Comparison of indocyanine green fluorescence lymphangiography and magnetic resonance lymphangiography to investigate lymphedema of the extremities.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare two dynamic imaging modalities employed to study peripheral lymphatic system, Magnetic Resonance Lymphangiography (MRL) and Indocyanine Green Lymphangiography (ICGL), evaluating their role for planning lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) or other surgical-nonsurgical treatments in patients with lymphedema of the extremities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 32 patients (26 women) with a mean age of 38 years (range 18-73) enrolled from January 2014 to December 2018; 20 out of 32 were affected by lower limb lymphedema with 6 cases of primary lymphedema; all of them had stage II disease. All the patient underwent ICGL and MRL within a month of one another, by injecting different contrast medium into interdigital web spaces. In each patient we rated the number of lymphatic vessels visualized, considering the wrist for the upper limb and the ankle for the lower limb. Student's t-test was applied. RESULTS: All patients completed both the diagnostic examinations without any significant complications. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between the number of lymphatic vessels identified on the wrist/ankle (34 on ICGL vs 70 on MRL and 82 on ICGL vs 26 on MRL, considering affected and healthy limbs respectively). In particular, dermal backflow in advanced lymphedema seems to hinder lymphatic vessels detection on ICGL. Conversely, on healthy limbs, MRL hardly identifies lymphatics, because of their fast lymphatic flow and almost virtual lumen. CONCLUSIONS: Both MRL and ICGL are dynamic diagnostic modalities that permit an effective evaluation of lymphatic vessels anatomical and functional status in extremities lymphedema these diagnostic procedures may be considered complementary because they show different aspects of lymphatic system. KEY WORDS: Indocyanine green, MR lymphangiography.

Orthognathic surgery: a randomized study comparing Piezosurgery and Saw techniques.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate specific parameters: intra-operative time, facial swelling, degree of pain (VAS scale), recovery time and neurosensory disturbance in patients who underwent orthognathic surgery either using piezo or saw devices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed a retrospective study, which included 100 patients who underwent bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) surgery combined with maxillary Le Fort I. They were separated into 2 groups of 50 patients each. The surgeries were performed between September 2015 and April 2017 by the same surgeon. RESULTS: Intra-op time is unchanged but patients operated with the Piezo devices requested fewer painkilling medication and were dismissed on the second day after the surgery. Neurosensory recovery was statistically significant in the Piezo group. CONCLUSION: Far less post-op swelling and the reduction in the use of painkillers lead to a speedier recovery in patients who underwent orthognathic surgery using Piezosurgery. These patients also recovered more sensitivity in the lower lip area. KEY WORDS: Orthognatic surgery, Piezosurgery, Saw.

Rare case of giant lymphocele treated with supramicrosurgical approach.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphocele (or cystic lymphangioma) is a typical disease of the lymphatic vascukarization caused by lymphatic fluid leakage. Lymphatic leakage can result from traumas or as a complication of surgical procedures. Clinic is vague and surgical resection is still considered the most effective approach. Thereby, a standpoint should be the identification and treatment of afferent lymphatic channels which can be addressed by LVA. CASE PRESENTATION: The authors describe a rare case of a giant lymphocele occurred in a 56-year-old Caucasian woman treated for endometrial carcinoma. Lymphocele was refractory to percutaneous drainage and compressive treatment. Therefore surgical excision in combination with supramicrosurgical lymphatico-venular anastomosis (LVA) was scheduled. CONCLUSIONS: The aim of the report is to offer an overview on the main therapeutic options to treat lymphocele and to demonstrate the effectiveness of combining excision with lymphatic microsurgery. KEY WORDS: Inguinal lymphocele, LVA, Supramicrosurgery.

Complex craniomaxillofacial gunshot wounds A step-by-step multidisciplinary approach.

BACKGROUND: Gunshot injuries of the viscerocranium are rarely reported. Penetrating wounds to the cranio-maxillofacial region pose a significant challenge for surgeons as they often comprise serious soft tissue, bone and cerebral defects. We present a case report of a 42-year old female with a gunshot wound to the viscerocranium after suicidal attempt. Series of image of the disease course are available. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 42-year-old female presented with gunshot wound to the viscerocranium after a suicidal attempt. At the arrival GCS was 8/15 and general examination showed the inlet wound in the submental region whereas the outlet one in the left temporal skull area. After first rescue procedures, ICP was monitored before proceeding surgically. Due to massive hemorrhage, embolization of ianternal maxillary artery was performed. Afterwards, tracheostomy, surgical reduction of multiple maxillo-facial fractures and ocular avulsion were performed. In a second time, ICP monitoring and CT scan revealed ICH signs due to intraparenchimal injures. The patient underwent to a second surgical procedure, consisting of bifrontal decompressive craniectomy. The patient was discharged on 20th post-op day to a rehabilitation center. She returned to our department after 4 months to perform a craniomaxillofacial recostruction. She presented 15 in GCS, left ptosis, left VII cranial nerve deficit, decannulated, KPS 100%. CONCLUSION: A step-to-step multidisciplinary approach both with Neurosurgeons and Maxillo-facial surgeons is mandatory in Cranial Gunshot Injuries where extensive damage is linked to a higher mortality. KEY WORDS: Cranial gunshot inuuries, Cranial reconstruction, Maxillofacial reconstruction.

Maxillary fungus ball in a diabetic patient. An odontogenic origin.

INTRODUCTION: Fungus ball (FB) represents a granulomatous mass due to a fungal colonization which may disseminate and potentially lead to a systemic infection. Maxillary fungus ball is considered to be a complication of dental treatment and, according to relevant literature, it often stems from improper endodontic therapies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors report the case of a 69-year-old caucasian woman with nasal respiratory distress and frequent sinusitis symptoms. According to clinical and radiological evidence, FESS surgery was planned, thus validating FB diagnostic hypothesis. CONCLUSIONS: Fungal infection should always be considered in patients with sinusitis and previous root canal theraphy. Misdiagnosis can lead to severe complications. Surgical removal seems to be effective and resolutive. KEY WORDS: Endoscopic surgery, Fungus Ball, Maxillary sinusitiss.

Our Experience Managing Difficult Accidental Chainsaw Trauma.

BACKGROUND: Chainsaw and circular-saw injuries represent a rare condition within the maxillofacial region. The purpose of this clinical report is to describe the injuries and the clinical and surgical management of these rare traumas. METHODS: In this clinical report, 11 patients presenting themselves to the emergency room in the hospital "Policlinico Le Scotte," Siena, from March 2016 to September 2017 with severe chainsaw and circular-saw injuries, were included. All of the patients underwent general anesthesia and surgical treatment. This study describes 3 of the 11 patients with saw injuries. RESULTS: No complications occurred during surgeries and a good primary closure of the wound margins were achieved in all patients. However, after surgery, the authors experienced some complications in 2 patients: the 1st one displayed chewing problems due to extensive local edema; the 2nd one developed a total loss of vision in his left eye, even though there was no damage inflected to the eye ball during the trauma or surgery. CONCLUSION: All the patients were followed during the 1st year after surgery. The authors evaluated the patients at 3 months, 6 months, and after 1 year, and none of them developed complications or alterations related to the trauma. However, 1 patient is still experiencing loss of vision and he is under constant specialized follow-up.

Indocyanine Green Sentinel Node in Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Cheek.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare malignant tumor with a neuroendocrine phenotype. The authors report a case of MCC of the left cheek region in an 85-year-old Caucasian woman who also received sentinel node biopsy using both Technectium-99m-labeled (99mTc) lymphoscintigraphy and indocyanine green lymphography.