Combined perforator flaps for total breast reconstruction-a narrative review and insights from massive weight loss cases.

Background and Objective: Perforator flaps have revolutionized autologous breast reconstruction, introducing both free and pedicled options as well as the potential for combining flaps. These versatile techniques can be utilized in massive weight loss (MWL) patients, effectively addressing both functional and aesthetic challenges by using their excess skin. This review aims to explore literature on combined pedicled and free perforator flaps for total breast reconstruction, and share our own experience in the field. Methods: A PubMed search up to June 2023 employed Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms such as (("combined") OR ("stacked") OR ("conjoined") AND ("perforator flaps")) AND ("breast reconstruction"). Publications in English and Scandinavian languages were manually screened for relevance, and supplemental sources were also reviewed. Key Content and Findings: Limited studies exist on using combined pedicled and free flaps for total breast reconstruction, although combined free flaps are more common. Perforators around the breast base, offer multiple flap options for single or combined use. In our series of 10 women, four underwent total breast reconstruction with a combination of flip-over internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap and thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap. Another subset of four, who were MWL patients, received combined TDAP and superior epigastric artery perforator (SEAP) flaps, along with body contouring procedures such as upper body lifts and vertical abdominoplasties, addressing excess skin and improving silhouette. One remaining MWL patient had deflated breasts restored using TDAP and SEAP flaps, along with an upper and lower body lift and vertical abdominoplasty. The last MWL patient underwent a risk-reducing mastectomy, also reconstructed with TDAP and SEAP flaps, and received an upper body lift and vertical abdominoplasty. Conclusions: Combined perforator flap techniques for combined body contouring and breast reconstruction seems safe and especially suitable for MWL patients. They offer a surgical alternative merging body contouring and breast reconstruction in cases where free flap procedures seem less favorable due to skin laxity and deflation of donor sites. However, limited literature on the topic calls for further studies.

Surgical treatment algorithm for breast cancer lymphedema-a systematic review.

Background: Various surgical treatments are increasingly adopted and gaining popularity for lymphedema treatment. However, challenges persist in selecting appropriate treatment modalities targeted for individual patients and achieving consensus on choice of treatment as well as outcomes. The systematic review aimed to create a treatment algorithm incorporating the latest scientific knowledge, to provide healthcare professionals and patients with a tool for informed decision-making, when selecting between treatments or combining them in a relevant manner. This systematic review evaluated and synthesized the evidence on the effectiveness of three surgical treatments for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL): lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA), vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT), and liposuction. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of electronic databases on 18 June 2023, including Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.org. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials, non-randomized comparative studies, and observational studies that assessed the outcomes of LVA, VLNT, or liposuction in managing BCRL. The primary results of interest were changes in arm volume, lymphatic flow, and quality of life. Two independent reviewers performed the study selection and data extraction. Following this, we systematically reviewed and conducted a risk of bias assessment. Results were qualitatively presented, and a treatment algorithm was developed based on the available data. Results: We identified 16,593 papers, after removal of duplicates. Following assessment of studies, 73 articles met the inclusion criteria, including 2,373 patients. We were not able to conduct a meta-analysis due to considerable heterogeneity in the methodologies and outcome measures across the studies. Liposuction appears effective for patients presenting with non-pitting lymphedema. LVA indicates variable success rate, with some evidence indicating a reduction in limb volume and symptomatic relief amongst early stages of lymphedema. VLNT showed promising results for limb volume reduction and symptom improvement in patients presenting with mild and moderate lymphedema. Conclusions: Liposuction, LVA, and VLNT seem to be effective treatments for BCRL, when targeted for the appropriate patient. Well-conducted high evidence clinical studies in the field are still lacking to uncover the efficacy of surgical treatment for BCRL.

Robot-assisted lymphovenous anastomosis surgery for lymphocele in the groin.

We present the first-in-human robot-assisted microsurgery on a lymphocele in the groin involving a man in his late 60s who had been coping with the condition for 12 months. Despite numerous efforts at conservative treatment and surgical intervention, the lymphocele persisted, leading to a referral to our clinic.Diagnostic techniques, including indocyanine green lymphography and ultrasound, identified one lymphatic vessel draining into the lymphocele. The surgical intervention, conducted with the assistance of a robot and facilitated by the Symani Surgical System (Medical Microinstruments, Calci, Italy), involved a lymphovenous anastomosis and excision of the lymphocele. An end-to-end anastomosis was performed between the lymphatic and venous vessels measuring 1 mm in diameter, using an Ethilon 10-0 suture.The surgery was successful, with no postoperative complications and a prompt recovery. The patient was discharged 3 days postoperatively and exhibited complete recovery at the 14-day follow-up. This case marks the first use of robot-assisted microsurgical lymphovenous anastomosis to address a groin lymphocele, highlighting the benefit of advanced robotic technology in complex lymphatic surgeries.

Arm and thigh plasty after massive weight loss.

Massive weight loss patients are often left with significant excess skin, which is associated with reduced quality of life and physical limitations due to the symptoms from the excess skin including pendulation, skin maceration, wounding, pain, and infection. The arm and thigh plasty are procedures that reduce the patient's physical symptoms and increase the quality of life by removing excess skin and shaping the remaining tissue. The aim of this review is to describe patient selection for the arm and thigh plasty, discuss indications, surgical principles, and common complications.

[Surgical techniques for correction of the breast in women after massive weight loss].

Massive weight loss (MWL) results in significant changes of the female breast becoming deflated, ptotic and flat in the upper pole. It may cause physical discomfort such as infections, intertrigo and psychological discomfort including reduced health-related quality of life, where subsequent corrective surgery of the breast is indicated. In this review, we outline our experiences of the most commonly used surgical techniques for correction of the breast in women after MWL. We highlight the principles of the various surgical techniques.

Abdominoplasty after massive weight loss.

Patients with excess skin after massive weight loss often experience skin maceration, infection, wounding and reduced quality of life. Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin aiming to relieve physical inconveniences and improve quality of life. The abdominoplasty can be performed with different techniques using a horizontal, vertical and/or a circumferential procedure. The purpose of this review is to describe the indications for the different surgical approaches, the surgical principles and the complications following abdominoplasty in patients after massive weight loss.

Environmental Contamination by Chlamydia trachomatis RNA Can Cause False-Positive Test Results in Clinical Samples.

ABSTRACT: An investigation of unexpected positive test results for Chlamydia trachomatis at a women's health clinic in Sweden revealed that samples were contaminated by RNA in the clinic. The risk for RNA contamination at a clinic has been postulated previously. We are, however, not aware that this has actually been demonstrated in practice.