Clinical, Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Aspects of Digital Papillary Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Digital papillary adenocarcinoma (DPA) is a rare malignant eccrine tumor. A 62-year-old female presented with a subcutaneous nodular 1.5cm-mass in the thumb. Macroscopically, a poorly circumscribed mass containing cystic and solid components was observed. Microscopically, epithelial neoplasm consisting of tubular-cystic structures with back-to-back arrangements was observed. The lining epithelium was composed of cuboidal/columnar cells with mild atypia, with micropapillary extensions. Immunohistochemistry revealed double-layered neoplastic epithelium containing two different types of cells: basaloid/myoepithelial and luminal. We recommend two out of vimentin, HMWCK, and D2-40 for myoepithelial/basaloid cells, also CK7 and EMA for luminal/columnar cells. As the tumor had infiltrated the surgical margins, the patient underwent axillary sentinel lymph node (SLN) dissection and re-excision with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). Two additional MMS stages were required due to suspicious surgical margin positivity in the frozen sections. The operation was continued despite the risk of loss of function. Upon examination of the permanent sections, we observed no tumors in the suspected positive foci. Additionally, no tumor was found in the surgical margins. No metastasis was detected in the sentinel lymph node. We have reached 300 reported cases of DPA in the literature. We discussed the histopathological and intraoperative diagnostic pitfalls of DPA with a literature review and our experience.

Reconstruction of finger contracture with an expanded first dorsal metacarpal artery perforator flap: A case report.

Volar finger contractures can be challenging for plastic surgeons. The dorsal metacarpal artery perforator (DMCAP) flap is frequently used to cover bones, tendons, and neurovascular structures in the dorsum of the hand after trauma and burns as an alternative to grafts and free flaps. We aimed to report volar finger defect reconstruction with expanded DMCAP flap. A 9-year-old male patient applied to our clinic with the complaint of inability to open the second finger of the left hand after an electrical burn that caused proximal and distal interphalangeal joints flexion contractures. Reconstruction was planned for the patient with a two-session expanded first DMCAP flap. A 16 mL 5 × 3 cm tissue expander was placed in the prepared area from the vertical incision in the first session. The tissue expander was inflated with 4 mL of isotonic solution. The DMCA area was enlarged 6 weeks later by giving 22 mL of isotonic solution. After the pedicle dissection, the 9 × 3 cm DMCAP flap was elevated by dissection over the paratenon. With 180° of rotation, the left-hand second finger was adapted to the 6 × 2 cm defect area on the volar face. The flap donor site was closed primarily. The operation was terminated by placing the hand on a protective splint. There were no complications in the flap in the postoperative 6 months. The patient was referred to the physical therapy and rehabilitation department. As a result, an expanded DMCAP flap may cover volar tissue defects up to the distal phalanx. This report may present the first case in which volar finger contracture reconstruction was performed with an expanded first DMCAP flap after an electrical burn in a pediatric patient.

Giant Basal Cell Carcinoma Causing Axillary Contracture: A Case Report of an Unusual Localization of an Advanced Case.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of non-melanoma skin cancer. Although BCC arises most commonly in sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the head and neck, it infrequently can be seen in sun-protected parts as well. Axilla is one of the least encountered areas of BCC. Delay in the diagnosis or management alongside negligence of the patient can lead to a tumor reaching a giant size. We report a case of giant axillary BCC in a 59-years old female patient with no known risk factors for skin cancers. The tumor was excised with wide margins, and the tissue defect was reconstructed with latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. A 3-year follow-up did not show any sign of recurrence or metastasis.

The effect of hydrochlorothiazide on the recurrence of nonmelanoma skin cancer: a 7-year retrospective study comprising 300 patients.

BACKGROUND: Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) possesses well-described photosensitizing properties, and a causal association with nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) was recently shown. However, previous studies have not shown whether HCTZ use is associated with the risk of recurrence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This study aims to investigate the association between HCTZ use and recurrence in patients with NMSC. METHODS: We identified cases with NMSC from our hospital archives during the period between 2013 and 2019. Patients were divided into groups according to the pathological diagnosis, HCTZ use, and recurrence. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine factors associated with recurrence in BCC and SCC. RESULTS: Recurrences of BCC were significantly higher in HCTZ users with ORs of 4.839221 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22-19.12).In HCTZ users, NMSC cases were associated with increased age (p < 0.001 for both BCC and SCC). BCC recurrences were statistically significant with age, longer follow-up, and positive margins after excision in HCTZ users (p = 0.048, 0.020, and, 0.003, respectively). SCC recurrences were not significantly associated with HCTZ use. DISCUSSION: HCTZ use is significantly associated with BCC recurrences. Especially in the elderly population, cases with a positive margin should be followed closely.

Near-total gluteal defect reconstruction with bilateral delayed giant lumbar artery perforator flaps: A case report.

The reconstruction of the near-total or total gluteal defects is challenging. Reconstructive options were restricted when the gluteal flaps were sacrificed. The lumbar artery perforator flap (LAPF) has been recently popularized as an alternative option for sacral and gluteal pressure ulcers. Extension of flap size may be needed in extensive defects. We aim to use the delay phenomenon to increase lumbar artery perforator flap territory to reconstruct near total gluteal defect. A 36-year-old woman was referred to our clinic with defect sizes of 23 × 23 cm and 25 × 17 cm for the right and left gluteal regions. She had a history of multiple surgeries for her paraplegia-related sacrogluteal pressure sores. The reconstruction was started on the left side with delaying incisions to the flap borders. Seven days later, the left gluteal defect was reconstructed with 27 × 19 cm LAPF based on a second lumbar artery perforator. At the same session, the delaying incision was performed to the borders of the right LAPF. On day 14, the right gluteal defect was closed with a 25 × 25 cm-sized right LAPF. No flap loss and early complications were seen. The patient was discharged without complication after 10 days after the last operation. The patient was followed up for 1 year. A right ischial pressure ulcer due to wheelchair use was encountered, which was managed with conservative wound care in the 8th month. Giant-sized lumbar artery perforator flaps may be obtained by delay phenomenon to reconstruct near-total or total gluteal pressure sores.

Utilization of Perifascial Loose Areolar Tissue Grafting as an Autologous Dermal Substitute in Extremity Burns.

BACKGROUND: Perifascial areolar tissue (PAT) is an areolar layer over the muscle fascia. PAT has been shown to be resistant to ischemia and prone to survival even in ischemic conditions. PAT grafts provide a vascular tissue layer on necrotic bone and tendons where skin grafting is not possible. The effect of PAT grafting on burn reconstruction has not yet been reported. Thus, in this study, we aimed to present our experience and discuss the role of PAT grafting in extremity burn reconstruction. METHODS: Between January 2019 and December 2020, 16 PAT grafting procedures were performed in 11 patients. All patients had second- or third-degree burns in the upper and lower extremities, with exposed bone or tendon. PAT grafts were harvested from the abdominal region and were used for the upper extremity in 7 patients and the lower extremity in 4 patients. Immediate skin grafting was performed during the same session. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 50.7 years; defect size, 3.3 × 3 cm2; and follow-up time, 11.8 months. The survival rates of the PAT and skin grafts were 93.8% and 68.6%, respectively. Partial skin graft losses were encountered in 4 patients, and total skin graft loss was seen in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: PAT grafting is an alternative method to the use of dermal substitutes and flap surgery in small-to-medium-sized defects with exposed bone and tendon in burn patients.

The use of mathematically standardized bilobed design perforator flaps for coverage of sacral pressure ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Sacral pressure ulcer reconstruction is frequently applied in plastic surgery practice. Although perforator flaps are frequently used, recurrence is not uncommon in patients. For this reason, using the as little area as possible during the reconstruction is vital. Therefore, we aimed to describe a mathematically standardized bilobed perforator flap design for sacral pressure ulcer reconstruction with a certain proportion and angle relation between limbs. METHODS: A total of 17 patients (5 female/12 male)were included in this report. The mean age of the patients was 50.4 years (Ranging from 32 to 79 years). The patients with grade 3-4 sacral pressure ulcers were included in the report. The patients have grade 1-2 sacral ulcers or the other areas of pressure ulcer excluded. The size of the defects ranged from 8 × 14 cm to 5 x 16 cm. For ulcers in the sacral region, we used bilobed flaps that we mathematically standardized. The length of the first limb of the flap was planned 90° vertically oriented according to the distance between the perforator zone to the distal lateral border of the defect. The width of the first limb was kept equal to the length of the defect. The orientation of the second limb of the flap was designed 90 degrees horizontally according to the first limb. Therefore, the lengths of second limbs were calculated as half of the first limb's width, and the widths of second limbs were calculated as ¾ width of the first limb's width. RESULTS: A total of 10 flaps were elevated based on superior gluteal artery perforators, and seven flaps were nourished by inferior gluteal artery perforators. The mean size of the first limb of the flaps was 14.7 × 7.2 cm (Ranging from 8 to 20 × 6 to 13 cm). The mean size of the second limb of the flaps was 6.7 × 5.3 cm (Ranging from 5 to 12 × 4 to 8 cm). The mean size of defects was 10.5 × 7.3 cm (Ranging from 8 to 14 × 5 to 16). The mean rotation angle was 91.7° (ranging from 90 to 100). In the early postoperative period, the hematoma was detected in three patients and evacuated in one patient, resulting in wound separation. Tip necrosis was seen in a patient that was healed by wound care. No total flap loss was encountered. No late-term recurrence was seen during the follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 13.1 months (Ranging from 4 to 24 months). CONCLUSION: Unilateral standardized bilobed perforator can reliably be preferred in medium to large size sacral pressure ulcer defects.

Double Layer Reconstruction of Exposed Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices in Elderly Patients.

Background Elderly patients with multiple comorbidities may not be candidates for cardiac implanted electronic device (CIED) explantation in cases of exposition. Excision of all unhealthy and inflamed scar tissue results in a skin defect that must be covered. Small- to moderate-sized local skin flaps and subpectoral placement of CIEDs have been described in the literature. However, these techniques still could not eliminate the risk of recurrence. In terms of minimizing the recurrence risk, we aim to increase the flap dimensions for getting better circulation and tension-free closure after subpectoral placement. Material and methods Six patients who were operated for a dual-layer reconstruction of exposed cardiac implants between 2017 and 2020 were included in the study. All patients were referred to plastic surgery as soon as the wound biopsy culture results were negative after systemic and topical antibiotic treatment by cardiology department. Results No flap loss or wound dehiscence was seen with a mean duration of 11 months follow-up. Early hematoma was encountered in a patient who was managed with irrigation and drain renewal. One patient developed suture abscess in the second month postoperatively. Knots were removed and wound healed without further intervention. Conclusion Double layer closure of exposed cardiac implants with large breast fasciocutaneous flap after subpectoral placement of pulse generator and leads suggest durable and reliable coverage in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities.

A descriptive study of facial lacerations presenting to pediatric emergency in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue trauma of the face is considered a leading cause of presentation and referral to the pediatric emergency department. The present study aims to evaluate the demographics properties of facial injuries presenting to the pediatric emergency. METHODS: In this study, 1160 patients presented with a simple facial laceration to the pediatric emergency department of Baskent University were reviewed from 2011 to 2017. Patients up to 18 years of age were included. We evaluated demographics about patients' age, sex, the cause of injury, the location of laceration and timing of the injury. Age was categorized according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) pediatric terminology into five groups as follows: 0-12 months, 12 months-2 years, 2-5 year, 6-11 year, and 12-18 years. The following analyses were performed to each age group: a number of cases, male to female predominance, timing of injury (e.g., early morning, afternoon, evening, late evening and at night), the place that the injury has occurred (e.g., at home, at school, in sport hall), the cause of injury (fall, hitting a hard subject, sports-related), the location of laceration (forehead, periorbital area, cheek, perioral area, nose, submental area) and the incidence according to the season. RESULTS: Number and relative percentages of cases were as follows: 0-12 months (n=127, 10.9%), 12-24 months (n=113, 9.7%), 3-5 years (n=385, 33.1%), 6-11 years (n=403, 34.7%) and 12-17 years (n=132, 11.3%). The average age of children was 6.5 year (range, 5 month - 17.9 year). The age group 6-11 showed a higher incidence compared to other age groups (n=403, 34.7%). Fifty-three percent of the population was younger than six years and there was a male predominance in all age groups. CONCLUSION: The demographic data provided in this study can be useful in trauma prevention programs which are effective in reducing the incidence, nature and severity of facial lacerations. Parents should be reminded of age-specific preventive measures in injury avoidance.

Does methylene blue increases capsular contracture in immediate breast reconstruction with silicone implant? An experimental study.

Recently, most of the immediate breast reconstructions following mastectomy are being carried out with the use of silicone implants. In these patients, methylene blue is being used for the detection of sentinel lymph nodes. This experimental study was performed to determine the effect of methylene blue on capsular contracture around breast implants. Thirty-two Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups. Custom made silicone blocks were placed on the back of animals. In group 1, the incision was closed without performing any additional procedure. In group 2 (control), 0.1 mL of 0.9% normal saline was instilled into the pocket. Group 3 and 4 (study groups) received 0.1 and 0.2 mL of 1% methylene blue, respectively. On postoperative day 60, implants and capsular tissue were extracted. Capsule formation was evaluated both macroscopically and microscopically. The histological evaluation included capsule thickness, inflammation, neovascularization, and fibrosis gradients. Regarding capsule thickness, there were statistically significant differences between groups 1-3, 1-4, 2-3, and 2-4. Although there were more moderate and severe inflammation gradients in groups III and IV, there was no significant difference regarding inflammation severity between control and study groups. In respect of vascular proliferation, there was a statistically significant difference between control and study groups. Similarly, fibrosis gradients were higher in both groups 3 and 4. The study showed that the injection of methylene blue around silicone implants enhanced the formation of capsular contracture. In this case, the degree of contracture was independent of the dose given. Abbreviations: CC: capsular contracture; MM: methylene blue; SLNB: sentinel lymph node biopsy; NS: normal saline; H&E: hematoxylin and eosin; D: dorsal; V: ventral; L: lateral; n: frequency.

The Effects of Adipose Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction and Platelet-Rich Plasma on Bone Healing of a Rat Model With Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) impairs osteoblast/osteoclast balance and damages bone structure with diminished mineralization and results in bone restoration disorders. In this study, we investigate the effects of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on bone healing model in rats with CKD. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into 4 groups. All groups except group I (healthy control) had CKD surgery using 5/6 nephrectomy model. All groups had intramedullary pin fixation after receiving bone fracture using drilling tools. Group II rats were used as control group for CKD. Group III rats received PRP treatment on fracture site. Group IV rats received PRP and stromal vascular fraction treatment on fracture site.Weight loss and blood samples were followed at the time of kidney surgery, third, sixth, and 12th weeks. Bone healing and callus formations were compared, biomechanically, radiologically, histopathologically, and immunohistochemically. Osteoblastic transformation of stem cells was assessed with DiI staining. RESULTS: Negative effects of CKD on bone healing were reduced by increasing mechanical, histological, radiological, and biochemical properties of the bone with stromal vascular fraction and PRP treatments. Although thickness of callus tissue delayed bone healing process, it also enhanced biomechanical features and bone tissue organization. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet-rich plasma and adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction treatments were effective for bone healing in animal model, which can be promising for clinical trials.

A Custom-Made Nostril Retainer for Adult Population.

Nostril retainers are used in cleft lip nose surgery in the post-operative period to maintain alar diameter and resistance against contraction. Various custom made splints were described in the literature to mimic this function when nostril retainers cannot be used for economic or logistic reasons. The authors designed a nostril retainer made by silicone urinary catheter for adult age patients which can be prepared easily. The splint can be used in both unilateral cleft lip nose surgery and operations in the alar wing of the nose.

Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers in Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients: A Single Center Experience.

OBJECTIVES: Skin cancers are one of the most common malignancies in solid-organ transplant recipients. Increased age and immunosuppressive drug use are risk factors for posttransplant skin malignancies. We evaluated nonmelanocytic skin cancer incidence and development time in transplant patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 1833 patients who received kidney, liver, and heart grafts between 1996 and 2016 at Baskent University. We excluded melanocytic skin cancers, premalignant lesions, and benign skin tumors. RESULTS: Of 1833 patients, 1253 were male (68.4%) and 580 were female (31.6%), composed of 1133 kidney (61.8%), 512 liver (27.9%), and 120 heart recipients (6.5%). Of these, 22 patients (18 kidney/3 liver/1 heart) developed 23 different types of skin cancer. Prevalence of skin cancer was 1.20%. Mean age at presentation was 55.8 years (range, 37-71 y). Average time from transplant to skin malignancy was 6.1 years (range, 1-13 y), with the most common being basal cell carcinoma (43%, 10 cases), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (39%, 9 cases) and Kaposi sarcoma (13%, 3 cases). Tumor sites included head and neck (15 case), trunk (2 cases), lower extremity (2 cases), and upper extremity (2 cases). Neither local recurrence nor distant metastasis was shown. CONCLUSIONS: Skin cancer risk is increased in solid-organ transplant recipients versus the general population. Although squamous cell carcinoma is the most common tumor in this patient population, followed by basal cell carcinoma, we found this reversed in our patients. The low prevalence of skin malignancy (1.20%) may be associated with close clinical follow-up to detect premalignant skin lesions and the lowdose immunosuppressive drug regimen. We believe that local recurrence and distant metastasis were absent because we use a wide surgical margin of excision and provide strict follow-up. Routine dermatologic follow-up visits of transplant recipients are recommended to detect and treat early skin cancer and premalignant lesions and thus lower morbidity and mortality.

Aesthetic Surgery in Transplant Patients: A Single Center Experience.

OBJECTIVES: Transplant patients, like the nontransplant population, can have surgical interventions for body shape disorders. Studies on aesthetic surgeries in transplant patients are scarce. Our aim was to share our experiences with various aesthetic procedures in solid-organ transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six (5 female, 1 male) transplant patients who received surgical corrections of the aging face, ptosis and lipodystrophy of the breast, and abdomen at the Baskent University Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Department between 2010 and 2017 were included. Five patients had renal transplants, and 1 patient had liver transplant. Minimal aesthetic procedures, including botulinum toxin, dermal filler injections, and scar revisions, were excluded. All patients were consulted to transplant team preoperatively and hospitalized in the transplant inpatient clinic. RESULTS: Mean age was 46 years. Aesthetic surgeries included breast reduction (2 patients), high suprasuperficial musculoaponeurotic system face lift (1 patient), blepharoplasty (2 patients), and dermofat grafting (1 patient). Mean hospitalization duration was 2.5 days. Four patients had no minor or major complications. One patient had skin flap necrosis, which healed with secondary intention. Another patient had ectropion after lower lid blepharoplasty, which was corrected with another procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Transplant patients are a special group of patients who receive long-term immunosuppressive treatment and medications like high-dose steroids. These treatments can lead to dermal atrophy and cause pseudo-skin laxity. Removal of excess skin and fat tissue should be considered. Efforts should be made to avoid complications such as skin necrosis and unpredictable wound healing problems when resecting the excess tissue. Preoperative consultation with transplant surgeons and keeping operative times short are other important factors. Body dysmorphologies that interfere with normal life activities and demand for younger appearance are the main reasons of aesthetic procedures. Transplant patients can be operated safely with preoperative planning, consultation with transplant surgeons, and close follow-up.