Patient Reported Outcome Following the Skoog Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair among Adults- a Long-Term Cohort Study and Comparison to a Non-cleft Population.

OBJECTIVE: The study primarily aimed to compare satisfaction with lip appearance among adults treated for unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) with Skoog's primary lip repair procedure to those without clefts. The secondary aim was to determine whether satisfaction with lip appearance and the desire to change the lip/face appearance correlated with the number of secondary lip revisions performed. DESIGN: Long-term follow-up. PATIENTS/SETTINGS: All UCLP patients treated at the Uppsala University Hospital born between 1960- and 1987 (n = 109) were invited. At an average of 37 years following the primary lip repair, the participation rate was 76% (n = 83). A control group of adults without cleft (n = 67) completed the same study protocol for comparison. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Satisfaction with appearance was measured with The Satisfaction with Appearance Questionnaire (SWA) and a modified version of the Body Cathexis -Scale was used to assess the desire to change the lip and facial appearance. RESULTS: UCLP patients were less satisfied with their lip, face, and overall appearance and reported a greater desire to change the appearance of their lips and face than non-cleft controls (p < 0.001). Dissatisfaction with lip appearance correlated to a greater willingness to change the appearance of the lip and face. No correlation was found between satisfaction with appearance and the number of the previously performed secondary lip revisions. CONCLUSION: Adults treated for UCLP are less satisfied with the appearance of their lips compared to the non-cleft population. The number of secondary revisions does not necessarily correlate to greater satisfaction with lip appearance.

Endoscopic assisted insetting of free flaps in anterior skull base reconstruction: A preliminary report of five cases.

INTRODUCTION: Free vascularized tissue may provide a robust reconstruction after anterior skull base surgery. We report our technique and outcomes of the endoscopic inset of free flaps in anterior skull base reconstructions. METHODS: Between 2016 and 2018, endoscopic tumor removal and reconstruction of anterior skull base pathology was performed in five patients aged 20-72 years old (four male, one female). The tumors included three neuroblastomas, a carcinoma, an adenoma, and a melanoma. The median size of the defect was 3.7 × 6.6 cm. Transmaxillary access was gained through the upper sulcus and an anterior and medial maxillectomy. The flap inset was facilitated by the endoscope. The donor vessels were tunneled through the sinus and through the cheek to the facial vessels without the use of the endoscope. RESULTS: In three cases a vastus lateralis flap was used, in one case an adipofascial ALT flap and in one case an adipofascial radial forearm flap. Separation of intracranial and sinonasal spaces was confirmed by radiological and endoscopic examinations. There was no flap failure and one case with partial necrosis. One of the flaps needed to be trimmed as it obliterated the nasal cavity and in one of the cases the flap was repositioned postoperatively. Two cases had infectious complications. The mean follow-up of the patients was 13.8 months. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic assisted inset of a free flap in the anterior skull base was feasible in the five cases we present. A dedicated, multidisciplinary approach is mandatory for surgical innovation like this.

Usefulness of a template-based anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of head and neck defects.

BACKGROUND: One of the challenges in head and neck reconstruction is to have an adequate understanding of the three-dimensionalities of the defects created after resections due to the high variability of clinical scenarios. Consequently, it is essential to design the flap to match the requirements of the defect in order to facilitate the insetting and to achieve a successful outcome. The anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) is a robust and versatile flap commonly used in head and neck reconstruction. In this study the authors use a hand-made template as a tool to customize ALT flaps and its variations to fit more accurately the different shapes, volume, and components of the resulting defects. The aim of this study is to describe in detail this surgical approach and present the clinical experience in 100 consecutive cases using a template-based ALT flaps in head and neck reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on all microvascular head and neck reconstruction cases between January 2013 and December 2017 in our institution where a template-based ALT flap design was performed. We describe in detail the surgical technique used and present the clinical outcomes. In addition, we analyzed the use of different designs of the ALT flaps including different flap components in relation to the location of the defect. RESULTS: One hundred reconstructions for head and neck defects were performed in 97 patients. Seven types of ALT free flaps were performed: fasciocutaneous (46%), suprafascial (8%), adipofascial (9%), vastus lateralis muscle (3%), composite fasciocutaneous/adipofascial (9%), chimeric flaps (21%), and vascularized nerve grafts (4%). Oropharyngeal and periauricular defects were mostly reconstructed with fasciocutanoues design. In more complex three-dimensional defects such as skull base or midface defects, a chimeric flap was selected. In all cases the used of template facilitated the insetting of the free flap. The total flap loss was 2%. CONCLUSIONS: Customization of ALT flaps using intraoperative templates is a useful method for flap design which facilitates fitting of the flap to a variety of defects in head and neck reconstruction.

Bilateral breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps in slim patients.

BACKGROUND: Slim women are not always considered candidates for bilateral autologous breast reconstruction. The study aims to assess the volume considerations and complications of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap in bilateral breast reconstruction among slim patients. METHODS: All patients undergoing bilateral DIEP breast reconstruction at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, September 2007-March 2015, were reviewed. Flap weight was compared to mastectomy weight (weight ratio) and complications were recorded. Subgroup analyses according to Body Mass Index (BMI) were performed. RESULTS: One-hundred seventy patients (340 flaps) were included. There were 42 in the slim-group (BMI <25) (84 flaps), 70 in the traditional (BMI = 25.0-29.9) (140 flaps), and 58 in the obese (BMI >30) (116 flaps). There were no significant differences in reconstruction weight ratio between the slim and the traditional groups (1.04 ± 0.31 versus 0.95 ± 0.38, p = .267). When comparing the slim to obese group the ratio was lower for the obese group, inferring that a larger reconstruction was performed (p = .016). Complications was less frequent in the slim group compared to the traditional and the obese groups (31% compared to 50% and to 53% (p = .060 and p = .021, respectively). Donor-site specific complications did not differ between groups (29% 26% and 29%; p = .823 and .830, respectively). CONCLUSION: The DIEP flaps may be a safe option for bilateral breast reconstruction among patients with BMI <25 without sacrifice in volume or increase in donor-site complications; low BMI does not in itself contraindicate bilateral DIEP breast reconstruction.

Voice Quality in Adults Treated for Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: Long-Term Follow-Up After One- or Two-Stage Palate Repair.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to assess voice quality among adults treated for unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), after one- or two-stage palate closure, and compare it to a noncleft control group. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of patients with UCLP with long-term follow-up and noncleft controls. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with UCLP born between 1960 and 1987, treated at Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden, were examined (n = 73) at a mean of 35 years after primary surgery. Forty-seven (64%) patients had been treated with 1-stage palate closure and 26 with 2-stage closure (36%). The noncleft control group consisted of 63 age-matched volunteers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ratings of perceptual voice characteristics from blinded voice recordings with Swedish Voice Evaluation Approach method. Acoustic voice analysis including pitch and spectral measures. RESULTS: Among the patients, the mean values for the 12 evaluated variables on a visual analog scale (0 = no abnormality, 100 = maximal abnormality) ranged between 0.1 and 17, and the mean for all was 6 mm. Voice variables were similar between patients and controls, except the total mean of all the perceptual voice variables, as well as "vocal fry"; both slightly lower among patients ( P = .018 and P = .009). There was no difference in any variable between patients treated with 1-stage and 2-stage palate closure. No clear relationship was found between velopharyngeal insufficiency and dysphonia. CONCLUSIONS: The voice characteristics among adults treated for UCLP in childhood are not different from those of individuals without cleft.

Voice Quality in Adults Treated for Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: Long-term Follow-up After 1- or 2-Stage Palate Repair.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to assess voice quality among adults treated for unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), after 1- or 2-stage palate closure, and compare it to a noncleft control group. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study in UCLP patients with long-term follow-up and noncleft controls. PARTICIPANTS: UCLP patients born 1960-1987, treated at Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden, were examined (n = 73) at a mean of 35 years after primary surgery. Forty-seven patients (64%) had been treated with 1-stage palate closure and 26 with 2-stage closure (36%). The noncleft control group consisted of 63 age-matched volunteers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Ratings of perceptual voice characteristics from blinded voice recordings with Swedish Voice Evaluation Approach (SVEA) method. Acoustic voice analysis including pitch and spectral measures. RESULTS: Among the patients, the mean values for the 12 evaluated variables on a VAS scale (0 = no abnormality, 100 = maximal abnormality) ranged between 1 and 22 and the mean for all was 6 mm. Voice variables were similar between patients and controls except the total mean of all the perceptual voice variables, as well as "vocal fry"-both slightly lower among patients ( P = .018 and P = .009). There was no difference in any variable between patients treated with 1-stage and 2-stage palate closure. No clear relationship was found between VPI and dysphonia. CONCLUSION: The voice characteristics among adults treated for UCLP in childhood are not different from those of individuals without cleft.

Free anterolateral thigh flap and masseter nerve transfer for reconstruction of extensive periauricular defects: Surgical technique and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Radical tumor ablation in the periauricular area often results in extensive soft tissue defects, including facial nerve sacrifice, bone and/or dura defects. Reconstruction of these defects should aim at restoring facial reanimation, wound closure, and facial and neck contours. We present our experience using free anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) in combination with masseter nerve to facial nerve transfer in managing complex defects in the periauricular area. METHODS: Between 2011 and 2015 six patients underwent a combined procedure of ALT flap reconstruction and masseter nerve transfer, to reconstruct extensive, post tumor resection, periauricular defects. The ALT flap was customized according to the defect. For smile restoration, the masseter nerve was transferred to the buccal branch of the facial nerve. If the facial nerve stump was preserved, interposition of nerve grafts to the zygomatic and frontal branches was performed to provide separate eye closure. The outcomes were analyzed by assessing wound closure, contour deformity, symmetry of the face, and facial nerve function. RESULTS: There were no partial or total flap losses. Stable wound closure and adequate volume replacement in the neck was achieved in all cases, as well as good facial tonus and symmetry. The mean follow-up time of clinical outcomes was 16.8 months. Smile restoration was graded as good or excellent in four cases, moderate in one and fair in one. CONCLUSION: Extensive periauricular defects following oncologic resection could be adequately reconstructed in a combined procedure of free ALT flap and masseter nerve transfer to the facial nerve for smile restoration.

Reconstruction of late esophagus perforation after anterior cervical spine fusion with an adipofascial anterolateral thigh free flap: A case report.

Reconstruction of late esophageal perforation usually requires flap surgery to achieve wound healing. However, restoring the continuity between the digestive tract and retropharyngeal space to allow for normal swallowing remains a technical challenge. In this report, we describe the use of a thin and pliable free adipofascial anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap in a 47-year-old tetraplegic man with a history of C5-C6 fracture presented with a large posterior esophagus wall perforation allowing an easier flap insetting for a successful wound closure. The postoperative course was uneventful and mucosalization of the flap was confirmed by esophagoscopy 4 weeks postsurgery. The patient tolerated normal diet and maintained normal swallowing during a follow-up of 3 years postoperatively. The adipofascial ALT flap may provide easier insetting due to the thin and pliable layer of adipofascial tissue for reconstructing large defects of the posterior wall of the esophagus by filling the retroesophageal space.

Benefits of two or more senior microsurgeons operating simultaneously in microsurgical breast reconstruction: Experience in a swedish medical center.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate how the number of senior microsurgeons, performing autologous microvascular breast reconstruction together, influences operating time and postoperative complications. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out in one hundred consecutive patients who underwent unilateral delayed deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstruction at a single institution. All patients followed our institution's surgical protocol and were divided into groups depending on the number of senior microsurgeons that simultaneously performed the procedure. Operating time and complications were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Sixteen of the patients were operated by one single microsurgically trained specialist, 64 by two and 20 by three specialists. The mean operating time for the one microsurgeon's group was 286 ± 84 min, for the two-microsurgeons' group 265 ± 57 min and for the three-microsurgeons' group 251 ± 59 min. There was a trend of decreasing operating times when more microsurgeons performed surgery together, however the difference between groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.251). Total flap failure rate was 2% (2/100). Both cases occurred in the group operated by one single microsurgeon (2/16) compared with two microsurgeon's group (0/64) and three microsurgeon's group (0/20; P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: By optimising the surgical experience available during microvascular breast reconstruction, operating time can be reduced and efficiency improved. In the current setting, two microsurgically trained surgeons achieved optimal operation flow with the lowest complication rate. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:416-420, 2017.

Speech in Adults Treated for Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: Long-Term Follow-Up After One- or Two-Stage Palate Repair.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate speech in adults treated for unilateral cleft lip and palate with one-stage or two-stage palate closure and compare the speech of the patients with that of a noncleft control group. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study with long-term follow-up. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: All unilateral cleft lip and palate patients born from 1960 to 1987 and treated at Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden, were invited (n = 109). Participation rate was 67% (n = 73) at a mean of 35 years after primary surgery. Forty-seven had been treated according to one-stage palate closure and 26 according to two-stage palate closure. Pharyngeal flap surgery had been performed in 11 of the 73 patients (15%). The noncleft control group consisted of 63 age-matched volunteers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Speech-language pathologists rated perceptual speech characteristics from blinded audio recordings. RESULTS: Among patients, seven (10%) presented with hypernasality, 12 (16%) had audible nasal emission and/or nasal turbulence, five (7%) had consonant production errors, one (2%) had glottal reinforcements/substitutions, and one (2%) had reduced intelligibility. Controls had no audible signs of velopharyngeal insufficiency and no quantifiable problems with the other speech production variables. No significant differences were identified between patients treated with one-stage and two-stage palate closure for any of the variables. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of speech outcome indicative of velopharyngeal insufficiency among adult patients treated for unilateral cleft lip and palate was low but higher compared with individuals without cleft. Whether palatal closure is performed in one or two stages does not seem to affect the speech outcome at a mean age of 35 years.

Breast reconstruction with the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap is a reliable alternative in slim patients.

INTRODUCTION: For slim patients eligible to breast reconstruction, clinical concerns exist on availability of adequate amount of donor tissue to restore breast volume and challenges in donor-site closure, when using the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. The purpose of the current study is to analyze whether the DIEP flap can provide adequate volume for breast reconstruction in slim patients, without increased complication rates or prolonged hospital stay. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients receiving a unilateral DIEP breast reconstruction at the center 2007-2010 were included (n = 171). The patients were analyzed in subgroups of delayed and immediate reconstruction and of BMI. Complications were analyzed according to Clavien-Dindo. Flap weight was compared to mastectomy specimen weight among immediate reconstructions (n = 91). RESULTS: There was no difference in specimen to flap weight ratio between the different BMI-groups (BMI <25, 25-29.9 and >30: 0.81, 0.87 and 0.96 respectively, P = 0.360. Overall complication rate was 43.1% (BMI <25); 43.0% (BMI 25-29.9): and 70.0% (BMI >30) (P = 0.018). The results were similar for both the immediate and the delayed reconstructions. Length of hospital stay was similar in the different BMI groups. Delayed donor-site healing was higher in patients with BMI <25; 17.2%, compared to patients with BMI 25-29.9; 11.8%, but lower than for patients with BMI >30; 29.7% (P = 0.033). CONCLUSION: The DIEP flap provides adequate volume for unilateral breast reconstruction in slim patients, both in immediate and delayed settings. However, in delayed reconstructions slim patients need to be informed about the increased risk of donor-site complications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:552-558, 2016.

Fibula osteo-adipofascial flap for reconstruction of a cervical spine and posterior pharyngeal wall defect.

When reconstructing combined defects of the cervical spine and the posterior pharyngeal wall the goals are bone stability along with continuity of the aerodigestive tract. We present a case of a patient with a cervical spine defect, including C1 to C3, associated with a posterior pharyngeal wall defect after excision of a chordoma and postoperative radiotherapy. The situation was successfully solved with a free fibula osteo-adipofascial flap. The reconstruction with a fibula osteo-adipofascial flap provided several benefits in comparison with a fibula osteo-cutaneous flap in our case, including an easier insetting of the soft tissue component at the pharyngeal level and less bulkiness of the flap allowing our patient to resume normal deglutition.

Surgical treatments of lymphedema-a literature review on robot-assisted lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA).

Background and Objective: Lymphedema is a common issue after surgery and oncologic treatment, affecting millions of people worldwide. A better understanding of the condition has provided an increasing possibility of a tailormade treatment plan, and with improvement in surgical technique, we now have several surgical treatments to offer, including the lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA). Considering the size of lymph vessels used for LVA, sometimes as small as 0.3 mm, there is a need for improvement of the technical aspects of the procedures. This paper explores the potential of robotic assistance in LVA surgery as an innovative approach to overcome the limitations of human dexterity. Methods: A literature review was performed on 2023-12-22 using PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases to identify all previous publications on robotic LVA surgery, resulting in a total of 65 publications. Original publications in English were considered and after selection, a total of 5 publications were included in the review. Key Content and Findings: Two surgical systems used in clinical practice were identified, the MUSA (Microsure) and the Symani Surgical System (Medical Microinstruments). Common topics for discussion include the increased precision the robot assistance provides, clinical outcomes, ergonomics, and the learning curve for aspiring robot surgeons. Anastomosis times were generally found to be longer initially, but several authors note that there is a steep learning curve with rapidly decreasing times with an increasing number of procedures. Overall clinical outcomes were comparable to those using manual anastomosis. Conclusions: The use of robotics in LVA surgery, has shown promising results through clinical studies. Robotic assistance can help augment the technical capacity of a surgeon through motion scaling and tremor filtration, facilitating the most delicate steps of the LVA. The learning curve is steep, and the technique can hopefully make microsurgical reconstructions available to a broader number of patients. Further development can include haptic feedback, structured training programs, and cost optimization through dissemination of the technology.

Long-term Donor Site-related Quality of Life after Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction.

Background: Current knowledge about patients' perceptions of the donor site following abdominal-based breast reconstruction and its effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) several years after breast reconstruction is limited. This study aimed to assess the long-term effects of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction on HRQoL, specifically focusing on the abdomen and donor site aspects. Methods: This retrospective cohort study compared 66 women who underwent DIEP breast reconstruction between 2000 and 2007 with a matched control cohort of 114 women who underwent therapeutic mastectomies without reconstruction in the year 2005. The DIEP cohort of patients completed the BREAST-Q Reconstruction module during an outpatient visit in 2015-2016. The control cohort completed the same questionnaire online in 2016. Results: The follow-up time was at least 8 years (mean 11.4 ±â€…1.6 years) postreconstruction for the DIEP cohort and 10 years postmastectomy (mean 11.0 ±â€…0.3 years) for the control cohort. In the DIEP cohort, 93% reported no donor site pain, 89% had no difficulty sitting up, and 91% had no activity limitations 2 weeks before completing the survey. Patients undergoing DIEP were more satisfied with their abdominal appearance than the control group (adjusted OR, 5.7; 95% confidence interval 1.8-17.6). Conclusions: A decade postoperatively, DIEP breast reconstruction yields high abdominal donor site satisfaction, with comparable abdominal physical well-being to nonreconstructed women.

Molecular Diagnostics and Treatment Patterns in Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients: Real World Evidence from Greece: LACHESIS Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Lung cancer, primarily non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is the leading cause of cancer deaths globally. In Greece in 2020, 8,960 new cases were reported. NSCLC's 5-year survival rates range from 54% (stage I) to less than 2% (stage IV); however, innovative therapies like immune check points inhibitors (ICIs) and targeted treatments have notably enhanced outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the 1st and 2nd line treatment patterns with the introduction of new treatment modalities. Additionally, we evaluated biomarker testing approaches in NSCLC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: LACHESIS was a retrospective multinational study, collecting and analyzing data from adult patients from Russia, Bulgaria, and Greece with metastatic NSCLC either newly diagnosed or relapsed from earlier stages, who had the option to undergo biomarker testing (genetic alterations/programmed death-ligand 1 protein expression levels, PD-L1), and who received 1st line treatment for squamous (SQ) or non-squamous (N-SQ) NSCLC. Subsequent lines of therapy were also reported. RESULTS: The Greek site registered retrospective data from 250 NSCLC patients, of whom 206 were newly diagnosed (ND) metastatic NSCLC patients and 44 were patients relapsed from earlier stages. Seventy-two had SQ NSCLC and 169 had N-SQ NSCLC. For these patients, treatment patterns including immunotherapy±chemotherapy combinations were recorded. Biomarker testing patterns, including genetic alterations and PD-L1 expression levels were also documented. CONCLUSION: LACHESIS provides treatment patterns and biomarker testing data. Greek patients were treated according to international guidelines, with immunotherapy as a viable option, particularly for PD-L1 levels over 50%. Biomarker testing, crucial for non-squamous (N-SQ) cases, should yield timely results for driver mutations, prioritizing patient benefits.

Comparison of Pain Management Strategies to Reduce Opioid Use Postoperatively in Free Flap Breast Reconstruction: Pain Catheter versus Nerve Block in Addition to Refinements in the Oral Pain Management Regime.

Background Perioperative management in autologous breast reconstruction has gained focus in recent years. This study compares two pain management protocols in patients undergoing abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction: a past protocol (PP) and a current protocol (CP)-both intended to reduce opioid consumption postoperatively. The PP entails use of a pain catheter in the abdominal wound and the CP consists of an intraoperative nerve block in addition to refinements in the oral pain management. We hypothesize that the CP reduces opioid consumption compared to PP. Methods From December 2017 to January 2020, 102 patients underwent breast reconstruction with an abdominal-based free flap. Two postoperative pain management strategies were used during the period; from December 2017 to September 2018, the PP was used which entailed the use of a pain catheter with ropivacaine applied in the abdominal wound with continuous distribution postoperatively in addition to paracetamol orally and oxycodone orally pro re nata (PRN). From October 2018 to January 2020, the CP was used. This protocol included a combination of intraoperative subfascial nerve block and a postoperative oral pain management regime that consisted of paracetamol, celecoxib, and gabapentin as well as oxycodone PRN. Results The CP group ( n = 63) had lower opioid consumption compared to the PP group ( n = 39) when examining all aspects of opioid consumption, including daily opioid usage in morphine milligram equivalents and total opioid usage during the stay ( p < 0.001). The CP group had shorter length of hospital stay (LOS). Conclusion Introduction of the CP reduced opioid use and LOS was shorter.

National long-term patient-reported outcomes following mastectomy with or without breast reconstruction: The Swedish Breast Reconstruction Outcome Study Part 2 (SweBRO 2).

BACKGROUND: The Swedish Breast Reconstruction Outcome Study (SweBRO) initiative is a nationwide study with the primary aim of assessing long-term outcomes after mastectomy with and without breast reconstruction (BR). The current part (SweBRO 2) is designed to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL), with the hypothesis that BR has a positive impact on patient-reported HRQoL in the long-term. METHODS: Women who underwent mastectomy in Sweden in 2000, 2005, or 2010 and were alive at the time of the survey were identified through the National Breast Cancer Registry. Eligible participants received formal invitation letters to take part in a survey evaluating their HRQoL at 5 , 10, or 15 years post-mastectomy. The EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-BR23, and EQ-5D-3L questionnaires were employed. RESULTS: Of 2904 respondents (50% of 5853 invited), 895 (31%) had received BR. Among them, 516 (58%) were reconstructed with implants and 281 (31%) with autologous tissue. Women with BR scored significantly better in the EORCT QLQ-C30 physical functioning domain (mean 90 versus 81 points), fatigue (mean 21 versus 25), and dyspnoea (mean 16 versus 22) compared to non-reconstructed women. The EORTC QLQ-BR23 revealed that women with BR experienced favourable sexual functioning compared with non-reconstructed women (mean 26 versus 14). The EQ-5D-3L visual analogue scale score was similar between groups. CONCLUSION: The current study underscores the benefits of BR for long-term well-being, for example, in terms of physical and sexual functioning. These underline the importance of informing women undergoing mastectomy about BR alternatives and its potential benefits in enhancing long-term well-being.

Phase II study shows potential benefit of adenoviral vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and lymph node transfer in lymphedema.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a common complication lacking medical treatment. Lymfactin® is an adenovirus type 5-based gene therapy and prolymphangiogenic growth factor vector that induces vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) expression. Our aim was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Lymfactin® with vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT). METHODS: This Phase II, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized multicenter study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Lymfactin® in combination with VLNT. The primary endpoints were edema volume, quality of life (LyQoLI), and lymphoscintigraphy. All adverse events were recorded. A mixed model of repeated measures analysis of covariance was performed. This study was a continuation of a previous Phase I Lymfactin® study. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients with BCRL were recruited between June 2018 and December 2019 and randomized to receive either Lymfactin® (n = 20) or placebo (n = 19). The primary endpoints showed a positive effect of VLNT in both groups compared to the baseline, but without statistical differences between groups at 12 months. Additionally, greater improvements were observed in the tissue dielectric constant ratios measuring skin interstitial fluid levels in the Lymfactin® group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.020). No differences in adverse events were detected between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study was one of the few studies to objectively show a positive effect of VLNT in a prospective clinical multicenter setting. It was also the first-ever randomized prospective clinical study showing a quantitatively positive effect of a medical therapy on the edema of lymphedema although failing to show differences between groups in primary outcome measures.

Factors related to quality of life and satisfaction with nasal appearance in patients treated for unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Objective : To identify factors related to quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction with nasal appearance among patients treated for unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Design : Cross-sectional population study with long-term follow-up. Patients/Settings : All patients with UCLP born between 1960 and 1987, treated at Uppsala University Hospital, were invited (n  =  109); 86 (79%) participated. Mean follow-up time was 35 years. Main Outcome Measures : Quality of life was measured with Short Form-36 (SF-36) and analyzed using mental and physical cluster scores (MCS and PCS). Nasal appearance was self-assessed with the "Satisfaction With Appearance" questionnaire and by panel judgment. Multivariate regression analyses explored endogenous factors (age, gender, infancy cleft width, nasal function, nasolabial appearance) and exogenous factors (marital status, number of children, education level, operation method, number of rhinoplasties performed). Results : A larger cleft width in infancy was associated with less satisfaction with nasal appearance as adults. A lower mental health QoL was associated with less satisfaction with nasal appearance. Despite female gender being linked to less satisfaction with nasal appearance, it was associated with higher mental health QoL. Higher resistance during nasal breathing was associated with lower physical health QoL. Conclusions : Gender and infant cleft width may affect QoL and satisfaction with nasal appearance among adults. They are potential predictive factors for satisfaction with nasal appearance and QoL during adulthood. The correlation of nasal function impairment and decreased physical health QoL underlines the importance of treatment of nasal symptoms in these patients.

Definitive coverage of distal vein graft in a case of early skin necrosis following popliteal to dorsalis pedis bypass.

Inframalleolar bypass is an effective intervention for chronic limb threatening ischemia. A successful outcome can be compromised by early pedal wound disruption with secondary bypass exposure. We describe the case of a 74-year-old man with a WIfI (wound, ischemia, foot infection) clinical stage 4 foot who underwent popliteal-dorsalis pedis bypass, complicated by early skin necrosis overlying the pedal anastomosis. This necessitated a multidisciplinary approach to obtain tissue coverage over the anastomosis. The wound healed within 28 days, and at 2 years, the patient was mobilizing independently. We outline the approach taken and discuss the management of this challenging limb salvage problem.