Comparison of Fused Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Using Unenhanced MRI and Abbreviated Post-Contrast-Enhanced MRI in Patients with Breast Cancer.

Background and Objectives: To determine the percentage of breast cancers detectable by fused diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) using unenhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and abbreviated post-contrast-enhanced MRI. Materials and Methods: Between October 2016 and October 2017, 194 consecutive women (mean age, 54.2 years; age range, 28-82 years) with newly diagnosed unilateral breast cancer, who underwent preoperative 3.0 T breast MRI with DWI, were evaluated. Both fused DWI and abbreviated MRI were independently reviewed by two radiologists for the detection of index cancer (which showed the most suspicious findings in both breasts), location, lesion conspicuity, lesion type, and lesion size. Moreover, the relationship between cancer detection and histopathological results of surgical specimens was evaluated. Results: Index cancer detection rates were comparable between fused DWI and abbreviated MRI (radiologist 1: 174/194 [89.7%] vs. 184/194 [94.8%], respectively, p = 0.057; radiologist 2: 174/194 [89.7%] vs. 183/194 [94.3%], respectively, p = 0.092). In both radiologists, abbreviated MRI showed a significantly higher lesion conspicuity than fused DWI (radiologist 1: 9.37 ± 2.24 vs. 8.78 ± 3.03, respectively, p < 0.001; radiologist 2: 9.16 ± 2.32 vs. 8.39 ± 2.93, respectively, p < 0.001). The κ value for the interobserver agreement of index cancer detection was 0.67 on fused DWI and 0.85 on abbreviated MRI. For lesion conspicuity, the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.72 on fused DWI and 0.82 on abbreviated MRI. Among the histopathological factors, tumor invasiveness was associated with cancer detection on both fused DWI (p = 0.011) and abbreviated MRI (p = 0.004, radiologist 1), lymphovascular invasion on abbreviated MRI (p = 0.032, radiologist 1), and necrosis on fused DWI (p = 0.031, radiologist 2). Conclusions: Index cancer detection was comparable between fused DWI and abbreviated MRI, although abbreviated MRI showed a significantly better lesion conspicuity.

Analysis and Guidelines for Revisional Malarplasty; Most Common Facial Skeletal Contouring Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Revisional malarplasty is the most frequently performed and difficult to perform revision surgery among facial contouring surgeries. The incidence of postoperative complications and need for revision surgery is increasing because of indiscriminate malar reduction through a narrow surgical space. The authors analyzed cases of revisional malarplasty secondary to complications. METHODS: The authors analyzed the time required and technique used in 172 patients who underwent revisional malarplasty in the past 3 years. The incision made for the approach and the graft material used for reconstruction were also investigated. RESULTS: Of 172 patients, 35 (20.3%) underwent emergency revision. Furthermore, 71 (41.2%) required an intraoral incision, and 101 (58.8%) required a coronal incision. A total of 81(47.1%) patients required artificial or autogenous bone grafts. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with failed malarplasty should receive immediate intervention to prevent functional and cosmetic problems. When bone resorption occurs due to unfavorable union or nonunion, reconstruction using appropriate autologous tissue can prevent functional impairment and long-term cosmetic problems.

Role of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography or Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for the Detection of Recurrent Disease after Treatment of Malignant Melanoma.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) or PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) for the detection of recurrent disease after treatment of malignant melanoma (MM) through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: The PubMed and EMBASE databases, from the earliest available date of indexing through December 31, 2018, were searched for studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG-PET or PET/CT for the detection of recurrent disease after treatment of MM. We determined the sensitivities and specificities across studies, calculated positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR-), and constructed summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves. RESULTS: Across 14 results from 11 studies, the pooled sensi-tivity for 18F-FDG-PET or PET/CT was 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.90-0.97) with heterogeneity (I2 = 57.95) and a pooled specificity of 0.91 (95% CI 0.88-0.93) without heterogeneity (I2 = 27.24). LR syntheses gave an overall LR+ of 10.4 (95% CI 7.7-14.2) and an LR- of 0.06 (95% CI 0.04-0.11). The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 162 (95% CI 94-280). The hierarchical SROC curve indicated that the area under the curve was 0.96 (95% CI 0.93-0.97). In meta-regression analysis, no definite variable was the source of the study heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: The current meta-analysis showed a high sensitivity and specificity of 18F-FDG-PET or PET/CT for the detection of recurrent disease after treatment of MM. The LR scattergram indicated that 18F-FDG-PET or PET/CT is useful for exclusion and confirmation of recurrent disease after treatment of MM.

Usefulness of Microfat Grafting in Patients With Repaired Cleft Lip.

In many patients, the volume of the upper lip is deficient after cleft lip repair operation. However, there is no well-established procedure to correct this volume deficiency. In the present study, the authors attempted to increase the overall three-dimensional volume of the upper lip in repaired cleft lip patients with upper lip volume deficiency through autogenous microfat grafting. Thirty patients with upper lip volume deficiency after cleft lip repair underwent fat grafting in the upper lip from November 2007 to March 2015. Among these patients, postoperative outcome was evaluated in 15 patients using 2 methods for the evaluation. One method involved measuring the change in the shape of lips using pre- and postoperative photographs, and the other involved investigating the levels of satisfaction with the surgical results by distributing a scoring questionnaire to patients, doctors, and the general public. The ratio of upper lip protrusion relative to the lower lip increased by 46.71% on average after operation, and the sum of the vermilion heights increased by 31.68% on average. In the survey of satisfaction levels, patients, plastic surgeons, and the general public gave mean scores of 3.80, 3.91, and 4.03, respectively. When volume deficiency of the upper lip is present in repaired cleft lip patients, correction using autogenous microfat grafting is believed to be effective.

Enhanced cryoprecipitate for skin graft and donor site wound healing in pigs.

Due to similarities in skin characteristics, the authors hypothesise that a pig model would most accurately show the ability of autologous, enhanced cryoprecipitate (eCryo) to improve the wound healing of split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) and corresponding donor sites. Fifty-two STSGs (5 × 5 cm) were fashioned and treated according to a randomised protocol with an autologous eCryo-treated and a control group. Macroscopic assessment, histological evaluation and cellular composition were completed at days 7, 14, 21 and 28. Thirty-two donor sites were also created and assessed in a similar manner. Histologic analysis showed enhancement of healing over all time points for eCryo-treated donor sites. All other results showed no statistically significant improvement with the use of eCryo. Autologous cryoprecipitate appears to be a safe, inexpensive and easy-to-use alternative to fibrin glue, which carries risks and is, in many cases, prohibitively expensive. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the full potential of eCryo. Interestingly, eCryo application may improve donor site aesthetic appearance. We believe that a pig model most reliably simulates eCryo's behaviour in humans to accurately reflect its future clinical applicability.

Changing trends in the management of ductal carcinoma in situ in Republic of Korea: a comprehensive analysis using Health Insurance Review and Assessment data [2009-2020].

Background: Increasing rates of diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), given the widespread use of mammography, is a global trend. Various attempts have been made in the selection of surgical methods and application of radiation therapy (RT), and the prevalence of infectious diseases has also affected these attempts. This study aimed to investigate evolving treatment patterns and trends in the management of DCIS in South Korea. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service-National Patient Sample (HIRA-NPS) database and selected patients who underwent breast surgery following a DCIS diagnosis between 2009 and 2020. Based on this sample, the analyses were weighted according to the Korean population. We examined annual variations in mastectomy types, reconstructive procedures, and RT utilization from a multidisciplinary perspective. Results: In our weighted sample, 43,780 patients with DCIS underwent surgery, with a consistent annual increase of 10%. The proportion of lumpectomy procedures increased from 56.7% to 65.4%, showing a greater growth rate than that of total mastectomies (TMs). Following the availability of reconstruction data in 2015, shifts have emerged toward a preference for implant-based autologous tissue reconstruction. As we transitioned to the latter part of our study, the trend was marked by the increasing adoption of hypofractionated RT and omission of RT. Of the patients who underwent lumpectomy in 2020, 25.6% adopted hypofractionated RT and 53.8% omitted RT. This transformation was particularly evident among older patients, individuals treated in metropolitan areas, and those treated in small-sized healthcare facilities. Conclusions: Our study sheds light on the changing landscape of DCIS treatment in South Korea incorporating perspectives from surgeons, plastic surgeons, and radiation oncologists. We observed an increase in the rates of lumpectomy and implant-based reconstruction. Adoption of hypofractionated RT and omission of RT showed increasing trends.

Multidisciplinary approach to lethal bleeding from an arteriovenous malformation in the external auditory canal.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are composed of abnormally connecting feeding arteries as well as draining veins and lack a regulatory system. Frequent recurrences and unpredictable behavior are their main problems. Potential mortality and morbidity associated with therapeutic procedures must be considered with these patients. Improper treatment often aggravates the condition, potentially rendering therapy more complex. A multidisciplinary approach, including an endovascular approach, surgical excision, and flap reconstruction, is considered to completely eradicate an AVM. This study introduces a complicated case of AVM with massive bleeding through the external auditory canal that was treated with a multidisciplinary approach.

Oncologic outcome of breast reconstruction after mastectomy in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: We conducted a comprehensive systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of the oncologic outcomes of breast reconstruction (BR) after mastectomy and mastectomy only. This study aimed to analyze the impact of BR on the prognosis of patients with breast cancer. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed using the following keywords: breast cancer, mastectomy, and BR. Inclusion criteria were studies reporting the survival data of patients after mastectomy only and mastectomy with BR. Event-free survival (EFS), breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS), and overall survival (OS) were considered the indicators of oncological outcomes. As all the included studies were non-randomized trials, we used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for risk of bias assessment. The effect of BR on survival was measured using the effect size of the hazard ratio (HR). Data from each study were analyzed using the Review Manager. Results: Fifteen studies with 20,948 cases of BR and 63,358 cases of mastectomy were included. The pooled HRs for EFS and BCSS were 1.07 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.78-1.47, P=0.65] and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.64-1.11, P=0.22), respectively. The patients who underwent BR after mastectomy had similar EFS and BCSS scores. Furthermore, patients who received BR had better OS (HR =0.73; 95% CI: 0.61-0.88, P=0.001) than those who underwent mastectomy only. Conclusions: The data showed that BR after mastectomy had similar EFS and BCSS and better OS than mastectomy alone. Our meta-analysis suggests that BR is a practicable and safe treatment option for patients with breast cancer.

Reconstruction of temporal hollowing deformities using silicone implants made using a toy-clay model: a report of three cases.

Severe temporal hollowing deformities can occur in patients who undergo craniectomy after intracranial hemorrhage. Reconstruction surgery for cosmetic purposes using silicone implants in patients with temporal hollowing deformities after craniectomy is advantageous because the procedure is simple and rapid, with a short recovery time, resulting in lower overall treatment costs. Of paramount importance, this option yields highly satisfactory results for patients. The authors present three cases of simple and fast surgery using silicone implants where highly satisfactory outcomes were obtained.

A comparative study of the clinical characteristics and outcomes of HR-positive HER2-negative breast cancer patients over and under 65 years old.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of hormone receptor-positive (HR+) human epidermal growth factor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer among elderly patients (over 65 years old) and younger patients. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 328 patients who were treated for breast cancer at Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital between January 2009 and December 2014. Tumor characteristics, surgical methods, and survival outcomes were compared between the two age groups (<65 and ≥65 years old). Kaplan-Meier curves for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were also constructed according to the age groups. Results: Among the 328 patients with HR+ HER2- breast cancer, 184 (56.1%) were <65 years old and 144 (43.9%) were ≥65 years old. Breast cancer stages were similar between the two age groups, but the older patients were treated less often with chemotherapy (81% vs. 66%, P=0.002). During the follow-up period, 17 deaths and 36 cases of recurrence or metastasis were reported. There was no difference in DFS between the two groups (P=0.840); however, the OS of the older age group was significantly lower than that of the younger age group (P=0.015). Conclusion: This study suggested that HR+ HER2- breast cancer patients belonging to the two age groups had no significant difference in DFS. However, older age is an independent factor affecting OS rate. Therefore, even if patients are old, but their physical condition is satisfactory, standard and active treatment may be necessary, similar to that given to younger patients.

The relationship between lymphedema severity and awareness of lymphedema surgery.

BACKGROUND: During the early stages of lymphedema, active physiologic surgical treatment can be applied. However, lymphedema patients often have limited knowledge and misconceptions regarding lymphedema and surgical treatment. We analyzed the correlations between lymphedema severity and surgical technique according to patients' awareness of surgical treatment for secondary upper extremity lymphedema (UEL). METHODS: Patients with UEL diagnosed between December 2017 and December 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. At the time of their presentation to our hospital for the treatment of lymphedema, they were administered a questionnaire about lymphedema and lymphedema surgery. Based on the results, patients were classified as being aware or unaware of surgical treatment. Lymphedema severity was classified according to the arm dermal backflow (ADB) stage and the MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) stage based on indocyanine green lymphography conducted at presentation. Surgical techniques were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Patients who were aware of surgical treatment had significantly lower initial ADB and MDACC stages (P<0.05) and more frequently underwent physiologic procedures than excisional procedures (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: If patients are actively educated regarding surgical treatment of lymphedema, physiologic procedures may be performed during the early stages of UEL.

Pattern of local recurrence after mastectomy and reconstruction in breast cancer patients: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the locations of local recurrences based on the mastectomy and reconstruction type in breast cancer patients. METHODS: In November 2020, a systematic literature review was performed through MEDLINE/PubMed and the Cochrane Centre Register of Controlled Trials. Publications that included skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy followed by breast reconstruction and described the location of local recurrences were analyzed. Exclusion criteria included salvage or prophylactic mastectomy, unclear distinction between local and regional recurrences, rare tumor types. RESULTS: From 19 publications, 272 local recurrences lesions were reported in a total of 4,787 patients. After autologous reconstruction (n=2,465), local recurrences were located in the skin in 45 (1.8%) patients, in the chest wall in 18 (0.7%), and in the nipple-areolar complex in 9 (0.4%). After implant reconstruction (n=1,917), local recurrences sites included the skin in 91 (4.7%) patients, chest wall in 8 (0.4%), and nipple-areolar complex in 8 (0.4%). Of the 70 lesions with reported in-breast location, 57 (81.4%) relapsed in the original tumor location. DISCUSSION: Although meta-analysis was not conducted, present analysis demonstrated that most local recurrences after skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy occurred within the skin or subcutaneous tissues. It was found that the original tumor location was the most frequent site of relapse. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the original tumor overlying the skin while planning postmastectomy radiation therapy.

Volumetric change of the latissimus dorsi muscle after postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy in immediate breast reconstruction with an extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap: final results from serial studies.

BACKGROUND: Breast reconstruction using an extended latissimus dorsi (eLD) flap can supplement more volume than reconstruction using various local flaps after partial mastectomy, and it is a valuable surgical method since the reconstruction area is not limited. However, when performing reconstruction, the surgeon should consider latissimus dorsi (LD) volume reduction due to postoperative chemotherapy (POCTx) and postoperative radiotherapy (PORTx). To evaluate the effect of POCTx and PORTx on LD volume reduction, the effects of each therapy-both separately and jointly-need to be demonstrated. The present study quantified LD volume reduction in patients who underwent POCTx and PORTx after receiving breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with an eLD flap. METHODS: This study included 48 patients who received immediate breast reconstruction using an eLD flap from January 2013 to March 2017, had chest computed tomography (CT) 7-10 days after surgery and 10-14 months after radiotherapy completion, and were observed for more than 3 years postoperatively. One surgeon performed the breast reconstruction procedures, and measurements of breast volume were obtained from axial CT views, using a picture archiving and communication system. A P-value <0.05 was the threshold for statistical significance. RESULTS: The average volume reduction of LD at 10-14 months after completing POCTx and PORTx was 64.5% (range, 42.8%-81.4%) in comparison to the volume measured 7-10 days after surgery. This change was statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of this study, when harvesting an eLD flap, surgeons should anticipate an average LD volume reduction of 64.5% if chemotherapy and radiotherapy are scheduled after BCS with an eLD flap.

Recurrent late seroma after immediate breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap.

The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap (LDMCF) is widely used for breast reconstruction. However, it has the disadvantage of frequent seroma formation at the donor site, and late seroma has also been reported. The authors report histological findings after the surgical treatment of a late, repeatedly recurrent seroma at 10 years after breast reconstruction with LDMCF. In 2008, a 66-year-old female patient underwent immediate breast reconstruction with LDMCF. In 2015, a late seroma was found at the donor site. After aspiration and drainage, the seroma recurred again in 2018. Total surgical excision of the seroma was performed and bloody-appearing fluid was identified in the capsule. The excised tissue was biopsied. Histological examination revealed no evidence of blood in the fluid, and multinucleated giant cells with amorphous eosinophilic proteinaceous material were identified. The cyst was suggestive of chronic granulomatous inflammation. There was no recurrence at 8 months postoperatively. The patient described herein underwent surgical treatment of late seroma that recurred after immediate breast reconstruction with LDMCF, and histological findings were identified. These results may be helpful for other future studies regarding late seroma after breast reconstruction with LDMCF.

Comparison of breast volume change between oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery with radiation therapy and a simultaneous contralateral balancing procedure through the inverted-T scar technique.

BACKGROUND: Reduction mammoplasty or mastopexy is performed as an additional balancing procedure in patients with large or ptotic breasts who undergo breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Radiation therapy on breasts that have undergone surgery may result in changes in the volume. This study presents a comparative analysis of patients who received post-BCS balancing procedures to determine whether volume changes were larger in breasts that received radiation therapy than on the contralateral side. METHODS: Thirty-six participants were selected among patients who received BCS using the inverted-T scar technique between September 2012 and July 2017, were followed up for 2 or more years, and had pre-radiation therapy computed tomography images and post-radiation therapy images taken between 12 and 18 months after completion. The average age of the participants was 53.5 years, their average body mass index was 26.62 kg/m2. RESULTS: The pre- and post-radiation therapy volumes of the breasts receiving BCS were 666.08±147.48 mL and 649.33±130.35 mL, respectively. In the contralateral breasts, the volume before radiation therapy was 637.69±145.72 mL, which decreased to 628.14±166.41 mL after therapy. The volume ratio of the affected to the contralateral breasts was 1.05±0.10 before radiation therapy and 1.06±0.12 after radiation therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The ratio of the volume between the two breasts immediately after surgery and at roughly 18 months postoperatively was not significantly different (P=0.98). For these reasons, we recommend a simultaneous single-stage balancing procedure as a reasonable option for patients who require radiation therapy after BCS without concerns regarding volume change.

Volumetric change of the latissimus dorsi muscle after postoperative radiotherapy in immediate breast reconstruction with an extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the magnitude of volume reduction of the latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle after treatment using only postoperative radiotherapy (PORTx) in patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction using an extended LD musculocutaneous (eLDMC) flap after partial mastectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 28 patients who underwent partial mastectomy and an eLDMC flap, received only PORTx, and underwent chest computed tomography (CT) 7 to 10 days after surgery and 18±4 months after the end of radiotherapy, from March 2011 to June 2016. The motor nerve to the LD was resected in all patients. One plastic surgeon performed the procedures, and the follow-up period was at least 36 months (mean, 46.6 months). The author obtained LD measurements from axial CT views, and the measurements were verified by an experienced radiologist. The threshold for statistical significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease in the LD volume was found after the end of PORTx (range, 61.19%-80.82%; mean, 69.04%) in comparison to the measurements obtained 7 to 10 days postoperatively (P<0.05). All cases were observed clinically for over 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: The size of an eLDMC flap should be determined considering an average LD reduction of 69% after PORTx. Particular care should be taken in determining the size of an eLDMC flap if the LD is thick or if it occupies a large portion of the flap.

Attachment distribution of pectoral muscle origins identified in dual-plane breast implant insertion.

BACKGROUND: Implant-based dual-plane augmentation mammoplasty requires accurate separation of the pectoralis major muscle (PMM) at its origins. The authors identified the PMM origins during breast reconstruction surgery with the goal of providing additional information on subpectoral implant insertion for reconstructive or aesthetic purposes. METHODS: This study was conducted on 67 patients who underwent breast reconstruction surgery at the breast center of our hospital between November 2016 and June 2018. In total, 34 left and 39 right hemithoraces were examined. The left and right hemithoraces were each divided into 15 zones to determine the percentage of PMM attachments in each zone. The distribution of PMM origins in each zone was examined to identify any statistically significant differences. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the origins of the PMM between the right and left hemithoraces. The percentage of attachments increased moving from the fourth to the sixth rib and from the lateral to the medial aspect. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomical findings of this study could be used as a reference for accurate dissection of the origins of the PMM for the preparation of the subpectoral pocket for subpectoral implant placement.

Adequacy of sentinel lymph node biopsy in malignant melanoma of the trunk and extremities: Clinical observations regarding prognosis.

BACKGROUND: METHODS for identifying local lymph node metastasis in malignant melanoma include sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and lymph node dissection (LND). In particular, SLNB has been widely used in recent years. This study aimed to retrospectively confirm the adequacy of the current indication criteria for SLNB by applying those criteria to a mixed group of patients who previously received SLNB and LND. METHODS: This study included 77 patients with malignant melanoma of the extremities and trunk who were monitored for >24 months. The patients were classified according to whether the current indication criteria for SLNB were applicable. The sentinel lymph nodes were evaluated for each group. Patients for whom the indication criteria for SLNB and LND were applicable were analyzed according to whether SLNB or LND was performed. Finally, the outpatient records of these patients were reviewed to evaluate recurrence, metastasis, and prognosis. RESULTS: Of the 77 patients, SLNB was indicated according to the current criteria in 60 cases. Among the 60 patients for whom SLNB was indicated, 35 survived the follow-up period disease-free, 21 died during the follow-up period, and four experienced metastasis. The 17 patients for whom SLNB was not indicated had no recurrence or metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients for whom SLNB was not indicated had no recurrence or metastasis. In cases where SLNB is indicated, the possibility of metastasis and recurrence may be high even if SLNB is negative or LND is performed, so more aggressive treatment and careful follow-up are crucial.

Merkel cell carcinoma: A series of seven cases.

BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine malignancy affecting the skin, for which timely diagnosis and aggressive treatment are essential. MCC has most often been reported in Caucasians, and case reports in Asians are rare. This study presents our experiences with the surgical treatment and radiotherapy of MCC in Asian patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of seven MCC patients between 2000 and 2018 from a single institution, and analyzed patient characteristics, tumor characteristics, surgical treatment, sentinel lymph node evaluation, reconstruction, adjuvant radiation therapy, and prognosis. RESULTS: Eight MCC lesions occurred in seven patients, most commonly in the head and neck region. All patients underwent surgical excision with reconstruction. The final surgical margin was 1.0 cm in most cases, and reconstruction was most commonly performed with a splitthickness skin graft. Five patients received adjuvant radiotherapy, and two patients received sentinel lymph node biopsy. During the follow-up period, three patients remained well, two died from other causes, one experienced recurrence, and one was lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We treated seven Asian MCC patients and our series confirmed that MCC is a very dangerous cancer in Asians as well. Based on our experiences, thorough surgical excision of MCC with histopathological clearance should be considered, with sentinel lymph node evaluation if necessary, followed by appropriate reconstruction and careful postoperative observation. Adjuvant radiation therapy is also recommended for all Asian MCC patients. The results of this case series may provide guidance for the treatment of Asian MCC patients in the future.

Investigation of the dorsolateral branch of the posterior intercostal artery for use as the pedicle of a free flap: A cadaveric study and case series.

BACKGROUND: The dorsolateral branch of the posterior intercostal artery (DLBPI) can be easily found while harvesting a latissimus dorsi (LD) musculocutaneous flap for breast reconstruction. However, it remains unknown whether this branch can be used for a free flap and whether this branch alone can provide perfusion to the skin. We examined whether the DLBPI could be reliably found and whether it could provide sufficient perfusion. METHODS: We dissected 10 fresh cadavers and counted DLBPIs with a diameter larger than 2 mm. For each DLBPI, the following parameters were measured: distance from the lateral margin of the LD muscle, level of the intercostal space, distance from the spinal process, and distance from the inferior angle of the scapula. RESULTS: The DLBPI was easily found in all cadavers and was reliably located in the specified area. The average number of DLBPIs was 1.65. They were located between the seventh and eleventh intercostal spaces. The average length of the DLBPI between the intercostal space and the LD muscle was 4.82 cm. To assess the perfusion of the DLBPIs, a lead oxide mixture was injected through the branch and observed using X-rays, and it showed good perfusion. CONCLUSIONS: The DLBPI can be used as a pedicle in free flaps for small defects. DLBPI flaps have some limitations, such as a short pedicle. However, an advantage of this branch is that it can be reliably located through simple dissection. For women, it has the advantage of concealing the donor scar underneath the bra band.