First Complex Allotransplantation of Neck Organs: Larynx, Trachea, Pharynx, Esophagus, Thyroid, Parathyroid Glands, and Anterior Cervical Wall: A Case Report.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the possibility of performing a complex vascular allotransplant of all neck organs including skin. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: There are 2 previous attempts described in the literature, none of them being that complex. The first one is nonfunctional due to chronic rejection, the second one is viable yet considerably limited in complexity (no parathyroids, no skin). METHODS: The allotransplantation was performed simultaneously on 2 adjacent operating rooms, using microsurgical techniques. RESULTS: The patient's voice, breathing through mouth, swallowing, and endocrinal functions have been fully restored. CONCLUSIONS: Achieved results show clearly that such operations performed in selected patients can nearly fully restore functional and aesthetic effects in 1 single procedure.

Salvage surgery of recurrence after laryngectomy--when should the alt free flap be modified?

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the pharynx and cervical esophagus has significantly progressed in the last 2 decades. A revolution in microvascular surgery has provided numerous choices for primary restoration, or in secondary reconstructions necessary for recurrences or complications of primary surgery. The goals of reconstruction after laryngopharyngoesophagectomy are to provide continuity of the alimentary tract, to protect major blood vessels, to heal the primary wound, and to restore the swallowing and breathing functions with minimal donor site and neck morbidity and deformation. CASE REPORT: We present 3 cases with complex defects of the laryngopharynx, cervical esophagus and trachea and anterior neck skin following central neck exenteration safely reconstructed with a single anterolateral thigh flap. No postoperative complications occurred in any of the 3 cases of reconstructions, each using a single anterolateral thigh flap. CONCLUSIONS: This approach significantly simplified the reconstruction, with quick recovery, short hospital stay and excellent functional and aesthetic results.

The use of prefabrication technique in microvascular reconstructive surgery.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to develop standards for the prefabrication of free microvascular flaps in an animal model, followed by their application in clinical practice, and quantitative/qualitative microscopic assessment of the extent of development of a new microvascular network. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in 10 experimental pigs. As the first stage, a total of 20 prefabricated flaps were created using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a support material, placed horizontally over an isolated and distally closed vascular pedicle based on superficial abdominal vessels. After completing the animal model study, one patient was selected for the grafting of the prefabricated free flap. RESULTS: All 20 free flaps prefabricated in the animal model were analyzed microscopically, exhibiting connective tissue rich in fibroblasts and small blood vessels in the porous areas across the entire thickness of the PTFE element. CONCLUSIONS: Flap prefabrication is a new and fast developing reconstruction technique. The usefulness of prefabrication techniques and their status in reconstructive surgery still needs to be investigated experimentally and clinically. The method based on prefabricated free flaps is the first step towards anatomical bioengineering that will make it possible to replace missing organs with their anatomically perfect equivalents.

Effects of X-ray irradiation on methylation levels of p16, MGMT and APC genes in sporadic colorectal carcinoma and corresponding normal colonic mucosa.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer, one of the most aggressive cancers, occurs with a high incidence world-wide. Cancer development and progression is dictated by a series of alterations in a number genes, e.g., tumor suppressor genes, DNA repair genes, oncogenes and others. DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that is profoundly altered in most cancers. Radiation is a well-known genotoxic agent and human carcinogen that gives rise to a variety of long-term effects. The inheritance of genomic instability suggests the possible involvement of epigenetic mechanisms, such as changes in methylation of the cytosine residues located within CpG dinucleotides. In the current study we evaluated the effect of X-ray irradiation on methylation levels of p16, MGMT and APC genes in colorectal cancers and normal colonic mucosa. MATERIAL/METHODS: Fresh tissue samples were obtained from 28 patients (ages 26 to 81 years) with primary colorectal adenocarcinoma and corresponding normal tissues. We used methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) for analysis of the methylation status of p16, MGMT, APC1A and APC1B genes. RESULTS: Methylation of p16, MGMT, APC1A and APC1B was detected in 42%, 67%, 42% and 20% of tumors before X-ray irradiation and in 63%, 56%, 25% and 31% after radiotherapy, respectively. In corresponding normal colonic mucosa, methylation of p16, MGMT and APC1A was detected in 17%, 25% and 8% before and in 19%, 31% and 6% after irradiation, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Differences between groups, although noticeable, did not reach the level of statistical significance.

Methylation of the MGMT and p16 genes in sporadic colorectal carcinoma and corresponding normal colonic mucosa.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer, one of the most aggressive cancers, occurs with a high incidence in most countries. The usual treatment is surgery and subsequent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Cancer development and progression is dictated by series of alterations in genes such as tumor suppressor genes, DNA repair genes, oncogenes and others. In colorectal carcinogenesis disturbances different from mutations called an epigenetic regulation are also taken into consideration. Epigenetics is defined as a modifications of the genome, heritable during cell division, which do not involve a change in the DNA sequence. In our study we analyzed methylation of CpG islands in the MGMT and p16 genes in sporadic colorectal cancers and normal corresponding colonic mucosa. MATERIAL/METHODS: Fresh tissue samples were obtained from 68 patients (age of 23 to 81 years) with primary colorectal adenocarcinoma and corresponding normal tissues. We used methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) for analysis of the methylation status of MGMT and p16. RESULTS: Methylation of MGMT and p16 was detected in 59% and 53% of tumors, respectively. In corresponding normal colonic mucosa methylation of MGMT was detected in 20% and p16 in 18%. The normal colon mucosa obtained from younger patients (age of <65 years) showed less methylation frequency as compared with the normal mucosa from the older ones (age of >65 years). CONCLUSIONS: The older age and female gender are generally associated with higher methylation levels for most CpG islands in normal colonic mucosa. These results indicate that MGMT and/or p16 aberrant methylation may play an important role in colorectal cancer.

[Extended supraomohyoid neck nodes dissection in early nodal stages of oral cavity and oropharynx squamous cell cancer]. / Selektywne rozszerzone usuniecie nadgnykowego ukladu chlonnego szyi u chorych na raka plaskonablonkowego jamy ustnej i gardla srodkowego.

BACKGROUND: Extended supraomohyoid neck nodes dissection (ESOHND) involves surgical resection of nodal levels from I to IV. The incidence of occult metastases in level V is rare and mainly depends of the location and size of the primary tumour in oral cavity and oropharynx squamous cell cancer. AIM: The aim of this study was to present the results of treatment with extended supraomohyoid neck dissection. METHODS: The records of 72 patients with cancer of the oral cavity undergoing extended supraomohyoid neck dissection (ESOHND) during the period 15.12.2003 - 13.06.2005 were reviewed. RESULTS: Tumor and nodal stage were: T2-9(13%), T3-39(54%), T4-24(33%), N0-14(19%), N1-31(43%), N2-25(35%), N3-2(3%). 64 patients were treated with surgery and postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. The follow-up period ranged from 11 to 27 months. The surgical failure rate was 8% (occurred in 6 of 72 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary analysis suggests extended supraomohyoid neck nodes dissection to be considered as a therapeutic and diagnostic procedure in patients with squamous cell cancer of oral cavity and oropharynx.

The tolerance and efficacy of preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by gastrectomy in operable gastric cancer, a phase II study.

The aim of study was to assess the tolerance and effectiveness of preoperative chemoradiotherapy in the group of 40 patients with operable gastric cancer. The therapy was well tolerated. We observed the high rate of pathological response and R0 resections, low rate of local recurrence and high percent of 2-year survival.

[Partial parotidectomy--alternative method in surgical management of parotid gland Warthin tumours]. / Czesciowa parotidektomia jako alternatywna metoda leczenia gruczolaka limfatycznego slinianki przyusznej.

82 patients with adenolymphoma of parotid gland treated with surgery in Department of Oncological Surgery Cancer Center, Gliwice in the period of 1986-2004 were retrospectively analyzed. They were about 22% of all patients with parotid gland tumors operated in that period. In almost 70% of cases partial parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation was performed as a treatment of choice. In that group DFS was over 95%. Local recurrence occurred in less then 5%, only in cases with multiple tumor in histopathological examinations. Quality of life parameters were also analyzed. In the analysis complications rate increased with the extension of surgical treatment. It revealed in the postoperative cosmetic defect evaluation. Partial resection of the parotid gland could be useful method of surgical treatment of adenolymphoma selected cases. It allows to achieve the same results as classic parotidectomy with lower risk of significant complications. In analyzed group the local recurrence was always combined with multi lesional growth of the tumor.

Face Transplant in an Advanced Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Patient.

BACKGROUND The human face is a one-of-a-kind structure with unique morphology, complexity, and function, in which different subunits are not even similar to other parts of the body. Therefore, extended complex deficits of the face are usually difficult to reconstruct, and autologous tissue restoration is generally not able to give a satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcome. The main goal of face allotransplantation is to restore symmetry, contour, and appearance as well as function of the face, especially control of orbicularis oculi and oris muscle physiology. We present the case of a total face transplant in an advanced neurofibromatosis type 1 patient - the second face transplant in Poland. CASE REPORT The recipient was a 28-year-old female with neurofibromatosis type I limited to the head region. During 24 years she underwent more than 35 surgical procedures, but for the last 3 years a significant decrease of her functionality and appearance was observed, including serious problems with speech, eating, and vision. In December 2013 she was qualified for a face transplant procedure. When the donor was found, she was matched on several clinical and biochemical characteristics including negative T and B cell cross-matching. Similarly, the transplantation procedure was done using two connected operating rooms; in the first, the donor's face was harvested, and in the second, the recipient's face was prepared - the tumor mass was resected and vascular and nervous structures were prepared. Due to the extension and complexity of the potential defect, more than 75% of head soft tissues were harvested including both auriculae, left and right eyelids, and scalp down to the occipital lower line. CONCLUSIONS Our case showed that neurofibromatosis is a real indication for a face transplantation procedure. Also, the results of rehabilitation, quality of life, motor and sensory recovery, and physiological status were comparable, showing that face transplantation based on careful selection of recipients and procedure planning is a real alternative, allowing achievement of excellent results that are far away from the outcomes of conventional reconstructions.

[The impact of the extent and time of operation on the survival in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC)]. / Znaczenie zakresu i czasu leczenia operacyjnego u chorych na zróznicowane raki tarczycy.

INTRODUCTION: To analyze the impact of time and extent of operation on overall and disease-free survival in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 1235 DTC patients, a representative probe of patients diagnosed or treated between 1986 to 1998 was performed. 277 patients were staged T1M0 and 958 ones staged > T1M0. 10-year outcomes were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional-hazard model. RESULTS: The T1M0 patients were characterized by the best overall and disease-free survival independently of the time and the extent of operation (98% and 96% respectively); in > T1M0 group the survival was better in patients who were treated by total thyroidectomy (94% and 68% respectively) than in patients treated by non-total thyroidectomy (78% and 47% respectively). In patients treated by completion of total thyroidectomy delayed more than 1 year post cancer diagnosis the incidence of carcinoma in postoperative pathological material was twice as high in comparison to the group in whom total thyroidectomy was performed within the first year of therapy (p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: 1. In differentiated thyroid carcinoma the prognosis is related to the extent of operation only in patients staged more than T1M0. 2. A delay > 12 months in completion surgery in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (tumors > 1 cm of diameter) significantly increases the risk of progression of multifocal disease in thyroid remnants.

[Evaluation of the therapeutic benefits in relation to the extent of surgery in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma]. / Ocena korzysci terapeutycznych z zastosowania okreslonego zakresu operacji u chorych na zrósnicowane raki tarczycy.

INTRODUCTION: Evaluation of the therapeutic benefits in relation to the stage of thyroid cancer and to the extent of surgery and the risk of postoperative complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients staged T1M0 versus T2-T4M0 was performed. All of them were treated or diagnosed in Institute of Oncology in Gliwice between 1986-1998. Previously they were operated in various surgical centers all-over Poland. The risk of death, local relapse and postoperative complications were analyzed using the decisiontree model to evaluate the therapeutic benefits. RESULTS: The recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (transient or permanent) was observed in retrospective analysis in 21% of patients, while postoperative hyperparathyroidism in 15.8%. The analysis of the therapeutic benefit index showed no advantage of total thyroidectomy in the T1M0 group (0.96 vs. 0.98 in patients treated by less than total thyroidectomy). The advantage of radical surgery was confirmed in T2-T4M0 group. The therapeutic benefit index was 0.92 in patients treated by total thyroidectomy and 0.69 in those who received less extensive operation. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of therapeutic benefits confirmed the limit of 1 cm tumor diameter between less extensive surgery and total thyroidectomy. It showed that total thyroidectomy brings a significant therapeutic benefits in patients in > T1M0 stage. The improvement of overall survival and decrease of local relapse far outweigh the disadvantages related to postoperative complications.

Suspicious for follicular neoplasm or follicular neoplasm? The dilemma of a pathologist and a surgeon.

INTRODUCTION: Cytological material obtained from Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) does not permit us to distinguish between follicular carcinomas, adenomas, and hyperplastic nodules. The limitations of the method are: lack of possibility to assess the presence of tumour capsule, eventual capsular invasion, and angioinvasion. An unequivocal conclusion of whether what we have to deal with is a neoplastic or benign lesion is possible only after histopathological examination. The aim of the study was to confirm justification for using the term "Suspicious for Follicular Neoplasm" (SFN) in cytological diagnostics of thyroid carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three hundred and fifty-two primary SFN FNAB diagnoses (diagnostic category IV [DC IV] - according to Bethesda System) obtained from 2010 to 2015 in the Institute of Oncology in Gliwice were analysed, and their correlation with histopathological diagnoses was verified. RESULTS: In the Institute of Oncology in Gliwice, 352 primary SFN diagnoses (diagnostic category IV [DC IV] - according to Bethesda System) were established. Surgical treatment was undertaken after first FNAB in six cases, giving confirmation of a neoplasm in five cases, one of which was a follicular carcinoma. Second FNAB performed in 90 patients confirmed DC IV diagnosis in 53 cases. Third FNAB concerned 26 patients, providing another 14 diagnoses of DC IV. 26 out of 352 patients were subjected to surgery, and then histopathological examination confirmed a neoplasm in 19 cases (which comprises 73%), five of which were carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: High positive predictive value PPV = 73% of SFN diagnosis justifies undertaking surgical treatment in any case of this diagnosis.

The Use Of Anterolateral Thigh Flap (ALTF) For Functional Tongue Reconstruction With Postoperative Quality Of Live Evaluation.

UNLABELLED: The use of microsurgery for oral reconstruction of cancer patients, has become standard treatment in restoring oral function. The free anterolateral thigh flap is one of the most preferred options in reconstruction after total, subtotal or hemiresection of the tonque due to squamous cell cancer. The aim of the study was to present the reconstructive method using anterolateral thigh free flap with evaluation of quality of live. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical material includes 46 consecutive patients with tongue cancer, who underwent complex surgical treatment between 2009 and 2011. There were 36 males and 10 females and the M: F ratio was 3.6: 1. All of them were reconstructed using the anterolateral thigh free flap. The quality of life was evaluated 6 months after completing the treatment, based on postoperative functional and aesthetic status. RESULTS: The overall flap survival rate was 96%. Surgical complications were observed in 8 patients (17%). Donor site was closed primarly in 42 cases and in remaining 4 skin graft was required. In all 46 cases understandable speech and return to unrestricted diet mastication and swallowing were achieved. The mean follow-up period after treatment was 32 months. Analysis of aesthetic effects evaluated in 23 cases and shows generally very good results. According to average transformed scores the QOL can be characterized as excellent for >90, very good for 76-90, good for 51-75, moderate for 25-50 and bad for <25 points. CONCLUSIONS: Anterolateral thigh flap, with its versatility in design, long pedicle with a suitable vessel diameter, low donor site morbidity, and very good aesthetic effects, could be the ideal flap for functional tongue reconstruction.

The Risk of Relapse in Papillary Thyroid Cancer (PTC) in the Context of BRAFV600E Mutation Status and Other Prognostic Factors.

INTRODUCTION: The risk of over-treatment in low-advanced PTC stages has prompted clinicians to search for new reliable prognostic factors. The presence of BRAF mutation, the most frequent molecular event in PTC, seems to be a good candidate. However, there is still lack of randomised trials and its significance has been proved by retrospective analyses, involving a large group of patients. The question arises whether this factor is useful in smaller populations, characterised for specialised centres. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the use of BRAF mutation as a potential predictive marker in PTC patients. MATERIAL: 233 PTC subjects treated between 2004-2006, were retrospectively analysed. Stage pT1 was diagnosed in 64.8% patients and lymph node metastases in 30.9%. Median follow-up was 7.5 years. BRAFV600E mutation was assessed postoperatively in all cases. RESULTS: BRAF V600E mutation was found in 54.5%. It was more frequent in patients > 45 years (p=0.0001), and associated with larger tumour size (p=0.004). Patients with tumours <= 10 mm were over-represented among BRAF negative population (p=0.03). No association between BRAF mutation and other clinicopathological factors was observed. BRAF status was associated neither with relapse nor with disease-free survival (DFS) (p=0.76). Nodal status, extrathyroidal invasion and tumour size significantly influenced DFS. CONCLUSION: The risk of PTC recurrence is mainly related to the presence of lymph node metastases and extrathyroidal invasion, whereas no impact of BRAF V600E mutation has been demonstrated.

[Reconstruction of lower lip resection defect by using Karapandzic technique--early treatment results]. / Zastosowanie techniki karapandzica w rekonstrukcji poresekcyjnego ubytku wargi dolnej--wczesne wyniki leczenia.

In 1974 Karapandzic described reconstruction technique of the lower lip resection defects by using neuro-vascular flap of the upper lip. In this paper authors present six cases of this reconstruction, were defect after resection was in the range of 50-80% of lower lip. In all cases the result was excellent, comparing to other plastic techniques. Based on the authors scale, functional and aesthetic result was scored. Authors suggest that this reconstruction can be an alternative to other methods using rotation flaps in particular cases of lower lip cancer.

Epidermal differentiation complex (locus 1q21) gene expression in head and neck cancer and normal mucosa.

Epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) comprises a number of genes associated with human skin diseases including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and hyperkeratosis. These genes have also been linked to numerous cancers, among them skin, gastric, colorectal, lung, ovarian and renal carcinomas. The involvement of EDC components encoding S100 proteins, small proline-rich proteins (SPRRs) and other genes in the tumorigenesis of head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) has been previously suggested. The aim of the study was to systematically analyze the expression of EDC components on the transcript level in HNSCC. Tissue specimens from 93 patients with HNC of oral cavity and 87 samples from adjacent or distant grossly normal oral mucosawere analyzed. 48 samples (24 tumor and 24 corresponding surrounding tissue) were hybridized to Affymetrix GeneChip Human 1.0 ST Arrays. For validation by quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) the total RNA from all180 samples collected in the study was analyzed with Real-Time PCR system and fluorescent amplicon specific-probes. Additional set of samples from 14 patients with laryngeal carcinoma previously obtained by HG-U133 Plus 2.0 microarray was also included in the analyses. The expression of analyzed EDC genes was heterogeneous. Two transcripts (S100A1 and S100A4) were significantly down-regulated in oral cancer when compared to normal mucosa (0.69 and 0.36-fold change, respectively), showing an opposite pattern of expression to the remaining S100 genes. Significant up-regulation in tumors was found for S100A11, S100A7, LCE3D, S100A3 and S100A2 genes. The increased expression of S100A7 was subsequently validated by QPCR, confirming significant differences. The remaining EDC genes, including all encoding SPRR molecules, did not show any differences between oral cancer and normal mucosa. The observed differences were also assessed in the independent set of laryngeal cancer samples, confirming the role of S100A3 and LCE3D transcripts in HNC. In HNC of oral cavity only one family of EDC genes (S100 proteins) showed significant cancer-related differences. A number of other transcripts which showed altered expression in HNC require further validation.

An evaluation of the efficacy of microvascular breast reconstruction techniques.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of different microvascular techniques in breast reconstruction with the analysis of postoperative complications. The additional goal of the study is to analyze the quality of life of patients after microvascular breast reconstruction in comparison to the control group of patients who underwent only mastectomy without any reconstructive procedures. Also the algorithm of breast reconstruction is presented as the result of own experiences. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical material contain 2 groups of patients - women after surgical treatment in Department of Oncological and Reconstructive Surgery, Cancer Center in Gliwice in the year 2004-2009 where in 53 cases immediate and in 26 delayed breast microvascular reconstruction were performed. In all cases the diagnosis of cancer was proved by histopathological biopsy before the treatment. The type of radical resection (mastectomy) depended on histopathological type of cancer and its localization. The reconstruction - immediate vs delayed was carefully planned together with oncological treatment of the cases. Everywhere this plan was established based on carefully examinations of inferior epigastric vessels and theirs perforators. The choice between immediate and delayed microvascular reconstruction was based on prognosis and predictive factors. The QOL was analyzed due to own questionnaire when functional, aesthetics and social effects were evaluated. RESULTS: Free flap survival rate for all types of free flap was 95%. In cases where classic TRAM was used the rate was 85%, in cases where muscle sparring TRAM was chosen the survival rate was 100% and in remaining cases of DIEP reconstructions the rate was 89%. Generally the complications after microvascular reconstruction occurred in 13 cases (16%). In 9 cases the problems with flaps perfusion were notified. Total flap necrosis was observed in 2 TRAM and in 2 DIEP cases. In all those cases salvage surgery was administered in which the microanastomoses were explored and repaired. In 5 cases the cause of the complications was venous thrombosis, in 2 cases the vascular pedicle was kinked, and in remaining 1 the arterial thrombosis was found. The second type of complication was fat necrosis (<25% of flap volume) which was observed in 5 cases between 1 and 4 months after surgery, and it request minor plastic surgery. Donor site complications were noted in 4 cases. In two of those hernia in cicatrices was diagnosed (both were classic TRAM's), in remaining 2 in which also fully muscle TRAM was classic the weakness of abdominal wall was observed. In group were msTRAM and DIEP were used no donor site complications occurred.

Evaluation of outcomes and treatment safety of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver with estimation of prognostic factors.

UNLABELLED: Liver resection is essential part of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CLM) treatment. Mean 5-year overall survival after resection achieves 30-45%. There are many factors influencing long-term outcomes, and among them the inflammatory response to tumor plays an important role. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: was evaluation of outcomes and treatment safety of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver with estimation of prognostic factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 130 consecutive patients (70 men and 60 women) operated in MSC Institute and Cancer Center in Gliwice from 2001 to 2009 due to colorectal liver metastases were analysed. Age of the patients ranged from 33 to 82 years (median 60 years). 96 (74%) patients underwent potentially radical resection, and in remaining 34 (26%) was performed radiofrequency ablation (RFA) alone or combined with the resection. In the resection group 37 right hepatectomies, 11 left hepatectomies, 28 segmentectomies and 20 metastasectomies were performed. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were statistically analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Factors determining DFS and OS were analysed using Cox regression model. RESULTS: In the resection group the 3- and 5-years OS was 64,5% and 46,6% respectively, and the 3- and 5-years DFS was 32% and 30,5% respectively. In the RFA group the 3- and 5-years OS was 33% and 9,5%. Statistically significant prognostic factors in the resection group in uni- and multivariate analysis were: grade and nodal involvement of the primary tumor, diameter of metastatic focus, positive and narrow (<1 mm) resection margins, preoperative fibrinogen level, preoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and leukocyte amount of the peripheral blood. The perioperative mortality rate was 3%. CONCLUSIONS: Liver resection due to colorectal liver metastases is a safe and effective method resulting in high survival rates. We confirmed some generally accepted prognostic factors influencing longterm outcomes and shown the impact of inflammatory response. We also confirmed the hypothesis that preoperative plasma fibrinogen level influences outcomes after liver resection due to CLM.

Flap prefabrication using high-density porous polyethylene in an animal model ­ an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: The search for new surgical flap techniques and modifications of already existing ones is gaining increasing popularity. Progress in flap designing and harvesting have improved the functional and aesthetic results, especially in head and neck reconstruction. MATERIAL/METHODS: Ten pigs were used in this study. In the first operation, high-density porous polyethylene prefabrication was performed bilaterally in all pigs. After 8 weeks, each prefabricated complex was explored, resected, and macroscopically evaluated. RESULTS: All of 20 prefabricated flaps survived. No serious surgical complications were observed. In 2 cases there was chronic inflammation and in 4 cases there was instability of the implant. CONCLUSIONS: After this experimental study, we believe that the use of high-density porous polyethylene in flap prefabrication may be a good option for reconstruction of 3-dimensional defects, especially in patients with limited donor tissues.