Soft Tissue Reconstruction After Sacral Neoplasm Resection: The University of California San Francisco Experience.

PURPOSE: Resection of sacral neoplasms such as chordoma and chondrosarcoma with subsequent reconstruction of large soft tissue defects is a complex multidisciplinary process. Radiotherapy and prior abdominal surgery play a role in reconstructive planning; however, there is no consensus on how to maximize outcomes. In this study, we present our institution's experience with the reconstructive surgical management of this unique patient population. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent reconstruction after resection of primary or recurrent pelvic chordoma or chondrosarcoma between 2002 and 2019. Surgical details, hospital stay, and postoperative outcomes were assessed. Patients were divided into 3 groups for comparison based on reconstruction technique: gluteal-based flaps, vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous (VRAM) flaps, and locoregional fasciocutaneous flaps. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (17 males, 11 females), with mean age of 62 years (range, 34-86 years), were reviewed. Twenty-two patients (78.6%) received gluteal-based flaps, 3 patients (10.7%) received VRAM flaps, and 3 patients (10.7%) were reconstructed with locoregional fasciocutaneous flaps. Patients in the VRAM group were significantly more likely to have undergone total sacrectomy (P < 0.01) in a 2-stage operation (P < 0.01) compared with patients in the other 2 groups. Patients in the VRAM group also had a significantly greater average number of reoperations (2 ± 3.5, P = 0.04) and length of stay (29.7 ± 20.4 days, P = 0.01) compared with the 2 other groups. The overall minor and major wound complication rates were 17.9% and 42.9%, respectively, with 17.9% of patients experiencing at least 1 infection or seroma. There was no association between prior abdominal surgery, surgical stages, or radiation therapy and an increased risk of wound complications. CONCLUSIONS: Vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous flaps are a more suitable option for patients with larger defects after total sacrectomy via 2-staged anteroposterior resections, whereas gluteal myocutaneous flaps are effective options for posterior-only resections. For patients with small- to moderate-sized defects, local fasciocutaneous flaps are a less invasive and effective option. Paraspinous flaps may be used in combination with other techniques to provide additional bulk and coverage for especially long postresection wounds. Furthermore, mesh is a useful adjunct for any reconstruction aimed at protecting against intra-abdominal complications.

The Utility of Prevena Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on Groin Incisions for Critical Limb-Threatening Ischemia: A Single Institution Experience.

BACKGROUND: Incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) is an adjunctive treatment that uses constant negative pressure suction to facilitate healing. The utility of this treatment modality on vascular operations for critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) has yet to be elucidated. This study compares the incidence of postoperative wound complications between the Prevena Incision Management System, a type of iNPWT, and standard wound dressings for vascular patients who also underwent plastic surgery closure of groin incisions for CLTI. METHOD: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 40 patients with CLTI who underwent 53 open vascular surgeries with subsequent sartorius muscle flap closure. Patient demographics, intraoperative details, and wound complications were measured from 2015 to 2018 at the University of California San Francisco. Two cohorts were generated based on the modality of postoperative wound management and compared on wound healing outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 53 groin incisions, 29 were managed with standard dressings, and 24 received iNPWT. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and operative characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Patients who received iNPWT had a significantly lower rate of infection (8.33% vs 31.0%, P = 0.04) and dehiscence (0% vs 41.3%, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the iNPWT group had a significantly lower rate of reoperation (0% vs 17.2%, P = 0.03) for wound complications within 30 days compared with the control group and a moderately reduced rate of readmission (4.17% vs 20.7%, P = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Rates of infection, reoperation, and dehiscence were significantly reduced in patients whose groin incisions were managed with iNPWT compared with standard wound care. Readmission rates were also decreased, but this difference was not statistically significant. Our results suggest that implementing iNPWT for the management of groin incisions, particularly in patients undergoing vascular operations for CLTI, may significantly improve clinical outcomes.

Facial Gender-Affirming Surgery: Pitfalls, Complications, and How to Avoid Them.

Facial feminization is a complex undertaking requiring skill in both craniofacial and aesthetic plastic surgery. As in aesthetic procedures, understanding the patient's goals and setting realistic expectations in light of an individual's anatomy is critical. Both soft tissue and bone must be addressed to adequately soften masculine facial features. This article delves into specific anatomic areas and delineates some of the pathways to successful outcomes.