Evaluation of modulation of immunity by lymph node transfer: A preliminary histological evidence in lymphedema patients.

BACKGROUND: The exact knowledge of the local biological and immunological effects of vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) continues to be an emerging science but a positive control positive control over infectious and immune-mediated processes is often advocated. Knowing the characterization of the inflammatory infiltrate associated with lymphedema, the aim of this paper is to verify the hypothesis that VLNT is able to modulate the inflammatory and immune microenvironment of lymphedematous tissue by evaluating any modification of the local inflammatory cell infiltrate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospectively database of patients who received VLN transfer for lower extremity lymphedema between January 2018 and December 2020 was reviewed. Nine patients diagnosed with extremities' stage II secondary lymphedema were included, with a mean age of 55.3 (range 39-66 years) years. Gastroepiploic lymph node transfer was performed in all patients and transferred heterotopically. Full thickness 6-mm skin punch biopsies were obtained from all voluntary lymph node transfer patients at identical sites of the lymphedematous limb during the surgical procedure of VLNT (T0) and 1 year later (T1). Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies against the following markers: anti-CD3; anti-CD4; anti-CD8; anti-CD68. Data at T0 were compared to those at T1. RESULTS: Post-operative course was uneventful in all cases experiencing a significant reduction (almost a third) in terms of cellulitis episodes: The median duration of follow-up for patients was 28.3 months (range 12-40). The analysis of the density of the inflammatory cells as a whole revealed a significant reduction at T1 compared to T0. Specifically, CD3 expression levels turned from 16.36 ± 3.421 (cells/mm2 ) pre-operatively to 7.6 ± 1.511 (cells/mm2 ) post-operatively (p < .0001). CD4+ cells turned from 7.270 ± 3.421 (cells/mm2 ) at T0 to 4.815 ± 1.511 cells/mm2 at T1 (p = .0173). CD8 expression values decreased from 4.360 ± 3.421 (cells/mm2 ) to 2.753 ± 1.451 (cell/mm2 ) at T1 (p = .0003). Monocyte/macrophage marker CD68 varied from 8.208 ± 2.314 (cells/mm2 ) at T0 to 7.600 ± 1876 (cells/mm2 ) at T1 (p = .0003). CONCLUSION: VLNT decreases skin and subcutaneous tissues' infiltration of inflammatory cells, providing one explanation for the positive control of lymph node transfer procedure over infectious and immune-mediated processes.

Comparisons of the morbidities of a double gastrocnemius flap and a medial gastrocnemius flap in the orthoplastic reconstruction around the knee.

BACKGROUND: The pedicled gastrocnemius flap is commonly used to treat lower limb defects. Either the medial, lateral, or both heads can be used. When extended soft tissue defects are present, a double gastrocnemius (DG) flap may be used. However, no data of the additional donor site morbidity compared to a medial gastrocnemius (MG) flap are available. The aim of this study was to compare the donor site morbidity of a DG with that of a MG. METHODS: Patients with a soft tissue defect around the knee, treated with a gastrocnemius flap between 2018 and 2021 at the University Hospital of Lausanne and Bari, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months, were included. According to the size and the position of the defect, it was decided whether one (10 patients) or two (9 patients) heads of the gastrocnemius were necessary for the coverage. The mean age was 61 years (range 42-82) in DG, and 63 years (range 45-78) in MG. The average defect size was 89.8 cm2 in the DG group and 53.4 cm2 in the MG group. The etiologies were trauma (n = 10), infection (n = 7) and sarcoma (n = 2). A medial approach or a posterior midline approach was used for the harvesting of the gastrocnemius muscle. Once the flap was harvested, it was rotated and transposed anteriorly over the defect, either through a subcutaneous tunnel or by dividing the intervening skin bridge, depending on the soft tissue defect. A split-thickness skin graft was used to close the skin over the remaining exposed muscle flap. The active range of motion of the ankle and knee joints was measured. Muscle strength was assessed with a hand-held dynamometer and by the ability to stand on tiptoe. Physical function was evaluated through the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). RESULTS: The two groups were homogeneous, with no significant difference in age, sex, and BMI. All flaps survived in both groups. Both groups showed lower values in strength and range of motion of the operated leg, when compared to contralateral side. In plantar flexion, this accounted for a reduction in MG by 3.8 ± 1.0 kg of strength and 8 ± 3° of ROM, and in DG by 4.7 ± 1.7 kg and 16 ± 4°, respectively. For knee flexion, the reduction in MG was 4.4 ± 0.6 kg and 16 ± 7°, while in DG 5.6 ± 1.0 kg and 28 ± 6°. In the MG group, 60% were able to stand on the tiptoe of the operated leg, as opposed to 0% in DG. The average LEFS score in DG was lower by 10.9 points (p < .05). Questions concerning running and jumping had a lower score in DG (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The harvesting of both gastrocnemii led to significant additional donor site morbidity compared to the harvesting of the medial gastrocnemius alone. However, the additional morbidity did not have an impact on activities of daily living and walking, even though it limited the ability to perform more demanding tasks such as running and jumping. Therefore, based on our study, the choice of a DG flap should be critically assessed in younger, more demanding patients.

Orthoplastic limb reconstruction using free fibula flap after trauma: Outcomes from a retrospective European multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Free vascularized fibula flap represents the gold standard vascularized bone graft for the management of segmental long bone defects after traumatic injury. The current study represents the largest retrospective multicenter data collection on the use of free fibula flap (FFF) for extremities' orthoplastic reconstruction after trauma aiming to highlight current surgical practice and to set the basis for updating current surgical indications. METHODS: The study is designed as a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data between 2009 and 2021 from six European University hospitals. Patients who underwent fibula flap reconstruction after acute traumatic injury (AF) or as a late reconstruction (LF) after post-traumatic non-union of upper or lower limb were included. Only extra-articular, diaphyseal fracture were included in the study. Surgical data were collected. Time to bone healing and complications were reported as clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients were included in the study (27 in the AF group and 35 in the LF group). The average patients' age at the time of the traumatic event was 45.3 ± 2.9 years in the AF group and 41.1 ± 2.1 years in the LF group. Mean bone defect size was 7.7 ± 0.6 cm for upper limb and 11.2 ± 1.1 cm (p = .32) for lower limb. Bone healing was uneventful in 69% of treated patients, reaching 92% after complementary procedures. Bone healing time was 7.6 ± 1.2 months in the acute group and 9.6 ± 1.5 months in the late group. An overall complication rate of 30.6% was observed, with a higher percentage of late bone complications in the LF group (34%), mostly non-union cases. CONCLUSIONS: FFF reconstruction represents a reliable and definitive solution for long bone defects with bone healing reached in 92% cases with a 8.4 months of average bone healing time.

Impact of etiology leading to abdominoperineal resection with anterolateral thigh flap reconstruction: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Large and deep perineal defects following abdominal perineal resection (APR) are a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Even if generally performed for oncological reasons, APR can be indicated as well in extended infection-related debridement for Hidradenitis suppurativa, Fournier's gangrene, or Crohn's disease. We aimed to compare the outcomes of two groups of patients with different indications for APR (infectious vs. oncological) after pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap coverage RESULTS: Forty-four consecutive pedicled ALT flap used for coverage after APR in 40 patients were analyzed. 26 patients (65%) underwent APR for oncological reasons and 14 patients (35%) for infectious reasons. The overall postoperative complications rate was significantly higher for infectious cases (76.5% vs. 40.7%, p = 0.0304). Major complications occurred in 52.9% of infectious cases versus 11.1% of oncological cases (p = 0.0045). Obesity and infectious etiology were independent risk factors for overall and major complications, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing APR for acute or chronic infections had significantly more overall and major complications than patients having oncological APR. Modified care might be considered, especially in obese patients, in terms of surgical debridement, antibiotic treatment modalities, and postoperative management.

Editor's Choice - Infective Native Aortic Aneurysms: A Delphi Consensus Document on Terminology, Definition, Classification, Diagnosis, and Reporting Standards.

OBJECTIVE: There is no consensus regarding the terminology, definition, classification, diagnostic criteria, and algorithm, or reporting standards for the disease of infective native aortic aneurysm (INAA), previously known as mycotic aneurysm. The aim of this study was to establish this by performing a consensus study. METHODS: The Delphi methodology was used. Thirty-seven international experts were invited via mail to participate. Four two week Delphi rounds were performed, using an online questionnaire, initially with 22 statements and nine reporting items. The panellists rated the statements on a five point Likert scale. Comments on statements were analysed, statements revised, and results presented in iterative rounds. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% of the panel selecting "strongly agree" or "agree" on the Likert scale, and consensus on the final assessment was defined as Cronbach's alpha coefficient > .80. RESULTS: All 38 panellists completed all four rounds, resulting in 100% participation and agreement that this study was necessary, and the term INAA was agreed to be optimal. Three more statements were added based on the results and comments of the panel, resulting in a final 25 statements and nine reporting items. All 25 statements reached an agreement of ≥ 87%, and all nine reporting items reached an agreement of 100%. The Cronbach's alpha increased for each consecutive round (round 1 = .84, round 2 = .87, round 3 = .90, and round 4 = .92). Thus, consensus was reached for all statements and reporting items. CONCLUSION: This Delphi study established the first consensus document on INAA regarding terminology, definition, classification, diagnostic criteria, and algorithm, as well as reporting standards. The results of this study create essential conditions for scientific research on this disease. The presented consensus will need future amendments in accordance with newly acquired knowledge.

The medial sural artery perforator flap for retromolar trigone reconstruction: A multicenter case series.

BACKGROUND: Retromolar trigone (RMT) cancer is a rare malignancy, which develops in a narrow area of the oral cavity. Surgical intervention requires wide excision and appropriate reconstruction usually with a free tissue transfer. Little has been published regarding the ideal microvascular reconstruction, mainly focusing on radial forearm and anterolateral thigh free flap. The medial sural artery perforator flap (MSAP) is not new for head and neck reconstruction but its use for RMT reconstruction has not been previously explored. The purpose of the study is to present a multicentric case series investigating the reliability of MSAP flap for RMT reconstruction. METHODS: The study is designed as a retrospective case series. All patients diagnosed with RMT cancer and undergone surgical resection and immediate reconstruction with a MSAP flap between February 2016 and March 2020 were identified. Patients' demographics and surgical details were collected. Functional results were evaluated using the Head and Neck Module of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer at 12 months of follow-up. A total of 34 patients with a mean age of 58 years were included in the study. An average defect size of 31.5 cm2 was observed after RMT tumor resection. RESULTS: The MSAP flaps' average dimensions were 11 ± 3.1 cm in length and 4.7 ± 1.6 cm in width with a mean thickness of 1.4 ± 0.8 cm. No flap complications were observed in 28 cases; four patients developed an orocutaneous fistula. One patient needed surgical revision for venous congestion while only one case of flap failure was observed. At 12 months of follow-up, 87% of the patient cohort had normal, understandable speech. No patient experienced complete loss of swallowing. Results of the H&N35 module showed a significative postoperative improvement in mouth soreness, mouth opening and social (p < .05*). No patient complained difficulty in motility at the donor site. CONCLUSIONS: The MSAP flap appears to be appropriate for RMT reconstruction and could be considered the workhorse for small to medium size defect of RTM region. It has a long pedicle of matching caliber and provides adequate tissue volume with minimal donor site morbidity.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Nerve Tissue Engineering: Bridging Nerve Gap Injuries in Large Animals.

Cell-therapy-based nerve repair strategies hold great promise. In the field, there is an extensive amount of evidence for better regenerative outcomes when using tissue-engineered nerve grafts for bridging severe gap injuries. Although a massive number of studies have been performed using rodents, only a limited number involving nerve injury models of large animals were reported. Nerve injury models mirroring the human nerve size and injury complexity are crucial to direct the further clinical development of advanced therapeutic interventions. Thus, there is a great need for the advancement of research using large animals, which will closely reflect human nerve repair outcomes. Within this context, this review highlights various stem cell-based nerve repair strategies involving large animal models such as pigs, rabbits, dogs, and monkeys, with an emphasis on the limitations and strengths of therapeutic strategy and outcome measurements. Finally, future directions in the field of nerve repair are discussed. Thus, the present review provides valuable knowledge, as well as the current state of information and insights into nerve repair strategies using cell therapies in large animals.

Combined Free Flaps for Optimal Orthoplastic Lower Limb Reconstruction: A Retrospective Series.

Background and Objectives: Open fracture of the lower limb can lead to substantial bone and soft tissue damage, resulting in a challenging reconstructive scenarios, especially in presence of bone or periosteal loss, with a relevant risk of non-union. This work analyzes outcomes of using a double approach for orthoplastic reconstruction, adopting the free medial condyle flap to solve the bone defects, associated to a second free flap for specific soft tissue coverage. Indications, outcomes and reconstructive rationales are discussed. Materials and Methods: A retrospective investigation was performed on patients who underwent complex two-flap microsurgical reconstruction from January 2018 to January 2022. Inclusion criteria in this study were the use of a free femoral condyle periostal/bone flap together with a second skin-only flap. Only distal third lower limb reconstructions were included in order to help equalize our findings. Out of the total number of patients, only patients with complete pre- and post-operative follow-up (minimum 6 months) data were included in the study. Results: Seven patients were included in the study, with a total of 14 free flaps. The average age was 49. Among comorbidities, four patients were smokers and none suffered from diabetes. Etiology of the defect was acute trauma in four cases and septic non-union in three cases. No major complications occurred, and all flaps healed uneventfully with complete bone union. Conclusions: Combining a bone periosteal FMC to a second skin free flap for tailored defect coverage allowed achievement of bone union in all patients, despite the lack of initial bone vascularization or chronic infection. FMC is confirmed to be a versatile flap for small-to-medium bone defects, especially considering its use as a periosteal-only flap, with minimal donor site morbidity. Choosing a second flap for coverage allows for a higher inset freedom and tailored reconstruction, finally enhancing orthoplastic success.

Outcomes of the Composite Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Perineal Reconstruction After Postoncological Abdominoperineal Resection.

BACKGROUND: The vertical rectus abdominis flap is considered the gold standard in perineal reconstruction after oncological abdominoperineal resection; however, it has a nonnegligible donor site morbidity. The anterolateral thigh flap offers reliable soft tissue coverage. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to analyze long-term outcomes of composite anterolateral thigh-vastus lateralis flaps in oncological abdominoperineal resections. DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of a prospectively maintained database. SETTINGS: This study was conducted in the Lausanne University Hospital. Annually, approximately 10 oncological abdomioperineal resections are performed. Literature reports 7% to 20% of patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection require flap reconstruction; in our institution, approximately 2 patients with large defects after abdominoperineal resections required reconstruction. PATIENTS: Twenty-nine pedicled anterolateral thigh-vastus lateralis flaps in 27 consecutive patients (mean age 63 years +/-11.2, 23 with radiochemotherapy) after abdominoperineal resection to cover large defects (median 190 cm2, 48-600 cm2) were analyzed. INTERVENTION: Pedicled composite anterolateral thigh-vastus lateralis flaps were performed after oncological abdominoperineal resection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted. Short- and long-term outcomes were analyzed, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Median follow-up was 16 months (12-48 months). RESULTS: Flap-related postoperative complications occurred in 16 flaps; flap-survival was 100%. Multivariate logistic analysis identified initial defect size as predictive for complications. Patients with larger defects (≥ 190 cm2) had higher complication rates (p = 0.006). Long-term analysis revealed 3 chronic fistulae, 2 tumor recurrences, 1 flap dysesthesia, and one perineal acne inversa. LIMITATIONS: Limitations include retrospective analysis, selection bias, and lacking a control group. Sample size limits statistical power. CONCLUSIONS: The pedicled anterolateral thigh-vastus lateralis flap offers reliable, stable tissue with low morbidity and good long-term outcomes. Complications compared favorably with current literature describing perineal reconstructions with rectus abdominis flaps. The composite anterolateral thigh flap is a valid alternative without the setback of abdominal donor site morbidity. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B757.RESULTADOS DEL COLGAJO COMPUESTO ANTEROLATERAL DE MUSLO PARA LA RECONSTRUCCIÓN PERINEAL DESPUÉS DE LA RESECCIÓN ABDOMINOPERINEAL POST ONCOLÓGICAANTECEDENTES:El colgajo vertical de recto abdominal se considera el estándar de oro en la reconstrucción perineal después de la resección abdominoperineal oncológica, sin embargo, tiene una morbilidad no despreciable en el sitio donante. El colgajo anterolateral del muslo ofrece una cobertura confiable de los tejidos blandos.OBJETIVO:El objetivo fue analizar los resultados a largo plazo de los colgajos compuestos anterolaterales del muslo - vasto lateral - en resecciones abdominoperineales oncológicas.DISEÑO:Realizamos un análisis, retrospectivo, de tipo cohorte, de una base de datos mantenida prospectivamente.AJUSTES:Este estudio fue realizado en el hospital universitario de Lausanne. Anualmente se realizan aproximadamente 10 resecciones abdominoperineales oncológicas. La literatura reporta que entre el 7 y el 20% de los pacientes que se someten a una resección abdominoperineal requieren de reconstrucción con colgajo; en nuestra institución, aproximadamente 2 pacientes con grandes defectos tras la resección abdominoperineal requirieron reconstrucción.PACIENTES:Fueron analizados veintinueve colgajos pediculados anterolaterales de muslo - vasto lateral - en 27 pacientes consecutivos (edad media 63 años +/- 11,2, 23 con radio quimioterapia) después de la resección abdominoperineal para cubrir defectos grandes (mediana 190 cm2, 48-600 cm2).INTERVENCIÓN:Tras la resección abdominoperineal oncológica se realizaron colgajos pediculados compuestos anterolaterales de muslo - vasto lateral.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Fue realizado un análisis estadístico descriptivo. Fueron analizados los resultados a corto y largo plazo - fueron realizados así mismo análisis uni y multivariados. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 16 meses (12-48 meses).RESULTADOS:Complicaciones postoperatorias relacionadas con el colgajo ocurrieron en 16 colgajos, la supervivencia del colgajo fue del 100%. El análisis logístico multivariado identificó al tamaño del defecto inicial como predictor de complicaciones. Aquellos pacientes con defectos más grandes (≥190 cm2) tuvieron mayores tasas de complicaciones (p = 0,006). El análisis a largo plazo reveló tres fístulas crónicas, dos recidivas tumorales, una disestesia de colgajo y un acné perineal inverso.LIMITACIONES:Las limitaciones incluyen análisis retrospectivo, sesgo de selección y falta de grupo de control. El tamaño de la muestra limita el poder estadístico.CONCLUSIONES:El colgajo pediculado anterolateral de muslo - vasto lateral - ofrece tejido confiable y estable con baja morbilidad y buenos resultados a largo plazo. Los resultados de las complicaciones se mostraron favorables con respecto a la literatura actual que describe reconstrucciones perineales con colgajos de recto abdominal. El colgajo compuesto anterolateral de muslo es una alternativa válida sin el revés de la morbilidad del sitio donante abdominal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B757. (Traducción-Dr. Osvaldo Gauto).

Lumbar Perforator Flaps for Coverage of Extensive Defects With Osteomyelitis.

INTRODUCTION: Lumbar osteomyelitis is a rare, although serious condition if not appropriately treated, potentially leading to neurologic complications, such as radiculopathy. Traditionally, studies have suggested the preferred use of muscle or myocutaneous flaps to prevent recurrent infections. However, late evidence suggests that radical debridement and dead space obliteration are more important than the type of flap. The lumbar perforator flap is a reliable local option with low donor site morbidity. It is a powerful tool for local trunk reconstruction, but its use in case of osteomyelitis is scarcely described. We aimed to report long-term outcomes of lumbar perforator flaps to cover lumbar soft tissue defects with chronic osteomyelitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective investigation was performed on a prospectively maintained database including 7 consecutive patients (10 flaps), all presenting extensive defects of the posterior midline at L2-S1 level (defect size 287 ± 136 cm [average ± SD]). Four patients presented defects after recurrent tumor resection, whereas in 2 patients, the defect was due to vascular jeopardy of internal iliac arteries with consequent necrosis. Last defect derived from debridement of a neglected wound in a paraplegic patient. All patients had concomitant bone infection. Infectious details and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Patients were in general poor medical condition (including peripheral arterial disease, hypertension, diabetes, or a combination of these). Eight flaps were raised as propeller perforator, whereas 2 as V-Y perforator. One propelled flap had venous congestion on postoperative day 1 and required a revision surgery to be converted to V-Y. Subsequent partial flap necrosis was treated conservatively. One patient presented a wound dehiscence that required surgical revision. All flaps were closed primarily except for 1 patient whose flap presented a mild intraoperative congestion, which was treated by delayed closure on postoperative day 6, with uneventful outcome. Time to complete healing was 29 ± 17 days (mean ± SD). No flap loss occurred, and all patients benefited from effective coverage at a mean follow-up of 20 months. CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar perforator flap is a reliable option to cover large soft tissue defects in the lumbar area despite chronic osteomyelitis, with low morbidity and acceptable cosmetic outcome.