The role of sentinel node tumor burden in modeling the prognosis of melanoma patients with positive sentinel node biopsy: an Italian melanoma intergroup study (N = 2,086).

BACKGROUND: The management of melanoma patients with metastatic melanoma in the sentinel nodes (SN) is evolving based on the results of trials questioning the impact of completion lymph node dissection (CLND) and demonstrating the efficacy of new adjuvant treatments. In this landscape, new prognostic tools for fine risk stratification are eagerly sought to optimize the therapeutic path of these patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 2,086 patients treated with CLND after a positive SN biopsy in thirteen Italian Melanoma Centers was reviewed. Overall survival (OS) was the outcome of interest; included independent variables were the following: age, gender, primary melanoma site, Breslow thickness, ulceration, sentinel node tumor burden (SNTB), number of positive SN, non-sentinel lymph nodes (NSN) status. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. RESULTS: The 3-year, 5-year and 10-year OS rates were 79%, 70% and 54%, respectively. At univariate analysis, all variables, except for primary melanoma body site, were found to be statistically significant prognostic factors. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that older age (P < 0.0001), male gender (P = 0.04), increasing Breslow thickness (P < 0.0001), presence of ulceration (P = 0.004), SNTB size (P < 0.0001) and metastatic NSN (P < 0.0001) were independent negative predictors of OS. CONCLUSION: The above results were utilized to build a nomogram in order to ease the practical implementation of our prognostic model, which might improve treatment personalization.

Prevention of Secondary Lymphedema after Complete Lymph Node Dissection in Melanoma Patients: The Role of Preventive Multiple Lymphatic-Venous Anastomosis in Observational Era.

Background and Objectives: Current guidelines have limited the performance of complete lymph node dissection (CLND) for patients with clinically detectable lymphatic metastases. Despite the limitations of this surgical procedure, secondary lymphedema (SL) is an unsolved problem that affects approximately 20% of patients undergoing CLND. Preventive lymphatic-venous micro-anastomoses (PMLVA) has already demonstrated its efficacy in the prevention of SL in melanoma patients with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), but the efficacy of this procedure is not demonstrated in patients with clinically detectable lymphatic metastases. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study, was performed in two observation periods. Until March 2018, CLND was proposed to all subjects with positive-SLNB andPMLVA was performed in a subgroup of patients with risk factors for SL (Group 1). From April 2018, according to the modification of melanoma guidelines, all patients with detectable metastatic lymph nodes underwent PMLVA during CLND (Group 2). The frequency of lymphedema in subjects undergoing PMLVA was compared with the control group. Results: Database evaluation revealed 172 patients with melanoma of the trunk with follow-up information for at least 6 mounts. Twenty-three patients underwent PMLVA during CLND until March 2018, 29 from April 2018, and 120 subjects underwent CLND without any preventive surgery (control Group). The frequency of SL was significantly lower in both Group 1 (4.3% vs. 24.2%, p = 0.03) and Group 2 (3.5%, p = 0.01). Patients undergoing PMLVA showed a similar recurrence-free periods and overall survival when compared to the control group. Conclusions: PMLVA significantly reduces the frequency of SL both in immediate and delayed CLND. This procedure is safe and does not lead to an increase in length of hospitalization.

Skin Reducing Mastectomy and Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction in Large Ptotic Breasts.

Large and/or ptotic breasts demonstrate significant difficulty in breast reconstruction and that the rates of perioperative complications are higher compared with the general population. The authors aim to clarify some details on their previously published technique on skin reducing mastectomy and prepectoral ADM breast reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Microsurgical reconstruction of the isolated columellar defect with a prelaminated radial forearm free flap. A case report and a review of the literature.

The columella is one of the smallest subunits of the nose, but the loss of this structure has important aesthetic and structural implications. Few papers in literature present microsurgical techniques for the reconstruction of an isolated columellar defect. This report describes the use of a prelaminated radial forearm free flap (RFFF) for the reconstruction of an isolated columellar defect and reviews the current literature. A 45-year-old woman presented to our Unit with a history of palate squamous cell carcinoma and severe nasal deformity with an almost complete loss of the columella. A prelaminated RFFF with the fifth rib was used for a two-staged reconstruction of the isolated columellar defect. The radial pedicle was anastomosed to the facial vessels and the postoperative course was uneventful. Complete survival of the flap was achieved and, 10 months postoperatively, the patient had bilateral nasal patency, with an increased tip projection and a good aesthetic result. A prelaminated RFFF can be considered a valuable reconstructive option in cases of a large composite defect of the columella and limited availability of adjacent tissues.

Microvascular coupler device versus hand-sewn venous anastomosis: A systematic review of the literature and data meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Successful vascular anastomosis is essential for the survival of free tissue transfer. The aim of the study is to review the current literature and perform a meta-analysis to assess the potential advantages of a mechanical anastomosis coupler device (MACD) over the hand-sewn (HS) technique for venous anastomoses. METHODS: A systematic Medline search was performed to gather all reports of articles related to MACD from 1984 until now. The following data were extracted: first author and publication date, study design, number of patients and anastomosis, coupler size, site and type of reconstruction, venous anastomotic time, flap failure. A meta-analysis was performed on articles that met the following inclusion criteria: studies comparing MACD and HS technique in venous anastomosis, reporting anastomotic time, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Thirty-three studies were included for the analysis. Twenty-four were retrospective case series and nine were retrospective comparative studies. A total of 12,304 patients were enrolled with a mean age of 49.23 years (range 31-72). A total of 13,669 flaps were accomplished. The thrombosis rate recorded with MACD was 1.47%. The meta-analysis revealed that MACD significantly decreased anastomotic time (standard difference in means = -0.395 ± 0.105; Z = -3.776; p < .001) and postoperative flap failure risk (odds ratio [OR] = 0.362, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.218-0.603, Z = -3.908, p < .001), but it did not decrease postoperative venous thrombosis risk (OR = 0.504, 95% CI = 0.255-1.129, Z = -1.666, p = .096). CONCLUSIONS: MACDs are a safe and effective alternative to traditional anastomosis. The anastomotic coupler is easier, much faster, and requires less technical skills than a HS microvascular anastomosis.

Skin-Reducing Mastectomy and Pre-pectoral Breast Reconstruction in Large Ptotic Breasts.

OBJECTIVES: Pre-pectoral breast reconstruction is increasingly offered to breast cancer patients, as the one-stage technique has proved surgical and oncological safety and aesthetic effectiveness. Nevertheless, there are limited data on outcomes after pre-pectoral breast reconstruction in large and ptotic breasts. The aim of the paper is to present the authors' experience in performing Wise pattern mastectomy with pre-pectoral implant and complete acellular dermal matrix (ADM) coverage as a single-stage procedure in patients with large ptotic breasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of protective collected data from January 2017 to June 2019 of patients who presented with large and ptotic breasts undergoing skin-reducing mastectomy and immediate pre-pectoral breast reconstruction with complete ADM coverage and inferior dermal sling was performed. Oncological and surgical outcomes were collected. Satisfaction with reconstruction and related quality of life were evaluated through BREAST-Q questionnaire. RESULTS: Nineteen patients met the inclusion criteria. The average patient age was 55.6 years, and the mean body mass index was 31.2. Mean follow-up was 23.2 months from the initial reconstruction. One patient experienced seroma, and two cases of wound dehiscence at the T junction were observed and treated conservatively with no implant loss. All patients were satisfied with the final reconstruction. CONCLUSION: The Wise pattern skin-reducing mastectomy and pre-pectoral breast reconstruction could be offered to patients presenting with large and ptotic breasts. Future studies should better define long-term outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

The medial-central septum based mammaplasty: A reliable technique to preserve nipple-areola complex sensitivity in post bariatric patients.

INTRODUCTION: Massive weight loss is associated with the ptosis of the breast, loss of the upper pole fullness, medialization of the nipples and volume depletion. Post bariatric patients often need breast reshaping with mastopexy or breast reduction. We report the author's experience with the medial central septum based mammoplasty for breast reshaping after massive weight loss. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 85 women who underwent a medial-central septum based mammaplasty, analyzing patients (age, BMI, comorbidities) and operation specific characteristics' (surgical technique, complications) to identify the advantages and the drawbacks of the adopted technique. All the procedures were performed at a single institution by the senior author of this article. RESULTS: 85 patients were included in the review, in total 170 medial-central septum based mammaplasty were performed over a five years period. Early complications, as hematoma and seroma occurred in 2 patients. No total or partial nipple-areola losses were recorded and the viability of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) was excellent in all the treated patients. Sensation was retained in all breasts. Nine patients showed delayed wound healing at the joint of the T scar; in 5 patients we observed spreading scars. CONCLUSION: The medial-central septum based mammaplasty seems to be an effective and safe choice for breast reshaping after massive weight loss, as none of our patients experienced nipple loss and all of them reported good nipple sensation. Moreover, the technique is versatile and can be applied to patients with hypertrophic breasts or gigantomastia.

Efficacy and early results after combining laparoscopic harvest of double gastroepiploic lymph node flap and active physiotherapy for lower extremity lymphedema.

BACKGROUND: Lymph node flap transfer has gradually gained popularity for the treatment of upper and lower limb lymphedema. The aim of this study is to present the outcomes of an integrated treatment protocol based on double gastroepiploic lymph node flap (DG-VLN) and active physiotherapy in patients affected by Stage II and III lower extremity lymphedema. METHODS: All Stage II and III lower limb lymphedema patients operated between September 2015 and December 2017 were retrospectively identified and only those treated with an integrated approach of DG-VLN flap and active physiotherapy were included. Outcomes were assessed clinically with limb circumference measurement and radiologically with lymphoscintigraphy. Flap viability was evaluated through indocyanine green lymphography. Lymphedema related quality of life was evaluated preop and at 1 year follow up through LYMQOL questionnaire. RESULTS: Sixteen patients met inclusion criteria. Mean follow up was 26.2 months. Significant reduction in lower limb volume was observed for all patients from pre to post intervention. At 3 months of follow up, the mean CRR was 42.4% at below knee (BK) level and 25.4% at above knee (AK) level. At 12 months of follow up, the mean CRR was 58.3% at BK level (p = .001*) and 43.4% at AK level (p < .04*). LYMQOL metrics showed significantly better scores in all domains. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with lower limb lymphedema can benefit from combined DG-VLN flap and active physiotherapy, as this approach seem to fasten the onset of improvement and to have a positive impact on patients' quality of life.

Animal-type melanoma: dog or wolf? A review of the literature and a case report.

The human animal type melanoma (ATM) is a rare subtype of melanoma characterised by the proliferation of pigmented dermal epithelioid and spindled melanocytes. However, this variant of melanoma is still lacking a precise nosography definition and classification for the difficulty to be distinguished from other more common melanocytic lesions, as well as for its peculiar biological behaviour. On the other hand, the contribution of scientific literature to this issue is fragmented and limited to the description of very few cases. Starting from the presentation of a case with abnormally aggressive clinical features, here we revisit the current knowledge on ATM from its dermatologic patterns, epidemiology, demography and histopathology to the clinical management. Peculiar accuracy has also been reserved to several histopathologic criteria, which are critical for the differential diagnosis from other melanocytic diseases in junction with molecular data deriving from recent cytogenetic and mutational characterisation of this tumour.

Lymphatic-venous anastomosis in a rat model: A novel exercise for microsurgical training.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Lymphedema is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system. Lymphaticovenular anastomoses (LVA) and multiple lymphatic-venous anastomoses (MLVAs) have been recognized as efficient methods to treat chronic lymphedema. Because few models for lymphatics microsurgical training have been described, the aim of this study is to present a new training model for MLVA in a rat. METHODS: Ten norvegicus rats were used for this study. After a longitudinal xifo-pubic incision, lumbar nodes were injected with blue patent violet (BPV) to identify from two to four lymphatic vessels (LVs). MLVAs were carried out inserting lymphatics into the right lumbar vein. RESULTS: The mean weight of the rats was 511.4 g. The average diameter of the abdominal LVs used for MLVA was 0.26 mm, and the mean size of the right lumbar vein was 0.84 mm. The average time to perform MLVA was 49.8 minutes. Anastomosis patency rate was 70% based on the passage of BPV from the lymphatics into the vein. CONCLUSIONS: The rat is still a feasible resource to train microsurgeons, and the MLVA model proposed is simple and reliable and could be very useful for microsurgeon training.

The effects of the introduction of a chronic care model-based program on utilization of healthcare resources: the results of the Puglia care program.

BACKGROUND: Ageing is continuously increasing the prevalence of patients with chronic conditions, putting pressure on the sustainability of Healthcare Systems. Chronic Care Models (CCM) have been used to address the needs of frail people in the continuum of care, testifying to an improvement in health outcomes and more efficient access to healthcare services. The impact of CCM deployment has already been experienced in a selected cohort of patients affected by specific chronic illnesses. We have investigated its effects in a heterogeneous frail cohort included in a regional CCM-based program. METHODS: a retrospective population-based cohort study was carried out involving a non-oncological cohort of adult subjects with chronic diseases included in the CCM-oriented program (Puglia Care). Individuals in usual care with comparable demographic and clinical characteristics were selected for matched pair analysis. Study cohorts were defined by using a record linkage analysis of administrative databases and electronic medical records, including data on the adult population in the 6 local area health authorities of Puglia in Italy (approximately 2 million people). The effects of Puglia Care on the utilizations of healthcare resources were evaluated both in a before-after and in a case-control analysis. RESULTS: There were 1074 subjects included in Puglia Care and 2126 matched controls. In before-after analysis of the Puglia Care cohort, 240 unplanned hospitalizations occurred in the pre-inclusion period, while 239 were registered during follow-up. The incidence of unplanned hospitalization was 10.3 per 100 person/year (95% CI, 9.1-11.7) during follow-up and 12.1 per 100 person/year (95% CI, 10.7-13.8) in the pre-inclusion period (IRR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.80-0.99). During follow-up a significant reduction in costs related to unplanned hospitalizations (IRR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.91-0.92) was registered, while costs related to drugs (IRR, 1.14; p < 0.01), out-patient specialist visits (IRR, 1.19; p < 0.01), and planned hospitalization (IRR 1.03; p < 0.01) increased significantly. These modifications can be related to the aging of the population and modifications to healthcare delivery; for this reason, a case-control analysis was performed. The results testify to a significantly lower number (IRR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.68-0.91), length of hospital stay (IRR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.76-0.84), and costs related to unplanned hospitalizations (IRR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.80-0.80) during follow-up in the intervention group. However, there was a higher increase in costs of hospitalizations, drugs and out-patients specialist visits during follow-up in Puglia Care when compared with patients in usual care. CONCLUSION: In a population-based cohort, inclusion of chronic patients in a CCM-based program was significantly associated with a lower recourse to unplanned hospital admissions when compared with patients in usual care with comparable clinical and demographic characteristics.

Suprafascial versus traditional harvesting technique for free antero lateral thigh flap: A case-control study to assess the best functional and aesthetic result in extremity reconstruction.

Clinical applications of ALT flap have currently extended to extremity (hand and foot) as well as oral cavity reconstruction. In these anatomical areas, the traditional harvesting technique presents a few disadvantages such as bulkiness of the recipient site and potential donor site morbidity including damage to the deep fascia and skin graft adhesions. The purpose of the present study was to compare the functional and aesthetic outcomes of upper and lower extremity reconstruction with either suprafascial or subfascial harvested anterolateral (ALT) flaps. Sixty patients who underwent hand or foot reconstruction with an ALT flap between January 2013 and January 2015 were included in the study (34 flaps elevated on a subfascial plane and 26 on a suprafascial plane). Group 1 (subfascial harvested ALT flap) was composed of 23 male and 11 female patients with an average age of 53.4 years (range, 36-72 years). Group 2 (suprafascial harvested ALT flap) was composed of 18 male and 8 female patients with an average age of 48.7 years (range, 32-69 years). Surgical indication was tumor resection for 20 patients in group 1 and 16 patients in group 2, chronic ulcer for 8 patients in group 1 and 6 patients in group 2, and trauma for 6 patients in group 1 and 4 patients in group 2. Complications were documented. Aesthetic outcomes were considered in terms of bulkiness of the recipient site, subsequent request for a debulking procedure, and donor site morbidity. Donor site scars were evaluated for cosmesis using a modified Hollander Wound Evaluation Scale (HWES). Skin grafts outcomes were assessed according to the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). Functional outcome at the recipient site was measured using the Enneking functional outcome score (ESS). Total range of motion (ROM) was recorded. All flaps were successfully elevated with at least one viable perforator with both approaches. The survival rates of suprafascial and subfascial harvested ALT flaps were 96.2 and 97% respectively (P = .85). The mean flap size was 110.4 ± 27.8 cm2 in group 1 and 159.7 ± 44.4 cm2 in group 2. The average flap thickness was 26.2± 5.2 mm in group 1 and 13.9 mm ± 4.1 in group 2. Complications included total flap loss (1 case in group 1 and 1 case in group 2), partial flap loss (2 cases in group 1 and 1 case in group 2), skin graft failure (3 cases in group 1), and muscle herniation at the donor site (1 case in group 1; P < .17). Secondary debulking procedures were needed for 20 flaps in the subfascial group and for one flap in the suprafascial group (P-value <.01). Donor site closure with skin grafts was necessary in 42 cases: 32 in group 1 and 10 in group 2. The suprafascial harvested ALT flap group reported a significant difference in terms of donor site morbidity. The HWES score of donor site scars was significantly lower in group 1 (mean 1.2 ± 0.54) than in group 2 (mean 2.4 ± 0.58), P < .01. Similarly, the VSS score for skin graft outcomes was lower in patients of group 1 (mean 4.5 ± 0.93) than in patients of group 2 (mean 6.7 ± 0.96), P < .01. There was also a significant lower score of postoperative ESS in patients of group 1 (mean 21.2 ± 3.4) when compared with patients of group 2 (mean 23.6 ± 2.7), P < .01. Total ROM improved on average 60° after surgery (P-value <.01). The suprafascial plane for elevating ALT flaps presented several advantages over the traditional subfascial approach in terms of functional and aesthetic outcomes, providing a thin flap allowing increased versatility to achieve better contour of flap, and minimizing the need for secondary debulking.

Poorly Differentiated Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC) or Lymphoepithelioma-like Carcinoma of the Skin (LELCS) with Squamous Pearls: A Case Presentation with Emphasis on Histomorphological Features and Classification Debates.

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the skin (LELCS) is a rare primary skin cancer, with an annual incidence of 1/100,000 and about 85 cases published in the literature. It is considered the cutaneous counterpart of undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (UNC, Schmincke-Regaud tumor) but has no association with EBV. We present an interesting case with features of LELCS in a 93-year-old man, right frontal-orbital region, diagnosed histologically and with immunohistochemical features. We also emphasize contrasting morphologic features for correct nosographic classification and address current issues, suggesting potential insights. Finally, we briefly reviewed other cases described in the literature.

Granular cell dermatofibroma: A potential diagnostic pitfall.

Dermatofibroma, also known as "fibrous histiocytoma", is one of the most common cutaneous soft-tissue tumours. Many variants of dermatofibromas have been described and knowledge of these variations is important to avoid a misdiagnosis of a possibly more aggressive tumour. Histological features of different variants can coexist in the same lesion, but typical common fibrous histiocytoma features are generally found, at least focally, in all cases. However, when cellular changes make up the majority of the lesion, the histopathological diagnosis can become more complex and requires immunohistochemical investigations for a correct nosographic classification. We report on the case of a cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma, "granular cell" variant, found on the left leg of a 74- year-old woman.