Automated thermographic detection of blood vessels for DIEP flap reconstructive surgery.

PURPOSE: Inadequate perfusion is the most common cause of partial flap loss in tissue transfer for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. The current state-of-the-art uses computed tomography angiography (CTA) to locate the best perforators. Unfortunately, these techniques are expensive and time-consuming and not performed during surgery. Dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT) can offer a solution for these disadvantages. METHODS: The research presented couples thermographic examination during DIEP flap breast reconstruction with automatic segmentation approach using a convolutional neural network. Traditional segmentation techniques and annotations by surgeons are used to create automatic labels for the training. RESULTS: The network used for image annotation is able to label in real-time on minimal hardware and the labels created can be used to locate and quantify perforator candidates for selection with a dice score accuracy of 0.8 after 2 min and 0.9 after 4 min. CONCLUSIONS: These results allow for a computational system that can be used in place during surgery to improve surgical success. The ability to track and measure perforators and their perfused area allows for less subjective results and helps the surgeon to select the most suitable perforator for DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

The evolution of breast reconstructions with free flaps: a historical overview.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women and is responsible for the highest number of cancer-related deaths. Approximately 40% of the patients with breast cancer will undergo a mastectomy. Breast amputation is a lifesaving but mutilating procedure. Therefore a good quality of life and a good cosmetic outcome is mandatory after breast cancer treatment. Reconstructive breast surgery aims to recreate a natural looking breast that is warm, soft and feels natural. The chosen reconstruction technique depends on the physiognomy of the patient, technical skills of the surgeon and most important the expectations of the patient. RESULTS: The idea of 'like-by-like' replacement refers to reconstruction of a natural-looking, warm, soft and ptotic breast that matches the contralateral side. Autologous breast-reconstruction matches these expectations. Autologous breast reconstructions with free flaps evolved from prolonged and laborious procedures with only limited free flaps available, to routine surgeries with a widespread availability of flaps to use. The first publication of free tissue transfer for breast reconstruction was in 1976 by Fujino. Two years later Holmström was the first to use the abdominal pannus for breast reconstruction. Over the next four decades multiple free flaps have been described. The possible options for donor site are the abdomen, the gluteal region, the thigh and the lower back. During this evolution the reduction of donor site morbidity became more important. CONCLUSION: Present article gives an overview of the evolution of free tissue transfer in breast reconstruction, highlighting the most important milestones.

Perineal bowel evisceration after extralevator abdominoperineal excision and vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap closure.

INTRODUCTION: Perineal bowel evisceration is a rare complication after extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE). This surgical technique is used to resect low rectal and anal cancer, with a lower likelihood of positive surgical margins, but resulting in a larger perineal defect. A vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap allows filling of the empty pelvic space and closure of the defect in the pelvic floor. CASE PRESENTATION: A 77-year-old woman, with a hysterectomy in her medical history, underwent an ELAPE followed by reconstruction of the perineal defect with a VRAM flap after neoadjuvant radiotherapy for a moderately differentiated invasive adenocarcinoma of the distal rectum. The postoperative course was complicated with a herniation of the perineal wound and evisceration of a bowel loop. CONCLUSION: Closure of the perineal defect after ELAPE remains a challenge, especially in cases where several risk factors for delayed wound healing, flap failure and perineal herniation are present.

Are surgeons ready to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

BACKGROUND: Vaccination against COVID-19 has started in several countries already and is on its way in others. However, there is an important hesitance towards the vaccine. The aim of this study is to evaluate the vaccination hesitance and main concerns towards the vaccine among surgeons. METHODS: An anonymous survey of 16 questions was sent to 138 Belgian surgeons before the start of vaccination in Belgium. The questions were divided into sections, evaluating demographics, COVID-19 test status and symptoms, the surgeon's opinion on the COVID-19 vaccination and their main concerns. RESULTS: Ninety-three out of 138 surgeons (67.4%) completed the survey: two-third of them were residents. Sixty-nine surgeons (74.2%) do want to get vaccinated. Forty-two surgeons (45.2%) feel like they do not have enough information about the vaccine. Residents feel significantly more underinformed than consultants (52.3% and 29.0%, respectively). Surgeons who feel to be well-informed are more willing to get vaccinated (92.2%) compared to those who feel to have a lack of information (52.4%). The main concerns among surgeons include effectiveness (26.9%), safety and side effects (19.4%) and organisation and vaccination strategy (12.9%). Twenty-five surgeons (26.9%) have no concerns at all. CONCLUSION: Most surgeons (74.2%) are ready for their COVID-19 vaccine. However, some of the surgeons are still doubtful about the vaccine. A lack of information plays a major role in their scepticism. A strong communication strategy is necessary to educate, reassure and motivate surgeons to get vaccinated.

Skin Cancer Detection Using Infrared Thermography: Measurement Setup, Procedure and Equipment.

Infrared thermography technology has improved dramatically in recent years and is gaining renewed interest in the medical community for applications in skin tissue identification applications. However, there is still a need for an optimized measurement setup and protocol to obtain the most appropriate images for decision making and further processing. Nowadays, various cooling methods, measurement setups and cameras are used, but a general optimized cooling and measurement protocol has not been defined yet. In this literature review, an overview of different measurement setups, thermal excitation techniques and infrared camera equipment is given. It is possible to improve thermal images of skin lesions by choosing an appropriate cooling method, infrared camera and optimized measurement setup.

Autologous fat transfer for hand rejuvenation: A systematic review on technique and outcome.

Background: Age-related changes to the dorsum of the hand present as dyschromia, soft-tissue atrophy, and volume loss, resulting in wrinkles and prominent deep structures. Volume augmentation by means of autologous fat transfer (AFT) is one of the options to rejuvenate the hand; theoretically, autologous fat is the ideal filler because of durability and biocompatibility. Objective: This systematic review aims to summarize and describe the current evidence on the technique, effectiveness, and safety of AFT in hand rejuvenation. Methods: Three major databases, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, were systematically searched up to November 2020 for studies reporting on AFT and hand rejuvenation. Results: A total of 10 articles were included, reporting on a total of 320 patients treated by AFT to improve the aesthetic appearance of the dorsum of the hand. Some degree of postoperative oedema was present in nearly all patients. Other complications were infection (0.67%), cysts/irregularities (1.3%), temporary dysesthesia (5.3%), and ecchymosis (7%). There were no major complications. Of all patients, 97.6% self-reported to be satisfied with the result. Conclusions: Overall, by combining the current evidence, AFT is considered a promising and safe technique to rejuvenate the aging hand with very high patient satisfaction. Future research, using validated patient questionnaires, objective volumetric measurements, and longer follow-up, is needed to confirm these results. Level of Evidence: 3.

Delayed two-stage nipple sparing mastectomy and simultaneous expander-to-implant reconstruction of the large and ptotic breast.

Background: Large and ptotic breasts are considered an anatomical contraindication for nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM). Necrosis rates can be as high as 76%. The authors examined whether targeted preshaping mastopexy/reduction combined with simultaneous two-stage preshaping of the implant pocket prepares for an uneventful implant reconstruction. Methods: Macromastia and ptosis patients opting for risk-reducing NSM or having a peripherally localized carcinoma in situ, were offered a two-stage mastopexy/reduction simultaneously with preshaping of the implant pocket by subpectoral expansion. Only the inferior pedicle bearing the nipple-areola complex (NAC), remained. A delayed secondary NSM and tissue expander-to-implant reconstruction was scheduled 3 months later. The use of an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) was not necessary because the capsule around the expander created a hammock supporting the definite prosthesis. Follow up was at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Results: Forty-one procedures were performed in 24 patients. The mean age was 45±12.08 years (range, 22 to 72 years). Patients' mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.79 kg/m2 (range, 19 to 35 kg/m2). One patient had diabetes and two smoked. One transient epidermolysis of the NAC occurred in each stage. No NAC or skin necrosis occurred; no implant had to be removed. Conclusions: A two-stage mastopexy/reduction, simultaneously with preshaping of the implant pocket by tissue expansion and followed by a 3-month delayed secondary NSM with tissue expander-to-implant reconstruction is a safe technique in large ptotic breasts.

Emergency evacuation low-pressure suction for the management of extravasation injuries - a case report.

BACKGROUND: Extravasation is the movement of fluid outside its conduit into the extracellular tissue, possibly leading to a local inflammatory reaction, compartment syndrome, tissue necrosis, and full thickness skin loss at the affected area. To prevent these complications, early recognition, referral and treatment of an extravasation injury is of utter importance. CASE REPORT: We present a case, illustrating an extravasation injury into the breast managed by a renovated surgical technique - emergency evacuation low-pressure suction (EELS). A 54-year-old woman attended the emergency department with 1.5 L of total parenteral nutrition leaked into her right breast via a central portal catheter. The patient was seen within 24 hours of the incident, and presented with a diffuse swollen, tender and erythematous right breast but no overlying skin necrosis. Dry EELS via two small stab incisions was performed to evacuate the extravasated total parenteral nutrition and to minimise the aspiration of healthy fat tissue of the breast. Only a few cases of extravasation injuries into the breast have been described and most cases involve chemotherapy extravasation from a central catheter. Presumably there is an underreporting of this complication in the literature. CONCLUSION: This case-report promotes the use of aspiration in the management of diffusely spread extravasated injuries. EELS is a more appropriate term than liposuction, as there is no intention to evacuate healthy fat tissue. This new term is less confusing and might help medical staff and patients to better understand the treatment as it will break the affiliation with an aesthetic procedure. It is an effective and cosmetically satisfactory technique to treat early total parenteral nutrition extravasation injury at the level of the breast.

Elastofibroma dorsi: a case report of bilateral occurrence and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Elastofibroma dorsi (ED) is a benign slow growing soft tissue tumor that is most frequently located subscapular. The prevalence is estimated to be 2% on imaging studies in individuals over 60 years old and might occur bilaterally. The etiology, however, remains unclear. CASE PRESENTATION: This report presents the case of a man with bilateral ED. He first presented at the age of 49 with a subscapular ED on the right side and again at the age of 53 with a subscapular ED on the left side. At both times, diagnosis of ED was histopathologically confirmed after surgical resection. And, again at both times, the postoperative course was characterized by seroma development. DISCUSSION: This report shows a brief review of literature on ED. It contains a summary of the current data on prevalence, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, histopathological findings, surgical treatment and postoperative management. It also includes a flowchart for diagnostic and therapeutic approach. CONCLUSIONS: ED might present bilaterally, though not necessarily affecting both sides simultaneously. In order to diagnose ED MRI is ought to be sufficient. Invasive procedures, i.e. complete surgical excision, are mandatory to treat symptomatic ED, although such surgical procedures are often complicated by seroma formation.

Dynamic Infrared Thermography (DIRT) in DIEP flap breast reconstruction: A clinical study with a standardized measurement setup.

OBJECTIVE: Breast reconstructions with perforator flaps from the lower abdomen, commonly known as Deep Inferior Epigastric artery Perforator flap (DIEP-flap), have become the golden standard for autologous breast reconstruction after breast amputation. During this surgical procedure multiple challenging steps are encountered such as the selection of a suitable perforator that provides sufficient blood supply for the flap, surgical dissection of the chosen perforator, determination of perfusion area of the chosen perforator, microsurgical anastomosis, flap inset and shaping the flap into a breast. The current gold standard for perforator mapping is Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA). However, this is a relatively expensive imaging modality that requires intravenous contrast injection and exposes patients to ionizing radiation. More recently, Dynamic Infrared Thermography (DIRT) has been proposed as an alternative imaging modality for perforator identification. DIRT appears to be an ideal alternative technique not only for the identification of the dominant perforators, but also for the mapping of the individual influence of each perforator on the flap perfusion, to monitor integrity of the perforator after dissection and to monitor the patency of the pedicle of the free flap after the anastomosis, during flap inset and flap shaping. STUDY DESIGN: In this clinical study we present the results of the use of DIRT in 33 DIEP-flaps in 21 patients after mastectomy. The same standardized measurement set-up was used for all the flaps in the pre-, intra- and postoperative period. RESULTS: In the pre-operative period DIRT confirmed the location of the 69 perforators shown on the CTA. In the intra-operative period the rate and pattern of rewarming was successfully observed. One perforator was severely damaged during dissection and the DIEP flap was converted to a Muscle Sparing free Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscle (TRAM) flap, after viability check of the flap by DIRT. DIRT diagnosed one kinking of the pedicle after microsurgical anastomosis. Two flaps were monitored successfully post-operatively. All 33 breast reconstructions were with good outcome. CONCLUSION: The use of DIRT with our standardized measurement setup is a useful, non-invasive tool during breast reconstructions with free DIEP-flaps in all the phases of the reconstruction (pre-, intra- and post-operative). This study confirms that DIRT with the standardized measurement setup provides information on perforator location, blood supply and patency of the anastomosis without interference with the operating surgeon.

DIEP flap breast reconstructions: thermographic assistance as a possibility for perforator mapping and improvement of DIEP flap quality.

In the modern world, one-third or more of breast cancer patients still undergo uni- or bilateral mastectomy. Breast cancer patients, in general, have a good prognosis and long-term survival. Therefore, the treatment must not only focus on survival but also on the quality of life. Breast reconstruction with an autologous free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is one of the preferred options after mastectomy. A challenging step in this procedure is the selection of a suitable perforator that provides sufficient blood supply for the flap to prevent necrosis after anastomosis. In this pilot study, the possibilities for dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT) are investigated to select the best suitable perforator. The measurements are done with external cooling in the preoperative stage to accurately predict the location of the dominant perforators. During the surgery, in the peroperative stage, measurements are done for mapping the influence of a specific perforator on the perfused areas of the abdominal flap. Perforators are sequentially closed and opened again to map the influence of that perforator on the vascularization of the flap, visualized with the help of the thermographic camera. The acquired steady-state thermal images could help decide which parts of the abdominal flap to use for the reconstruction so that the chance of (partial) necrosis is reduced. In the postoperative stage, DIRT could visualize the arterial and or venous thrombosis before they become clinically obvious as (partial) necrosis. At present DIRT seems to be a valuable investigation for the pre-, per-, and postoperative phases of DIEP-flap reconstructions. Large, high-quality clinical studies are needed to determine its definitive role.

Breast reconstruction after nipple-sparing mastectomy in the large and/or ptotic breast: A systematic review of indications, techniques, and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Surgeons remain reluctant to perform nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) in large breasts due to a higher risk of necrosis. We performed a systematic review of the literature to evaluate indications, techniques, and outcomes in immediate or delayed breast reconstructions in large and/or ptotic breasts. METHODS: The following search terms were used for both titles and key words: [NSM AND ("breast ptosis" OR "ptotic breast" OR "large breast" OR "breast hypertrophy" OR "gigantomastia")]. All forms of breast reconstruction in large and/or ptotic breasts from 1990 through September 1st 2018 reporting indications, techniques, and outcomes were included. RESULTS: Thirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria, yielding 1128 NSMs (709 immediate and 419 delayed) in 629 patients for analysis. The overall complication rate was 29.08%. The mastectomy flap necrosis rate was 12%, the partial nipple-areola complex (NAC) necrosis 11%, and the complete NAC rate 11%. The overall complication rate in one-stage versus delayed reconstructions was 37.52% versus 14.8%. The incidence of necrosis in one-stage versus delayed reconstructions was 5.36% versus 2.15% for partial, 5.08% versus 0.48% for complete NAC necrosis, and 4.8% versus 1.43% for skin flap necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of studies being small and retrospective as well as the large variation in outcomes indicates that we lack consensus on the timing of reconstruction or ideal technique. A noticeable difference in skin flap and NAC necrosis, however, is seen in the favor of NAC-delayed procedures. Randomized controlled trials are mandatory to prove this difference significantly.

Massive femur defect after Ewing's sarcoma resection reconstructed with a free vascularised fibular graft in a four-year-old girl.

Background: Ewing's sarcoma is the second most common primary malignant bone tumour in children. Depending on localisation and extent, massive bone defects remain when curative surgery is performed. Whereas in the past, limb amputation was often unavoidable to obtain curative resection, nowadays different limb saving reconstructive options are available.Case report: We report the successful reconstruction of a massive femur defect with a free vascularised fibular graft (FVFG) after Ewing's sarcoma resection in a four-year-old girl. Both the age of the patient and the extensive graft hypertrophy makes this case exceptional.Conclusion: Femur reconstruction with a FVFG is a rarely performed and complex procedure in young children. It is an excellent reconstructive technique for large long bone defects, which can avoid limb amputation without compromising oncologic outcome.

Dynamic InfraRed Thermography (DIRT) in DIEP-flap breast reconstruction: A review of the literature.

In the industrialised world still 34% of the breast cancer patients are surgically treated by a mastectomy. Breast cancer patients in general have a good prognosis and a long-term survival. Therefore, it is important that the treatment doesn't focus only on survival but also on the quality of life. Breast reconstruction improves the quality of life. A breast reconstruction with an autologous free DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric artery Perforator) flap is one of the preferred options after mastectomy. A challenging step in this procedure is the selection of a suitable perforator that provides sufficient blood supply for the flap. Current techniques to locate the perforator vessels include handheld Doppler, colour Doppler ultrasound (CDU), Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), computer tomographic angiography (CTA) and dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT). At present CTA is the golden standard and DIRT a new option. The objective of this article is to document whether DIRT can accurately map the position of the perforators and measure their influence on the perfusion of the flap in order to select the best perforators to improve the outcome of breast reconstructions with free DIEP flaps. A systematic review of the literature published between January 1998 and November 23th 2018 was conducted regarding the possible benefit of dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT) in DIEP-flap breast reconstructions. The databases PubMed and Web of Science were used to search for qualified articles. Inclusion criteria were women who underwent a breast reconstruction by means of a DIEP flap where DIRT was used to analyse the blood supply of the flap. The search yielded a total of fourteen suitable articles: six articles being descriptive clinical studies, three case reports, three expert opinions/Overview articles and two systematic reviews. There are only a limited number of studies looking at the use of DIRT in breast reconstruction with DIEP-flaps. Adequate identification of the dominate vessel(s) in DIEP reconstruction is essential for a successful outcome. DIRT appears to be an ideal alternative technique for the identification of the dominant perforators of the flap. With the use of DIRT it is possible to identify the dominant vessel(s) preoperatively. The use of DIRT during the operation allows the tailoring of the surgery and postoperative use may identify vascularisation problems in an early stage. Additional high-quality studies are needed, but DIRT seems to be a valuable investigation for the pre-, per- and postoperative phase of DIEP-flap reconstructions.

Martius flap reconstruction for rectovaginal fistula after stapled hemorrhoidopexy (Longo operation): a case report.

PURPOSE: A rectovaginal fistula (RVF) is a rare disease. It's an epithelium-lined abnormal communication between rectum and vagina. It represents approximately 5% of all anorectal fistulas. RVF may have different causes. METHODS: We present a case of a 58-year-old woman with a rectovaginal fistula after stapled hemorrhoidopexy (Longo operation). RESULTS: A 58-year-old woman presented herself in our department with vaginal fecal discharge and vaginitis almost one month after a stapled hemorrhoidopexy was performed in another hospital. On vaginal examination, a large dorsal defect was palpated at four cm. On rectal examination, the stapler line was palpable at four cm and just distal to this stapler line, a large defect could be palpated. A lower gastrointestinal tract radiography was performed and identified a RVF. The patient was put on antibiotics and two operations were planned. First, a temporary ileostomy was created. After healing of the vaginitis, reconstructive surgery with anatomic fistula repair in combination with the interposition of healthy, vascularised tissue was performed. In this case, we chose the Martius flap. The operation as well as the postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: Cases of postoperative RVF have been increasingly reported since the introduction of stapled hemorrhoidopexy. Patients with RVF can have a varying degree of symptoms. Diagnosis is primarily based on the patient's medical history together with a clinical examination. There are many surgical approaches for RVF. Anatomic fistula repair alone is associated with lower success rates compared with combined procedures with the adjunctive interposition of healthy, vascularised tissue.

Ewing's sarcoma of the sternum necessitating complex resection and reconstruction.

We present a 30-year-old man with a sternal Ewing's sarcoma, who was treated by complex resection of the sternal body and reconstruction by a methyl methacrylate sandwich graft and a pedicled latissimus dorsi flap.

Dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT) in Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction: standardization of the measurement set-up.

Breast reconstruction with an autologous free Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap is one of the preferred options following mastectomy. A challenging step in this procedure is the selection of a suitable perforator that provides sufficient blood supply for the flap. The current golden standard for perforator mapping is computed tomography angiography (CTA). However, this is a relatively expensive imaging modality that requires intravenous contrast injection and exposes patients to ionizing radiation. More recently, dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT) has been proposed as an alternative imaging modality for perforator identification. DIRT appears to be an ideal alternative technique not only for the identification of the dominant perforators, but also for the mapping of the individual influence of each perforator on the flap perfusion. Multiple studies have been performed with the use of DIRT, unfortunately without standardisation of the measurement set-up. In this technical note we propose a standardised and reproducible measurement set-up for the use of DIRT during breast reconstructions with a free DIEP flap. This set-up can be used pre-, intra- and postoperatively. A standardised measurement set-up will improve the quality of measured data and ensure reproducibility.