[A new technique for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction: the Muscular Flag Flap (MFF)]. / Una nuova tecnica per la ricostruzione mammaria post-mastectomia: il muscular FLAG FLAP (MFF).

The possibility of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy resulting from breast cancer is still not widely exploited, and perhaps because it is relatively uncommon and unknown, is not widely practised. The plastic surgeons who were pioneers in this field know just how hard it has been to reach the stage we are at today. This leads to longer operating times, in the context of over-worked operating theaters in which time was already at a premium, and this is expecially the case in peripheral hospitals lacking in-house resources for surgical reconstruction and dependent on outisde specialist consultants. In order to address this problem, a new single-operation surgical technique, MFF (Muscular Flag Flap) has been developed. The surgical techniques adopted at present are based on immediate reconstruction or successive reconstruction. The MFF technique was developed as a response to demand for intraoperative reconstruction even when "demolition" is extensive and the breast large. This will reduce the need to operate the contralateral breast. Upper and lower pectoralis major muscle flaps are created in order to produce a large enough pocket for the final prothesis. The elasticity of this muscle is such that a large pocket is possible. The pectoralis major muscle will then envelop at least two thirds of the prosthesis. Projection of the reconstructed cone and a more anatomically normal profile are obtained. This method gives excellent esthetic results in a single operation. Thanks to the collaboration of the hospitals of Ivrea, Pinerolo and Alba over a period of approximately one year, about 80 patients have been very successfully treated using this techhnique. Rapid functional and social recovery have been observed, with no particular problems. In view of the above, we confirm that this new surgical technique will be of considerable benefit to patients.

[Palliative gastric resection]. / Le resezioni gastriche palliative.

The surgical treatment of stomach carcinoma is reassessed. Stress is laid on the more aggressive attitude with regard to advanced gastric cancer where total or partial palliative resection is the only operation offering good results. This tendency emerges both from the series presented and those reported in the literature. It is concluded that if more aggressive surgery is justified in IVth stage stomach tumours it must still depend on the patient's general condition.

[Tumors of the anus]. / I tumori dell'ano.

On the basis of an analysis of a personal series of anal tumours, it is concluded that the polychemotherapeutic protocol with mitomycin and 5-fluorouracil and extensive local tumour removal proposed by Nigro et al. could present a valid alternative to Miles anorectal amputation. The treatment proposed offers better quality of life for the patient without changing oncological radicality and survival.