Hyperbaric oxygen therapy outcomes in post-irradiated patient undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction: A preliminary retrospective comparative study.

Introduction: Radiotherapy is a challenge in autologous breast reconstruction because of its impact on cutaneous and vascular systems. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a recognized treatment of radiation-related complications. We aimed to assess the impact of perioperative HBOT on irradiated breast microvascular reconstructive outcomes. Method: We reviewed the medical charts of patients who received radiotherapy and then underwent secondary free autologous breast reconstruction at our institution. Data on demographics, HBOT protocol, intervention characteristics and post-operative complications were collected. Outcomes of the irradiated patients were then compared between the HBOT and non-HBOT groups. Results: Fourteen patients were included (11 unilateral and 2 bilateral deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps and 1 free transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap). Seven patients received HBOT and 7 did not. In the non-HBOT group, there were 1 Clavien-Dindo grade II, 1 Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa and 2 Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb post-operative complications. In the HBOT group, there were 3 Clavien-Dindo grade I, 1 Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa and 2 Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb post-operative complications. The mean operative time was 452.3 minutes (SD ±62.4 minutes) for unilateral cases without HBOT and 457.8 minutes (SD ±102.1 minutes) with HBOT (p=0.913). Mean ischaemia time per flap without HBOT was 109.4 minutes (SD ±51.8 minutes) versus 80.1 minutes (SD ±37.7 minutes) in the HBOT group (p=0.249). Conclusion: This study provides insights into the potential of HBOT treatment in preparing patients with irradiated breast cancer for secondary autologous reconstruction.

Versatility of the Peroneus Brevis Muscle Flap for Distal Leg, Ankle, and Foot Defects: A Comprehensive Review.

Soft tissue defects of the distal third of the leg are challenging and management with simple split thickness skin graft or conservative measures is often difficult. The peroneus brevis muscle flap is well described in the literature to cover such defects. The aim of our study was to review the different applications and potential complications of the peroneus brevis muscle flap. A comprehensive review of all existing evidence on the use of peroneus brevis muscle flaps for coverage of defects in the distal third of the leg in adult populations was performed. Two hundred forty-eight records were identified in the literature search, among which 15 met the PICOS (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome and Study design) criteria. All selected studies were retrospective. Overall, 222 patients who received peroneus brevis muscle flaps were analyzed. Indications for reconstruction were post-traumatic defects, infected wounds, and chronic wounds. The overall complication rate was 21% (46/222) with the most commonly reported complication being skin graft loss. We observed 2 cases of partial flap loss, 17 cases of skin graft loss, 2 cases of post-operative hematoma, 2 cases of recurrent infection, 12 cases of partial flap necrosis, 3 cases of skin graft necrosis, and 8 cases of delayed wound healing. Overall, 16 patients (7%) required revision surgery. No cases of donor site morbidity were described. The current review shows that the peroneus brevis muscle flap is a versatile and reliable option for the coverage of small to medium sized defects of the distal leg, ankle, and foot with low complication rates and donor site morbidity.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy versus Conventional Dressing in Lower Limb Fractures: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Gustilo 3 lower limb fractures represent a significant challenge because of high complication risk. Two management strategies are commonly used for wound coverage until final closure: negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and conventional wound dressing (CWD), also described as standard wound coverage without subatmospheric pressure. Understanding their relative effectiveness is essential to improve patient outcomes. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy of NPWT and CWD in Gustilo 3 lower limb fracture management, with a focus on overall rates, superficial infection, and deep infection rates. A systematic review of medical research databases was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies comparing NPWT with CWD for Gustilo 3 fractures were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed. Treatment with CWD was associated with significantly higher rates of overall infection [pooled risk ratio (RR): 0.33; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14-0.51] and pooled risk difference (RD: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.15-0.38), superficial infection (pooled RR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.04-0.66), and deep infection (pooled RR: 0.20; 95% CI: 0.02-0.38) compared with NPWT treatment. Overall infection rate remained significantly higher in the CWD group after analyzing only open tibia fractures (pooled RR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.21-0.48). Nonunion rate was significant higher in the CWD group (pooled RR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.00-0.59). Flap failure rate was similar in both groups (pooled RR: 0.09; 95% CI: -0.05 to 0.23). NPWT appears to be a reasonable option for wound management in Gustilo 3 lower limb fractures in terms of infection rates.

Medial Femoral Condyle Free Flap: A Systematic Review and Proportional Meta-analysis of Applications and Surgical Outcomes.

Background: Recalcitrant bone nonunion and osseous defect treatment is challenging and often requires vascularized bone transfer. The medial femoral condyle flap has become an increasingly popular option for reconstruction. The study aims at reviewing its different applications and synthesizing its surgical outcomes. Method: A systematic review including all studies assessing surgical outcomes of free medial femoral condyle flap for bone reconstruction in adults was conducted on January 31, 2023. Flap failure and postoperative complications were synthesized with a proportional meta-analysis. Results: Forty articles describing bony reconstruction in the head and neck, upper limb, and lower limb areas were selected. Indications ranged from bony nonunion and bone defects to avascular bone necrosis. Multiple flaps were raised as either pure periosteal, cortico-periosteal, cortico-cancellous-periosteal, or cortico-chondro-periosteal. A minority of composite flaps were reported. Overall failure rate was 1% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.00-0.08] in head & neck applications, 4% in the lower limb (95% CI, 0.00-0.16), 2% in the upper limb (95% CI, 0.00-0.06), and 1% in articles analyzing various locations simultaneously (95% CI, 0.00-0.04). Overall donor site complication rate was 4% (95% CI, 0.01-0.06). Major reported complications were: femoral fractures (n = 3), superficial femoral artery injury (n = 1), medial collateral ligament injury (n = 1), and septic shock due to pace-maker colonization (n = 1). Conclusion: The medial femoral condyle flap is a versatile option for bone reconstruction with high success rates and low donor site morbidity.

Incidence Trends of Melanoma of the Lower Limbs and Hips in the United States: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Analysis 2000-2019.

BACKGROUND/AIM: No specific studies on the changes in the incidence of melanoma in the lower limbs and hips have been performed. This article aimed to examine trends in incidence rates of melanoma of the lower extremities in the U.S. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from the SEER program provided by the National Cancer Institute were used to examine trends in melanoma incidence from 2000 to 2019. Data analysis was performed from October to December 2022. RESULTS: A total of 192,327 cases of melanoma of the lower limbs and hips were diagnosed from 2000 to 2019 and included in our study. The incidence rate increased from 9.78 to 13.65 cases per 100,000 person-year and by an average annual percent change (AAPC) of 2% (95%CI=1.4-2.9%). The incidence increased by an AAPC of 2.1% in men and 1.7% in women. The incidence among people under 50 remained stable but increased among those over 50 years. Localized stage disease was the only stage where a continuously increasing incidence was observed, with an AAPC of 1.7% (95%CI=0.9-2.5%). Lentiginous melanoma showed the highest incidence trend rate with an AAPC of 2.3% (95%CI=1.0-3.5%). CONCLUSION: The incidence rate of melanoma in the lower limbs and hips increased between 2000 and 2019, with a higher incidence in men, reversing the previously described trend of higher incidence among women. However, incidence among people under 50 remained stable, suggesting the efficacy of prevention campaigns in this population.

Oncoplastic reduction mammoplasty: Systematic review and proportional meta-analysis of surgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Breast-conserving surgery is the standard of care for early-stage breast cancer but can often result in unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes. Oncoplastic surgery aims to address these issues by combining local excision with plastic surgery techniques to improve oncologic and esthetic outcomes. By incorporating breast reduction techniques into cancer surgery, wider margins of excision can be achieved, leading to enhanced oncological safety and reduced recurrence rates without causing significant asymmetry. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide an updated understanding of the surgical outcomes associated with oncoplastic reduction mammoplasty. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Articles reporting post-operative outcomes following the oncoplastic reduction mammoplasty were included. A proportional meta-analysis of post-operative complications was performed to obtain their proportions and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria, representing a total of 2711 oncoplastic reduction mammoplasty procedures in 2680 patients. The overall complication rate was 20% (95% CI: 15-25%). The positive margin rate following oncoplastic reduction mammoplasty was 11% (95% CI: 6-17%). The re-excision rate was 6% (95% CI: 3-12%). The completion mastectomy rate was 3% (95% CI: 2-6%). CONCLUSIONS: Oncoplastic reduction mammoplasty is a safe and effective alternative to mastectomy and traditional breast-conserving surgery in the treatment of early-stage breast cancers.

Melanoma of the Lower Limbs and Hips: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Analysis of Epidemiology and Survival 2000-2019.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer, poses a significant threat to patients' lives, with lower limbs and hips being among the most affected regions. Epidemiology and survival outcomes of patients with melanoma in the lower extremities were investigated and compared to other sites to better understand tumoral behavior and identify predictors of decreased survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to search for all skin melanoma cases between 2000 and 2019. Demographic, pathological, and therapeutic factors were compared between affected regions. Overall and disease specific survival were calculated and compared among subgroups. A multivariable analysis was conducted to identify independent prognostic factors. RESULTS: A total of 50,109 patients were diagnosed with melanoma in lower limbs and hips, while 224,121 patients had melanomas in other areas. More women (70.8%) and younger people (mean 55.2 years, SD 16.5) were affected with lower extremities melanoma, with better survival rates than other skin regions. Factors associated with better survival included female sex, younger age, horizontal growth pattern melanomas, and surgery with <1 cm margins. CONCLUSION: Melanoma affecting lower extremities is commonly diagnosed in young females. Prognosis depends on age, stage at diagnosis, and histologic subtype, but remains better compared to other locations.

Inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flap in autologous breast reconstruction: A proportional meta-analysis of surgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flap is an alternative technique for autologous breast reconstruction. In contrast to other commonly used techniques, there is a paucity of literature on the safety and efficacy of the IGAP flap. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of postoperative outcomes and complications associated with the IGAP in autologous breast reconstructions to validate its safety. METHODS: A systematic review of literature was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Articles reporting post-operative outcomes of IGAP flaps in autologous breast reconstruction were included. A proportional meta-analysis of post-operative complications was performed to obtain their proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, which represented a total of 239 IGAP flaps in 181 patients The total flap loss rate was 3% (95% CI 0-8%), partial flap loss rate was 2% (95% CI 0-4%), haematoma rate was 3% (95% CI 0-7%), overall donor-site complication rate was 15% (95% CI 5-28%), overall recipient-site complication rate was 24% (95% CI 15-34%), and the overall complication rate was 40% (95% CI 23-58%). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis provides comprehensive knowledge on the safety and efficacy of the IGAP flap in autologous breast reconstruction. It evidences the IGAP flap in autologous breast reconstruction's overall safety and validates its role as an effective option in breast reconstruction.

Cutaneous Melanoma of the Lip: A SEER Analysis of Epidemiology and Survival Outcomes With Focus on Surgery and Other Treatment Options.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Cutaneous melanoma of the lip (LM) is a rare malignancy with a low overall survival (OS). Few studies exist in the literature to aid its diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the different treatment modalities by collecting cases from a single database and to provide current information on the epidemiologic characteristics of cutaneous lip melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The SEER database was searched for demographic, clinical-pathological, and therapeutic characteristics. The Kaplan-Meier model was used to analyze the overall survival (OS) of the study population, and survival curves were modelled. Univariable analysis between subgroups was carried out using the log-rank test. Surgery was further assessed with a multivariable cox regression, where the surgical procedure was adjusted for Breslow thickness. RESULTS: Patients aged 62.4 years on average, and 62.7% of them were males. A total of 386 melanomas of the cutaneous lip were identified. Mean OS was 155.1 months, median OS was 187 months, and 67.4% had localized disease. CONCLUSION: LM has a poor prognosis with a 5-year OS of 75.2%. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment, with less invasive surgical approaches yielding a comparable overall survival to surgery with greater margins.

Demographic and Clinicopathological Factors as Predictors of Lymph Node Metastasis in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Population-Based Analysis.

Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive malignant skin tumor with high recurrence and low survival. Lymph nodal metastases are associated with a worse overall prognosis. Our aim was to assess how lymph node procedures and positivity are influenced by demographic, tumor, and treatment characteristics. The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database was searched for all cases of Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin between 2000 and 2019. Univariable analysis was conducted using the chi-squared test with the aim of identifying differences in lymph node procedures and lymph node positivity for each variable. We identified 9182 patients, of which 3139 had sentinel lymph node biopsy/sampling, and 1072 had therapeutic lymph node dissection. Increasing age, increasing tumor size, and truncal location were associated with higher positive lymph node rates.

Spiradenocarcinoma: SEER Study of Epidemiology, Survival, and Treatment Options.

(1) Background: Spiradenocarcinoma is an extremely rare malignant adnexal tumor and there are only few studies on survival outcomes. Our aim was to perform an analysis of the demographic and pathological characteristics, treatment patterns, and survival outcomes of patients affected by spiradenocarcinoma. (2) Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program database of the National Cancer Institute was searched for all cases of spiradenocarcinoma diagnosed between 2000 and 2019. This database is considered representative of the US population. Demographic, pathological, and treatment variables were retrieved. Overall and disease-specific survival were computed according to the different variables. (3) Results: 90 cases of spiradenocarcinoma (47 females, 43 males) were identified. Mean age at diagnosis was 62.8 years. Regional and distant disease at diagnosis were rare, occurring in 2.2% and 3.3% of cases, respectively. Surgery alone was the most frequent treatment (87.8%), followed by a combination of surgery and radiotherapy (3.3%) and radiation therapy only (1.1%). Five-year overall survival was 76.2% and five-year disease-specific survival was 95.7%. (4) Conclusions: Spiradenocarcinoma equally affects males and females. Regional and distant invasion rates are low. Disease-specific mortality is low and is probably overestimated in the literature. Surgical excision remains the main form of treatment.

Melanoma of the Scalp and Neck: A Population-Based Analysis of Survival and Treatment Patterns.

Introduction: Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer. Large demographic and clinic-pathologic studies are required to identify variations of tumour behavior. The aim of our study was to offer updated epidemiologic data on the scalp and neck melanoma with an overall survival analysis. Method: The SEER database was searched for all scalp and neck melanoma in adult patients between 2000 and 2019. Demographic and clinic-pathologic variables were described. Their impact on overall survival was assessed with the log-rank test after Kaplan−Meier model. A multivariable cox-regression was conducted to identify predictors of decreased survival. A p-value of <0.005 was considered statistically significant. Results: 20,728 Melanomas of the scalp and neck were identified. Mean age was 62.5 years. Gender ratio was 76.3% males. 79% of the tumours were localized at diagnosis. Increasing age, male gender, tumour ulceration, high mitotic rate or nodular subtype were independent prognostic factors of decreased overall survival. Surgery with less than 1 cm margin is associated with the best overall survival in this cohort. No significant difference in OS was seen between less than 1 cm and 1 to 2 cm margins. Conclusion: Knowledge of negative prognostic factors might help identify subgroups at risk and adapt their oncologic treatment.

[Total knee arthroplasty and soft tissue defect: what are the reconstructive options?] / Prothèse totale de genou et lésion des tissus mous : quelles options pour la reconstruction ?

Wound healing issues are not rare after total knee arthroplasty. While most patients heal with local wound care, a minority is susceptible to develop serious complications such as peri-prosthetic joint infection. If direct closure is not feasible, we recommend a multidisciplinary approach based on the ortho-plastic model to determine the optimal wound closure strategy. Negative pressure wound therapy can be used while waiting for definitive coverage to optimise wound environment. Medial gastrocnemius flap is considered as the gold standard procedure for peri-prosthetic substance loss around the knee.

Les problèmes de cicatrisation ne sont pas rares après l'implantation d'une prothèse totale de genou. La plupart des patients guérissent avec des soins locaux mais une minorité d'entre eux peut développer des complications redoutables allant jusqu'à l'infection périprothétique. Hormis les situations pour lesquelles une fermeture directe de la cicatrice chirurgicale peut être réalisée, nous recommandons une approche multidisciplinaire basée sur le modèle de l'ortho-plastique afin de déterminer la stratégie de reconstruction la plus adaptée. La thérapie par pression négative peut être utilisée pour conditionner la plaie en vue d'un geste de couverture définitive. Le lambeau gastrocnémien médial est considéré comme la procédure de référence pour les pertes de substance périprothétique du genou.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the External Ear: Population-Based Analysis and Survival Outcomes.

(1) Background: Due to its highly aggressive behavior, the ability to identify and manage Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) with a full understanding of its characteristics is essential. Because the external ear is an exposed area, resection can have dramatic consequences on patient's self-image, which is why it is fundamental to detect MCC, typically found on UV-exposed regions such as the ears, at an early stage. (2) Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was searched for all external ear MCC between 2000 and 2019. A descriptive analysis based on frequencies was made to describe the demography of pathophysiologic features linked to MCC. Overall survival (OS) was studied and compared between variables with a log rank test. A multivariable Cox regression analysis was then computed to identify independent prognostic factors. (3) Results: A total of 210 patients (160 men) were identified with a median age of 80 years. The median OS was 47 months. Factors associated with lower OS included an age of over 80 years, the male gender, a tumor size of >5 cm, and metastatic disease. Gross (<1 cm) and wide (>1 cm) surgery excision margins were the surgery types with the best OS. (4) Conclusions: MCC of the external ear is diagnosed mostly in old men. Among the 182 patients who received a surgical procedure, gross and wide excision without radiotherapy were associated with the best OS.

Melanoma of the Upper Limb and Shoulder: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Analysis of Epidemiology and Survival 2000-2019.

(1) Background: Melanoma is the most common life-threatening cancer among skin cancers. Almost all locations of the skin can be affected by melanoma, and the upper limbs are one of the most frequent locations. We aimed to study the epidemiology and survival outcomes of patients with melanoma localized in the upper extremities compared with other sites. (2) Methods: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database is considered the most representative of the U.S. population; we extracted melanoma cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2019. Several characteristics, including demographical, pathological, and therapeutic, were recorded, and upper extremity melanomas and melanomas from other areas were compared. Overall survival was assessed, and the groups were compared. (3) Results: 69,436 patients had melanoma in the upper limbs and shoulders and 204,794 in other body parts. Overall, 35,267 patients with upper extremity melanoma were males, 34,169 were females, and the mean age was 60. For the rest of the body, there were 118,654 males and 86,140 females, with a mean age of 59. Surgery alone was the most commonly used treatment, while radiation therapy was the least used for all sites. Women appear to have better survival than men. Superficial spreading melanoma is the least lethal subtype, while nodular melanoma is the most dangerous. (4) Conclusion: Women under 50 are more at risk than men of the same age. The trend reverses after age 50 where men are at greater risk. In addition to gender and age, disease stage and major histologic subtypes influence survival.

Comparison of Outcomes Following Prepectoral and Subpectoral Implants for Breast Reconstruction: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: Implant-based breast reconstruction following mastectomy helps to restore quality of life while aiming at providing optimal cosmetic outcomes. Both prepectoral (PP) and subpectoral (SP) breast implants are widely used to fulfill these objectives. It is, however, unclear which approach offers stronger postoperative benefits. (2) Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature through PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ResearchGate, following the PRISMA guidelines. Quantitative analysis for postoperative pain as the primary outcome was conducted. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction and postoperative complications such as seroma, implant loss, skin necrosis, wound infection, and hematoma. (3) Results: Nine articles involving 1119 patients were retrieved. Our results suggested increased postoperative pain after SP implants and significantly higher rates of seroma following PP implants (p < 0.05). Patient satisfaction was found to be similar between the two groups; however, the heterogeneity of measurement tools did not allow us to pool these results. The rates of implant loss, skin necrosis, wound infection, and hematoma showed no significant differences between the two cohorts. (4) Conclusion: Our data suggest that both implant placements are safe and effective methods for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. However, homogeneity in outcome measurements would allow one to provide stronger statistical results.

Complications of Immediate versus Delayed DIEP Reconstruction: A Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies.

PURPOSE: The setting regarding the ideal timing for deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) reconstruction remains unclear. Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is performed at the same time as mastectomy, while delayed breast reconstruction (DBR) is performed at any time after mastectomy except immediately. We compared both strategies to assess whether IBR or DBR should be performed to reduce postoperative adverse events. METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane, and Web of Science was conducted, aiming at articles comparing the recipient site outcomes of IBR versus DBR with DIEP. We used the Mantel-Haenszel method with a fixed effects model. Results were expressed as the OR with a 95% CI. RESULTS: Two retrospective and two prospective studies were identified involving 5784 DIEPs (1744 immediate and 4040 delayed). We showed a significant difference in favor of IBR for wound healing issues (OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.41, 0.77; p = 0.0003). However, no significant differences for hematoma, infection, fat necrosis, partial flap loss, and total flap loss rate were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Despite variability in the choice of the ideal time for breast reconstruction and outcomes reported among studies, immediate DIEP surgery appears to be a reliable setting with less delayed healing issues.

Surgical Outcomes of VRAM vs. Gracilis Flaps in Vulvo-Perineal Reconstruction Following Oncologic Resection: A Proportional Meta-Analysis.

Pelvic exenteration and abdominoperineal resection are radical techniques commonly used for locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancy with high morbidity due to large pelvic defects. Flaps can help provide healthy, well-vascularized, non-irradiated tissues to fill pelvic dead space. We conducted a proportional meta-analysis to compare surgical outcomes of vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap (VRAM) vs. gracilis flap for vulvo-perineal reconstruction following oncologic resection. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases. Proportional meta-analysis was performed to compare the surgical outcomes of using VRAM or gracilis flaps. Our review yielded 16 eligible studies. The pooled resolution rate of overall donor site complications for VRAM flap (pooled proportion = 0.576 [95% CI 0.387, 0.754]) was significantly higher than the pooled rate of overall donor site complications of gracilis flap (pooled proportion = 0.160 [95% CI 0.058, 0.295]). Partial and total flap necrosis were similar in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference between minor and major complications for both flaps. Both flaps can be used safely for vulvo-perineal reconstruction following oncologic resection with similar recipient site outcomes, although the VRAM flap will have more donor site complications than the gracilis flap.

Free versus Pedicled Flaps for Lower Limb Reconstruction: A Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies.

BACKGROUND: Free and pedicled flaps are both valuable surgical strategies for lower limb reconstruction. Evidence that compares both techniques is scarce. Our aim is to synthetise all the comparative studies by conducting a meta-analysis to identify post-operative outcomes. METHOD: A systematic review of pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Web of Science was conducted, aiming at articles comparing the outcomes of free versus pedicled flaps in lower limb reconstruction. A pooled analysis with the Mantel and Haenszel methods and random effect analysis provided results as a risk ratio with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: 10 retrospective studies were selected. While the flap necrosis rate did not differ significantly between techniques (RR 1.35, 95%CI 0.76-2.39, p = 0.31), the partial flap necrosis rate was significantly lower in free flaps (RR 0.45, 95%CI 0.22-0.91, p = 0.03). The overall complication rate (RR 0.83, 95%CI 0.64-1.07, p = 0.16) and revision surgery rate (RR 1.38, 95%CI 0.55-3.50, p = 0.49) did not differ significantly. No significant difference was found in the high aesthetic satisfaction rate (RR 1.76, 95%CI 0.57-5.41, p = 0.32) and post-operative infection rate (RR 0.85, 95%CI 0.55-1.33, p = 0.48). CONCLUSION: Despite important variability in the choice of flaps and outcomes reported among studies, free and pedicled flaps appear to be reliable surgical strategies for lower limb reconstruction with similar surgical outcomes.