Perforator-based chimeric anterolateral thigh flap U-shaped insetting for total pharyngoesophageal reconstruction: Surgical technique and functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with the tubed anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is burdened by possible strictures and pharyngocutaneous fistulae (PCF). We present our experience with the U-shaped insetting of perforator-based chimeric ALT flap focusing on surgical technique, complications and functional outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively included 10 patients with a total circumferential defect of the hypopharynx undergoing reconstruction with ALT flap. A perforator-based chimeric ALT flap with two independent skin paddles was harvested: the trapezoid paddle with the greater base cranially and the height oriented vertically was used for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction while the second paddle was exteriorized and used for flap monitoring and reducing tension on skin closure. Mean age was 56.4 years. Eight patients were affected by squamous cell carcinoma. Modified barium swallow radiogram and fiberoptic laryngoscopy were performed to assess strictures and PCFs. Swallowing and speech outcomes were evaluated through the Deglutition Handicap Index (DHI), M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) and Voice Handicap Index (VHI) questionnaires. RESULTS: Mean flap dimension was 7.9 × 6 × 9.2 cm. Mean ischemia time was 58.2 min (range 42-80). No flap loss nor flap-related complications were reported. Two PCFs were observed. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy documented a complete integration of the flap with no strictures or stenosis. Mean follow-up was 13.6 months (range 1-45 months). Mean DHI score was 33.8, mean MDADI score was 62.5, mean VHI score was 32.2. CONCLUSIONS: The ALT flap U-shaped insetting is a reliable option for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction yielding a high success rate, low number of strictures and fistulae and good swallowing and voice outcomes.

Brachioplasty with Extended Incision at the Elbow: A Comparison with the Traditional Short Technique.

BACKGROUND: The elbow area is frequently affected by excessive sagging skin post-massive weight loss. The aim of this study is to present a brachioplasty with distal extension of incision to the anticubital surface, in order to make the transition from middle arm to distal arm/elbow more nuanced and aesthetically pleasing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational retrospective comparative study was performed confronting two groups of female patients. All patients treated with brachioplasty between January 2015 and December 2020 due to brachial laxity following massive weight loss were included in the study. Group A consisted of patients who underwent the novel procedure and Group B comprised subjects with the standard brachioplasty technique. Demographics, including age, BMI and comorbidities were taken into account. The mean outcome measure was the Body-QTM-satisfaction with upper arms score, which was administered preoperatively and one year postoperatively. RESULTS: In the period considered, Group A consisted of 92 patients and Group B of 78. No difference was found between groups concerning BMI and age. The groups were comparable also based on the Body-Q pre-surgery levels. The Body-Q scores at one year postoperatively were 22.80 ± 2.28 in group A and 19.50 ± 2.42 in group B. The postoperative Body-Q scores across the two groups were a higher in group A, and the result is statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The utilization of the proposed elbow-extended technique allows an improvement of the upper limb profile, with far higher satisfaction of patients, at the price of minimal sequelae in terms of scar. The elbow area is a critical part in post-obese deformities of the brachium, and is frequently neglected. In case of skin laxity and redundancy an elbow extension of the brachioplasty incision is indicated. Results of elbow-extended brachioplasty are p valid and the additional scar well concealed and accepted by patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: 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 profunda artery perforator flap for upper limb reconstruction: A case report and literature review on the flap applications in reconstruction.

The profunda femoris artery perforator (PAP) flap has been recently popularized as an alternative option for microsurgical reconstruction. The use of PAP flap has never been reported and described for reconstruction of the upper extremities, in particular the forearm. The purpose of this case report is to describe a case suggesting the PAP flap as a further reconstructive option in the upper limb. A 16-year-old girl who sustained a traumatic injury to her right dominant forearm resulting in subtotal circumferential tissue loss following a road traffic accident was referred to the authors' department 2 years post-trauma. The disabling fibrotic sequelae on her volar forearm (15 × 10 cm) resulted in a nonfunctional hand. She was unable to perform any active movement of her wrist or digits. Passive movements in the finger joints were preserved. Following debridement and reconstruction of nerves and tendons, soft tissues were resurfaced with a PAP flap. The transverse skin paddle, 12 × 7 cm, was placed distally with the adipofascial portion positioned proximally above the muscle bellies and anastomoses site. A small raw area (4 × 3 cm) was covered with an acellular dermal matrix (ADM). The postoperative course was uneventful. At 9 months postoperatively, the patient demonstrated active flexion and extension of the fingers with independent function. The patient reported satisfaction with the flap donor site and forearm resurfacing. The PAP flap can be a further option for areas requiring soft tissue coverage in patients refusing visible scars. This flap had both the advantage of reducing the morbidity and visibility of the donor site, as well as the ability to resurface a large recipient site with soft and pliable tissue, covering exposed nerves and tendons.

Unilateral immediate deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstruction following skin sparing mastectomy: A comparative study on revision surgeries to improve breast symmetry.

BACKGROUND: The number of revision surgeries to improve breast asymmetry after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is still high worldwide with impact on both patients and healthcare systems. These procedures include fat grafting, contralateral breast symmetrization, scar revision, flap repositioning and remodeling. A previously published DIEP flap insetting algorithm has proven to be effective in selecting patient-tailored strategies to achieve excellent aesthetic outcomes. This study investigated whether this insetting algorithm was effective in reducing revision surgeries in patients undergoing SSM and immediate DIEP flap breast reconstruction to achieve the goal of a one-stage reconstruction. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study included 60 patients (group A) treated without the DIEP flap standardized insetting algorithm and 60 patients (group B) treated with the standardized insetting algorithm, which considers among its variables the type of breast to be reconstructed, abdominal tissue thickness, rotation due to harvesting side. Demographic data, operative data, complications and number of revision surgeries were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty primary and 106 revision surgeries were performed. Groups were homogenous for age (p = .32), body mass index (p = .77), flap weight (p = .7), operative time (p = .87) and early complications (p = .78). When excluding isolated nipple reconstruction from the revision surgeries, one-stage reconstruction was successfully performed in 26 patients in group A (43.3%) and 39 patients (65.0%) in group B, with a statistically significant difference between the groups (p = .003). CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of a standardized insetting algorithm for immediate unilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction can be effective in reducing the number of revision surgeries for breast asymmetry, making a one-stage reconstruction an achievable and reliable target.

Absorbable versus non-absorbable sutures for skin closure after carpal tunnel decompression surgery.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common problem and surgical decompression of the carpal tunnel is the most effective treatment. After surgical decompression, the palmar skin may be closed using either absorbable or non-absorbable sutures. To date, there is conflicting evidence regarding the ideal suture material and this formed the rationale for our review. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of absorbable versus non-absorbable sutures for skin closure after elective carpal tunnel decompression surgery in adults on postoperative pain, hand function, scar satisfaction, wound inflammation and adverse events. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following databases on 30 October 2017: the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase. We searched two clinical trials registries on 30 October 2017. SELECTION CRITERIA: We considered all randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing absorbable and non-absorbable sutures for skin closure after any form of carpal tunnel decompression surgery in adults. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The unit of analysis was the hand rather than the patient. We performed meta-analysis of direct comparisons to generate standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in pain scores and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs for dichotomous outcomes, such as wound inflammation. The primary outcome was postoperative pain. Secondary outcomes included hand function, scar satisfaction, scar inflammation and adverse events (complications). We assessed the quality of evidence for key outcomes using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: We included five randomised trials (255 participants). The trials were all European (UK, Republic of Ireland, Denmark and the Netherlands). Where quoted, the mean age of participants was between 48 and 53 years. The trials measured outcomes between one and 12 weeks postoperatively.Meta-analysis of postoperative pain scores for absorbable versus non-absorbable sutures at 10 days following open carpal tunnel decompression (OCTD) produced a SMD of 0.03 (95% CI -0.43 to 0.48; 3 studies, number of participants (N) = 137; I2 = 43%); the SMD suggests little or no difference, but with a high degree of uncertainty because of very low-quality evidence. At 10 days following endoscopic carpal tunnel decompression (ECTD), the SMD for postoperative pain with use of absorbable versus non-absorbable sutures was -0.81 (95% CI -1.36 to -0.25; 1 study; N = 54); although the SMD is consistent with a large effect, the very low-quality evidence means the results are very uncertain. Only the OCTD studies provided pain data at 6 weeks, when the SMD was 0.06 (95% CI -0.72 to 0.84; 4 studies; N = 175; I2 = 84%), which indicates little or no evidence of difference, but with a high degree of uncertainty (very low-quality evidence). The RR for wound inflammation using absorbable versus non-absorbable sutures after OCTD was 2.28 (95% CI 0.24 to 21.91; N = 95; I2 = 90%) and after ECTD 0.93 (95% CI 0.06 to 14.09; 1 study, N = 54). Any difference in effect on wound inflammation is uncertain because the quality of evidence is very low. One study reported postoperative hand function but found no evidence of a difference between suture types at two weeks (mean difference (MD) -0.10, 95% CI -0.53 to 0.33, N = 36), with similar findings at six and 12 weeks. Only the ECTD trial reported scar satisfaction, with 25 out of 28 people reporting a 'nice' result in the absorbable-suture group, versus 18 out of 26 in the group who received non-absorbable sutures (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.72, N = 54). These findings are also very uncertain as we judged the quality of the evidence to be very low. All studies were at high risk of bias for most domains. No trials reported adverse events. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: It is uncertain whether absorbable sutures confer better, worse or equivalent outcomes compared to non-absorbable sutures following carpal tunnel decompression, because the quality of evidence is very low. Use of absorbable suture eliminates the need for suture removal, which could confer considerable savings to patients and healthcare providers alike. We need rigorously-performed, non-inferiority randomised trials with economic analyses to inform choice of suture.

Tear drop-free anterolateral thigh flap, a versatile design for lower limb reconstruction after trauma.

BACKGROUND: In lower limb reconstruction the cosmetic outcome is influenced by the contouring of the flap at the recipient site as well as by the donor site closure. It is also important to minimise compression of the flap pedicle. We discuss the outcomes of a versatile ALT flap design that allows freedom in skin paddle tailoring without elongating the scar, reduction of the tension over the pedicle and improved cosmetic results of both donor and recipient sites. METHODS: Between January 2009 and October 2015, 27 patients underwent reconstruction using tear drop ALTs. The age ranged between 20 and 89 years. Seventeen were elective procedures and 10 were urgent. The locations of the defects were: knee (1 case), achilles tendon (2 cases), os calcis (1 case), lateral malleolus (1 case), fibula (3 cases), tibia (6 cases), tibia/fibula (5 cases), and ankle (8 cases). The sizes of the defects ranged from 4 × 3 cm to 9 × 7 cm. RESULTS: The size of the flap ranged from 6 × 4 cm to 11 × 7 cm. One venous congestion and a wound dehiscence occurred, no flap loss. Two defatting procedures were performed. The mean follow-up was 16.44 months. Final outcomes showed good functional and cosmetic results in both the donor and recipient sites. CONCLUSIONS: The tear drop ALT is a useful tool in lower limb reconstruction allowing to improve skin paddle tailoring without elongating the donor site scar. It allows minimal tension over the pedicle while optimizing the contour of both the donor and recipient sites.

Complications in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study Comparing Unilateral Versus Bilateral Reconstructions.

BACKGROUND: The demand for bilateral breast reconstructions is rising worldwide. In the UK, approximately 30% of breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy choose autologous tissue breast reconstruction. Although the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is gaining popularity, bilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction remains a complex procedure and reliable outcome data are lacking. In the absence of clinical trials, evidence from cohort studies is needed to better inform clinicians and patients. METHODS: Over a 6-year period, all consecutive patients undergoing DIEP flap breast reconstruction were prospectively included and categorized as unilateral or bilateral reconstruction for comparative analyses of outcomes and complications, with the patient as the unit of analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 565 DIEP flaps were performed on 468 women (371 unilateral and 97 bilateral reconstructions [194 flaps]). Postoperative complications requiring reoperation were twice as likely for bilateral reconstructions (risk ratio [RR] 2.1, 95% CI 1.4-3.4, p = 0.002) and were mainly due to venous congestion (RR 3.1, 95% CI 1.2-7.5, p = 0.011). The risk of total flap loss was six times greater in bilateral reconstruction (RR 6.4, 95% CI 1.6-26, p = 0.011). The rates of revision breast and abdominal surgery were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both unilateral and bilateral DIEP flap breast reconstructions are safe, with a low risk of complications; however, bilateral reconstruction was associated with a higher risk of complications and total flap loss. This information should be highlighted to patients requesting bilateral breast reconstruction, particularly those requesting risk-reducing mastectomy and reconstruction.

Correction to: Reply to ''Complications in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study Comparing Unilateral Versus Bilateral Reconstructions".

In the original article Justin C. R. Wormald's middle initials were incorrect. They are correct as reflected in this erratum. The original article has also been corrected.

Dupuytren Disease Infiltrating a Full-Thickness Skin Graft.

Although the role of the skin in the development and propagation of Dupuytren disease remains unclear, dermofasciectomy and full-thickness skin grafting (FTSG) appears to delay recurrence. In 2011, a 71-year-old, left-handed man presented with recurrent Dupuytren disease in the dominant hand. In 1991, he originally underwent a primary dermofasciectomy and FTSG for Dupuytren disease involving the palmar skin. Twenty years later, the left middle finger was drawn into flexion by a recurrent cord, and the old graft and adjacent palmar skin were clinically involved by fibromatosis. We performed a revision dermofasciectomy and FTSG. Microscopic analysis of the excised graft demonstrated dense infiltration of the entire skin graft by Dupuytren disease, with areas of active and burnt-out fibromatosis distinct from hypertrophic scarring. This report of Dupuytren fibromatosis infiltrating a skin graft raises questions about the pathophysiology of Dupuytren disease.

The profunda artery perforators: Anatomical study and radiological findings using computed tomography angiography in patients undergoing PAP flap breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The popularity of the profunda femoris artery perforator (PAP) flap is increasing; however, knowledge concerning the standardization of radiological findings and their clinical implications is limited. We evaluated the radiological architecture of posterior thigh perforators using Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) to identify landmarks to facilitate flap dissection. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 35 patients who underwent unilateral breast reconstruction with a PAP flap. The preoperative CTA scans were analyzed, and the perforator characteristics were evaluated. The perforators were mapped using a Cartesian coordinate system. Data were normalized by anatomical landmarks and overlapped. Perioperative and postoperative results were analyzed. Radiological and intraoperative were compared. RESULTS: Two CTA scans were excluded; 66 thighs were examined. The mean perforator number was 3.2. The mean diameter of chosen perforators was 2.7 mm (DS ± 0.6 mm) at the origin, 2.2 mm (DS ± 0.4 mm) at the adductor space midpoint, and 1.7 mm (DS ± 0.3 mm) at the deep fascia. The mean adipose tissue thickness was 3.35 cm (DS ± 0.94) at the deep fascia and 3.59 cm (DS ± 1.19) at the adductor space midpoint. Intraoperatively, the perforator was located 3.22 cm (DS ± 0.87) from the posterior border of the gracilis muscle and 8.98 cm (DS ± 1.44) from the inferior gluteal crease. A radiological area located 9.33 cm (DS ± 4.81) from the y-axis and 7.48 cm (DS ± 1.88) from the x-axis was identified. CONCLUSIONS: CTA using the volume-rendering technique is a valuable method to study in vivo the radiological anatomy of the posterior thigh perforators.

Insights on the Choice and Preparation of the Donor Nerve in Corneal Neurotization for Neurotrophic Keratopathy: A Narrative Review.

The article introduces neurotrophic keratopathy (NK), a condition resulting from corneal denervation due to various causes of trigeminal nerve dysfunctions. Surgical techniques for corneal neurotization (CN) have evolved, aiming to restore corneal sensitivity. Initially proposed in 1972, modern approaches offer less invasive options. CN can be performed through a direct approach (DCN) directly suturing a sensitive nerve to the affected cornea or indirectly (ICN) through a nerve auto/allograft. Surgical success relies on meticulous donor nerve selection and preparation, often involving multidisciplinary teams. A PubMed research and review of the relevant literature was conducted regarding the surgical approach, emphasizing surgical techniques and the choice of the donor nerve. The latter considers factors like sensory integrity and proximity to the cornea. The most used are the contralateral or ipsilateral supratrochlear (STN), and the supraorbital (SON) and great auricular (GAN) nerves. Regarding the choice of grafts, the most used in the literature are the sural (SN), the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LABCN), and the GAN nerves. Another promising option is represented by allografts (acellularized nerves from cadavers). The significance of sensory recovery and factors influencing surgical outcomes, including nerve caliber matching and axonal regeneration, are discussed. Future directions emphasize less invasive techniques and the potential of acellular nerve allografts. In conclusion, CN represents a promising avenue in the treatment of NK, offering tailored approaches based on patient history and surgical expertise, with new emerging techniques warranting further exploration through basic science refinements and clinical trials.

Surgical Management of Patients with Parotid Involvement from Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck.

We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal study on a single-center series of patients who underwent parotidectomy in the management of advanced head and neck non-melanoma skin cancer (hnNMSC). The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors associated with worse outcomes. Forty-one men and nine women were included. The mean age at the time of surgery was 78.9 years. The 5-year overall survival, disease-specific survival, locoregional recurrence-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival calculated with Kaplan-Meier curves were 39.9%, 56.3%, 58.6%, and 82.1%, respectively. A univariate analysis showed that the status of the margins, facial nerve direct involvement, lymph vascular invasion, and histological grading were associated with worse outcomes (p < 0.05). Positive margins were associated with worse disease-specific survival also in a multivariate analysis (p = 0.001, HR = 32.02, and CIs 4.338 to 351.3). Because the resection in free margins is the most important prognostic factor, early diagnosis or, in the case of advanced disease, extensive surgical resection with concomitant reconstruction is needed. Adjuvant therapy is indicated in selected cases.

Segmental Mandibulectomy and Mandibular Reconstruction with Fibula-Free Flap Using a 3D Template.

INTRODUCTION: The present study evaluates the influence of virtual surgical planning with a preoperative 3D resin model on aesthetic and functional outcomes in patients treated by segmental mandibulectomy and reconstruction with fibula-free flap for oral cancer. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent segmental mandibulectomy and mandibular reconstruction with a fibula-free flap using a 3D template at our department from January 2021 to January 2023 were included in the study. "Patients control" were patients treated by reconstruction with a fibula-free flap without using a 3D template. Three-dimensional modeling was performed by converting from preoperative computed tomography to a stereolithography format to obtain the resin 3D models. Qualitative analysis of anatomical and aesthetic results consisted of the evaluation of the patients' aesthetic and functional satisfaction and the symmetry of the mandibular contour observed at clinical examination. Quantitative analysis was based on the assessment of the accuracy and precision of the reconstruction by comparing preoperative and postoperative computed tomograms as objective indicators. RESULTS: Seven patients (five males and two females, mean age of 65.1 years) were included in the study. All patients showed a symmetric mandibular contour based on the clinical examination. After recovery, six patients (85.7%) considered themselves aesthetically satisfied. The quantitative analysis (assessed in six/seven patients) showed that the mean difference between preoperative and postoperative intercondylar distance, intergonial angle distance, anteroposterior dimension, and gonial angle improved in the 3D template-assisted group. CONCLUSION: The 3D-printed template for mandibular reconstruction with microvascular fibula-free flap can improve aesthetic outcomes in comparison with standard approaches.

Intraoperative esophageal Doppler hemodynamic monitoring in free perforator flap surgery.

Goal-directed fluid therapy optimizes cardiac output and flap perfusion during anesthesia. Intraoperative esophageal Doppler (ED) monitoring has been reported as more accurate and reliable, demonstrating improved surgical outcomes compared with central venous pressure and arterial catheter monitoring. A prospective study of patients undergoing free perforator (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator/anterolateral thigh) flap surgery with intraoperative ED monitoring (51 patients) or central venous pressure monitoring (53 patients) was undertaken. Fluid input included crystalloids, colloids, or blood products. Fluid output included urine, blood, or suctioned fluid. Postoperative fluid balance was calculated as fluid input - output. Fluid input between groups was not different. Fluid output was greater in the ED group (P = 0.008). The ED group showed less fluid balance (P = 0.023), less anesthetic time (P = 0.001), less hospital stay (mean 1.9 days; P = 0.147), less monitoring and flap complications (P = 0.062). ED monitoring demonstrated no monitoring complications, provides a favorable postoperative fluid balance, and may reduce flap complications and hospital stay.

Effective Surgical Management of a Large Serous Ovarian Cyst in a Morbidly Obese Middle-Aged Woman: A Case Study and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND In contemporary gynecological practice, encountering giant ovarian tumors is a rarity. While most are benign and of the mucinous subtype, the borderline variant only accounts for approximately 10% of these cases. This paper addresses the paucity of information about this specific subtype, emphasizing critical elements of managing borderline tumors that can pose life-threatening complications. Additionally, a review of other documented cases of the borderline variant in the literature is also included to foster a deeper understanding of this uncommon condition. CASE REPORT We present the multidisciplinary management of a 52-year-old symptomatic woman with a giant serous borderline ovarian tumor. Preoperative assessment showed a multiloculated pelvic-abdominal cyst responsible for compression of the bowel and retroperitoneal organs, and dyspnea. All tumor markers were negative. Together with anesthesiologists and interventional cardiologists, we decided to perform a controlled drainage of the cyst of the tumor, to prevent hemodynamic instability. Subsequent total extrafascial hysterectomy, contralateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and abdominal wall reconstruction, followed by admission to the intensive care unit, were also conducted by the multidisciplinary team. During the postoperative period, the patient experienced a cardiopulmonary arrest and acute renal failure, which were managed by dialysis. After discharge, the patient underwent oncologic followup, and after 2 years, she was found to be completely recovered and disease free. CONCLUSIONS Intraoperative controlled drainage of Giant ovarian tumor fluid, planned by a multidisciplinary management team, constitutes a valid and safe alternative to the popular choice of "en bloc" tumor resection. This approach avoids rapid changes in body circulation, which are responsible for intraoperative and postoperative severe complications.

Superficial outside-flap shunt (SOS) is associated with a low incidence of postoperative DIEP flap venous congestion: A single-institution retrospective cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Venous congestion burdens up to 15% of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstructions. For these cases, venous augmentation by superficial outside shunt (SOS) is associated with 100% success in secondary salvage surgeries. Intraoperative venous augmentation using other techniques yields a 0.3% rate of return to theater due to venous congestion, but there is no evidence assessing the effectiveness of the SOS technique applied preventively. Comparing this preventive approach to data prior to its implementation, we expect to find a reduced number of venous congested flaps with reduced flap losses and revision surgeries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study involved DIEP flap breast reconstructions performed between 2011 and 2020. The control group included patients receiving additional venous anastomosis as a secondary salvage procedure. The "preventive SOS group" included patients who received preventive SOS during the main surgery. Age, body mass index (BMI), pregnancies, perioperative treatments (neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemo or radiotherapy), follow-up complications (arterial ischemia, venous congestion, hematomas, partial/total flap loss), and revision surgeries (breast debridement, flap remodeling) were recorded and compared. RESULTS: Within 695 flaps performed, 397 flaps were included in the control group, and 298 flaps were included in the preventive SOS group. The groups were homogeneous for age (p = 0.418), BMI (p = 0.747), and flap weight (p = 0.064). Fifty-one flaps (12.8%) in the control group compared to zero (0.0%) in the preventive SOS group required return to theater (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We reported encouraging preliminary results for SOS to prevent DIEP flap venous congestion. These results must be validated prospectively.

Survival in Patients with Primary Parotid Gland Carcinoma after Surgery-Results of a Single-Centre Study.

This study aims to analyse a single-centre cohort series of patients who underwent parotidectomy for primary malignant parotid tumours. A retrospective chart review of 64 consecutive patients treated from November 2010 to March 2022 was performed. Outcomes were analysed by Kaplan-Meier curves. Sixty-four patients with a primary parotid malignancy were included in the study, with one bilateral case in this cohort. Patients were classified as stage I-II in 39 cases and stage III-IV in 26 cases. The five-year overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), local relapse-free survival (LRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rates were 78.4%, 89%, 92.5%, and 87.1%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that high-risk histology, stage IV disease, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, node metastasis, skin involvement, facial nerve involvement, and positive or close margins were risk factors associated with poorer outcomes. At present, the best evidence suggests that radical surgery should be the standard approach, and adjuvant therapy, in terms of radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy, is recommended in patients with risk factors.

White matter abnormalities in 15 subjects with SPG76.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are heterogenous genetic disorders characterized by progressive pyramidal tract involvement. SPG76 is a recently identified form of HSP, caused by biallelic calpain-1 (CAPN1) variants. The most frequently described MRI abnormality in SPG76 is mild cerebellar atrophy and non-specific white matter abnormalities were reported in only one case. Following the identification of prominent white matter abnormalities in a subject with CAPN1 variants, which delayed the diagnosis, we aimed to verify the presence of MRI patterns of white matter involvement specific to this HSP. METHODS: We performed a retrospective radiological qualitative analysis of 15 subjects with SPG76 (4 previously unreported) initially screened for white matter involvement. Moreover, we performed quantitative analyses in our proband with available longitudinal studies. RESULTS: We observed bilateral, periventricular white matter involvement in 12 subjects (80%), associated with multifocal subcortical abnormalities in 5 of them (33.3%). Three subjects (20%) presented only multifocal subcortical involvement. Longitudinal quantitative analyses of our proband revealed increase in multifocal white matter lesion count and increased area of periventricular white matter involvement over time. DISCUSSION: SPG76 should be added to the list of HSPs with associated white matter abnormalities. We identified periventricular white matter involvement in subjects with SPG76, variably associated with multifocal subcortical white matter abnormalities. These findings, in the presence of progressive spastic paraparesis, can mislead the diagnostic process towards an acquired white matter disorder.