lambeau libre en urgence. À propos de 35ans d'expérience.

Authors analyzed 89 cases (86 patients) of lower limb extensive soft tissue defects reconstruction during 1978 to 2013. The mean age is 37 years and 2 months old (range: 5-84 years old). A total of 71 males and 15 female were included. Free flaps were used in emergency in 23 cases for principally covering Gustilo 3B open lower limb fracture and in a later stage for 66 cases all referred from their center for coverage of exposed bone, with frequently osteomyelitis. About the selection of free flaps, in 47 cases we used a latissimus dorsi flaps, 12 cases of epiploon free transfer (in septic area), 10 cases of gracilis transfer and 10 serratus anterior flaps. There are one medial gastrocnemius flap, 2 composite soleus and fibular free flap, 2 antebrachial flap, one inguinal myoosteocutaneous flap, 1 transferred from the other lower limb and one inguinal cutaneous flap. There are 18 free flap losses: one in emergency and 17 after delayed reconstruction. Authors retrospectively analyzed the results (complications, osteomyelitis) according to the timing for lower extremity reconstruction. They found a low infection and flap failure rates (4%) when the coverage is made in the same operating time than initial fracture fixation, they increase to 60% for osteomyelitis and to 23% for flap failure when the reconstruction is delayed.

[Abdominal perforator flap (DIEP) and autologous latissimus dorsi in breast reconstruction. A retrospective comparative study about the first 60 cases of a same surgeon]. / Le lambeau perforant abdominal (DIEP) et grand dorsal autologue en reconstruction mammaire. Étude rétrospective comparative à propos des 60 premières patientes d'un même opérateur.

INTRODUCTION: Autologous techniques for breast reconstruction get the best cosmetic results. Aesthetic satisfaction with breast reconstruction is an important evaluation criterion. The indication is based on technical criteria (morphological, medical history) and the wishes of the patient. A rigorous evaluation of the results is necessary to assist the patients in their choice of reconstruction. METHODS: Thirty-three DIEP and 27 latissimus dorsi were involved. A satisfaction questionnaire was sent to patients to collect the aesthetic evaluation of their reconstructed breast, sequelae at the donor site of the flap as well as their overall satisfaction. Post-operative photographs of the patients were subject to aesthetical evaluation by two groups of observers. Complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The DIEP tends to get higher aesthetic satisfaction regarding the symmetry of the breasts and the volume of the reconstructed breast (P=0.05), and a better overall satisfaction (P=0.02). The uniformity of the colour of the reconstructed breast was considered superior by observers in the latissimus dorsi group (P=0.005). Donor site scar of DIEP was considered more unsightly while the latissimus dorsi was considered more painful (P=0.04) and uncomfortable, with more frequently contour abnormalities (P=0.03). We noted two total flap necrosis and three partial necrosis in the group DIEP, and two partial flap necrosis in the group latissimus dorsi. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that can guide the patient and the surgeon in the complex process of therapeutic decision, without exempting the latter from a careful selection of indications.

Capillary measurement of lactate and glucose for free flap monitoring.

BACKGROUND: It is reported that the salvage rate of free flaps is inversely related to the time interval between the onset of pedicle impairments and their clinical recognition. Monitoring of free flaps is therefore of major importance and clinical monitoring remains the most used technique because of lack of low-cost and non-invasive techniques. The authors suggested an efficient, simple and cheap technique to detect early thrombotic events in monitoring free flaps with skin paddle. METHODS: In this multicentre prospective study, measurements of capillary glucose and lactate in the flaps were done. These parameters were compared to standardized clinical monitoring during the first five days. Two sets of data (eventful versus uneventful postoperative period) were analyzed to define the thresholds of lactate and glucose values for diagnosis of pedicle complications, and to establish parameters for this screening test. RESULTS: Over a period of 19 months, 37 patients were included. With 5 pedicle impairments, complication thresholds were defined as lactate ≥ 6.4 mmol L(-1) and glucose ≤ 3.85 mmol L(-1), in order to obtain a sensitivity of 98.5% and a specificity of 99.5% for the test. Modifications of capillary glucose and lactate measurements appeared in average 5.7 hours earlier than clinical symptoms in pedicle impairments. The mean cost of a five-day monitoring was about 90 USD. CONCLUSION: This simple and cheap technique could be used as a routine technique in monitoring free flaps to improve safety of this reconstructive technique.

Hand and wrist Osteo-articular bone defect: induced membrane technique indications.

Bone defect in the hand and wrist is the result of 3 main causes: traumatic, infectious or tumoral. Whatever the cause and possibility of emergency management, the site (hand or wrist) and anatomical location (articular or diaphyseal) guide the choice of surgical technique and timing. Functional sequelae do not vary, and the ultimate objective is not so much to fill a defect but to give a useful and accepted finger, hand or wrist.