Multidisciplinary Management of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Scalp: An Algorithm for Reconstruction and Treatment.

Background: Scalp-associated cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) presents formidable treatment challenges, especially when it leads to full-thickness defects involving bone. Aggressive or recurring cases often demand a multidisciplinary approach. Leveraging our surgical experience and a literature review, we introduce a therapeutic algorithm to guide the selection of reconstruction methods, particularly for locally advanced lesions, furthermore showing the synergy between surgery and other therapies for comprehensive, multidisciplinary disease management. Methods: Our algorithm stems from a retrospective analysis of 202 patients undergoing scalp cSCC resection and reconstruction over a 7-year period, encompassing 243 malignancies. After rigorous risk assessment and documentation of surgical procedures, reconstruction methods were therefore related to malignancy extent, depth, and individual clinical status. Results: The documented reconstructions included 76 primary closures, 115 skin grafts, 7 dermal substitute reconstructions, 33 local flaps, 1 locoregional flap, and 1 microsurgical free flap. Patients unsuitable for surgery received radiotherapy or immunotherapy after histological confirmation. Precise analysis of tumor characteristics in terms of infiltration extent and depth guided the selection of appropriate reconstruction and treatment strategies Combining these insights with an extensive literature review enabled us to formulate our algorithm for managing scalp cSCCs. Conclusions: Effectively addressing scalp cSCC, especially in locally advanced or recurrent cases, demands a systematic approach integrating surgery, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Our multidisciplinary team's decision-making algorithm improved patient outcomes by offering a broader spectrum of therapeutic options that can synergistically achieve optimal results.

Retrospective Study on Optimizing Breast Augmentation Outcomes in Transgender Patients: A Comprehensive Analysis of Tumescent Local Anesthesia Technique.

BACKGROUND: Tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) involves the infusion of a saline solution containing lidocaine and epinephrine into tissues to achieve localized anesthesia and vasoconstriction. While the use of TLA in sub-glandular augmentation mammoplasty has been documented, we present a modified TLA approach for primary sub-muscular breast augmentation in transgender patients based on our experience over the past years. METHODS: Between the years 2014 and 2021, we performed primary sub-muscular breast augmentation on 20 transgender patients under TLA and conscious sedation. The tumescent solution consisted of 25 mL of 2% lidocaine, 8 mEq of sodium bicarbonate, and 1 mL of epinephrine (1 mg/1 mL) in 1000 mL of 0.9% saline solution. Initially, the solution was infiltrated between the pectoral fascia and the mammary gland, and subsequently, during the surgery, under the pectoralis major muscle. RESULTS: The average volume of tumescent solution infiltrated during TLA was 740 mL per breast. There were no reports of adrenaline or lidocaine toxicity, and no cases required a conversion to general anesthesia. Patients experienced no pain or discomfort during the preoperative infiltration or surgical procedure. Reoperations due to short-term complications never occurred. We observed a major complication rate of 5%, represented by 1 hematoma. Long-term complications comprised one case of implant dislocation and one occurrence of dystrophic scar formation. No cases of capsular contracture needing reoperation, asymmetry, and implant rupture occurred. In total, one individual (5%) requested larger implants. Follow-up time ranged from 30 days to 1 years. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, augmentation mammaplasty is a valuable choice for transgender women aiming to enhance their feminine characteristics and alleviate gender dysphoria. It is imperative for patients to conduct thorough research, grasp the potential pros and cons, and consult experienced healthcare professionals in transgender care. Additionally, tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) has proven to be a safe and efficient method for sub-muscular breast augmentation, providing effective pain control with minimal postoperative complications, resulting in high patient satisfaction. 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 .

Salvage Strategies for Local Recurrences of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Nasal Vestibule: A Single-Center Experience of 22 Years.

Squamous cell carcinomas of the nasal vestibule are an extremely rare neoplastic disease. Although brachytherapy is gaining popularity for primary treatment, surgery remains the best option in case of recurrences. The aim of this paper is to outline our treatment experience of local recurrence of SCCNVs over the past 22 years. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of the patients who underwent surgical treatment for local recurrence of SCCNV: data regarding age, sex, primary tumor treatment, recurrence location and time of appearance, surgical resection, type of reconstruction, postoperative complication, surgical revision, and re-recurrence rate were analyzed. Twenty patients were included in the study. The median period for recurrence appearance was 17 months, and the prevalent location of recurrence was the nasal alae. Prevalent reconstructive procedures were the nasolabial flap and paramedian forehead flap. No postoperative complications were observed, and one case of re-recurrence was detected at 12-months of follow-up. Based on our experience, salvage surgical procedures for SCCNV recurrences must be individualized and carefully planned, taking into account the peculiar pattern of tumor spread and the presence of scar and heavily radiotherapy damaged tissue from previous treatment; delayed reconstruction should be considered for all the cases with skeletal involvement.

Outcomes of Abdominoplasty in Tumescent Local Anesthesia Combined with Subdural Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Abdominoplasty is a common surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia, and although the use of TLA combined with subdural anesthesia has never been reported in abdominoplasty, it offers several benefits such as safe and effective local anesthesia and vasoconstriction. We outline our experience with the TLA technique for primary abdominoplasty over the last 7 years. METHODS: From 2014 to 2021, TLA and subdural anesthesia have been used in primary abdominoplasty surgeries for 106 patients. The TLA solution consisted of 25 mL of 2% lidocaine, 8 mEq of sodium bicarbonate, and 1 mL of epinephrine (1 mg/1 mL) diluted in 1000 mL of 0.9% saline solution. The solution was then injected with a 2-mm cannula into the subcutaneous adipose tissue in the suprafascial plane. The subdural anesthesia was performed at intervertebral level L1-L2 using Ropivacaine 15/18 mg in 4 ml. RESULTS: Patients aged from 32 to 75 years. The amount of tumescent solution infiltrated ranged between 500 and 1000 mL. Mean surgery time was 70 minutes, and recovery room time averaged at 240 minutes. Major complications related to the surgery were observed in 12.26% of patients, including eight hematomas and five seromas. Two patients experienced wound dehiscence, and no dystrophic scar formation was observed. Eventually, there was no need for a conversion to general anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Tumescent local anesthesia combined with subdural anesthesia is a highly effective and safe method for performing abdominoplasty. This technique has proven to be an excellent choice for primary abdominoplasty, providing significant benefits to patients and surgeons alike due to its safe administration, precise pain management during and after surgery, and minimal postoperative side effects. 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 .

Comparative evaluation using PRO of an algorithm of one-stage immediate alloplastic breast reconstruction versus two-stage reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: One-stage direct-to-implant (DTI) immediate breast reconstruction has proven to be an oncologically safe technique, but there are some conditions that do not allow its performance. The introduction of new surgical techniques and the recent COVID-19 pandemic have pushed us to introduce a breast reconstruction algorithm in our clinical practice. This allows a one-stage immediate reconstruction for all patients, regardless of their anatomical characteristics, the type of implants used, and the need for postoperative radiotherapy. METHODS: A total of 40 patients were recruited and divided into two cohorts, 20 patients underwent immediate one-stage breast reconstruction in the period between October 2019 and January 2021, and 20 patients completed the two-stage reconstructive process in the period prior to October 2019. During the follow-up at 6 months, all patients who had completed the reconstructive process filled out the Breast-Q Reconstruction Module Pre and Postoperative scales questionnaire. The outcomes of the questionnaires were compared between the two cohorts, and statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS Statistics 20 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: The analysis of patient-reported outcomes showed that patients from the one-stage group reported better outcomes in all items evaluated. We did not find statistically significant differences concerning the rate of complications and length of hospital stay between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of the results shows that the outcomes reported by patients who completed breast reconstruction according to our algorithm are statistically better than those with the two-stage technique.

Use of Radiofrequency-Assisted Liposuction (BodyTite) for Upper Arms Lifting.

BACKGROUND: Body contouring surgery is increasingly requested by patients, both for aesthetic and post-bariatric purposes. There has also been a rapid increase in demand for noninvasive aesthetic treatments. While brachioplasty is burdened by numerous complications and unsatisfactory scars, and conventional liposuction is unsuitable for all patients, nonsurgical arm remodeling performed with radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) allows to effectively treat most of patients, regardless of the amount of fat and ptosis of the skin and avoiding surgical excision. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 120 consecutive patients who presented to the author's private clinic and required upper arm remodeling surgery for aesthetic purposes or after weight loss. Patients were classified according to the modified classification of El Khatib and Teimourian. Pre- and posttreatment upper arm circumferences were taken after 6 months of follow-up to assess the degree of skin retraction obtained by treating the arm with RFAL. A satisfaction questionnaire regarding the appearance of the arms (Body-Q upper arm satisfaction) was administered to all patients before surgery and after 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: All patients were effectively treated with RFAL, and no cases required conversion to brachioplasty. The average reduction in arm circumference was 3.75 cm at 6 months follow-up, and patients' satisfaction increased from 35 to 87% posttreatment. CONCLUSIONS: Radio frequency is a valid tool to treat most patients with upper limbs skin laxity, with significant aesthetic results and a high degree of patient satisfaction, regardless of the degree of skin ptosis and lipodystrophy of the arm. 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 .

Squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp: a combination of different therapeutic strategies.

A case study of a 71-year-old man with a giant cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp and calvaria is presented, where a combination of surgical excision, reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi muscular free flap, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy were used to control the disease for two years without recurrence.

Outcomes of Intramuscular Gluteal Augmentation With Implants Using Tumescent Local Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) describes the practice of injecting a very dilute solution of local anesthetic combined with epinephrine and sodium bicarbonate into the tissue until it becomes firm and tense to obtain local anesthesia and vasoconstriction. The use of TLA in augmentation intramuscular gluteoplasty has never been described for implants positioning. Advantages of the TLA technique include a reduction in blood loss through epinephrine-induced vasoconstriction and hydrostatic compression from the tumescent effect. We describe TLA technique for primary intramuscular gluteal augmentation, reporting our experience during the last 5 years. METHODS: From 2017 to 2021, 20 patients underwent bilateral primary gluteal augmentation under TLA and conscious sedation. The tumescent solution was prepared with 25 mL of 2% lidocaine, 8 mEq of sodium bicarbonate, and 1 mL of epinephrine (1 mg/1 mL) in 1000 mL of 0.9% saline solution. The solution was infiltrated with a cannula inside the gluteus maximus muscle intra-operatively. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 39, 15 years. The average amount of tumescent solution infiltrated was 240 mL per gluteus. Operating time was 1 h and 40 min, and recovery room time averaged 240 min. Major surgery-related complications were found in 15% of patients (2 hematomas and 1 seroma) and minor complications were described in a total of 8 patients (4 wound dehiscence and 1 dystrophic scar formation). No signs of adrenaline nor lidocaine toxicity were reported and conversion to general anesthesia was never required. CONCLUSIONS: The tumescent local anesthesia technique represents a safe and efficacious technique for performing gluteal augmentation surgery with an intramuscular implant positioning. The advantages of this technique are safety, reasonable pain control during and after surgery and a low incidence of postoperative side effects due to general anesthesia avoidance. 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 .

One-Stage Immediate Alloplastic Breast Reconstruction in Large and Ptotic Breasts: An Institutional Algorithm.

Immediate implant-based breast reconstruction in patients with large and ptotic breasts may be challenging due to skin redundancy. The use of a reduction mammoplasty pattern for the mastectomy skin excision has proven to be a reliable option for these patients as it allows for a better shape, projection, and symmetrization. This approach has been described in the literature for both one- and two-stage reconstruction with either sub- or pre-pectoral reconstruction with an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) or non-biological mesh. One-stage immediate breast reconstructions have a positive significant impact on patients' psychosocial well-being and quality of life. The purpose of this paper is to describe an institutional algorithm that allows one to perform one-stage implant-based breast reconstructions in patients with large and ptotic breasts.

Heel reconstruction with ALT free flap in a 4-year-old patient after a severe lawnmower injury. A case report.

Lawnmowers represent a danger in pediatric population. Frequently, traumas involve limbs. Among the different reconstructive techniques, a free flap is often needed. We discuss the first case of heel reconstruction with an anterolateral thigh flap in a 4-years-old patient after a lawnmower's trauma.

Hybrid breast augmentation: our surgical approach and formula for preoperative assessment of fat graft volume.

Background: Autogenous fat grafting (AFG) is a well-known procedure utilized in addition to breast augmentation (BA) to improve breast appearance. Plastic surgeons usually estimate the ideal AFG volume relying on their personal experience based on similar previous cases: inaccurate predictions could result in incorrect evaluation of donor sites and even needless fat transfer. The purpose of this paper is to describe and prove the validity of our surgical technique and provide a simple and easy-to-use mathematical formula to assess the adequate proportion, between the volume of the implants and of the AFG, in order to obtain a natural shape and a proper volume in BA. Methods: One hundred and twenty-two patients (244 breasts) were subjected to primary/secondary hybrid BA (HBA). A formula was utilized to assess the volume of fat graft. Data about their age, body mass index (BMI), incision and implants were collected. Follow-up for analysis was fixed at less than 15 days, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months for analysis. Preoperative photographs were compared with postoperative at 12 months. Pre and postoperative Breast-Q© were administered to every patient. A statistical analysis was performed comparing Breast-Q© preoperative means with postoperative ones through t-student test. We globally defined the patients as follows: "very dissatisfied" if total score 0-25; "somewhat dissatisfied", score 26-50; "somewhat satisfied", score 51-75; "very satisfied", score 76-100. Results: All patients received Ergonomix-style Motiva Smooth/SilkSurface with low/high projection (range, 120-225 mL, mean 170 mL) and an average AFG volume of 600 mL (range, 480-720 mL). Breast-Q© analysis showed a statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative modules; 122 (100%) patients were "very satisfied". Thirteen cases of complications presented in 12 patients (10.65%): 5 hypertrophic scarring (4.09%), 3 wound dehiscence (2.46%), 3 hematomas (2.46%), 1 seroma (0.82%), 1 fat necrosis (0.82%). Conclusions: Our surgical technique proves low complication rate and short recovery times. Our mathematical formula to calculate the AFG seems to be both predictive and a precise guide for surgical decision-making in planning the treatment of patients candidated for HBA. In fact, the analysis of Breast-Q© questionnaires shows a high grade of satisfaction among patients. Further investigations should be performed in order to study a wider population and different type of implants.

Reconstruction of a fistula in the anterior soft triangle of the nose after basal cells carcinoma excision: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Basal cell carcinomas represent the most frequent skin cancer and the nose is the most common site of presentation. This has an impact on both aesthetics and function of the nose and consequences in patients' psyche. CASE PRESENTATION: In our paper, the first case in literature of a cutaneous fistula in the nasal soft triangle, after a basal cell carcinoma excision, and its reconstruction, is reported. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: One of the areas of weakness of the nose is the anterior soft triangle; here, any minimal alteration of the anatomy can potentially lead to severe impairment. CONCLUSION: When the nasal soft triangle is damaged, its restoration is crucial. Our technique showed both functional and aesthetic good result.

The profunda artery perforator free flap for lower extremity reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap has been reported in several types of reconstructions. This report aims to evaluate the usefulness and the clinical outcome of patients who underwent the PAP free flap for lower limb reconstruction. METHODS: Between February 2018 and February 2020, nine patients with injury at lower third of the leg, foot dorsum or foot plant (eight acute injuries and one chronic ulcer) were selected. Mean wound size was 12.5 × 6.3 cm (9 × 5-14.5 × 6.5). Inclusion criteria consisted in patient's request to hide the donor site scar and the absence of previous traumas or surgery in the donor site. Patients considered unable to bear prolonged surgery were excluded. Patients underwent preoperative CT angiography and peri-operative Doopler, for perforator selection. All flaps were designed with pinch test, in elliptical shape. Microvascular anastomosis was performed to the tibialis anterior/posterior or medial plantar vessels. Outcomes were evaluated in terms of wound coverage success and patient's quality of life through Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean size of the harvested skin paddle was 13.5 × 7.4 cm (9 × 6-15 × 8) and mean pedicle length was 8.5 cm. Mean flap harvest time was 43.5 min (35-55). Flap survival rate was 100%, with one re-exploration with minimal partial flap loss. Mean follow-up was 13.5 months . Reconstructive results were successful in wound coverage and function. All patients reported satisfaction with their result by LEFS questionnaire (score:64.7). CONCLUSION: With proper patient selection, there was 100% flap survival rate with no major complication. According to our data, the PAP free flap could be a valuable option for lower extremity reconstruction.

Partition of Pectoralis Major Musculocutaneous Flap as a Salvage Procedure for Simultaneous Coverage of the Exposed Carotid Artery and Reconstruction of Cervical Esophagus.

BACKGROUND: In advanced pharyngoesophageal cancer patients, a critical event is represented by the failure of primary reconstruction with exposure of the carotid artery and partial or total defect of the cervical esophagus. For these high-risk patients, a partitioned pectoralis major musculocutaneous (PMMC) flap can prevent carotid blowout and provide skin for simultaneous esophageal reconstruction. METHODS: Twenty-six patients needing pharyngoesophageal reconstruction together with coverage of carotid artery exposure were included in this retrospective case series. The patients were treated with a partitioned PMMC flap, based on the branching pattern of the pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial artery and the perforators of the pectoralis major muscle, to simultaneously reconstruct the defect and provide coverage for the carotid artery. RESULTS: In 25 patients, the partitioned PMMC flap reconstructions resulted in complete wound healing without occurrence of carotid blowout syndrome or fistula formation. Minor complications as partial flap necrosis (7.7%) and strictures formation (7.7%) were recorded but did not compromise reconstruction. Twenty-two patients were able to adopt a semisolid diet, and 4 had recurrence of cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The partitioned PMMC flap reconstruction represents a useful salvage solution to simultaneously restore the continuity of the alimentary tract and provide reliable coverage for the exposed carotid artery.

Iatrogenic subcutaneous emphysema in aesthetic breast augmentation Medicolegal aspects.

The aim of the present study was to investigate clinical results and medico-legal aspects related to the surgical procedure of mini breast augmentation. In the present case, a 28-year-old young woman with bilateral mammary hypoplasia underwent surgery, under local anesthesia, with the placement of 150 cc breast implants in the sub-glandular plane. We report a case of dramatic isolated subcutaneous emphysema without pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum to be related in terms of a causal link to the surgical procedure which the patient underwent. The plastic surgeon proceeded to replace a breast implant that presumably, represented the vehicle of transmission of the suspected pathogen responsible for the infection, to become a causal role for the infectious manifestation. This case report is an emblematic example of the need for a careful and correct surgical procedure, in order to avoid serious consequences as in the case in question, burdened by the occurrence of unsafe conditions for the patient. Compliance with the guidelines and the technical datasheet of breast implants is essential in order to avoid the concrete hypothesis of professional liability. KEY WORDS: Aesthetic breast augmentation, Breast implant, Iatrogenic subcutaneous emphysema.

Complications after breast augmentation with hyaluronic acid: a case report.

Breast augmentation is a very requested procedure in aesthetic surgery. Over time, various techniques of breast augmentation have been described, both through the use of alloplastic materials and autologous tissues: implants, fat grafting, flap surgery, and injectable fillers. According to the international current trend to perform minimally invasive procedure, injectable fillers have progressively increased their uses and notoriety in aesthetic medicine. Among the various available products, hyaluronic acid is likely to be the most popular synthetic filler all over the world. Nowadays many brands are on the market and this paper focuses on Macrolane which is a NASHA-based (stabilized hyaluronic acid of non-animal origin) filler. However, although highly biocompatible, as any material, foreign to our body, also hyaluronic acid fillers undergo a process of degradation and disposal. In our work, we report the first case in literature of migration of Macrolane in an axillary lymph node in a 45-year-old woman three years after injection for breast augmentation and its related management. The aim of the paper is to discuss and underline further complications and their treatment besides the ones already described in literature in order to provide a deeper knowledge concerning the use and the side effects of injectable fillers in aesthetic medicine.

Modifield musculocutaneous gracilis flap A case report.

A heterogeneous range of malignant pathologies affects vulvar and perineal regions. Today standard radical mutilating surgery for the treatment of invasive vulvar carcinoma is being replaced by a conservative and individualized approach. Defects of the external pelvis and perineal lining are usually reconstructed with local or regional fasciocutaneous flaps. However, in particular situations, the asymmetrical distribution of the defect and its location, close to sources of infec-tion such as the perineal area, may suggest a different approach. This report presents a patient who underwent conservative vulvectomy bilaterally and reconstruction with a unilateral modified gracilis flap. A V shaped incision was designed in the skin paddle of the flap, allowing it to fit the loss of substance around the remaining vulvar skin. Patient was highly satisfied with the result, she had no pain, no problem in defecation or urination nor during deambulation. In case with asymmetrical defect in the vulvo-perineal area the modified gracilis flap can be considered as a valid reconstructive option. KEY WORDS: Modified gracilis flap, Vulvo-perineal reconstruction.

Combined double vascularized lymph node transfers and modified radical reduction with preservation of perforators for advanced stages of lymphedema.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of advanced lymphedema requires not only restoration of physiological lymph drainage, but also excision of fibrotic tissue and excess skin. The aim of this study is to show how the combination of double vascularized lymph node transfers (VLNTs) and a modified radical reduction with preservation of perforators (RRPP) can accomplish both of these treatment goals. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2016, 16 patients (15 female and one male) with extremity lymphedema underwent a combined double gastroepiploic VLNTs and modified RRPP. Demographics, outcomes including circumference reduction rates, preoperative and postoperative lymphoscintigraphy, complications, and responses to the Lymphedema Quality of Life (LYMQOL) questionnaire were analyzed. RESULTS: All flaps survived. The mean follow-up period was 14.2 months (range, 12-19). The mean circumference reduction rate was 74.5% ± 6.9% for the upper limb and 68.0% ± 4.2% for the lower limb. There were no major complications. Minor complications, including numbness and hyperesthesia, were treated conservatively. LYMQOL showed a 2.7-fold quality-of-life improvement (P < 0.01). Postoperative lymphoscintigraphy showed improved lymphatic drainage in all cases. CONCLUSION: Combined double VLNTs and modified RRPP safely and effectively improves lymphatic drainage, reduces fibrotic tissue and excess skin, decreases episodes of infections, and improves patients' quality of life in the advanced stages of lymphedema.