Robot-Assisted Pelvic Dissection for Enlarged Lymph Nodes in Melanoma Improves Recovery with Equivalent Oncological Outcomes to Open Pelvic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted pelvic lymph node dissection (rPLND) has been reported in heterogenous groups of patients with melanoma, including macroscopic or at-high-risk-for microscopic metastasis. With changing indications for surgery in melanoma, and availability of effective systemic therapies, pelvic dissection is now performed for clinically detected bulky lymph node metastasis followed by adjuvant drug therapy. rPLND has not been compared with open pelvic lymph node dissection (oPLND) for modern practice. METHODS: All patients undergoing pelvic node dissection for macroscopic melanoma at a single institution were reviewed as a cohort, observational study. RESULTS: Twenty-two pelvic lymph node dissections were identified (8 oPLND; 14 rPLND). The number of pelvic lymph nodes removed was similar (median oPLND 6.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 6.0-12.5] versus rPLND 6.0 [3.75-9.0]), with frequent matted nodes (11/22, 50.0%). Operative time (median oPLND 130 min [IQR 95.5-182] versus rPLND 126 min [IQR 97.8-160]) and complications (Clavien-Dindo scale) were similar. Length of hospital stay (median 5.34 days (IQR 3.77-6.94) versus 1.98 days (IQR 1.39-3.50) and time to postoperative adjuvant therapy (median 11.6 weeks [IQR 10.6-18.5] versus 7.71 weeks [IQR 6.29-10.4]) were shorter in the rPLND group. No differences in pelvic lymph node recurrence (p = 0.984), distant metastatic recurrence (p = 0.678), or melanoma-specific survival (p = 0.655) were seen (median follow-up 21.1 months [rPLND] and 25.7 months [oPLND]). CONCLUSIONS: rPLND is an effective way to remove bulky pelvic lymph nodes in melanoma, with a shorter recovery and reduced interval to initiating adjuvant therapy compared with oPLND. This group of patients may especially benefit from neoadjuvant systemic approaches to management.

Cost of implementing the QualityRights programme in public hospitals in Gujarat providing mental healthcare.

Background & objectives: Investment in mental health is quite meagre worldwide, including in India. The costs of new interventions must be clarified to ensure the appropriate utilization of available resources. The government of Gujarat implemented QualityRights intervention at six public mental health hospitals. This study was aimed to project the costs of scaling up of the Gujarat QualityRights intervention to understand the additional resources needed for a broader implementation. Methods: Economic costs of the QualityRights intervention were calculated using an ingredients-based approach from the health systems' perspective. Major activities within the QualityRights intervention included assessment visits, meetings, training of trainers, provision of peer support and onsite training. Results: Total costs of implementing the QualityRights intervention varied from Indian Rupees (₹) 0.59 million to ₹ 2.59 million [1United States Dollars (US $) = ₹ 74.132] across six intervention sites at 2020 prices with 69-79 per cent of the cost being time cost. Scaling up the intervention to the entire State of Gujarat would require about two per cent increase in financial investment, or about 7.5 per cent increase in total cost including time costs over and above the costs of usual care for people with mental health conditions in public health facilities across the State. Interpretation & conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that human resources were the major cost contributor of the programme. Given the shortage of trained human resources in the mental health sector, appropriate planning during the scale-up phase of the QualityRights intervention is required to ensure all staff members receive the required training, and the treatment is not compromised during this training phase. As only about two per cent increase in financial cost can improve the quality of mental healthcare significantly, the State government can plan for its scale-up across the State.

Association of Complex Lymphatic Drainage in Head and Neck Cutaneous Melanoma With Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Outcomes: A Cohort Study and Literature Review.

Importance: Although sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a vital staging tool, its application in head and neck melanoma (HNM) is complicated by a higher false-negative rate (FNR) compared with other regions. This may be due to the complex lymphatic drainage in the head and neck. Objective: To compare the accuracy, prognostic value, and long-term outcomes of SLNB in HNM with melanoma from the trunk and limb, focusing on the lymphatic drainage pattern. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort observational study at a single UK University cancer center included all patients with primary cutaneous melanoma undergoing SLNB between 2010 to 2020. Data analysis was conducted during December 2022. Exposures: Primary cutaneous melanoma undergoing SLNB between 2010 to 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures: This cohort study compared the FNR (defined as the ratio between false-negative results and the sum of false-negative and true-positive results) and false omission rate (defined as the ratio between false-negative results and the sum of false-negative and true-negative results) for SLNB stratified by 3 body regions (HNM, limb, and trunk). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare recurrence-free survival (RFS) and melanoma-specific survival (MSS). Comparative analysis of detected lymph nodes on lymphoscintigraphy (LSG) and SLNB was performed by quantifying lymphatic drainage patterns by number of nodes and lymph node basins. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression identified independent risk factors. Results: Overall, 1080 patients were included (552 [51.1%] men, 528 [48.9%] women; median age at diagnosis 59.8 years), with a median (IQR) follow-up 4.8 (IQR, 2.7-7.2) years. Head and neck melanoma had a higher median age at diagnosis (66.2 years) and higher Breslow thickness (2.2 mm). The FNR was highest in HNM (34.5% vs 14.8% trunk or 10.4% limb, respectively). Similarly, the false omission rate was 7.8% in HNM compared with 5.7% trunk or 3.0% limbs. The MSS was no different (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.43-1.53), but RFS was lower in HNM (HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36-0.85). On LSG, patients with HNM had the highest proportion of multiple hotspots (28.6% with ≥3 hotspots vs 23.2% trunk and 7.2% limbs). The RFS was lower for patients with HNM with 3 or more affected lymph nodes found on LSG than those with fewer than 3 affected lymph nodes (HR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.18-0.77). Cox regression analysis showed head and neck location to be an independent risk factor for RFS (HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.01-2.50), but not for MSS (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.35-1.71). Conclusions and Relevance: This cohort study found higher rates of complex lymphatic drainage, FNR, and regional recurrence in HNM compared with other body sites on long-term follow-up. We advocate considering surveillance imaging for HNM for high-risk melanomas irrespective of sentinel lymph node status.

Galea vs periosteum: impact of excision depth on outcomes for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp.

Cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer, with local recurrence rates of up to 10% in the scalp. To date there have been no direct comparisons of recurrence rates or deep margin involvement for surgical excision to different anatomical layers of the scalp. A multi-centre retrospective study of all cSCC excised from the scalp from 2015 to 2020 was conducted. Two hundred and seventy nine patients (17-female, 262-male) met the inclusion criteria (median age 82.2 years), incorporating a total of 302 cSCC's. Primary excision depth was galea in 80 cases and periosteum in 222 (26.5% and 73.5% respectively). A significantly greater proportion of lesions excised to galea had involved or close (<1mm) deep margins (n = 27, 33.8% galea vs n = 50, 22.5% periosteum, OR 2.74 [95% CI 1.38-5.45], p = .004). Local recurrence rates were also significantly higher for lesions excised to galea vs periosteum (n = 13, 16.3% vs n = 18, 8.1% respectively, p = .039), although this trend was lost after adjusting for deep margin status. To our knowledge, this study is the first to compare local recurrence rates and margin involvement for cSCC of the scalp excised to different depths. Our findings demonstrate a higher incidence of involved/close deep margins for lesions excised to galea, imposing a higher treatment burden and risk of recurrence for these patients. We therefore advocate including galea in surgical excision.

Lymph node dissections in cutaneous malignancy: Where are we now? A review of 10 years' experience at a tertiary centre.

The surgical management of cutaneous malignancies has evolved over recent years with the introduction of novel medical therapies and an increasing emphasis upon early adjuvant systemic therapy. As such, completion lymph node dissection (cLND) is now no longer recommended following a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in melanoma. We evaluated our ten-year practice at a regional tertiary centre, assessing the change in lymph node dissection (LND) caseload volume, anatomical distribution, and indication for the procedure. A retrospective search was carried out of all LNDs performed by the Plastic Surgery department at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2019. Case notes were retrospectively analysed for each procedure, with the site and pathology recorded. A total of 491 LNDs were performed over the 10-year period. Surgical volume peaked in 2015 with 67 cases, followed by a decline to 41 cases in 2019. The number of neck dissections increased over the decade, as well as the proportion of cases due to macroscopic nodal disease. We sub-analysed the number of LNDs in three contiguous 18-month intervals, corresponding to changes in practice due to evidence from the DeCOG and MSLT-II Trials. We found a 41.67% reduction in LNDs caseload between July 2018-Dec 2019, compared to a similar period prior to trial evidence (July 2015-Dec 2016) (p=0.0.14). In summary, the surgical volume of LNDs has decreased significantly since 2018, reflecting emerging evidence and changes to national guidelines. This will require ongoing monitoring for workforce planning and surgical training.

Systematic evaluation of the QualityRights programme in public mental health facilities in Gujarat, India.

BACKGROUND: Recognising the significant extent of poor-quality care and human rights issues in mental health, the World Health Organization launched the QualityRights initiative in 2013 as a practical tool for implementing human rights standards including the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at the ground level. AIMS: To describe the first large-scale implementation and evaluation of QualityRights as a scalable human rights-based approach in public mental health services in Gujarat, India. METHOD: This is a pragmatic trial involving implementation of QualityRights at six public mental health services chosen by the Government of Gujarat. For comparison, we identified three other public mental health services in Gujarat that did not receive the QualityRights intervention. RESULTS: Over a 12-month period, the quality of services provided by those services receiving the QualityRights intervention improved significantly. Staff in these services showed substantially improved attitudes towards service users (effect sizes 0.50-0.17), and service users reported feeling significantly more empowered (effect size 0.07) and satisfied with the services offered (effect size 0.09). Caregivers at the intervention services also reported a moderately reduced burden of care (effect size 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: To date, some countries are hesitant to reforming mental health services in line with the CRPD, which is partially attributable to a lack of knowledge and understanding about how this can be achieved. This evaluation shows that QualityRights can be effectively implemented even in resource-constrained settings and has a significant impact on the quality of mental health services.

Outcomes of split vs full-thickness skin grafts in scalp reconstruction in outpatient local anaesthetic theatre.

BACKGROUND: Surgical excision remains the cornerstone of simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of suspicious skin lesions, and the scalp is a high-risk area for skin cancers due to increased cumulative lifetime ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Due to the inelasticity of scalp skin, most excisions with predetermined margins require reconstruction with skin grafting. METHODS: A retrospective single-centre cohort study was performed of all patients undergoing outpatient local anaesthetic scalp skin excision and skin graft reconstruction in the Plastic Surgery Department at Addenbrookes Hospital over a 20-month period between 1 April 2017 and 1 January 2019. In total, 204 graft cases were collected. Graft reconstruction techniques included both full-thickness and split-thickness skin grafts. Statistical analysis using Z tests were used to determine which skin grafting technique achieved better graft take. RESULTS: Split-thickness skin grafts had a statistically significant (P = 0.01) increased average take (90%) compared to full-thickness skin grafts (72%). Using a foam tie-over dressing on the scalp led to a statistically significant (P = 0.000036) increase in skin graft take, from 38% to 79%. CONCLUSION: In skin graft reconstruction of scalp defects after skin cancer excision surgery, split skin grafts secured with foam tie-over dressings are associated with superior outcomes compared to full-thickness skin grafts or grafts secured with sutures only.

Paroxysmal hemicrania: a retrospective study of a consecutive series of 22 patients and a critical analysis of the diagnostic criteria.

BACKGROUND: Paroxysmal hemicrania (PH) is a probably underreported primary headache disorder. It is characterized by repeated attacks of severe, strictly unilateral pain lasting 2 to 30 minutes localized to orbital, supraorbital, and temporal areas accompanied by ipsilateral autonomic features. The hallmark of PH is the absolute cessation of the headache with indomethacin. However, these all features may not be present in all cases and a few cases may remain unclassified according to the 2nd Edition of The International classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-II) criteria for PH. METHODS: Twenty-two patients were included in this retrospective observation. RESULTS: We describe 17 patients, observed over six years, who fulfilled the ICHD-II criteria for PH. In parallel, we identified five more patients in whom one of the features of the diagnostic criteria for PH was missing. Two patients did not show any evidence of cranial autonomic feature during the attacks of headache. Another two patients did not fulfill the criteria for PH as the maximum attack frequency was less than five. One patient had an incomplete response to indomethacin. CONCLUSION: A subset of patients may not have all the defined features of PH and there is a need for refinement of the existing diagnostic criteria.

Opportunities to reduce plastic surgery claims through an analysis of complaints data.

BACKGROUND: Patient expectations and demands placed on the National Health Service have significantly increased over the last decade. The analysis of adverse outcomes and measures to improve practice remain fundamental to clinical governance. We decided to investigate the reasons for plastic surgery patients making complaints and claims of negligence in order to identify trends and potential areas of improvement. METHODS: In conjunction with the hospital Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) and Legal Services departments, the complaints made against the Addenbrooke's Hospital Plastic Surgery Department over a 10 year period were analysed. Patients who proceeded to make formal claims of negligence were also identified and a retrospective case note review of these performed. RESULTS: 185 patients made complaints between April 2000 and April 2010. The most common reasons for complaints were poor communication and treatment delays. 20 claims of negligence were made; 14 of these were patients undergoing breast surgery. There were 3 successful cases which all mentioned adverse scarring, suggesting that this risk was either not discussed or the informed consent process was inadequately documented. The financial compensation awarded ranged from £6000 to £34,000. CONCLUSIONS: Poor communication is highlighted as the main reason for patients making formal complaints. Inadequate documentation of informed consent discussions may also contribute to successful negligence claims.

The use of topical vasodilators in microvascular surgery.

Topical vasodilators are widely used in reconstructive microsurgery in order to ameliorate intraoperative vascular spasm (vasospasm) and facilitate microvascular anastomoses. There is, however, a paucity of literature to support or discredit this practice. A survey of current practice in UK Plastic Surgery Departments was therefore undertaken. Email questionnaires were sent to all 281 consultant plastic surgeons in the UK and we received responses from 91 representing 35 out of the 49 'main' Plastic Surgery Units (71%). Of the 84 consultants who completed the questionnaire, the majority (94%) utilised vasodilators during microsurgery. The commonest preparations used were papaverine (52%), calcium channel blockers (47%) and local anaesthetics (27%). The most frequent reasons cited for topical vasodilator use were empirical (42%), habit (21%) and 'that it works' (16%). The agents were almost always applied topically (99%) compared to intraluminally in 19%. It is concluded that multiple vasodilators are employed routinely in UK microvascular surgical practice, but there is little scientific basis for their use.

The use of tissue glue in prominent ear correction surgery.

Cyanoacrylate tissue glues have been used for many years in otoplasty and specific indications for its use are as described. As well as being an effective means of dressing the postauricular suture line, its use in gluing the pinna back to the postauricular skin may negate the use of the head bandage in the postoperative period.