REMOVED: Successful management of an Iatrogenic portal vein and hepatic artery injury in a 4-month-old female patient: A case report and literature review.

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Surgical Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Factors Associated with Postoperative Complications and Disease Recurrence.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Treatment of HS remains challenging, and surgical procedures commonly follow attempts of conservative therapy. To date, a consensus regarding the optimal surgical technique has not been reached, and the implications of conservative therapy on future surgical outcomes have yet to be studied. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 65 patients surgically treated for HS at a tertiary care center was conducted. Patients' medical records were screened for demographical, clinical, and surgical characteristics. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine associations with postoperative complications and disease recurrence. Results: Fifty patients (75.8%) were treated with systemic antibiotics before opting for surgical resection. Previous treatment with systemic rifampicin was associated with higher rates of postoperative complications (P = 0.029); however, systemic cephalexin and topical clindamycin were associated with a lower rate of complications (P = 0.007 and 0.040, accordingly). Medical history of smoking and surgical management with split-thickness skin grafts were associated with higher rates of postoperative complications (P = 0.012 and 0.014, accordingly). Patients with a greater number of lesions, and those treated with split-thickness skin graft, had higher rates of disease recurrence (P = 0.0018 and 0.003, accordingly).In a multivariate analysis a greater number of lesions (P = 0.0498) and the use of autologous split-thickness skin graft (P = 0.022) were independently associated with higher rates of disease recurrence. Conclusions: Previous conservative medical therapy bears the potential to modulate postoperative outcomes in HS patients, and should be taken into consideration. Despite reports of reliable results with split-thickness skin grafts, we found them to be associated with increased rates of diseases recurrence and postoperative complications.

Anterior intercostal artery perforator flap for immediate reconstruction following breast conservation surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Oncoplastic breast surgery following breast conservation surgery (BCS) utilizes aesthetic breast reduction techniques, and these reconstructions entail either volume displacement or volume replacement depending on the size and location of the excised tumor. The anterior Intercostal flap (AICAP) for immediate reconstruction after BCS is scarcely described in the literature. In this study, we present our experience with the Anterior Intercoastal Artery Perforator flap in 16 patients with small breast sizes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients underwent lumpectomy followed by immediate reconstruction with Anterior ICAP flap between 2019 and 2021 at Hadassah University Hospital. Median age was 49 (range 28-67). Breast cup size, lumpectomy to breast size ration, defect measurements and location are provided. Flap design and flap in-setting was planned and executed according to the size and location of the defect determined at the time of surgery. Surgical technique is described. Diagram of proposed reconstruction according to defect location is proposed. RESULTS: Flap dimensions clinically matched the defect size or were slightly larger due to anticipated shrinkage of tissue post radiation with mean of 5.4 × 3.9 × 3.75 cm (range of 2.5-13 × 2-13.2 × 0.8-4.5 cm). Complications, namely one seroma and one mild infection, were seen in two patients. Median follow up was 3 months after completion of radiation. All reconstructions were satisfactory by both surgeon and patient at last post-operative follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: The anterior ICAP flap is an important addition to the armamentarium of immediate reconstruction options after BCS, particularly in patients smaller size breast sizes.

Revision Rate of Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction: Is it Truly a Single-Stage Reconstruction? A Single-Surgeon Experience.

INTRODUCTION: There has been increased interest in direct-to-implant (DTI) reconstruction in recent years. The goal of this study was to focus on the re-operation rate of DTI in comparison with two-stage tissue expander (TE) reconstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total, 165 consecutive patients (222 breasts) underwent skin sparing mastectomy and immediate implant-based reconstruction between January 2010 and December 2019. Patients were divided to TE procedure and DTI (42,180 breasts, respectively). Data collected included demographics, operative details and oncological medical treatment, complications classified according to Clavien-Dindo, capsular contracture Baker 3-4 and re-operation due to complication or due to patient's wish to improve aesthetic appearance. RESULTS: There were significantly more prophylactic mastectomies and BRCA gene mutation in the DTI breast reconstruction group, and more smokers and diabetic patients in the TE group. No significant difference was found in the complication rates between the groups (DTI-26.1%, TE-40.5%). However, major complication and re-operation rate due to complications were significantly different ( DTI-16.7% and 10.6%, TE-26.2% and 31%, respectively, p= 0.035, p = 0.008). No significant differences were found in Clavien-Dindo stages between the groups except for Grade 3b. Re-operation due to desire for aesthetic improvement was significantly higher in the TE group (DTI-38%. TE-69%, p=0.0003). CONCLUSION: DTI immediate breast reconstruction can provide a good alternative to the traditional two-stage TE/implant operation. Both patients and surgeons can be reassured that the majority of the cases are one-stage reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Safety of body contouring surgery in an aging patient population.

The fastest-growing age group undergoing cosmetic procedures are those over age 60, i.e. the aging patient group. While advanced age is a known predictor for increased surgical complications, the effects of age on complications in specific plastic procedures have yet to be thoroughly investigated. To determine the relationship between increased age and risk of surgical complications following body contouring procedures, specifically: abdominoplasty, brachioplasty, mastopexy, bilateral reduction, and thigh lift. A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing body contouring procedures of the categories mentioned above between 2000-2018 at a tertiary university medical center. Patients were divided into two age groups: those below and those above, age 60. Data analysis included: demographics, underlying medical conditions, procedure type, and occurrence of postoperative complications (according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system). 803 body contouring procedures were identified, with 12% performed on the aging population. Aging patients had more underlying medical conditions than the younger ones. While the distribution of procedure type was similar in both groups, mastopexy was more common in aging patients. Of the 107 procedures identified as having complications, 37 were classified as grade I, 38 as grade II, and 32 as grade III. As a categorical variable, no relationship was found between the age of the patients and an increased risk of postoperative complications (age cut-off as 60). However, as a continuous variable, increased age did increase the overall risk of postoperative complications, although no optimal age as a cut-off point was identified. In multivariant analysis, diabetes mellitus with abdominoplasty was identified as a risk factor for postoperative complications. Conclusions: When undergoing body contouring procedures, we found that patients over the age of 60 are not at increased risk for postoperative complications than those under that age. Although age as a continuous variable was found to increase the overall postoperative complications, no optimal age could be defined as a cut-off point.

Abdominoplasty complications - what additional risks do postbariatric patients carry?

PURPOSE: Particular trends of postoperative complications following abdominoplasty are seen when patients present with a history of bariatric surgery. This study aims to analyze the risk factors for complications following abdominoplasty among those who did and did not undergo prior bariatric weight loss surgery. METHOD: Data of 144 patients who underwent abdominoplasty at our institution between 2009 and 2015 were reviewed. Prevalence of existing comorbidities and incidences of postoperative complications were recorded, and statistical analysis was carried out to establish differences between our cohorts. RESULTS: Of 144 patients, 49 patients had prior bariatric surgery and 95 patients did not undergo surgery. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and anemia, although differences did exist for hypothyroidism and smoking history (p = 0.04 and 0.037, respectively). Postbariatric patients had more comorbidities than nonbariatric patients (p = 0.024). Postoperatively, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups for incidences of hematoma, necrosis, active bleeding, and symptomatic decrease in Hb, although differences did exist for infection (OR = 13.12), seroma (OR = 9.07), prolonged healing (OR = 5.28), and abundant drain secretions (OR = 5.24). Male gender and prior bariatric surgery were associated with higher overall rates of postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings validate the results of prior studies that report a higher prevalence of underlying comorbidities and postoperative complications among postbariatric surgery patients undergoing abdominoplasty. Furthermore, prior bariatric surgery was found to be an independent risk factor for the presence of any (OR 4.78 and p < 0.001) and major (OR 4.050 and p = 0.018) complications after abdominoplasty.

Anterior Skull Base Reconstruction following Ablative Surgery for Osteoradionecrosis: Case Report and Review of Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoradionecrosis is one of many potentially severe complications of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Osteoradionecrosis of the skull base is life-threatening due to the critical proximity of the pathological process to vital structures, for example, the intracranial cavity, the upper spine, and major blood vessels. Reconstructive options following surgical debridement of the anterior skull base and upper spine osteonecrosis have been scarcely described in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION AND MANAGEMENT: We present a rare case of osteoradionecrosis of the clivus and cervical vertebrae C1-C2 in a patient previously treated with chemoradiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, presenting as severe soft tissue infection of the neck. Aggressive surgical debridement and reconstruction with a two-paddle free anterolateral thigh flap was performed using a combination of transcervical and transnasal endoscopic approaches. A novel endoscopic procedure in the sphenoid sinus enabled flap anchoring in this complex area. DISCUSSION: Surgical modalities for osteoradionecrosis of the skull base and upper spine are discussed and review of the literature is presented. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of the anterior skull base with a well-vascularized free flap following ablative surgery should be considered in management of life-threatening osteoradionecrosis of the area. Endoscopic opening of the sphenoid sinus and creating a funnel-shaped stem is a newly described technique that guarantees precise placement of the flap and is a valuable adjunct to the reconstructive armamentarium.

Surgical Technique for Nasal Cleft Repair.

BACKGROUND: Congenital nasal cleft is a very rare yet challenging deformity to reconstruct. Atypical craniofacial clefts that involve the nasal ala are designated as number 1 and number 2 under the Tessier classification system. These clefts typically present as notches in the medial one-third of either nasal ala and may be accompanied by a malpositioned cartilaginous framework. Nasal clefts are smaller and far less common than familiar clefts of the lip and palate, but they pose equally challenging reconstructive planning. METHODS: Our described technique relies on usage of existing nasal tissue near the cleft. Local tissue rearrangement using a laterally based rotational alar flap, a medially based triangular flap, and a nasal wall advancement flap restores normal anatomy and provides an aesthetically pleasing result. RESULTS: Five children with isolated nasal cleft were treated by the senior author (A.M.) between 2010 and 2017. All patients presented with clefts of the soft tissue with no underlying cartilaginous involvement. There were no postoperative complications. Excellent aesthetic outcome was achieved in all patients. CONCLUSION: Isolated nasal cleft can be properly corrected with the described procedure in a single stage and with optimal result.

Immediate Breast Reconstruction: Comparative Outcome Study of One-Stage Direct-to-Implant and Two-Stage/Tissue Expander Techniques.

BACKGROUND: One-stage direct-to-implant post-mastectomy breast reconstruction has been gaining popularity over the traditional two-stage/tissue-expander approach. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcome of the two post-mastectomy breast reconstruction procedures in terms of patient satisfaction. METHODS: Clinical data were collected by file review for patients who underwent mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction at two tertiary medical centers in 2010-2013. Patients were asked to complete the BREAST-Q instrument, sent to them by post with a self-addressed, stamped, return envelope. Scores were compared by type of reconstruction performed. RESULTS: Of the 92 patients who received the questionnaire, 59 responded: 39 had one-stage breast reconstruction and 20 underwent two-stage reconstruction. The two-stage reconstruction group was significantly older, had more background diseases, and were followed for a longer period. The one-stage reconstruction group had a higher proportion of BRCA mutation carriers. There was no significant between-group difference in postoperative complications. Mean BREAST-Q scores were similar in the two groups for all dimensions except satisfaction with information, which was higher in the patients after one-stage reconstruction. Women with more background diseases had better sexual well-being, and married women had better psychological well-being. Breast satisfaction was lower among patients treated with radiation and higher among patients with bilateral reconstruction; the latter subgroup also had higher physical well-being. Complications did not affect satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Patients were equally satisfied with the outcome of one- and two-stage breast reconstruction. The choice of technique should be made on a case-by-case basis. Cost analyses are needed to construct a decision-making algorithm.

Complications of Post-Burn Tissue Expansion Reconstruction: 9 Years Experience with 42 Pediatric and 26 Adult Patients.

BACKGROUND: Burn scar reconstruction is extremely challenging, even for the most proficient reconstructive surgeon. Within the arsenal of tools at the plastic surgeon's disposal, tissue expansion provides an efficient modality for reconstruction despite the reported complication rates. OBJECTIVES: To critically review our experience with tissue expansion for burn scar reconstruction, comparing particularly the adult and pediatric populations. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of the outcomes of patients who underwent burn scar reconstruction with tissue expansion at Hadassah Medical Center between January 2003 and July 2012. The data included patient age, anatomical site of expansion, number of procedures, and associated complications. The outcomes of the above-mentioned populations were also compared with those in a control group of patients undergoing reconstruction with tissue expansion for indications other than burn scars. RESULTS: Sixty-seven tissue expansion procedures were carried out in 50 patients, 42 in the pediatric population (< 16 years of age) and 25 in the adult population. Complications were observed in 10 of the 42 pediatric procedures (23.8%) and in 3 of the 25 adult procedures (12%). This difference was found to be statistically significant. When the complication rate for each population was compared to its control group (tissue expansion for indications other than burn scar reconstruction, such as reconstruction for motor vehicle accident scarring, congenital nevi, or vascular malformations), no statistically significant difference was found between them (complication rates 19.8% and 12.5%, respectively). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference in complication rates between the different anatomical areas of expansion within both populations undergoing burn scar reconstruction. Most of the complicated cases completed successful reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Tissue expansion is a useful surgical tool in post-burn scar reconstruction, both in the adult and pediatric populations and in all anatomic sites, despite consistently high complication rates, especially in the pediatric population. This complication rate is not higher than in patients undergoing tissue expansion for indications other than burn scar reconstruction.

Expanded bi-pedicled "sleeve" flap for reconstruction of the upper extremity after large circumferential nevus excision in children.

BACKGROUND: Large congenital melanocytic nevi entail significant medical and cosmetic ramifications for patients and families. Reconstruction is a challenging endeavor, especially when the lesion is present on the limbs. The literature describes various methods by which a plastic surgeon can address reconstruction; yet, to date, there has been no series describing a method that provides consistent results with low complication rates. In this study, we describe our surgical technique for reconstruction of the upper extremity after excision of large circumferential CNM with a pre-expanded bi-pedicled flap, namely the "sleeve" flap. METHODS: A systematic review of our database of pediatric patients treated for large and giant nevi was performed. Patients with large and giant circumferential upper extremity nevi were retrieved, and their charts reviewed for demographics, number of procedures performed, duration of follow-up, and complications. RESULTS: Over a course of 12 years, eight patients with large or giant circumferential nevi of the upper extremity were treated at our institution with "sleeve" flap reconstruction. Mean follow-up time was 36 months. A single complication was seen. All reconstructions achieved satisfactory results, both functionally and cosmetically. DISCUSSION: We describe our surgical approach for treating upper extremity large and giant circumferential nevi with pre-expanded bi-pedicled "sleeve" flaps. When properly planned and executed, this technique enables successful treatment of large and giant nevi of the arm and the forearm. Although arduous and complex, the process yields excellent aesthetic results with low complication rates. This technique is promising as the reconstructive option of choice for these difficult lesions.

Complications of nonbreast tissue expansion: 9 Years experience with 44 adult patients and 119 pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Tissue expansion is a common reconstructive technique that has been associated with significant complications since its inception. However, the existing literature mostly focuses on complications associated with pediatric tissue expansion only or describes a combined population of adult and pediatric patients, including breast tissue expansion; despite the fact that each of these groups of patients has different characteristics that may affect tissue expansion. OBJECTIVE: In this study we present a critical review of our experience with complications of nonbreast tissue expansion in adult and pediatric patients and compare between these groups. METHODS: The charts of patients who underwent nonbreast tissue expansion at Hadassah Medical Center between January 2003 and July 2012 were reviewed. Data were collected including the age of the patient, anatomical site of the expansion, indication and complications. RESULTS: A total of 202 expansion procedures were performed on 119 pediatric patients (<16 years) and 56 expansion procedures on 44 adult patients. The overall complication rate was 18.2%, with 40 pediatric procedures having complications (19.8%) and 7 adult procedures (12.5%). The difference in complication rates between the two groups was not found to be statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference in complication rate between the different anatomical areas of expansion in both adult and pediatric patients or between the indications for operation. Most (68%) of the cases with complications underwent subsequent successful reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the consistent high complication rate, tissue expansion can be used as a good reconstructive method in both adult and pediatric patients in all anatomic areas and for different indications.

Periorbital reconstruction with the expanded pedicled forehead flap.

BACKGROUND: The complexity of structures within the periorbital region makes reconstruction of this area particularly a challenging endeavor. Within the literature, different techniques have been described for reconstruction of the external lamellae of the upper and lower eyelids as well as the medial and lateral canthal regions.Herein, we present the expanded pedicled forehead flap as a versatile and useful surgical option for reconstruction of various defects around the eye globe. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A tissue expander is inserted underneath the forehead skin and serially expanded. The pedicle of the expanded pedicled flap is designed either from the superior portion of the expanded skin and interpolated to reconstruct the upper and lower eyelids, and the medial or lateral canthal areas; or from the inferior portion of the expanded skin and interpolated over the eyebrow to reconstruct the area between the upper eyelid crease and eyebrow.Fifteen patients with periorbital nevi or severe scarring were treated using the expanded forehead flap between the years 2003 and 2012. Thirteen patients had complex periorbital defects involving multiple anatomic areas, and 2 patients had defects confined to the upper eyelid area only. RESULTS: Operative and postoperative course for 13 patients was uneventful. One patient had a late infection of the tissue expander but nonetheless continued with the reconstructive process. In 1 patient, the tissue expander was removed due to infection, and subsequent reconstruction was not carried out. The aesthetic and functional results of reconstruction were very good, and with excellent skin color and thickness match. In 1 patient, the flap was defattened in an ancillary procedure. No partial or complete flap loss was observed in this study. SUMMARY: We conclude that the expanded pedicled forehead flap is a safe and reliable method for reconstruction of different segments of the periorbital region, while providing good aesthetic and functional reconstructive results with minimal donor-site morbidity.

Congenital pigmented nevi of the auricle: clinical experience and approach to treatment.

BACKGROUND: Congenital pigmented nevi of the auricle are uncommon. The authors' approach is to excise these nevi and perform reconstruction because of the risk of malignant transformation and the aesthetic and psychological effects these nevi can have on the child. This study presents the authors' experience in treating congenital nevi of the ear and suggests treatment principles and guidelines for the reconstructive surgeon. METHODS: Fourteen patients with congenital nevus of the ear were treated from October of 1992 to September of 2008 by the senior surgeon (B.S.B.). Nevi involving the more stable areas such as the concha can be resected and grafted early; the antihelix, scapha, and triangular fossa area can be resected and grafted next; and the helical rim, having the most easily distorted cartilage, should be treated last. Lobule reconstruction requires combined flaps and a dermal fat graft or a postauricular fascial fat flap. RESULTS: Successful reconstruction was achieved in 10 patients. Three patients require final revision procedures (lobule reconstruction). One patient, early in our series, developed a deformed helical rim resulting from skin grafting at age 16 months, before the cartilage was firm enough to withstand the contraction forces of the skin graft. All subsequent patients with helical rim involvement had treatment delayed until the ear was at or near completion of its growth. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital nevi of the ear present a challenging reconstruction surgeon. The authors developed a treatment plan that breaks the ear down to aesthetic units and considers the location of the nevus, patient age, and the firmness of the cartilage.