[Cytosteatonecrosis after breast reconstruction by fat flap with or without ischemic preconditioning]. / Cytostéatonécrose après reconstruction mammaire par lambeau graisseux avec ou sans préconditionnement ischémique.

INTRODUCTION: Cytosteatonecrosis (CTN) is a frequent postoperative complication after breast autologous reconstruction using DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap. CTN radiological diagnostic reveals different types of lesions, as nodes or extended fat necrosis, which become in some cases infected, or pass for tumor recurrence after breast cancer treatment. CTN is caused by intraoperative ischemia of the flap, and no current method can prevent postoperative CTN development after DIEP breast reconstruction. Mechanical ischemic preconditioning, consisting in intraoperative briefs consecutive cycles of ischemia reperfusion using vascular clamp upon the graft pedicle, is used in transplantation surgery. This procedure improves the graft tolerance towards ischemic surgical lesions. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to assess PCIM effects on CTN development after DIEP surgery, comparing CTN occurrence after breast reconstruction using DIEP flap with or without intraoperative PCIM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients breats reconstructed using DIEP flap between novembre 2020 and may 2022, presenting 6 months postoperative breast echography were retrospectively included. Primary outcome was the ultrasonic existence of CTN, according to the Wagner classification. Clinical data, postoperative outcomes such as infection, hematoma or surgical revision, and length of stay in hospital were also recorded. RESULTS: Twenty nine patients among which 8 PCIM were included. CTN occurrence rate after PCIM (25%) was quite lower than CTN rate without PCIM (71,4%), although the difference was not significant (P=0,088). Other postoperative complications rates were not significantly different with or without PCIM. CONCLUSION: PCIM seems to improve CTN occurrence after DIEP breast reconstruction, improving fat flap tolerance to ischemic perioperative lesions. Those preliminary results need to be confirmed with clinical prospective study.

[Frontal sinus anatomical scanographic study of transgender patients for feminization frontoorbitoplasty surgery]. / Étude anatomique scanographique du sinus frontal des patients transgenres en vue d'une chirurgie de frontoorbitoplastie de féminisation.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the anatomical elements that allow safe and predictable performance of fronto orbital surgery for facial feminization. The primary objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics (dimensions, pneumatization rate, and anterior wall thickness) of the frontal sinus in MtF transgender patients. The secondary objective was to establish reproducible criteria for CT measurements that could guide preoperative planning of frontal impaction in feminization frontoplasty (FF). MATERIALS: Fifty preoperative facial mass scans of FF surgery patients were included. The mean age of the operated patients was 34 years. The F line represented the ideal forehead tilt in the absence of a frontal hump. RESULTS: The height, width, depth, and thickness of the anterior sinus wall were 26.6mm (±5.7), 49.5mm (±11.3), 10.9mm (±3.3), and 3mm (±0.7), respectively. The mean sinus width to skull width ratio was 0.73 (±0.12). Six percent of patients had bilateral frontal sinus agenesis. An osteotomy of the anterior wall of the frontal sinus was performed in the 64% of patients with frontal sinus projection anterior to the F-line. The emergence of the supraorbital nerves from the frontal bone was through a bony notch in 73.8% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the anatomy of the frontal sinus and preoperative study of the scans of the facial mass is essential for planning the FF. These characteristics guide the surgical technique of bone remodeling as well as the procedure for releasing the supraorbital nerves.

FACE-Q satisfaction following upper third facial gender-affirming surgery using custom bone-section guides.

Postoperative satisfaction after facial gender-affirming surgery (FGAS) has not yet been assessed using a validated questionnaire. There is currently no postoperative satisfaction questionnaire specific to transgender patients concerning facial surgery. The contributions of three-dimensional planning in fronto-orbital surgery in trans women and the use of bone cutting guides for facial feminization surgery have been demonstrated. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate postoperative satisfaction with the upper third of the face in trans women using a validated questionnaire - FACE-Q - after fronto-orbital surgery using custom-made bone cutting guides. The secondary objective was to determine predictive factors of satisfaction. Forty-two patients who underwent frontoplasty with frontal sinus impaction osteotomies using custom bone cutting guides between May 2018 and September 2020 were included. Three-dimensional preoperative computed tomography planning was performed for each patient. Evaluations were performed preoperatively and at 1 year postoperative using FACE-Q items relating to the upper third of the face (fronto-orbital area) and general questionnaire items. At 1 year, the following FACE-Q scales had improved significantly in comparison to the preoperative evaluation: overall facial appearance (33.6 ± 19.4 vs 70.1 ± 21.1; P < 0.001), forehead and eyebrow appearance (38.3 ± 19.7 vs 80.1 ± 15.9; P < 0.001), wrinkles between the eyebrows (54.1 ± 26.7 vs 82.6 ± 19.9; P = 0.001), appearance-related psychological distress (58.1 ± 18.1 vs 24.6 ± 24.5; P < 0.001). No factors predictive of postoperative satisfaction were found for the included frontal FGAS. In the absence of a validated questionnaire specific to facial feminization surgery in transgender patients, the FACE-Q questionnaire showed an improvement in patient satisfaction after FGAS of the upper third using custom-made cutting guides.

Dunnigan lipodystrophy syndrome: French National Diagnosis and Care Protocol (PNDS; Protocole National de Diagnostic et de Soins).

Dunnigan syndrome, or Familial Partial Lipodystrophy type 2 (FPLD2; ORPHA 2348), is a rare autosomal dominant disorder due to pathogenic variants of the LMNA gene. The objective of the French National Diagnosis and Care Protocol (PNDS; Protocole National de Diagnostic et de Soins), is to provide health professionals with a guide to optimal management and care of patients with FPLD2, based on a critical literature review and multidisciplinary expert consensus. The PNDS, written by members of the French National Reference Center for Rare Diseases of Insulin Secretion and Insulin Sensitivity (PRISIS), is available on the French Health Authority website (in French). Dunnigan syndrome is characterized by a partial atrophy of the subcutaneous adipose tissue and by an insulin resistance syndrome, associated with a risk of metabolic, cardiovascular and muscular complications. Its prevalence, assessed at 1/100.000 in Europe, is probably considerably underestimated. Thorough clinical examination is key to diagnosis. Biochemical testing frequently shows hyperinsulinemia, abnormal glucose tolerance and hypertriglyceridemia. Elevated hepatic transaminases (hepatic steatosis) and creatine phosphokinase, and hyperandrogenism in women, are common. Molecular analysis of the LMNA gene confirms diagnosis and allows for family investigations. Regular screening and multidisciplinary monitoring of the associated complications are necessary. Diabetes frequently develops from puberty onwards. Hypertriglyceridemia may lead to acute pancreatitis. Early atherosclerosis and cardiomyopathy should be monitored. In women, polycystic ovary syndrome is common. Overall, the management of patients with Dunnigan syndrome requires the collaboration of several health care providers. The attending physician, in conjunction with the national care network, will ensure that the patient receives optimal care through regular follow-up and screening. The various elements of this PNDS are described to provide such a support.

Sutureless venous microanastomosis using thermosensitive poloxamer and cyanoacrylate: experimental study on a rat model.

INTRODUCTION: Sutureless microvascular anastomoses could simplify the microvascular field, shortening operative time and improving the final outcome. The use of thermosensitive poloxamers (TP407) together with the application of cyanoacrylate as an alternative method for conventional sutures was well-documented for arteries, but not for veins. The purpose of our study was to prove the feasibility of this technique for venous anastomoses and compare it with the traditional hand-sewn technique on a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats that weighed between 265 and 310 g were used. In the sutureless group (SG), 20 left external jugular veins (LEJV) end-to-end anastomoses were performed using a T704 and cyanoacrylate glue. They were compared to 20 right external jugular veins (REJV) anastomoses sutured with conventional 10-0 stitches (control group - CG). Diameters of veins, anastomosis time, and patency rate at 15 days were reported. Foreign body reaction was assessed histologically. RESULTS: The mean diameter of the LEJV was 0.94 ± 0.1 mm and 0.95 ± 0.09 mm for the REJV. The mean anastomosis time was 11.9 ± 1.37 min for the SG and 27.75 ± 3.31 min for the CG. In the latter group, the immediate patency rate was 95% and 90% at 15 days. For the SG group, 90% of the anastomoses were patent immediately and 85% at 15 days. CONCLUSION: TP407 and cyanoacrylate could offer a fast and reliable technique for sutureless venous anastomoses. Before human application, effectiveness of this method remains to be confirmed in larger animals in a long-term follow-up.

[Reconstruction by thoracodorsal perforator flap after petrosectomy]. / Comblement de cavité d'évidement après pétrectomie.

Petrosectomy is a debilitating intervention, consisting of a resection of the bone forming the external auditory canal, the middle ear and sometimes the internal ear as well. The cavity formed after this surgery can lead to infectious complications. Reconstruction is an essential element for patients' rehabilitation. Most cases require local rotation flaps such as temporal muscle flap. However, when the remaining defect is too large or when the structures have been altered by radiotherapy, free flaps are the most adequate solution for repair. Upon review of the literature, there are very few articles providing options regarding reconstruction possibilities post-petrosectomy. Plastic surgeons are often unfamiliar with this indication, therefore, it is essential to call their attention in order to provide the best options of care in these difficult and complicated cases where possibilities are limited. That is why, it is important for us to share our experience in this domain through the example of our patient presenting with a large osteoradionecroses of the petrous bone, requiring resection and immediate reconstruction using a free flap.

Coverage of radial forearm flap donor site with full thickness skin graft and Matriderm®: An alternative reliable solution?

PURPOSE: After harvesting a radial forearm flap (RFF) an optimal aesthetic and functional restitution of the donor site is required. In order to cover the secondary defect of the donor site, several solutions are currently available, but there is still no real evidence of the most reliable option. A retrospective study was conducted in order to evaluate a new technique of forearm coverage with artificial dermis: the association of full thickness skin graft (FTSG) with Matriderm®. METHODS: Our study included all RFF performed during a 34-month period. Forty-three forearm secondary defects after harvesting a RFF (16 men, 27 female) were included. Forearm donor site was covered using three techniques: a simple FTSG, split thickness skin graft (STSG) with Matriderm® or FTSG with Matriderm®. Clinical evaluations based on residual functionality, skin quality and aesthetic result were assessed using respectively the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score and a blind panel questionnaire. RESULTS: FTSG with Matriderm® showed an improved DASH (10.6/100) and VSS score (5.5/13) if compared to the other techniques, mean surgeon satisfaction score was 3/5, mean patient satisfaction score was 3/5 in the FTSG with Matriderm® group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed that the new association of FTSG with Matriderm® improves the DASH score and the aesthetic outcomes resulting to be a reliable solution in treating full thickness forearm skin defects after RFF harvesting.

[Bilateral breast reduction and obesity: What is the ideal resection enabling significant improvement in back pain according to the body mass index?] / Mastoplastie bilatérale de réduction et obésité : quel est le poids de résection idéal pour obtenir une amélioration significative des douleurs rachidiennes en fonction de l'indice de masse corporelle ?

INTRODUCTION: Dorsal pain is the first symptoms about which patients with macromasty complain. Health insurance reimbursement takes place if the resection weight is at least 300grams per breast. However, this weight is not correlated with the body mass index (BMI). In this context, we sought to determine the ideal resection weight leading to significant BMI-based improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a multicentre prospective study of patients operated between November 2016 and July 2017. In the year following the surgical procedure, we studied overall improvement using the INDIC questionnaire. Any INDIC improvement of at least 50% was considered positive. These data were then compared to tissue resection weights and BMI. In order to refine our results, age, bra size, comorbidities and complications were also identified. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were included in our study. Average age was 41.5±11.4years. Average BMI was 27.9±4.1kg/m2. The bra cap chosen after the procedure were C. Average resection weight was 663±352g per breast. The preoperative and postoperative INDIC scores were 734.9±226.6 points and 225.3±319.1 points, respectively (P=0.001). Significant improvement was achieved at 12months in 71.8% of patients. A correlation of 38.7g/kg/m2 was found between breast resection weight and BMI. CONCLUSION: This study clarifies the correlation between the breast resection weight required to relieve optimal back pain and BMI. It defines three categories of patients: patients with standard weights (1830). Overweight and obese patients require greater tissue excretion to be relieved optimally. These findings underline a need to adjust the health insurance threshold for these types of patients.

Contribution of thermal imaging in determining the depth of pediatric acute burns.

BACKGROUND: Early burn wound assessment is a major problem in pediatrics. It involves regular clinical evaluations, and may be helped by objective tools, such as thermal imagers. Because of the skin temperature difference between partial and full thickness burns, due to injured vascular perfusion of the dermis in the latter, it could precisely identify areas with superficial burns which could heal from controlled wound healing, and those with deep burns which would need skin graft, at an early stage. The objective of this study was to assess the validity of the Flir one thermal imager® for this purpose. METHODS: Thermal images were obtained by a single observer three times after burn: day 1-3 (T1); day 4-7 (T2); day 8-10 (T3). ΔT (temperature difference between burned area and healthy skin) was calculated on a tablet with Flir One application. Validity was assessed by comparing ΔT obtained at each time between two groups at day 15 depending on the healing time of the burn wounds : before or after day 15. Primary outcome was the AUC (area under curve) of the ROC (Receiver operating characteristic) curve for ΔT at T1, T2 and T3, representing the ability of the Flir One Thermal Imager® to discriminate between a healing time <15 days and >15 days. RESULTS: 40 patients were included (13 months to 13 years old). AUC at T1 and T2 are 0.700 (95% CI: 0.649; 0.925) and 0.787 (95% CI: 0.523; 0.877), respectively. AUC at T3 is 0.968 (95% CI: 0.918; 1.00). A ΔT threshold of -1.2°C at T3 is associated with a specificity of 100% allowing to diagnose as of day 8 all the patients having deep burns which heal after 15 days. CONCLUSIONS: The Flir One Thermal Imager® is an inexpensive, non-invasive, and easy-to-use device. It measures indirectly but with an excellent specificity the dermis perfusion reflecting the burns depth in children. However its low sensitivity calls for additional research to allow skin grafts earlier in common practice and decrease the length of stay.

[Tongue reconstruction by thoracodorsal perforator flap: A new harvesting technique to reduce morbidity]. / Reconstruction d'hémilangue par lambeau perforant thoracodorsal : nouveau prélèvement à morbidité réduite.

The thoracodorsal artery perforator flap is increasingly used in head and neck reconstructions. One of its multiple advantages is the low donor site morbidity compared to the other free flaps usually used for this type of surgery, such as the radial forearm free flap and the anterolateral flap of the thigh. However, the current harvesting technique of the thoracodorsal artery free perforator flap needs a vertical incision rising high in the axillary hollow for the dissection of the pedicle, thus impeding optimal discretion of the donor site, especially for women. We describe an original technique to harvest a pure transversal skin paddle on its own perforator, leaving a horizontal scar thoroughly hidden in the bra and preserving the thoracodorsal pedicle. We detail the requirements for this new type of harvesting.

Evaluation of the mobility of the shoulder and quality of life after perforator flaps for recalcitrant axillary hidradenitis.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a very debilitating disease, treated by antibiotics and excision. The reconstruction is usually done by secondary wound healing and/or split-thichness skin graft. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reconstruction of the axilla with local perforator flaps as a single stage surgical treatment. METHODS: This was a monocentric retrospective study conducted between November 2013 and June 2015. We included the patients with a severe axillary localization of the disease. Between 6 months and 1 year postoperatively, we noted length of complete healing, complications, patients satisfaction score about the surgery, DASH functional score, maximum abduction angle of the arm, and recurrence of the disease. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were included, for a total of seventeen affected axillae. We performed seven thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps, seven lateral intercostal artery perforator flaps and three serratus anterior artery perforator flaps. The mean duration of follow-up was 279.1±84.1 days (180-365). The average complete healing time was 20.5±13.5 days (10-60). Six axillae were compounded (35%). The average recurrence rate of HS was 0%. The average score in the DASH questionnaire was 68.6±35.3 points (39-152) and the average maximum abduction angle of the arm was 160.6±18.5 degrees. The average score on the satisfaction questionnaire was 36.5±5.6 points (25-43). CONCLUSION: This is a single stage, reliable and effective surgical procedure. The results are very encouraging, with a good quality of life, a low functional disability and a shorter healing time.

[A giant sacral chordoma resection and reconstruction with a gluteal perforator flap, a case report and literature review]. / Chordome géant du sacrum et reconstruction par lambeau perforant glutéal supérieur, à propos d'un cas clinique et revue de la littérature.

BACKGROUND: Sacral chordomas are rare primary bone tumors and represent more than half of all primary malignant sacral tumors. Surgical resection is the only treatment with close to 50% of remission at 10 years, with or without radiotherapy. This tissue removal can be very extensive and morbid, particularly for evolved tumors. The reconstruction mostly uses myocutaneous flaps, notably the gluteus maximus flap and the latissimus dorsi flap, increasing morbidity of the surgical procedure. To avoid a muscular sacrifice and reduce the post-surgical morbidity, we describe the case of a patient who underwent a giant sacral chordoma resection and a reconstruction with a superior gluteal artery perforator flap. CASE REPORT: A 57-y.o. patient with a voluminous sacral chordoma had undergone a partial sacrectomy and abdomino-perineal resection. Firstly, a laparoscopy was realized to create a colostomy, to dissect an omental flap and to prepare the monobloc resection. In a prone position, the resection of the tumor was achieved and a de-epithelialized superior gluteal artery perforator flap was performed to fill the space and to support pelvic organs. CONCLUSION: For resections of sacral chordomas, coelioscopy has considerably reduced the surgical morbidity. However, the majority of reconstructions use myocutaneous flaps, specifically gluteus maximus and latissimus dorsi, which their postural function is considerable. Muscular sacrifice can lead to functional impotence with difficulty walking and standing up and run contrary to the diminution morbidity initiated by oncologic surgeons.

[Radical treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa: Comparison of the use of the artificial dermis and pedicled perforator flaps]. / Traitement radical de la maladie de Verneuil : comparaison de l'utilisation du derme artificiel et des lambeaux perforants pédiculés.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the use of artificial dermal and perforator flap after radical surgery of severe axillary and perineal hidradenitis suppurativa disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data on postoperative outcomes, scar assessment (POSAS) and quality of life (DLQI, SF-36) were collected during consultation or by phone call. Forty-seven patients were included in our study between January 2015 and September 2017, including 27 patients in the artificial dermal group and 20 patients in the perforator flap group. RESULTS: The quality of life assessment by the SF-36 questionnaire showed a significant increase in quality of life in both groups (P<0.05), higher in the perforating flap group (P<0.001). The DLQI questionnaire showed a decrease in the impact of MV on quality of life in both groups, which was greater in the perforator flap group (P<0.05). The scarring assessment by the POSAS patient and observer questionnaire showed a better overall opinion in the perforator flap group (P<0.001). In the perforator flap group, the total hospital stay and healing time was shorter (P<0.001) and the return to work was faster (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The artificial dermis and the perforator flaps are very useful coverage solutions after radical surgery of hidradenitis suppurativa. The use of perforator flaps, however, seems more interesting while simplifying the post-operative course.

Postoperative complications of male to female sex reassignment surgery: A 10-year French retrospective study.

In primary male to female (MTF) sex reassignment surgery (SRS), the most frequent postoperative functional complications using the penoscrotal skin technique remain neovaginal stenosis, urinary meatal stenosis and secondary revision surgery. We aimed to retrospectively analyze postoperative functional and anatomical complications, as well as secondary procedures required after MTF SRS by penile skin inversion. All patients operated on for MTF SRS, using the inverted technique, from June 2006 to July 2016, were retrospectively reviewed. The minimum follow-up was one year (five-years maximum follow-up). Soft postoperative dilationprotocol was prescribed until complete healing of the vagina. We did not prescribe long-term hard dilation systematically. Possible short-depth neovaginas were primarily treated with further temporary dilation using a hard bougie. Among the 189 included patients, we reported a 2.6% of rectovaginal wall perforations. In 37% of patients we had repeated compressive dressings and 15% of them required blood transfusions. Eighteen percent of patients presented with hematoma and 27% with early infectious complications. Delayed short-depth neovagina occurred in 21% of patients, requiring additional hard dilatation, with a 95.5% success rate. Total secondary vaginoplasty rate was 6.3% (4.7% skin graft and 3.7% bowel plasty). Secondary functional meatoplasty occurred in 1% of cases. Other secondary cosmetic surgery rates ranged between 3 to 20%. A low rate of secondary functional meatoplasty was showed after MTF SRS by penile skin inversion. Hard dilation was prescribed in case of healed short-depth vagina, with good efficiency in most of cases. Secondary vaginoplasty was required in cases of neovagina stenosis or persisting short-depth neovagina after failure of hard dilation protocol.

Interleukin-32 promotes detachment and activation of human Langerhans cells in a human skin explant model.

BACKGROUND: Cross-talk between skin keratinocytes (KCs) and Langerhans cells (LCs) plays a fundamental role in the body's first line of immunological defences. However, the mechanism behind the interaction between these two major epidermal cells is unknown. Interleukin (IL)-32 is produced in inflammatory skin disorders. We questioned the role of IL-32 in the epidermis. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the role of IL-32 produced by KCs on surrounding LCs. METHODS: We used an ex vivo human explant model from healthy donors and investigated the role of IL-32 on LC activation using imaging, flow cytometry, reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction and small interfering (si)RNA treatment. RESULTS: Modified vaccinia virus ankara (MVA) infection induced KC death alongside the early production of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-32. We demonstrated that IL-32 produced by MVA-infected KCs induced modest but significant morphological changes in LCs and downregulation of adhesion molecules, such as epithelial cell adhesion molecule and very late antigen-4, and CXCL10 production. The treatment of KCs with IL-32-specific siRNA, and anti-IL-32 blocking antibody significantly inhibited LC activation, demonstrating the role of IL-32 in LC activation. We also found that some Toll-like receptor ligands induced a very high level of IL-32 production by KCs, which initiated LC activation. CONCLUSIONS: We propose, for the first time, that IL-32 is a molecular link between KCs and LCs in healthy skin, provoking LC migration from the epidermis to the dermis prior to their migration to the draining lymph nodes.

Design, characterization and in vivo performance of synthetic 2 mm-diameter vessel grafts made of PVA-gelatin blends.

Since the development of the first vascular grafts, fabrication of vessel replacements with diameters smaller than 6 mm remains a challenge. The present work aimed to develop PVA (poly (vinyl alcohol))-gelatin hybrids as tubes suitable for replacement of very small vessels and to evaluate their performance using a rat abdominal aorta interposition model. PVA-gelatin hybrid tubes with internal and external diameters of 1.4 mm and 1.8 mm, respectively, composed of 4 different gelatin ratios were prepared using a one-step strategy with both chemical and physical crosslinking. By 3D Time of Flight MRI, Doppler-Ultrasound, Computed Tomography angiography and histology, we demonstrated good patency rates with the 1% gelatin composition until the end of the study at 3 months (50% compared to 0% of PVA control grafts). A reduction of the patency rate during the time of implantation suggested some loss of properties of the hybrid material in vivo, further confirmed by mechanical evaluation until one year. In particular, stiffening and reduction of compliance of the PVA-gelatin grafts was demonstrated, which might explain the observed long-term changes in patency rate. These encouraging results confirm the potential of PVA-gelatin hybrids as ready-to-use vascular grafts for very small vessel replacement.