Combined simultaneous endoscopic endonasal and transcranial surgery using high-definition three-dimensional exoscope for malignant tumors of the anterior skull base.

BACKGROUND: Advanced surgical interventions are required to treat malignancies in the anterior skull base (ASB). This study investigates the utility of endoscopic endonasal and transcranial surgery (EETS) using a high-definition three-dimensional exoscope as an alternative to traditional microscopy. METHODS: Six patients with carcinomas of varying histopathologies underwent surgery employing the EETS maneuver, which synchronized three distinct surgical modalities: harvesting of the anterolateral thigh flap, initiation of the transnasal technique, and initiation of the transcranial procedure. RESULTS: The innovative strategy enabled successful tumor resection and skull base reconstruction without postoperative local neoplastic recurrence, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, or neurological deficits. CONCLUSION: The integration of the exoscope and EETS is a novel therapeutic approach for ASB malignancies. This strategy demonstrates the potential of the exoscope in augmenting surgical visualization, enhancing ergonomics, and achieving seamless alignment of multiple surgical interventions. This technique represents a progressive shift in the management of these complex oncological challenges.

Pedicled flaps reconstruction of hypopharynx and laryngeal defects: Successful preservation of laryngeal function in patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Preserving laryngeal function and reconstructing the hypopharynx in advanced hypopharyngeal cancer pose significant challenges for head and neck surgeons. METHODS: A 48-year-old male patient was diagnosed with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer originating from the left pyriform sinus. The tumor extended into the hypopharynx, left vocal cord, ventricular fold, partial aryepiglottic fold, and a segment of the cervical esophagus. A curative tumor resection was performed, and a well-thought-out strategy was employed for hypopharyngeal repair and laryngeal reconstruction. RESULTS: Following the surgery, the patient demonstrated exceptional flap survival, and the tracheostomy tube was removed at the 6-month mark. No surgery-related complications were observed, and both swallowing and vocal functions exhibited a robust recovery. CONCLUSION: Our reconstruction strategy proves effective in preserving laryngeal function among patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer.

Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of angiosarcoma of the head and neck: A 17-year single-centre experience.

INTRODUCTION: Angiosarcomas in the head and neck region are aggressive tumours associated with high local recurrence and metastatic rates. We present our 17-year experience at the North of England Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour Service. METHODS: A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database was undertaken, looking for patients diagnosed with angiosarcomas affecting the head and neck. Data were gathered using a pre-defined proforma to include demographics, histological characteristics, treatment modalities, adjuvant therapies, local recurrence, distant spread, and disease-specific survival. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients (17 males, 6 females) were identified, with a mean age of 76 years at presentation. Fourteen presented with scalp lesions, whereas the remainder arose on the face. Eighteen patients underwent resection with curative intent, whereas three received palliative radiotherapy and two received comfort-based care only. Of the patients undergoing surgery, 12 had local flap reconstruction and 6 underwent free tissue transfer. Clear resection margins were obtained in nine cases (50%). Fourteen patients (78%) presented with local recurrence after surgery, and 11 (61%) developed distant metastases. The median disease-specific survival time for patients treated with curative intent was 38 months. Eight patients had mapping biopsies ahead of their resection; however, complete resection was achieved in only two cases. DISCUSSION: Angiosarcomas of the head and neck are associated with a poor prognosis, with most patients rapidly developing local recurrence, resulting in adverse clinical outcomes. Mapping biopsies do not demonstrate a clear advantage for achieving complete surgical resection. A radical surgical approach is warranted, given the aggressiveness of the pathology. However, there remains no consensus on optimal surgical management; we recommend further synthesising studies to determine the most appropriate treatment pathway.

Difficulties of nasocutaneous fistula repair, following lacrimal outflow system malignancy resection.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of nasocutaneous fistula (NCF) development, following en bloc resection of lacrimal outflow system malignancies (LOSM), and describe the methods of surgical repair. METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients who underwent resection of LOSM with reconstruction and post-treatment protocol at the University of Miami between 1997 and 2021. RESULTS: Of the 23 included patients, 10 (43%) developed postoperative NCF. All NCFs developed within one year of surgical resection or completion of radiation therapy. NCF was seen more frequently in patients who underwent adjuvant radiation therapy and those who had reconstruction of the orbital wall with titanium implants. All patients underwent at least one revisional surgery to close the NCF, including local flap transposition (9/10), paramedian forehead flap (5/10), pericranial flap (1/10), nasoseptal flap (2/10), and microvascular free flap (1/10). Local tissue transfer, pericranial, paramedian, and nasoseptal forehead flaps failed in most cases. Two patients had long-term closure; one patient who underwent a paramedian flap and a second who underwent a radial forearm free flap, suggesting that well-vascularized flaps may be the most viable option for repair. CONCLUSIONS: NCF is a known complication, following en bloc resection of lacrimal outflow system malignancies. Risk factors for formation may include adjuvant radiation therapy and use of titanium implants for reconstruction. Surgeons should consider utilizing robust vascular-pedicled flaps or microvascular free flaps for repair of NCF in this clinical scenario.

Septal Nasopharyngeal "Kite Flap" for Long-Term Patency of Petrous Apex Cholesterol Granuloma.

Medial petrous apex cholesterol granuloma is a benign lesion which treatment is generally based on a trans-nasal marsupialization. When the artificial ostium is created, it is usually kept open with local flaps, like the septal nasopharyngeal "kite flap", a reliable local vascularized flap. Laryngoscope, 134:2111-2114, 2024.

Novel biomaterial advanced platelet-rich fibrin plus block for multiple gingival recession.

BACKGROUND: The study was aimed to assess and compare hard and soft tissue augmentation clinicoradiographically with and without advanced platelet-rich fibrin + (A-PRF+) block for the treatment of multiple gingival recession using vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA). METHODS: A total of 24 patients, exhibiting multiple Miller's Class I or II recessions in the maxillary esthetic zone were included. Participants were divided into two groups, Group 1 was treated with VISTA & A-PRF+ block whereas Group 2 was with VISTA technique alone. Clinical parameters probing depth, width of keratinized gingiva, gingival biotype, recession depth, and clinical attachment level were recorded at baseline and the end of 6 months. The radiographic cone beam computed tomography measurements of labial plate thickness were taken at baseline and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: From baseline to 6 months both the groups showed a clinical and statistical improvement in the parameters. However, a statistically significant difference between the treatment modalities was not observed. In the inter-group comparison radiographically, labial plate thickness was statistically significant at the end of 6 months when compared to the baseline. CONCLUSION: A-PRF+ block along with the VISTA technique can be an alternative effective root coverage procedure for the management of multiple gingival recessions in the maxillary esthetic zone. KEY POINTS: Why is this study new information? To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study using advanced platelet-rich fibrin plus block for the treatment of multiple gingival recession with a thin labial plate. What are the keys to the successful management of these types of cases? Minimally invasive vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access technique, and avoidance of second surgical site morbidity are important factors for treatment and for patient compliance. What are the primary limitations of this study? Short study duration, small sample size, and no histological correlation can be considered as limitations of the study.

Surgical and visual outcomes of flap repositioning for various flap-related pathologies post laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

To evaluate the surgical and visual outcomes of flap repositioning for various post-laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap pathologies. Retrospective review of consecutive cases between April 1, 2017 and February 28, 2022, where surgical flap repositioning was performed following LASIK for various flap-related complications. Of the 6018 eyes, 31 needed flap repositioning (0.51%). Indications were flap displacement and folds in 20 eyes (64%), flap subluxation in five eyes (16%), epithelial ingrowth and interface debris in two each, and one eye each of diffuse lamellar keratitis and incomplete flap. Final best spectacle-corrected visual acuity of ≥ 20/25 was obtained in 25/31 (80%) eyes. The efficacy index pre to post repositioning showed significant improvement (0.86 ± 0.39 vs. 0.63 ± 0.29 preop, P = 0.011). Flap repositioning incidence was significantly higher (7/602 (1.16%)) during the COVID lockdown phases compared to the non-COVID lockdown phase (24/5416 (0.44%, P = 0.019)). The COVID group had lower efficacy (0.72 ± 0.36 vs. 0.90 ± 0.39, P = 0.300) and safety indices (0.85 ± 0.24 vs. 1.06 ± 0.35, P = 0.144) compared to the non-COVID group; however, the results were not statistically significant. The flap displacement rate was statistically higher in nasal hinged (microkeratome) flaps (18/2013, 0.89%) compared to superior hinged (Femto) flaps (13/4005, 0.32%) (0.32%, P = 0.003). Our study shows that flap repositioning has a low incidence in LASIK, with the most common indication being flap displacement/folds. The outcome post flap repositioning was poorer during the lockdown period, perhaps due to the inability to follow up early. Early identification and surgical repositioning are successful in both anatomical and visual restoration.

[Principle and clinical application of keloid core excision technique].

Objective: To review the research progress of the principle and clinical application of keloid core excision technique. Methods: The literature on keloid core excision technique at home and abroad in recent years was extensively reviewed, and the principle, development history, indications, advantages and disadvantages of this technique were summarized, and the existing controversies were analyzed. Results: Keloid core excision is a technique to remove the inner fibrous core from the keloid and cover the defect with the keloidal flap. It reduces the wound tension, yields good aesthetic results in the treatment of ear keloids, and reduces the recurrence rate of keloids combining with adjuvant therapies. Conclusion: The keloid core excision technique has specific advantages, yet its overall efficacy remains controversial. Further studies are imperative to explore the mechanisms regarding keloid recurrence and the vascular supply principles of the keloidal flap. It is also necessary to define appropriate surgical indications and safety protocols of this technique.

Surgical delay increases the survival of expanded random-pattern flap in pediatric patients.

Despite the aid of tissue expansion, the ideal design of random pattern flap is not always available in patients with extensive skin lesions. We investigated the effectiveness of surgical delay on expanded flaps in pediatric patients. Retrospective cohort study was performed on patients who underwent tissue expansion surgery for extensive skin lesions at Seoul National University Children's Hospital. The surgical delay technique was employed for patients with unfavorable flap conditions related to location or transposition angles. The dimensions of skin lesions and flaps were measured based on medical photographs. Fifty patients underwent a total of 66 tissue expansion procedures (49 conventional procedures among 41 patients, 17 surgical delay procedures among 15 patients) from January 2016 to September 2019. Although flaps in the surgical delay group were more narrow-based (p < 0.001), the partial flap loss rate and excised area-to-inflation amount ratio was comparable between the two groups (p = 0.093 and p = 0.194, respectively). Viable flaps, excluding postoperative necrosis, in the surgical delay group were significantly more narrow-based in terms of the length-to-base width ratio and the area-to-base width ratio compared to conventional group (p < 0.01, p < 0.01). Surgical delay can result in outcomes comparable to well-designed random flaps, even in disadvantageous conditions. Patients with large skin lesions but limited areas for expansion may benefit from surgical delay.

Necrosis reduction efficacy of subdermal biomaterial mediated oxygen delivery in ischemic skin flaps.

Inadequate tissue blood supply as may be found in a wound or a poorly vascularised graft, can result in tissue ischemia and necrosis. As revascularization is a slow process relative to the proliferation of bacteria and the onset of tissue necrosis, extensive tissue damage and loss can occur before healing is underway. Necrosis can develop rapidly, and treatment options are limited such that loss of tissue following necrosis onset is considered unavoidable and irreversible. Oxygen delivery from biomaterials exploiting aqueous decomposition of peroxy-compounds has shown some potential in overcoming the supply limitations by creating oxygen concentration gradients higher than can be attained physiologically or by air saturated solutions. We sought to test whether subdermal oxygen delivery from a material composite that was buffered and contained a catalyst, to reduce hydrogen peroxide release, could ameliorate necrosis in a 9 × 2 cm flap in a rat model that reliably underwent 40 % necrosis if untreated. Blood flow in this flap reduced from near normal to essentially zero, along its 9 cm length and subdermal perforator vessel anastomosis was physically prevented by placement of a polymer sheet. In the middle, low blood flow region of the flap, treatment significantly reduced necrosis based on measurements from photographs and histological micrographs. No change was observed in blood vessel density but significant differences in HIF1-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase and liver arginase were observed with oxygen delivery.

How I Do It: Sternocleidomastoid Flap Augmentation of Tracheal Repair After Resection for Invasive Thyroid Cancer.

Surgical treatment for thyroid carcinoma invading the trachea often involves circumferential tracheal resection and primary tracheal repair. This procedure involves a significant risk of anastomotic breakdown. We present a novel approach to cricotracheal repair using an SCM flap bolster designed to reduce the risk of anastomotic complications. Laryngoscope, 133:3228-3231, 2023.

It is all about form and function: a new approach to giant neonatal sacrococcygeal teratomas.

INTRODUCTION: Giant sacrococcygeal teratomas (GSCTs) involve severe deformation of the buttock region in addition to potential functional impacts. Little interest has been given to improving the aesthetic post-operative appearance in children with these tumours. METHODS: We describe a new technique for immediate reconstruction of GSCTs using buried dermal-fat flaps and a low transverse scar in the infragluteal fold. RESULTS: Our technique allows wide exposure for tumour resection and functional restoration of the pelvic floor while placing the scars in anatomical locations and restoring buttock aesthetics including gluteal projection and infragluteal fold definition. CONCLUSION: Reestablishment of function and form should be kept in mind at initial surgery in GSCT surgery to maximize results and enhance post-operative outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Impact of procedure type on revisional surgery and secondary reconstruction after immediate breast reconstruction in a population-based cohort.

BACKGROUND: Women considering immediate breast reconstruction require high-quality information about the likely need for secondary reconstruction and the long-term risk of revisional surgery to make fully informed decisions about different reconstructive options. Such data are currently lacking. This study aimed to explore the impact of reconstruction type on the number of revisions and secondary reconstructions performed 3, 5, and 8 years after immediate breast reconstruction in a large population-based cohort. METHODS: Women undergoing unilateral mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction for breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ in England between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2015 were identified from National Health Service Hospital Episode Statistics. Numbers of revisions and secondary reconstructions in women undergoing primary definitive immediate breast reconstruction were compared by procedure type at 3, 5, and 8 years after index surgery. RESULTS: Some 16 897 women underwent immediate breast reconstruction with at least 3 years' follow-up. Of these, 14 069 had a definitive reconstruction with an implant only (5193), latissimus dorsi flap with (3110) or without (2373) an implant, or abdominal free flap (3393). Women undergoing implant-only reconstruction were more likely to require revision, with 69.5 per cent (747 of 1075) undergoing at least one revision by 8 years compared with 49.3 per cent (1568 of 3180) in other reconstruction groups. They were also more likely to undergo secondary reconstruction, with the proportion of women having further reconstructive procedures increasing over time: 12.8 per cent (663 of 5193) at 3 years, 14.3 per cent (535 of 3752) at 5 years, and 17.6 per cent (189 of 1075) at 8 years. CONCLUSION: Long-term rates of revisions and secondary reconstructions were considerably higher after primary implant-based reconstruction than autologous procedures. These results should be shared with patients to support informed decision-making.

BACKGROUND: Breast reconstruction is performed to improve well-being for women who need mastectomy (removal of the breast) as part of breast cancer treatment. There are many different types of breast reconstruction operation, and it can be difficult for women to decide which operation, if any, is right for them. Information about the number of extra operations that a woman is likely to need after breast reconstruction surgery is an important factor in helping them make this decision. This study aimed to investigate the number of extra operations that women who had breast reconstruction needed by 3, 5, and 8 years after surgery, and how this differed by the type of breast reconstruction surgery they had. Routinely collected hospital record data were used to identify women having breast reconstruction at the time of mastectomy for breast cancer, and identify any extra operations performed for problems related to the reconstruction in the 8 years after the first operation. The number of extra operations performed after different types of breast reconstructions was compared at 3, 5, and 8 years after the mastectomy. Women who had implant-based reconstruction required more extra operations than those having reconstruction using their own tissue. They were also more likely to have the implant replaced with another type of breast reconstruction than women undergoing tissue-based reconstruction at 3, 5, and 8 years after the first surgery. This information should be discussed with women thinking about breast reconstruction to help them decide what type of operation would be best for them.

Surgical management of gingival recessions in patients with refractory gingival pemphigus vulgaris: A multidisciplinary challenge.

BACKGROUND: Mucogingival surgery for root coverage of gingival recessions (GRs) is usually performed in patients with unremarkable periodontal and systemic health. However, the predictable results of surgical procedures and increasingly high aesthetic expectations of patients necessitate optimal management of GR also in patients with systemic conditions that affect the oral cavity. In patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV), mucosal fragility and complicated surgical management of inflamed soft tissues are major challenges. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 36-year-old female patient with PV and deep GR on the mandibular incisors is presented. After initial unresponsiveness to steroids and immunosuppressants, complete clinical remission was achieved through repeated rituximab infusions and topical platelet-rich plasma. After > 1 year of stable clinical remission off therapy the patient successfully underwent surgical procedures for vertically coronally advanced flap with connective tissue graft. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, no studies have described the surgical management of GR in PV patients. Although controlled studies are required to confirm present results, complete and stable clinical remission is necessary to avoid complications. Collaboration among dermatologists, oral medicine specialists, and periodontologists is essential to determine whether mucogingival surgery for root surface exposure is indicated for PV patients. KEY POINTS: Why are these cases new information? This is the first report of root coverage in a patient with oral PV What are the keys to the successful management of these cases? The achievement of complete and stable clinical remission from oral PV Multidisciplinary collaboration among dermatologists, oral medicine specialists, and periodontologists What are the primary limitations to success in these cases? The refractoriness of gingival lesions induced by PV Poor mucogingival conditions of inflamed gingival tissues exacerbated by PV.

Evaluation of Survival of Subdermal Plexus Skin Flaps in 8 Cats After Injection of Platelet Rich Plasma.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma injection on the survival of experimentally developed subdermal plexus skin flaps in cats. Two flaps, 2 cm wide and 6 cm long were created bilaterally in the dorsal midline in 8 cats. Each flap was randomized to 1 of 2 groups: platelet-rich plasma injection and control. After flap development, the flaps were immediately placed back on the recipient bed. Then 1.8 mL of platelet-rich plasma was equally injected into 6 different parts of the treatment flap. All flaps were evaluated macroscopically daily and on days 0, 7, 14, and 25 by planimetry, Laser Doppler flowmetry, and histology. Mean flap survival on day 14 was 80.437 % (±22.745) for the treatment group and 66.516 % (±24,12) for the control group with no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .158). Histologically, a significant difference was found between the base of the PRP and the control flap in edema score on day 25 (P = .034). In conclusion, there is no evidence to support the use of platelet-rich plasma in subdermal plexus flaps in cats. However, the use of platelet-rich plasma may aid in reducing edema of subdermal plexus flaps.

[The Long Term Result of Rhomboid Flap Reconstruction for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer].

In patients undergoing mastectomy for locally advanced breast cancer, surgical skin flap reconstruction is sometimes required in order to cover large skin defects. Generally, we reconstruct by using latissimus dorsi or rectus abdominis when the direct closure is difficult. These constructions are difficult and have various complications. Our facility started rhomboid flap reconstruction after mastectomy. We report the result of rhomboid flap reconstruction. Five patients were performed rhomboid flap reconstruction. Three of 5 patients were cutaneous invasion, 1 patient was skin metastasis after mastectomy, and the other patient was Paget's disease. Regarding post operative complications, there were 2 cases of surgical site infection, 2 cases of skin necrosis and 1 case of seroma. The median length of postoperative hospital stay was 9 days. Median follow-up period was 381 days(221-508 days). Only 1 patient progressed. The median progression-free survival was 332 days(221-508 days). Rhomboid flap reconstruction is effective way for the improvement of the QOL of the patients with advanced breast cancer because the long term result was not bad and we can repair large skin defect easily.

Reconstruction of Forequarter and Extended Forequarter Amputations: Indications and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Forequarter amputations (FQAs) and extended forequarter amputations (EFQAs) are rare procedures with high morbidity that often require significant soft-tissue or bony reconstruction. The authors describe the largest series of oncologic FQAs and EFQAs to date with associated reconstructive and oncologic outcomes. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed data from all patients who underwent FQA or EFQA at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center from January 1, 2008, to January 1, 2019. Surgical outcomes, survival, and local recurrence rates were summarized and compared. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients met the inclusion criteria, including 14 with EFQAs. Most patients (53%) were male; the median age was 58 years (range, 2 to 74). The most common tumor type was sarcoma (79%), and the most common presentation was recurrent (34%). Nineteen patients (40%) had distant metastases. The median defect size was 351 cm 2 ; flap reconstruction was required in 30 patients (64%). Eight patients (17%) experienced immediate complications and 12 (26%) experienced delayed complications. The median overall survival (OS) time was 21 months and the 5-year OS rate was 28.1%. OS and disease-free survival were superior in the EFQA group (69.8% versus 11.6%, P = 0.017; 58.9% versus 9.8%, P = 0.014, respectively). Metastasis at presentation was the most important predictor of survival on multivariate analysis (OR, 3.98; P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with EFQA had better OS and disease-free survival than did patients with FQA, owing to a lower incidence of metastatic disease. This study suggests a benefit to more aggressive resection and reconstruction when disease is locally confined. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Efficacy of Vascularized Submental Lymph Node Transfer with Decongestive Therapy and Antibiotics for Early-Stage Lower Limb Filarial Lymphedema.

BACKGROUND: Filarial lymphedema (FLE) is the most common cause of secondary lymphedema, with endemic prevalence in developing countries. FLE traditionally has been managed with antibiotics and decongestive therapy (DCT) in the early stage or excisional surgery at the late stage. Results of vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) in postoncologic lymphedema have been encouraging, and VLNT is a widely accepted surgical treatment. The authors advocate that the combined treatment of antibiotics, DCT, and vascularized submental lymph node (VSLN) transfer could produce objective and subjective improvement of early-stage lower limb FLE. METHODS: Between January of 2019 and January of 2020, patients with early-stage lower-limb FLE who underwent VLNT were retrospectively reviewed. VLNT was harvested from the submental region in all patients. Outcomes were assessed using volume improvement, frequency of cellulitis, and lymphoscintigraphy, along with subjective scoring questionnaire. RESULTS: Three men and one woman with an average age of 27 years (range, 25 to 29 years) were included. Two patients presented bilateral lymphedema. One patient was lost at 3-month follow-up and not included in the analysis. Patients showed an initial decrease in circumferential measurements after antibiotics and DCT of 2074 ± 471 cc (39% ± 9%). At a mean follow-up of 12.3 ± 6.2 months, further improvement of limb volume of 2389 ± 576 cc (45% ± 10%) was achieved following VSLN transfer. Lymphoscintigraphy demonstrated dye uptake by the VLNT with reduced dermal backflow and none of the patients had episodes of postoperative cellulitis. Patients reported excellent outcome on subjective scoring (average score, 9 ± 1) and returned to their daily activities without wearing compression garments. CONCLUSION: The authors' early experience showed that VSLN transfer may represent an effective treatment option in the multimodal approach to early-stage lower limb FLE.

Successful Surgical Outcome of Feline Inductive Odontogenic Tumor in Three Cats.

BACKGROUND/AIM: A feline inductive odontogenic tumor (FIOT) is a rare type of tumor that is unique to young cats. CASE REPORT: Herein, we report on three cats (aged 6 months to 2.5 years) that had a bulging mass on the maxilla. On diagnostic imaging, cases 1 and 3 had bone expansion in the affected area, and all three cats were diagnosed with FIOT by histological examination. Maxillectomy and/or incisivectomy techniques were performed according to the tumor site with an intended surgical margin of 5 mm. To increase both precision and safety, a piezoelectric surgical instrument was used. The local advancement flaps were used to repair the surgical sites. The surgical outcomes were excellent, and there were no major complications related to the surgery or tumor recurrences during long-term follow-up (3-5 years) for any of the cats. CONCLUSION: The results from this study were excellent, which may have been due in part to the choice of the surgical instrument that allowed for the implementation of precise and accurate surgical excision and the tension-free flap method for preventing dehiscence of the surgical site.

Sub-regional skin grafting for perineal resurfacing after excision of superficial vulvar tumors: An excellent method to achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of sub-regional split-thickness skin grafting in perineal resurfacing. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study was conducted in the Genital Plastic Surgery Center. Detailed clinical data of 14 consecutive patients who underwent split-thickness skin grafting after vulvar tumor resection from February 2013 to June 2022 were analyzed. Clinical data, postoperative photographs, scoring of vulvar appearance, and questionnaire results of the Female Sexual Function Index before and after surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: The patients had sub-regional split-thickness skin grafting ranging from 7 × 8 cm to 11 × 12 cm (88.86 ± 24.99 cm2 ). After a follow-up of 8.21 ± 2.22 months (mean ± SD), all patients had a three-dimensional and aesthetically pleasing vulva and high scoring of vulvar appearance (mean ± SD, 4.43 ± 0.65). All patients had good healing of both the recipient and donor sites without major complications. Only one patient had minor dehiscence in the perineal region and recovered soon after proper treatment. The scores of the Female Sexual Function Index were significantly improved after surgery. Among the included domains, scores of "desire," "arousal," "orgasm" and "satisfaction" increased significantly after surgery (p value <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sub-regional split-thickness skin grafting could achieve excellent cosmetic outcomes with few complications in perineal reconstruction after the excision of superficial vulvar tumors. It can provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance in the vulvar region and improve female sexual function to some extent. In general, sub-regional split-thickness skin grafting could be a recommended reconstructive option to repair vulvar defects.