Exploring the potential of biofiltration for mitigating harmful gaseous emissions from small or old landfills: a review.

Landfills are widely employed as the primary means of solid waste disposal. However, this practice generates landfill gas (LFG) which contains methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas, as well as various volatile organic compounds and volatile inorganic compounds. These emissions from landfills contribute to approximately 25% of the total atmospheric CH4, indicating the imperative need to valorize or treat LFG prior to its release into the atmosphere. This review first aims to outline landfills, waste disposal and valorization, conventional gas treatment techniques commonly employed for LFG treatment, such as flares and thermal oxidation. Furthermore, it explores biotechnological approaches as more technically and economically feasible alternatives for mitigating LFG emissions, especially in the case of small and aged landfills where CH4 concentrations are often below 3% v/v. Finally, this review highlights biofilters as the most suitable biotechnological solution for LFG treatment and discusses several advantages and challenges associated with their implementation in the landfill environment.

Operative Outcomes of Single-Incision Laparoscopic Hysterectomy vs Conventional Laparoscopic Total Hysterectomy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

Background. Over time, there was an emerging need to shift from laparotomy to minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, with the success of laparoscopic surgery in the last decade in gyne-oncology. Patients and Methods. This is a prospective randomized controlled trial conducted in Surgical Oncology Unit, Oncology Centre, Mansoura University, in the period between February 2016 and October 2019. Fifty female patients planned for total hysterectomy were randomized into two equal groups; the first underwent conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy (CLH), while the second underwent single-incision laparoscopic hysterectomy (SILH). Results. The mean operative time in the SILH group was 120.00 ± 28.72 minutes vs 103.20 ± 23.04 minutes in the CLH group (P= .027). Median hospital stay in the SILH group was 1 day (range: 1-3 days), the same as that in the CLH group, with no statistical significance (P= .384). Postoperative pain assessment using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) after 6 hours had a median score of 6 (2-8) in the SILH group and 6 (4-7) in the CLH group with significant increase in experienced pain in the SILH group (P= .004), while no significant difference was noted after 12 hours and 24 hours in both SILH and CLH groups. Conclusion. Single-incision laparoscopic hysterectomy (SILH) has similar outcomes when compared to conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy as regard blood loss, hospital stay, conversion to laparotomy, intraoperative and postoperative complications with the disadvantages of longer operative time, increased surgeon's workload, and relatively more postoperative pain.

Charcoal Localization for Surgical Resection of Non-Palpable Suspicious Breast Lesions.

Background: Breast cancer is more frequently detected as radiographic non-palpable lesions with the increased utilization of national screening programs. Moreover, the sizes of tumors detected have decreased in recent years, increasing the need for accurate image-directed localization for surgical excision in a significant portion of cases. Although Wire guided localization has been the most commonly used method for many years, inherent problems remain and limit its practice. Radio-guided occult lesion localization (ROLL) is currently the standard method of localization, however, it is unavailable in most low resource communities. This encourages us to use charcoal localization which is a simple and cheap method of surgical localization of non-palpable suspicious breast lesions. Methods: This prospective study included 34 patients who presented with non-palpable suspicious breast lesions (BIRADS 4 or 5). All patients were injected 1-3 ml of sterilized 3% aqueous suspension of charcoal granules under the guidance of ultrasound at the superficial border of the suspicious lesion and the track between the lesion and the needle entry point in the skin which will occur at the future incision. This method was carried out in most patients one day before the operation, however, two patients underwent surgical excision after 6 days of localization without any interruption. Results: Thirty-four patients had 36 Lesions. The median age was 43 years. The mean diameter of lesions was 10.9 mm. Of 36 lesions; the BIRADS as follow10 (4a), 12 (4b), 8 (4c), and 6 (5). Postoperative investigations revealed 16 malignant lesions and 20 benign lesions. All 20 benign lesions were managed by wide local excision; All 14 BIRADS 4a lesions were proved to be benign. Sixteen malignant lesions were managed as the following; nine patients had breast-conserving surgery, five patients had modified radical mastectomy (three patients had past history of modified radical mastectomy, one patient had Multicentric IDC and one patient had infiltrated safety margins on conservation), and one patient had Nipple Sparing Mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction by Latissimus Dorsi Flap. There was no reaction or infection reported in our study. Conclusion: Charcoal localization has many advantages and helps surgical localization.

Preoperative localization of sentinel lymph node in breast cancer patients by silver wire insertion or liquid charcoal injection guided by CT lymphography.

Dual localization of SLN in breast cancer patients using isotope & dye is the best-approved modality with limitations such as high cost of radioactive materials, complex logistic preparations & scheduling issues, especially in developing countries. We investigated the feasibility & accuracy of a novel technique for SLN localization using silver wire insertion or liquid charcoal injection guided by CT lymphography. 120 patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer were enrolled. In the test group, SLN was localized using preoperative CTLG guided injection of liquid charcoal or by placing a 3 cm silver wire. In addition, intraoperative SLN mapping was performed using methylene blue dye followed by searching for the SLN localized by both methods. In the control group, SLN was localized by the blue dye only. Feasibility, accuracy, detection rates, and number of SLNs retrieved were reported as well as matching between the LN detected with the CTLG and that detected with the dye technique. SLN could be detected in 59 out of 60 patients (98.3%) in the test group and in 54 out of 60 patients (90%) in the control group (P = .057). In self-controlled analysis of the test group comparing CTLG only to dye only was significant (P = .050). Comparing charcoal to silver wire in detection was statistically insignificant (P = .5). This novel method can offer advantages which are as follows: being more accurate than the dye alone, saving operative time, abandoning complex logistic preparations for the radioisotope, and solving the problem of timing.

Rifampicin for Idiopathic Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis: A Promising Alternative for Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic granulomatous lobular mastitis (IGLM) is a chronic, non-caseating, inflammatory breast disease of obscure aetiology characterized by multiple masses, abscesses and sinus formation. There is no standard treatment to date, but surgical procedures and systemic corticosteroids are effective in its treatment despite high recurrence rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study including 30 patients with IGLM between November 2012 and May 2016 aimed to investigate the possibility of administration of Rifampicin (300 mg twice daily for a period of 6-9 months) as an alternative therapy for both surgery and corticosteroids in patients with IGLM. All patients were diagnosed by core needle biopsy. RESULTS: All patients were of reproductive age and had a history of breast feeding, which is the most important predisposing factor for IGLM. The mean age was 31.6 ± 5.8 years (range 23-42 years). Eighteen patients (60%) were treated by Rifampicin for 6 months, whereas 12 patients (40%) were treated for 9 months. Twelve months after the beginning of therapy, all patients showed complete clinical and ultrasonographic responses. No serious side effects were reported to stop the treatment course. The median follow-up after finishing the course of treatment was 15.5 months (average 3-35 months) with no episodes of disease relapse. CONCLUSION: Rifampicin is effective in the treatment of patients with IGLM with complete clinical and ultrasonographic response after 6-9 months and could be used as a solo medical therapy alternative to both surgery and corticosteroids.

Serum atrial natriuretic peptide: a suspected biomarker of breast cancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess serum levels of ANP in breast cancer female patients and its relationship to metastasis and some clinical parameters among those patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred breast cancer patients with and without metastasis along with 20 healthy closely matched controls, were enrolled in the present cross sectional study. Background: To assess the serum levels of atrial natriuretic peptide in breast cancer Serum levels of ANP were assessed using ELISA. RESULTS: Mean serum levels of ANP breast cancer patients (13.9 ±10.1 ng/ml) were significantly elevated compared to healthy control group (2.2 ±1.3 ng/ml) (p < 0.001). The metastatic breast cancer patients showed significant elevated ANP levels (17.1 ±8.9 ng/ml) compared to non-metastatic group (6.4 ±8.8 ng/ml) p < 0.001. Within the metastatic group significant difference was detected between de novo metastatic, under follow-up, under hormonal control and locally advanced group (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed significant elevated levels of ANP in the serum of metastatic breast cancer patients compared to non-metastatic patients. Within the metastatic group the lowest levels were detected in metastatic breast Cancer under hormonal treatment either tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitor.

The outcome of oncoplastic techniques in defect reconstruction after resection of central breast tumors.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, conservative breast surgery was contraindicated in centrally located breast tumors, with total mastectomy as the treatment of choice. However, restorations of the central defects by the oncoplastic volume displacement or replacement techniques have been shown to be effective. The aim of the current study was to assess the surgical outcome of oncoplastic techniques after central breast tumors resection. METHODS: Thirty patients with central breast cancer, including two patients with Paget disease, treated at the Oncology Center of Mansoura University (Egypt) between June 2011 and December 2014 were included in this study. The oncoplastic techniques performed were Grisotti advancement rotational flap in eight (26.7%) patients, classic skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) with latissimus dorsi pedicled flap in 20 (66.7%) patients, and skin-reducing mastectomy (SRM) with latissimus dorsi pedicled flap using wise pattern inverted T incision in two (6.7%) patients. The choice of the oncoplastic techniques depends on the achievement of free safety margins, the breast volume, and its ptotic degree. RESULTS: The median age was 40.5 years (range; 23-55). There were no major complications that require repeating the oncoplastic techniques. Recorded complications included wound dehiscence (4/30, 13.3%) donor site seroma (4/30, 13.3%), and surgical site infection (1/30, 3.3%). The 6-month subjective patient satisfaction was excellent in 21 (70%) patients, good in 6 (20%) patients, and fair in 3 (10%) patients. There was no episode of local recurrence or systemic metastasis after an average follow-up duration of 24 months (range; 6-42). CONCLUSIONS: Restoring the central defect after resection of the central breast tumors can be safely achieved using oncoplastic procedures including the Grisotti technique or the design of SSM or SRM with immediate breast reconstruction. In our patients, these procedures yield a satisfactory esthetic outcome with lower morbidity.

Evaluation of Topical Sclerosant Agents for Minimization of Postmastectomy Seroma: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Trial.

Objective: Seroma after mastectomy is a bothersome problem. Topical sclerosants are one method used to reduce seroma. The aim of this study was to evaluate if spraying flaps before closure with doxycycline or bleomycin after total mastectomy can prevent seroma. Materials and Methods: After institutional review board approval, using a computer-based randomization program, a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized, superiority study was conducted during the period from the first of August 2017 to the first of August 2018. IRB proposal code was MS/17.08.66 and the trial was approved at 15/8/2017. The trial is available publicly at http://www.eulc.edu.eg/eulc_v5/Libraries/Thesis/BrowseThesisPages.aspx?fn=PublicDrawThesis&BibID=12553049. The primary outcome of the study was to assess the incidence of seroma following total mastectomy after intervention comprising spraying of skin flaps with doxycycline or bleomycin versus placebo. Patients who were candidates for total mastectomy were randomized into control, doxycycline, and bleomycin groups. The postoperative data included length of the hospital stay, pain score among the three groups, post-operative drained fluid volume, post-operative day of drain removal, complication rates including infection, flap necrosis and hematoma, the incidence of seroma and aspirated seroma volume, and total number of postoperative visits. Results: Of 125 patients, 90 were candidates for total mastectomy. Analysis of these 90 showed that the incidence of seroma was similar; 43.4%, 40% and 40% in the control, doxycycline, and bleomycin groups, respectively (p = 0.99). Furthermore, wound complication rates were similar among all groups. Conclusion: Despite improved recognition and management of risk factors, seromas remain a common clinical concern in the postoperative setting of total mastectomy. These results suggest that sclerosant agents, specifically bleomycin and doxycycline, have no utility for prevention of post mastectomy seroma.

Quality of life among Egyptian women with breast cancer after sparing mastectomy and immediate autologous breast reconstruction: a comparative study.

Breast reconstruction is considered as an integrated part of the modern breast surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether immediate autologous breast reconstruction influences QOL and patient satisfaction outcomes among Egyptian women with breast cancer in comparison to the traditional mastectomy. This is a prospective study in which 200 Egyptian women with non metastatic breast cancer were included; group I (100 patients) underwent sparing mastectomy with immediate autologous breast reconstruction and group II (100 patients) underwent traditional mastectomy. The patient satisfaction with breast reconstruction was evaluated by special questionnaire and the reasons given by traditional mastectomy patients for not having breast reconstruction were recorded. Both breast impact of treatment scale (BITS) and body satisfaction scale (BSS) were evaluated in both groups. Patient satisfaction with breast reconstruction had a high mean score of 14.44 out of total degrees of 20 and most of them voted yes for having the same reconstruction again if they were offered it and would recommend reconstruction to other patients. No difference was found between the two groups as regard the BITS score. However, the BSS score showed a higher score among the reconstruction group. Egyptian ladies with breast cancer show better QOL and body image satisfaction outcomes following immediate breast reconstruction.

Management of granulomatous lobular mastitis: an international multidisciplinary consensus (2021 edition).

Granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) is a rare and chronic benign inflammatory disease of the breast. Difficulties exist in the management of GLM for many front-line surgeons and medical specialists who care for patients with inflammatory disorders of the breast. This consensus is summarized to establish evidence-based recommendations for the management of GLM. Literature was reviewed using PubMed from January 1, 1971 to July 31, 2020. Sixty-six international experienced multidisciplinary experts from 11 countries or regions were invited to review the evidence. Levels of evidence were determined using the American College of Physicians grading system, and recommendations were discussed until consensus. Experts discussed and concluded 30 recommendations on historical definitions, etiology and predisposing factors, diagnosis criteria, treatment, clinical stages, relapse and recurrence of GLM. GLM was recommended as a widely accepted definition. In addition, this consensus introduced a new clinical stages and management algorithm for GLM to provide individual treatment strategies. In conclusion, diagnosis of GLM depends on a combination of history, clinical manifestations, imaging examinations, laboratory examinations and pathology. The approach to treatment of GLM should be applied according to the different clinical stage of GLM. This evidence-based consensus would be valuable to assist front-line surgeons and medical specialists in the optimal management of GLM.

Continent catheterizable umbilical low-pressure intestinal pouch with split ileal end seromuscular anti-reflux technique.

BACKGROUND: Cosmesis, better function, and stomal stricture avoidance are important issues in constructing continent urinary abdominal stomas for bladder cancer patients when orthotopic urinary diversion is not feasible. This study aims to evaluate the outcome of continent catheterizable umbilical low-pressure intestinal pouch incorporating a new split ileal end anti-reflux technique. METHODS: Twenty-three patients underwent a continent umbilical low-pressure intestinal pouch incorporating a new seromuscular antireflux technique (split ileal end) after radical cystectomy when orthotopic reconstruction was not feasible. Mean operative time was 210 min (130 min for radical cystectomy and 80 min for reconstruction of the pouch). The mean follow-up after surgery was 18 mo (range 6-30 mo). RESULTS: The most common early postoperative complications were urinary leak that occurred in nine patients: seven were conservatively managed and two by re-exploration. Late postoperative complications occurred in eight patients, of whom three developed stomal stenosis and treated successfully with repeated dilatation. Thirteen patients were totally continent, seven were fairly continent, and only two were poorly continent. CONCLUSIONS: The functional results with this catheterizable umbilical low pressure intestinal pouch incorporating our new anti-reflux technique were satisfactory with better cosmesis.

Levator anguli oris muscle based flaps for nasal reconstruction following resection of nasal skin tumours.

BACKGROUND: surgical excision remains the best tool for management of skin tumors affecting nasal skin, however many surgical techniques have been used for reconstruction of the nasal defects caused by excisional surgery. The aim of this work is the evaluation of the feasibility and outcome of levator anguli oris muscle based flaps. METHODS: Ninety patients of malignant nasal skin tumours were included in this study. Age was ranged from four to 78 years. For small unilateral defects affecting only one side ala nasi, levator anguli oris myocautaneous (LAOMC) flap was used in 45 patients. For unilateral compound loss of skin and mucus membrane, levator anguli oris myocautaneous mucosal (LAOMCM) flap was used in 23 patients. Very large defects; bilateral either LAOMC or LAOMCM flaps combined with forehead glabellar flaps were used to reconstruct the defect in 22 patients. RESULTS: Wound dehiscence was the commonest complication. Minor complications, in the form of haematoma and minor flap loss were managed conservatively. Partial flap loss was encountered in 6 patients with relatively larger tumours or diabetic co-morbidity, three of whom were required operative re-intervention in the form of debridement and flap refashioning, while total flap loss was not occurred at all. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate nasal reconstruction for nasal skin and mucosal tumours with levator anguli oris muscle based flaps (LAOMC, LAOMCM) is feasible and spares the patient the psychic trauma due to organ loss.

Can we put a simplified algorithm for reconstruction of large scalp defects following tumor resection?

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of large scalp defects after tumor resection is a challenging problem. We aimed at putting an algorithm for reconstruction of those defects. METHODS: Forty-two patients with scalp malignancies were enrolled in this study. Tumors were resected to a 1 cm negative margin and defects were reconstructed according to their size and to patient general condition. RESULTS: No peri-operative mortality was encountered. Usage of free flaps was superior in cosmoses and function with an acceptable rate of complications. CONCLUSION: for scalp defects wider than 100 cm2, the best tool of reconstruction is free flaps. Pedicled distant flaps are reserved if free flaps are not feasible or failed. Split thickness skin grafts are cosmetically inferior and not suitable for recurrent and irradiated tumours and better reserved for patients who cannot tolerate major operations.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer guided by CT lymphography; History, evolution and current applications.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has efficiently replaced axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in axillary staging in node-negative breast cancer patients. Dual sentinel lymph node (SLN) localization using radioisotopes and blue dye is the standard technique for SLN mapping. Yet, nuclear medicine facilities are not widely available worldwide. In Japan, Computed tomography lymphography (CTLG) is presented as an SLN mapping technique which was first suggested in 2003 by Suga et al. Multiple subsequent studies confirmed the efficacy of CTLG in SLN mapping in breast cancer. Further applications of the technique followed; such as prediction of SLN metastasis using CTLG, the use of CTLG guided SLN biopsy after neoadjuvant therapy, video-assisted CTLG guided SLN biopsy, the use of real-time virtual sonography with 3-D CTLG, and preoperative localization of the CTLG mapped SLN using either real-time virtual sonography (RVS) guided Indocyanine green (ICG) injection or its marking using liquid charcoal and silver wire and the use of SPIO enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for prediction of metastasis in SLNs detected by CTLG. This efficacy and variable applications open the door for conducting wide-scale randomized controlled trials to suggest using CTLG as an efficient alternative for the use of radioisotopes in SLN mapping in breast cancer patients, especially in low and middle-income countries.

Cost-effectiveness of clinical breast assessment-based screening in rural Egypt.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Egyptian women. However, the mean tumor size at diagnosis is 4.5 cm, and the median age is approximately 46 years. Both of these factors decrease the utility and cost-effectiveness of a mammography-based screening program typically designed for developed countries. We report the first clinical breast assessment-based screening project in an entirely rural Egyptian community. METHODS: Targeted population: Women aged 25-65 years in three municipal regions of Dakahlia province, Egypt. The estimated targeted population was 57,500 and participation was voluntary. First stage was performed at primary health care points. Surgeons performed systematic clinical breast examination. All data were collected at Mansoura University. Abnormal findings in the primary examination led to an invitation to the Oncology Center--Mansoura University--where the second stage of the study took place. It comprised repeat examination, ultrasonography, and/or mammography. Therapeutic interventions were performed at the governmentally funded Mansoura Oncology Center. RESULTS: Voluntary participation reached 10.2% of the target group and abnormal clinical examination represented 3.2% (191/5,900). The screen-detected cancers were (18/5,900) of examined population, and thus the cancer detection rate of clinical breast assessment-based screening was 30.5 per 100,000 of participating women during 2 years. The tumor size was 1.5 cm (median) and 1.3 cm (mean). The cost of screening per cancer case detected was approximately 415 US$, and the overall cost of treating a screen-detected cancer was 1,015-1,215 US$. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical breast assessment-based screening with selective mammography is an effective modality, which improves the results of breast cancer management in Egypt.

Depressive Symptoms, Sleep Profiles and Serum Melatonin Levels in a Sample of Breast Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronobiological changes have been detected in various physiological functions of patients with breast cancer, suggesting dysregulation in the pineal gland and melatonin secretion. This study aimed to assess and measure serum melatonin levels pre- and postoperatively in patients who had been diagnosed for the first time with breast cancer. METHODS: A sample of first-time breast cancer patients, consisting of 45 women aged 25-65 years, was evaluated and psychometric assessment was completed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Insomnia Severity Index (White, Weinberg et al) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (Cardoso, Spence et al). The Morningness-Eveningness questionnaire (MEQ) was used to assess the chronotype. Serum melatonin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Morning and moderately morning chronotypes were prevalent among the sample (25%, 45.8%, respectively). The finding of a mean BDI score of 13.5±11.2 indicated that depressive symptoms were prevalent among the sample. Despite the finding that a mean of the participants apparently had no symptoms of daytime sleepiness (the mean and standard deviations of the ESS were 7.5±4.4), scores on the ISI (a mean of 16.7±SD 7.3) indicated that insomnia symptoms were prevalent in the sample. Melatonin levels showed an inverse relationship with insomnia severity as measured by the ISI and depression severity, as assessed by the BDI. The postoperative melatonin levels were higher than the preoperative levels. Additionally, the psychometric profile differed among various pathological types of breast cancer according to their hormone receptor profile. CONCLUSION: Serum melatonin levels correlated significantly with self-reported sleep quality and psychometric profiles of depression in the present sample of breast cancer patients. The melatonin assay, which is relatively easy to carry out, provided a convenient, objective measure of an important biological correlate of sleep quality and depression. This assay thus represented a confirmatory alternative to the self-report instruments, which may sometimes be unreliable. Future studies should further evaluate the utility of melatonin measures in psychiatric and sleep complaints of breast cancer patients.

Early and Late Functional Outcomes of Anal Sphincter-Sparing Procedures With Total Mesorectal Excision for Anorectal Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: The study aims to assess the functional outcome of anal sphincter sparing procedures (SSP) with TME for anorectal adenocarcinoma. METHODS: In a multicentric, prospective, single-group study in the period between December 2012 and November 2017, 93 patients presented with anorectal adenocarcinoma were included in the study. Sixty-nine patients underwent SSP with TME. SSP included the combined approach of transabdominal TME with intersphincteric resection (ISR) or transanal transabdominal TME (TATA). Using the Per Anal Examination Scoring System (PASS), postoperative anal function was assessed after one year. RESULTS: Bowel motility time was 50 (±19) hours. The time needed for narcotic analgesia was 54 (±18.8) hours. Mean hospital stay was 15.4 (±10.25) days. Incidence of evident fecal incontinence after ISR is 10.6% (7/67 cases). The Per Anal Examination Scoring System (PASS) findings of 69 cases are as follows: extremely hypotonic 8.6% (6 cases), slightly hypotonic 26.1% (18 cases), normal tone 58% (40 cases), slightly stenotic 3 cases (4.3%), or occluded 2.9% (2 cases). Urinary dysfunction occurred in one case (1.4%). Temporary diversion was performed in 61 patients (87.1%). CONCLUSION: Sphincter preservation with TME for anorectal adenocarcinoma helps avoid permanent stoma and provides a reasonable functional outcome. PASS is a new application for postoperative assessment of anal function.

Short-Term Surgical Outcomes of Standard and Lateral Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy: A Multinational Retrospective Study.

Background: Video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL) is a minimally invasive technique that gives superior surgical outcomes than open inguinal lymphadenectomy (IL) for treating lymph node metastasis in penile, vulvar, and skin cancers. This study compared surgical outcomes obtained with two different approaches of VEIL, standard VEIL and lateral VEIL (L-VEIL), in cancer patients. Methods: Sixty-two patients who underwent standard VEIL (n = 15) or L-VEIL (n = 47) for treatment of lymph node metastasis were evaluated retrospectively from three centers in Brazil, Egypt, and India. Primary endpoint analyzed was conversion rate to open IL in the two groups, and the secondary endpoints included operative time, estimated blood loss, nodal yield, nodal positivity, postoperative drain duration, and postoperative complications. Results: The conversion rate to open IL was higher in L-VEIL compared with VEIL group (2% vs. 0%). Significantly lesser blood loss was reported with L-VEIL compared with VEIL (mean difference: 3.63 mL; P = .01). Postoperative drain duration was significantly lower with L-VEIL (-4.34 days; P < .05) than VEIL. The L-VEIL group had a higher number of lymph nodes without infiltration (mean difference: -0.48; P = .02). Operative time, nodal yield, nodal positivity, and hospitalization duration were similar in both groups. Postoperative complications were higher in the L-VEIL versus VEIL group (35 vs. 11 cases). Lymphedema events were significantly higher with L-VEIL in comparison with VEIL (38.8% vs. 16.7%; P = .03). Among patients with penile cancer, no significant difference was observed in outcomes obtained with VEIL and L-VEIL. Conclusion: As L-VEIL and VEIL approaches lead to comparable surgical outcomes, surgeons may choose either of these as per their convenience.

Multidetector computed tomography evaluation of synchronous lymphoma and other solid malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to review the multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings of synchronous lymphoma and other solid malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 18 patients confirmed with diagnosis of lymphoma and other solid malignancies. They were 8 women and 10 men (mean age, 62.5 year; range, 44-73 years). CT scanning was performed on one of the two systems: 64 MDCT in 11 patients and 6 MDCT in 7 patients. All 36 malignancies were underwent pathological evaluation. RESULTS: All cases were confirmed pathologically. Lymphomas were Hodgkin disease ( n = 5 patients) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma ( n = 13 patients). Hepatocellular carcinoma was detected in five patients. Bronchogenic carcinoma was detected in two patients. Renal cell carcinoma was detected in two patients. Breast carcinoma was detected in two patients. Prostatic carcinoma was detected in two patients. Gastric carcinoma was detected in two patients. Endometrial carcinoma was detected in one patient. Colonic carcinoma was detected in one patient. Thyroid carcinoma was detected in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: MDCT scanning is accurately imaging modality for the evaluation of synchronous lymphoma and other solid malignancies. More reports and accumulation of such cases should help to clarify the mechanisms, contribute to a further understanding of this phenomenon, and may lead to a new treatment strategy for synchronous lymphoma and other solid malignancies.

A New Concept of Interval TRAM for Immediate Breast Reconstruction in Obese Women.

Performing pedicled TRAM in obese women carries risk of flap loss or native breast envelop necrosis. Our technique depends on performing total flap delay at the same setting with mastectomy with flap suture in situ to be followed 1 week later by flap transfer. This study included 24 operable women who were candidates for skin sparing or modified radical mastectomy. In one case, delay was only done and followed by mastectomy and flap transfer. In later experience, delay plus mastectomy was done first and followed later by flap transfer. Operative data and postoperative complications were recorded. The mean BMI was 37 ± 2.75. The mean total operative time was 200 ± 20.37. The mean total hospital stay was 9.1 ± 3.35 days. The mean total volume of blood loss was 380 ± 82.33 ml. Breast envelop necrosis was encountered in four cases; three of them were replaced by the TRAM skin. There was no total flap loss while partial loss was recorded in five cases. Fat necrosis occurred in eight cases. Most of mastectomy bed and abdominal complications were in average. Most of cases showed satisfactory esthetic outcome. Our new concept of "Interval TRAM" enables safe immediate breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM in obese women and ensures presence of a skin pack up for the native breast envelop skin. We recommend this technique in every obese female who undergoes skin sparing mastectomy with immediate pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction.