[Clinical diagnosis and treatment of 14 cases of scar cancer ulcer wound on head and face].

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of scar cancer ulcer wound of head and face, and to investigate its diagnosis and treatment. Methods: The clinical data of 14 patients with head and facial scar cancer ulcer wounds who met the selection criteria and admitted between January 2021 and March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 8 males and 6 females. The age of onset ranged from 21 to 81 years with an average age of 61.6 years. The incubation period ranged from 1 month to 70 years, with a median of 4 years. Site of the disease included 7 cases of head, 6 cases of maxillofacial region, and 1 case of neck region. Injury factors included trauma in 5 cases, scratch in 5 cases, scalding in 2 cases, burn in 1 case, and needle puncture in 1 case. Pathological results showed squamous cell carcinoma in 9 cases, basal cell carcinoma in 3 cases, sebaceous adenocarcinoma in 1 case, papillary sweat duct cystadenoma combined with tubular apocrine sweat gland adenoma in 1 case. There was 1 case of simple extensive tumor resection, 1 case of extensive tumor resection and skin grafting repair, 7 cases of extensive tumor resection and local flap repair, and 5 cases of extensive tumor resection and free flap repair. Results: All the 14 patients were followed up 16-33 months (mean, 27.8 months). Two patients (14.29%) had scar cancer ulcer wound recurrence, of which 1 patient recurred at 2 years after 2 courses of postoperative chemotherapy, and was still alive after oral traditional Chinese medicine treatment. One patient relapsed at 1 year after operation and died after 2 courses of chemotherapy. One patient underwent extensive resection of the left eye and periocular tumor and the transfer and repair of the chimaeric muscle axial flap with the perforating branch of the descending branch of the left lateral circumflex femoral artery, but the incision healing was poor after operation, and healed well after anti-infection and debridement suture. The wounds of other patients with scar cancer ulcer did not recur, and the wounds healed well. Conclusion: Scar cancer ulcer wound of the head and face is common in the middle-aged and elderly male, and the main pathological type is squamous cell carcinoma. Local extensive resection, skin grafting, or flap transfer repair are the main treatment methods. Early active treatment of wounds after various injuries to avoid scar repeated rupture and infection is the foundamental prevention of scar cancer.

Postoperative Magnesium Sulfate Repletion Decreases Narcotic Use in Abdominal-Based Free Flap Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Microsurgical breast reconstruction after mastectomy is now the standard of care for breast cancer patients. However, the costs and resources involved in free flap reconstruction can vary across different medical settings. To enhance patient outcomes in a cost-effective manner, we investigated the effect of intravenous magnesium sulfate (IV Mg) on postoperative opioid usage in this context. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on all consecutive patients who underwent abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction in a single institute following an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. Patients who received IV Mg were compared with those who did not receive supplementation. Serum magnesium levels at different time points, narcotic consumption in units of oral morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), and other postoperative recovery parameters were compared. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were included. Those who received IV Mg on postoperative day 0 (n = 67) showed significantly lower serum magnesium levels before repletion (1.5 vs. 1.7 mg/dL, p = 0.004) and significantly higher levels on postoperative day 1 after repletion (2.2 vs. 1.7 mg/dL, p = 0.0002) compared to patients who received no magnesium repletion (n = 13). While both groups required a similar amount of narcotics on postoperative day 0 (20.2 vs. 13.2 MMEs, p = 0.2), those who received IV Mg needed significantly fewer narcotics for pain control on postoperative day 1 (12.2 MMEs for IV Mg vs. 19.8 MMEs for No Mg, p = 0.03). Recovery parameters, including maximal pain scores, postoperative mobilization, and length of hospital stay, did not significantly differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to describe the potential analgesic benefits of routine postoperative magnesium repletion in abdominal-based free flap reconstruction. Further research is necessary to fully understand the role of perioperative magnesium supplementation as part of an ERAS protocol.

Fascio-cutaneous and fascio-periosteal free flaps for treatment of intermediate stage osteoradionecrosis of the jaws.

OBJECTIVES: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaw is a potentially devastating consequence of head and neck irradiation. Despite recent advances, there are patients who fail to respond to conventional therapies. Historically, free flaps were reserved for advanced cases requiring segmental resection and composite reconstruction, with early and intermediate disease treated more conservatively. We have adopted a more active surgical approach in selected intermediate cases. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of patients with intermediate stage ORN who received debridement and either fascio-cutaneous or fascio-periosteal free flap reconstruction was performed. Demographic data, ORN severity, treatment, and outcomes are described. RESULTS: From 2019, 9 cases in 7 patients were identified. All cases were Notani grade II. There were 6 Epstein stage IIa and 3 Epstein stage IIIa. The mandible was the most common site (n = 8). Of the 7 patients, 2 had oropharyngeal primaries treated with chemoradiation, and 5 had oral cavity primaries treated with surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy. Three patients had prior hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and 2 had pentoxifylline/tocopherol therapy. After debridement, the radial forearm, ulnar artery perforator, and antero-lateral thigh fascio-cutaneous free flaps were each used in 1 case and the temporoparietal fascio-periosteal free flap was used in 6 cases. There was no recurrence or progression of ORN at the site of surgery, but 2 patients developed additional sites of ORN. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with unresponsive intermediate ORN, debridement and soft tissue free flap reconstruction is an alternative to ongoing conservative management or composite resection and reconstruction.

Jehovah's witness head and neck free flap reconstruction patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Jehovah's Witnesses are members of a Christian religious denomination that rejects the transfusion of whole blood and component blood products. Given new transfusion-free strategies, Jehovah's Witness patients are undergoing free flap reconstructions with increased regularity. However, outcome data remains limited. With this study, we sought to examine post-operative outcomes in Jehovah's Witness patients undergoing free flap reconstruction of the head and neck, compare their outcomes to non-Jehovah's Witness patients, and enumerate strategies to enhance the safety of transfusion-free surgery. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was carried out on 10 patients who identified as Jehovah's Witness and 63 patients who did not. Demographic information, pre-operative laboratory values, peri-operative resuscitative interventions, and peri-operative outcome measures were compiled. Descriptive data analysis, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square tests, and multivariate analysis were used. RESULTS: Jehovah's Witness patients were significantly older than non-Jehovah's Witness patients (p = 0.03) and had significantly higher ASA scores (p = 0.009). Head and neck cancer was the primary surgical indication in both groups (p = 0.71). Jehovah's witness patients have significantly less intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.011) and lower post-operative hemoglobin (p = 0.002) compared to non-Jehovah's Witness patients. While Jehovah's Witness patients had significantly higher rates of severe anemia (p = 0.014), there was no significant difference between the two groups in other post-operative complications and readmission rates even in a multivariate analysis accounting for age and ASA score. CONCLUSIONS: Free flap microvascular reconstruction can be reliably performed on Jehovah's Witness head and neck patients without an increased risk of complication. Policies such as the use of non-blood volume expanders, albumin, Epogen, perioperative iron supplementation, cell saver and acute normovolemic hemodilution are key to ensuring good outcomes.

The Novel Role of Crocus sativus L. in Enhancing Skin Flap Survival by Affecting Apoptosis Independent of mTOR: A Data-Virtualized Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the improvements to enhance skin flap viability, the effects of ischemia-reperfusion (IR), oxidative stress, necrosis, and apoptosis are still challenging. Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) is highly noticeable due to its tissue-protective and antioxidant properties. So, we aimed to investigate its effects on skin flap viability, oxidative stress, apoptosis markers, histopathological changes, and mTOR/p-mTOR expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 Sprauge-Dawley rats, weighting 200-240 g, were divided into four groups including: (1) Sham (8 × 3 cm skin cut, without elevation); (2) Flap Surgery (8 × 3 cm skin flap with elevation from its bed); (3) Saffron 40 mg/kg + Flap Surgery; and (4) Saffron 80 mg/kg + Flap Surgery. Saffron was administrated orally for 7 days. At day 7, flap necrosis percentage, histopathological changes, malondialdehyde level, Myeloperoxidase and superoxide dismutase activity, Bax, Bcl-2, mTOR, and p-mTOR expression were measured. Protein expressions were controlled by ß-Actin. RESULTS: Saffron administration decreased flap necrosis percentage (p < 0.01), which was not dose-dependent. Treatment groups showed significant histological healing signs (Neovascularization, Fibroblast migration, Epithelialization, and Epithelialization thickness), decreased MDA content (p < 0.01), increased SOD (p < 0.01) and decreased MPO activity (p < 0.01). Bax and Bcl-2 expression, decreased and increased respectively in treated groups (p < 0.0001). mTOR and p-mTOR expression were not changed significantly in Saffron treated groups. CONCLUSION: Saffron could increase skin flap viability, alleviate necrosis, decrease oxidative stress and decrease apoptotic cell death, after skin flap surgery, but it acts independent of the mTOR pathway. So, Saffron could potentially be used clinically to enhance skin flap viability. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. 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. https://www.springer.com/00266.

Intraoral Hirudotherapy for Venous Congestion following Free Flap Head and Neck Reconstruction: Novel Intraoral Technique.

Intraoral hirudotherapy is traditionally used for venous congestion following head and neck free flap reconstruction. Many institutions and healthcare teams have been reluctant to use intraoral leech therapy due to risks such as migration into the airway, increased infection from intraoral manipulation, and patient discomfort. Several protocols recommend blocking the path to the oropharynx via gauze or leaving a tracheotomy in place to protect the airway. This report pre-sents a novel technique for intraoral hirudotherapy that is safe and simple for treatment of free flap venous congestion. The base of a clear cup or a plastic lid is utilized, and the leech is attached onto the inside of the lid with 2 sutures near each end. Several cups with leeches attached are made at a time to reduce delay and difficulty of application by less experienced clinical staff. The leech is then applied onto the compromised flap and then simply removed once it has unlatched from the flap. This method allows the leech to be applied with ease by multiple members of the healthcare team, decreases the need for intraoral manipulation, and reduces the risk of migration into the aerodigestive tract. Future prospective studies are warranted to assess the efficacy of this technique.

Analysis of etiological characteristics and establishment of prediction model of postoperative infections in patients undergoing oral squamous cell carcinoma surgery with free flap reconstruction / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the characteristics of pathogen infection and to establish a prediction model of infections in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing surgery with free flap reconstruction.@*METHODS@#The retrospective cohort study consisted of 1 596 patients undergoing tumor resection and free flap reconstruction for oral squamous cell carcinoma from January 2018 to December 2020. According to the postoperative infection, the patients were divided into the infected group (n=154) and non-infected group (n=1 442). The characteristics of pathogens were analyzed in the infected patients. The primary outcome variable was postoperative infection, and Logistic regression was used to determine risk factors of the infection. The prediction model was established and the discriminatory accuracy of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.@*RESULTS@#Totally 154 cases were infected in the 1 596 cases undergoing surgery with free flap reconstruction, and the infection rate was 9.65%. The most frequent sites of infection were the surgical wound and respiratory tract. A total of 268 pathogens were isolated and cultured, including 240 strains of Gram-negative bacteria, accounting for 89.55%, mainly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae; 23 strains of Gram-positive bacteria, accounting for 8.58%, mainly Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus; and 5 strains of fungi, accounting for 1.87%. The isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa had high resistant rate to imipenem and meropenem, and was sensitive to antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin. The isolated Staphylococcus aureus had high resistant rate to erythromycin and clindamycin, and was sensitive to vancomycin. According to the multivariate Logistic analysis, four independent variables were significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative infection (P < 0.05): clinical N category≥1, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade ≥2, tracheotomy and length of hospital stay >13 d. The prediction model was established based on these factors and the expression of the risk prediction model was as follows: predicted probability value P=1/(1+e-a), a=-0.803+0.674×(clinical N category ≥1)+0.518×(the ASA grade ≥2)+0.918×(tracheotomy)+1.581×(length of hospital stay >13 d), Hosmer-Lemeshow χ2=10.647, P=0.223, the degree of fitting of the model was good. The area under the ROC curve was 0.818 and 95%CI of the model for predicting infection was 0.789-0.846.@*CONCLUSION@#Oral squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing surgery with free flap reconstruction are prone to have a high incidence of postoperative infection and Gram-negative bacteria are the main pathogens causing an infection. The established prediction model is of good predictive effect. Rational antimicrobial use coupled with awareness of infection control measures is paramount to reduce the incidence of postoperative infection in the oral squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing surgery with free flap reconstruction.

Perioperative Albumin Supplementation is Associated With Decreased Risk of Complications Following Microvascular Head and Neck Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Studies have demonstrated that low serum albumin levels are associated with a high postoperative complication rate after microvascular free flap reconstruction. The aim of this study was to investigate whether perioperative albumin supplementation reduced the postoperative complications of microvascular free flap reconstruction in oral and maxillofacial tumor resections. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent microvascular free flap reconstruction during oral and maxillofacial tumor resections from January 2012 to December 2017 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The predictor variable was perioperative albumin supplementation. The primary outcome variables were surgery-associated postoperative complications, including local and systemic complications. The secondary outcome variables were the total duration of hospital stay, postoperative ICU admission rate, duration of ICU stay, and mortality during hospitalization. RESULTS: In total, 315 patients met the criteria. Patients with serum albumin supplementation showed a lower rate of surgery-associated local complications (6.5 vs 21.6%) with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.24 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.12 to 0.49, P < .001). The average postoperative hospital stay was significantly shortened for patients with albumin supplementation (12.56 ± 4.23 vs 15.34 ± 5.24 days, P < .001). However, albumin supplementation had no effect on systemic complications. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that perioperative albumin supplementation is associated with a decreased risk of local complications, shortened hospital stay, and decreased need for crystalloid infusion in patients who underwent oral and maxillofacial tumor resections with microvascular free flap reconstruction.

A Patient Presentation of Large Septal Perforation Repair Using Inferior Based Contra-Lateral Nasal Floor Flap, a New Surgical Technique for Large Septal Perforation.

ABSTRACT: A nasal septal perforation is a defect of cartilage, bone, or mucosa of nasal septum, which is caused by previous septal surgery, trauma, chemicals, inflammatory disease, or drugs. If conservative managements, such as nasal saline irrigation or ointments, are not effective, surgical treatment can be considered. Various methods for the reconstruction of nasal septal perforation were reported, such as local flaps, free flaps, autografts, allografts, or xenografts. However, there is no standardized method due to low success rate and high recurrence rate, especially in large perforations. The authors report a successful repair case of large anteroinferior nasal septal perforation, using inferior based contralateral nasal floor flap. The authors believe that our method is an effective way to repair large nasal septal perforation and to minimalize donor site morbidity, without using other allografts.

Ameliorating Effects of ß-Glucan on Epigastric Artery Island Flap Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion injury has been one of the culprits of tissue injury and flap loss after island flap transpositions. Thus, significant research has been undertaken to study how to prevent or decrease the spread of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Preventive effects of ß-glucan on ischemia-reperfusion injury in the kidney, lung, and small intestine have previously been reported. In this study, we present the ameliorating effects of ß-glucan on ischemia-reperfusion injury using the epigastric artery island-flap in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty Wistar-Albino rats were equally divided into three groups: sham, experimental model, and treatment groups. In the sham group, an island flap was elevated and sutured back to the original position without any ischemia. In the experimental model group, the same-sized flap was elevated and sutured back with 8 h of ischemia and consequent 12 h of reperfusion. In the treatment group, 50 mg per kilogram ß-glucan was administered to the rats using an orogastric tube for 10 d before the experiment. The same-sized flap is elevated and sutured back to its original position with 8 h of ischemia and 12 h of consequent reperfusion in the treatment group. Tissue biopsies were taken on the first day of the experimental surgery. Tissue neutrophil aggregation and vascular responses were evaluated by histological examinations. Tissue oxidant and antioxidant enzyme levels are evaluated biochemically after tissue homogenization. Topographic follow-up and evaluation of the flaps were maintained, and photographs were taken on the first and seventh day of the experimental surgery. RESULTS: Topographic flap survival was significantly better in the ß-glucan administered group. The neutrophil number, malondialdehyde, and myeloperoxidase levels were significantly lower while glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels were significantly higher in the ß-glucan administered group respective to the experimental model group. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of our study, we can conclude that ß-glucan is protective against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Our study presents the first experimental evidence of such an effect on skin island flaps.

Free flap reconstruction in paediatric patients with head and neck cancer: clinical considerations for comprehensive care.

Free flap reconstruction after resection in paediatric patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) has various clinical challenges, which have not yet been fully investigated. This retrospective study was implemented to investigate these factors. Paediatric patients (≤14 years old) who underwent free flap reconstructions following surgery for HNC at a tertiary referral centre during the years 2009-2018 were included. Clinical, pathological, and imaging data were collected and analysed. Overall, 47 patients were included, 26 male and 21 female. Thirty-four patients were ASA status I and 13 were ASA status II. The median operative time was 415 minutes, while the median intraoperative blood loss was 500 ml. Seventeen patients had a tracheotomy. Fourteen medical complications (six pulmonary infection, six diarrhoea, two pulmonary aspiration) and six surgical complications (one haematoma beneath flap, two wound dehiscence, one salivary fistula, one effusion, one tracheotomy haemorrhage) were observed. Tracheotomy was associated with medical complications (P = 0.003) and total complications (P = 0.024). It was confirmed that microvascular reconstruction can be adopted in paediatric HNC patients, while tracheotomy and nasal feeding tubes should be used with caution. Comprehensive preoperative assessment, gentle handling of the tissues during operative procedures, and appropriate postoperative management will reduce the risk of complications.

Free gastroepiploic lymph nodes and omentum flap for treatment of lower limb ulcers in severe lymphedema: Killing two birds with one stone.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In patients with lymphedema, the disruption of the lymphatic network increases skin turgor and fibrosis of subcutaneous tissue, delays wound healing, causing recurrent ulcerations and infections. In these cases, management of ulcers can be challenging. METHODS: Between January 2016 and June 2018, patients presenting with lymphedema were enrolled at our Institution. We selected patients with severe lymphedema and ulcers of lower limbs and we performed a surgical approach, involving free gastroepiploic lymph nodes and omentum flap, harvested through laparoscopy. RESULTS: We enrolled 135 patients presenting for lymphedema. Among them, 10 eligible cases underwent excision of the ulcer and reconstruction with omentum flap. Mean age was 57.8 years and average follow-up 24.1 months. Circumferences and skin tonicity significantly decreased from the preoperative period. Lymphoscintigraphy showed improvement of the lymphatic drainage and restoration of lymphatic network. No episodes of infection were recorded in the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Our combined procedure merges free flap techniques and lymphedema surgery: omentum covers the defect while providing a new source of lymph nodes, improving the lymphatic networks of the affected limb. This technique can highly increase the quality of life of the patient in a single-stage operation with fast recovery and low donor site morbidity.

Reconstruction of maxillectomy and midfacial defects using latissimus dorsi-scapular free flaps in a comprehensive cancer center.

BACKGROUND: The standard of care for sinonasal malignancies is a large surgical resection followed by radiotherapy. Midfacial defects resulting from maxillectomy require a complex reconstruction procedure. Given their adaptability, chimeric flaps such as latissimus dorsi-scapular (LDS) free flaps appear to be a good option. MATERIAL & METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective study of consecutive patients with sinonasal cancers where a LDS free flap was used for reconstruction. We assessed the postoperative complications and the functional, aesthetic and oncologic outcomes. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients were included. Primary tumors were staged as T4a in 68% of cases; 38.3% of the patients received induction chemotherapy and 82.7% received adjuvant radiotherapy. Based on our classification of midfacial and palatal defects, the majority of the patients (69%) had a type IIa with interruption of the three facial pillars. The orbital floor was removed in 55.9% of cases. The median follow-up was 45 months. Total flap necrosis with no possible revascularization occurred in 5.9% of cases. For the orbital reconstruction, a revision procedure was needed for necrosis and/or infection of the costal cartilage graft in eight cases (17%). More than 90% of the patients had no functional disorders regarding speaking, swallowing and chewing. Soft palate involvement was a prognostic factor of speech (p < 10-4) and swallowing (p = .005) disorders. Dental rehabilitation was realized in 70.2% of the patients. No severe complications were observed in the donor site, except for one seroma. CONCLUSION: A LDS free flap is a reliable technique for the reconstruction of complex midfacial defects.

Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer Susceptibility Should Be Offered before Unilateral Abdominally Based Free Flap Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Pathogenic mutations have been identified in approximately 10 percent of patients who present with breast cancer. Notably, failure to identify deleterious genetic mutations has particular implications for patients undergoing abdominally based breast reconstruction, as the donor site can be used only once. The authors sought to determine: (1) how many patients underwent genetic testing before unilateral abdominally based free flap breast reconstruction; (2) how often deleterious mutations were detected after abdominally based free flap breast reconstruction; and (3) the cost-effectiveness of expanding genetic testing in this patient population. METHODS: The authors retrospectively identified all patients who underwent unilateral abdominally based free flap breast reconstruction at Brigham and Women's Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute between 2007 and 2016. Chart review was performed to collect relevant demographic and clinical data. Relevant hospital financial data were obtained. RESULTS: Of the 713 who underwent free flap breast reconstruction, 160 patients met inclusion criteria, and mean follow-up was 5.8 years. Three patients (1.9 percent of 160) underwent contralateral surgery after completing reconstruction, two of whom had BRCA2 and one with ATM mutation. One hundred eleven patients met National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for genetic testing, but of those only 55.9 percent (62 patients) were tested. Financial data revealed that testing every patient in the cohort would result in a net savings of $262,000. CONCLUSIONS: During a relatively short follow-up period, a small percentage of patients were diagnosed with pathogenic mutations and underwent contralateral mastectomy and reconstruction. However, because of the costliness of surgery and the decreased cost of genetic testing, it is cost-effective to test every patient before unilateral abdominally based free flap breast reconstruction.

Tratamiento quirúrgico del linfedema de miembro superior postratamiento del cáncer de mama / Surgical treatment of lymphedema of the upper limb after breast cancer

Introducción. El linfedema de miembro superior postratamiento del cáncer de mama es una afección progresiva y crónica que compromete a una gran cantidad de pacientes causando efectos físicos, psicológicos y sociales. El linfedema secundario se da en un 20-40% de los casos luego de la cirugía del cáncer de mama con vaciamiento y radioterapia. Este es un problema desafiante. El tratamiento conservador ha demostrado no ser suficientemente exitoso por lo que su tratamiento quirúrgico es una buena opción. La transferencia microquirúrgica de nódulo linfático vascularizado (TNLV) brindó una nueva esperanza para este grupo de pacientes. Material y métodos. En el periodo comprendido entre marzo 2016 y agosto 2018 se analizaron 16 pacientes con una edad promedio de 50,25. Se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico basándose en la transferencia de nódulo linfático vascularizado (TNLV) de la ingle a la axila por medio de una anastomosis microquirúrgica de la arteria circunfleja ilíaca superficial en pacientes que presentaron linfedema secundario al tratamiento del cáncer de mama. Se realizó simultáneamente a la cirugía reconstructiva de la mama con colgajo libre DIEP y también en un segundo tiempo quirúrgico. Tiempo quirúrgico de 4,3 horas y una estadía en internación de 2,3 días. Resultados. La vitalidad de los colgajos fue 100%. Como morbilidad, se presentaron cuatro casos de seroma, una infección y una dehiscencia en la zona dadora. Con un seguimiento promedio de 10,43 meses y una reducción significativa de volumen del miembro afectado del 27.47% en comparación con el preoperatorio. La incidencia de celulitis descendió. La linfografía posoperatoria indicó una mejoría en el drenaje linfático del miembro afectado. Conclusiones. La transferencia linfática vascularizada al miembro afectado en conjunto con la cirugía reconstructiva mamaria DIEP es un procedimiento seguro y eficaz en el tratamiento del linfedema de miembro superior en pacientes mastectomizadas con vaciamiento ganglionar y radioterapia.

Purpose: Upper limb lymphedema post breast cancer treatment is a progressive and chronic condition that involves a large number of patients causing psychological, physical and social effects. The incidence of secondary lymphedema is about 20-40% before breast cancer treatment. This is a challenging problem. The conservative treatment has shown not to be successful enough so the surgery is a really good option. The vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) offers some hope to this group of patients. The purpose of the investigation is to demonstrate that te VLNT is an efficacious approach to treating postmastectomy upper limb lymphedema. Methods: From March 2016 to August 2018 were analyzed sixteen patients with a mean age of 50.25 years. They all have secondary lymphedema. They underwent surgical treatment based on vascularized lymph node transfer from the groin to the axially area or elbow as a recipent site. The deep inferior epigastric perforator flap was made at the same time, as a stacked flap. In only six cases, the VLNT was made on a second surgical time. The serrato's vessels were used as a recipient vessels in the axilary area and a radial artery branch and the cephalic vein were used in the elbow. Results: The flaps vitality was 100%. There were four seroma cases, one infection and one dehiscence. At a mean follow up of 10.43, the mean circumference reduction rate of the lymphedematous limb was about 27.47% between the preoperative and the postoperative groups. The postoperative lymphoscintigrapy showed a little improvement. The follow up of the vitality of the nodes was made by a lymphatic contrast tomography, and it showed all nodes survived. Conclusions: The vascularized lymph node transfer and the DIEP flap were confirmed as an effective and safe treatment to the secondary lymphedema in this type of patients, and it really improves postmastectomy upper limb lymphedema

Risk Factors Associated With Postoperative Delirium in Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction.

IMPORTANCE: Postoperative delirium (POD) is associated with an increased rate of adverse events, higher health care costs, and longer hospital stays. At present, limited data are available regarding the risk factors for developing POD in patients undergoing head and neck free flap reconstruction. Identification of patients at high risk of developing POD will allow implementation of risk-mitigation strategies. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of and risk factors associated with POD in patients undergoing free flap reconstruction secondary to head and neck disease. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective cohort study included 515 patients undergoing free flap reconstruction from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2012, at the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Care Center, a tertiary care cancer hospital. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected retrospectively. Data from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2012, were analyzed, and the final date of data analysis was January 8, 2018. INTERVENTIONS: Head and neck free flap reconstruction. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was the development of POD as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify risk factors associated with POD. RESULTS: Five hundred fifteen patients underwent free flap reconstruction during the study period (66.2% male; mean [SD] age, 60.1 [12.8] years). Of these, 56 patients (10.9%) developed POD. On multivariable analysis, risk factors associated with POD included increased age (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.11), male sex (OR, 5.02; 95% CI, 1.47-17.20), increased operative time (OR for each 1-minute increase, 1.004 [95% CI, 1.001-1.006]; OR for each 1-hour increase, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.08-1.46]), advanced nodal disease (OR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.39-6.46), and tobacco use (OR, 7.23; 95% CI, 1.43-36.60). Preoperative abstinence from alcohol was identified as a protective factor (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.12-0.51). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study identified variables associated with a higher risk of developing POD. Although many of these risk factors are nonmodifiable, they provide a target population for quality improvement initiatives. Furthermore, preoperative alcohol abstinence may be useful in preventing POD.

Reconstrução mamária em decúbito único lateral com retalho miocutâneo do músculo grande dorsal e implante de silicone: sistematização e série de casos / Breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and silicone implant in the single lateral decubitus position: systematization and case series

Introdução: O câncer de mama é afecção de grande relevância para a saúde pública, sendo que seu tratamento cirúrgico e a reconstrução mamária evoluíram bastante ao longo do tempo. A utilização do retalho miocutâneo do grande dorsal (RMGD) com implante mamário de silicone apresenta-se como um verdadeiro cavalo de batalha ao cirurgião plástico em função de sua confiabilidade anatômica e segurança. Realizar esta cirurgia em decúbito único lateral torna o procedimento mais breve e mantém os resultados da técnica convencional. O objetivo do estudo é apresentar a sistematização desta cirurgia em uma série de casos. Método: Estudo retrospectivo realizado por análise de prontuários e documentação fotográfica de 29 pacientes operadas pelo autor e submetidas à reconstrução mamária com RMGD e implante de silicone em decúbito único lateral. Resultados: Houve um caso de extrusão do implante de silicone por seroma e infecção no sítio receptor (3,5%). Uma paciente cursou com seroma no dorso (3,5%). Um caso de necrose parcial da ilha de pele do retalho (3,5%) e dois casos de sofrimento do envelope cutâneo da mastectomia (7,0%). Uma paciente necessitou retirada do implante de silicone por extensa recidiva local (3,5%). Um caso de contratura capsular Baker III após radioterapia adjuvante (3,5%). Quatro pacientes tiveram suas cicatrizes revisadas (14%). Três pacientes tiveram limitação de movimentos (10,5%). Os resultados mostraram-se compatíveis com os apresentados para a técnica convencional na literatura vigente. Conclusão: A sistematização desta técnica dispensa mudança de decúbito e torna o procedimento mais breve, mantendo sua segurança e confiabilidade.

Introduction: Breast cancer is an important public health condition, and its surgical treatment and the subsequent breast reconstruction has evolved significantly over time. The use of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (LDMF) with silicone breast implants is a mainstay of plastic surgeons due to the anatomical reliability and safety. Performing this surgery in the single lateral decubitus position makes the procedure shorter and maintains the results of the conventional technique. The objective of this study was to present a systematization of this surgery from a series of cases. Method: Retrospective study using medical records and photographic documentation of 29 patients operated on by the author and submitted to breast reconstruction with a LDMF and silicone implant in a lateral decubitus position. Results: Silicone implant extrusion due to seroma and infection at the receptor site was noted in one patient (3.5%). One patient had a seroma on the back (3.5%); there was one patient with partial necrosis of the skin island of the flap (3.5%), and two patients with mastectomy skin envelope (7.0%). One patient required removal of the silicone implant due to extensive local recurrence (3.5%) while another patient showed Baker III capsular contracture after adjuvant radiotherapy (3.5%). Four patients had scar review (14%), and three patients showed limitation of movement (10.5%). The results were comparable to those reported for the conventional technique. Conclusion: The systematization of this technique requires no change of the decubitus position and makes the procedure shorter, while maintaining safety and reliability.

Current Concepts in Upper-Extremity Amputation.

Advances in motor vehicle safety, trauma care, combat body armor, and cancer treatment have enhanced the life expectancy and functional expectations of patients with upper-extremity amputations. Upper-extremity surgeons have multiple surgical options to optimize the potential of emerging prosthetic technologies for this diverse patient group. Targeted muscle reinnervation is an evolving technique that improves control of myoelectric prostheses and can prevent or treat symptomatic neuromas. This review addresses current strategies for the care of patients with amputations proximal to the wrist with an emphasis on recent advancements in surgical techniques and prostheses.