Use of Recanalized Vessels for Diabetic Foot Reconstruction: Pushing the Boundaries of Reconstruction in a Vasculopathic Lower Extremity.

BACKGROUND: Free flap after lower extremity revascularization may enable limb salvage in defects after critical limb ischemia. This study examined the outcomes of reconstruction of ischemic diabetic foot according to the severity of the vessel occlusion and assessed whether recanalized vessels may serve as a reliable recipient vessel. METHODS: A total of 62 patients who underwent diabetic foot reconstruction with free flaps after successful percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) from February of 2010 to February of 2016 were identified and divided into three groups: group 1, nonoccluded vessels as recipient ( n = 11); group 2, recanalized artery after PTA for partially occluded artery ( n = 30); and group 3, recanalized artery after PTA for completely occluded artery ( n = 21). RESULTS: Flap survival was statistically higher in group 2 (90%) compared with group 3 (67%) ( P < 0.05). Subsequent major amputation was significantly lower in groups 1 and 2 [0/7 and 1/30 (3.3%)] compared with group 3 [5/21 (23.8%)] ( P < 0.05). The patient survival and limb salvage rate was 90.9% at 1 and 3 years in group 1, 89.8% at 1 year and 86.3% at 3 and 5 years in group 2, and 76.2% at 1, 3, and 5 years in group 3. This difference was not statistically significant ( P = 0.485). CONCLUSIONS: The use of recanalized vessels after PTA can be safe for partially occluded arteries but requires caution for completely occluded arteries. Using completely occluded vessels after PTA can be attempted when other options are not available and achieves a 76% chance of limb salvage. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Single vertical incision thoracoabdominal flap for chest wall reconstruction following mastectomy of locally advanced breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Skin grafts have been widely used in managing extensive chest wall defects after mastectomy for advanced breast cancer. However, their durability and tolerability to radiotherapy is still controversial. A thoracoabdominal (TA) flap with a few technical refinements can safely transfer a larger flap while minimizing complications. METHODS: From January 2007 to February 2018, a retrospective review was performed to compare 2 groups after wide breast excision: skin graft group (group 1) and lateral-based, single vertical incision rotation-advancement TA flap (group 2). Patients' demographics, operative details, complications, hospital stay, postoperative outpatient visits, cost, and start of adjuvant therapy were analyzed between the 2 groups. RESULTS: During the study period, 34 patients received skin graft and 41 patients received TA flap. group 2 had a shorter hospital stay (6.41 ± 2.64 days vs. 12.62 ± 4.60 days, P < 0.001) and shorter time to complete wound healing (29.27 ± 18.68 days vs. 39.24 ± 27.70 days, P = 0.03) than group 1. There was also a difference in the period from surgery to initiation of adjuvant therapy (group 1, 45.04 days ± 17.79 days; group 2, 37.07 ± 15.38 days, P = 0.073). Although limitation in shoulder motion was more frequent in group 2, limitation of motion for >1 year was observed in 4 patients in only group 1 (43.90% vs. 38.24%, P = 0.613). CONCLUSION: TA flap has a simple design that minimizes concerns involving the donor site. Moreover, it does not require complicated procedures and allows for re-elevation whenever necessary. Finally, it guarantees faster wound recovery than skin graft with fewer complications.

Safety, efficacy, and onset of a novel botulinum toxin type A (Nabota) for the treatment of glabellar frown lines: a single-arm, prospective, phase 4 clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Safety, efficacy, and time to onset of effect of botulinum toxin type A is of importance to persons who seek improvement in glabellar frown lines, but this has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to determine the safety, efficacy, and onset of action of a newly developed botulinum toxin type A (Nabota) for the treatment of glabellar frown lines. METHODS: This was a single-arm, open-label, and phase 4 clinical study. Forty-two subjects with glabellar lines were treated with five times of intramuscular injection of 0.1 mL (4 U/0.1 mL) for a total of 20 U of Nabota. Efficacy and safety were assessed at 2, 3, 4, 5, and 14 days. Efficacy was assessed by the investigator and it was defined as a 1-point change on a 4-point scale. RESULTS: Improvement in glabellar frown lines at maximum frown was observed in 85.4% of subjects 2 days after administration. Improvement in glabellar lines at rest was observed in 51.2% of subjects 2 days after administration, and the proportion of subjects showing improvement increased with time. No severe adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSION: Onset of action was observed in the majority of subjects by 2 days after administration of Nabota. In addition, Nabota was found to be safe and effective for the treatment of glabellar frown lines.

Cumulative Experience in Lymphovenous Anastomosis for Lymphedema Treatment: The Learning Curve Effect on the Overall Outcome.

BACKGROUND: The lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) has become one of the treatment options for lymphedema. However, it is regarded as a difficult surgery that many young microsurgeons are reluctant to try. This report investigates the learning curve in regard to symptom improvement. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis performed in 33 consecutive lymphedema patients (38 extremities) who underwent only LVAs from August 2010 to February 2016. Surgical outcomes in regard to surgeon's experience were evaluated. The surgeons experience was divided into three groups: early group with less than 2 years, moderate with 2 to 4 years, and mature group with more than 4 years of experience. RESULTS: A total of 31 limbs (8/8 in upper extremity and 23/30 in lower extremity) showed improvement. When we compare volume change and recurrence of cellulitis with regard to surgeon's experience, there were no statistically significant differences. However, the mean time per LVA was significantly decreased as the experience increased over time (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: LVA is an effective treatment option to reduce the volume in the affected limb and to improve symptoms involved. Regardless of the number and experience of the surgeons, cellulitis improves significantly after LVA. The experience of the surgeon does not significantly impact the positive outcome while proficiency increases with experience.