Body Self-Perception After Breast Reconstruction in Young Female Patients Affected by Poland Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Cosmetic and social aspects of breast anomalies in Poland syndrome are not negligible. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic timing may have a positive impact on quality of life. METHODS: Females affected by Poland syndrome, who had breast reconstruction between 2014 and 2018, were asked to complete the Body Uneasiness Test and the postoperative Breast-Q. Correlation between scores was evaluated. Correlation between scores was statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty patients who had completed breast reconstruction at 20.9 ± 6.5 yo fulfilled the questionnaires at the average age of 26.5 ± 8.1 yo. BUT scores were similar to healthy population considering different age groups, with the exception of Compulsive Self-Monitoring subscale for 16-17-year age group. A correlation between Depersonalization and "Thighs" and "Legs" was present. On average, satisfaction with breast resulted 79.1%, satisfaction with surgical outcome was 94.9%, psychosocial well-being was 78.5%, sexual well-being was 75.3%, and relative physical well-being in chest and upper body was 36.9%. Global Uneasiness, Avoidance, Weight Phobia, Body Image Concern and Depersonalization were significantly correlated with lower psychosocial well-being. Avoidance was significantly correlated with lower sexual well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Breast reconstruction in Poland syndrome can help to improve quality of life. However, general body uneasiness can affect satisfaction with the final result. 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 http://www.springer.com/00266 .

"The use of Autologous Flaps in Breast Reshaping After Massive Weight Loss: A Systematic Review".

BACKGROUND: Massive weight loss (MWL) has a positive impact on the comorbidities associated with obesity but leaves patients with ongoing body issues due to skin excess. Almost all patients present some degree of breast ptosis and breast volume deficiency, which can be addressed with different techniques including autologous flaps. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted by using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases. Patient's characteristics, type of bariatric surgery, amount of weight loss, flap size and design, simultaneous breast and extra-breast procedures were analyzed. Aesthetic and patient-reported outcomes, postoperative complications, revision rate, and donor site morbidity were also registered. RESULTS: Twelve articles fulfilled inclusion criteria, and 79 patients were included, for a total of 157 flaps. Different flap designs and flap combinations were described; those originating from lateral chest wall area were the most commonly used. Simultaneous breast procedures were reported in 72 patients. Simultaneous extra-breast body contouring (BC) procedure was performed in 40 cases. The overall complication rate was 9.55% and a total of ten revisionary procedures were performed. Satisfaction of the patients was globally quite high. CONCLUSIONS: Advantages of the use of autologous tissue in breast reshaping after MWL is the avoidance of implant-related complications and the simultaneous improvement of the silhouette. The complication rate resulted in acceptable, aesthetic, and patient-reported outcomes resulted to be encouraging, even if there was a lack of standardization in the evaluation. A comparative randomized study to confront the use of autologous flaps combined with mastopexy versus the use of implants combined with mastopexy can be useful to confirm the promising results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: 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 .

Relationship between Breast Cancer Surgical Treatment and Psychiatric Symptomatology: Which Sociodemographic and Clinical Factors Could Influence It? A Preliminary Study.

This study aimed to investigate psychiatric symptomatology in a sample of patients affected by breast cancer undergoing surgery, evaluating the potential mediators on perceived stress levels, depression and hopelessness. The study was conducted on eighty-five patients with breast cancer, admitted consecutively to the Breast Unit of the IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, between May 2018 and December 2019. Sociodemographic (age of diagnosis, gender, marital and occupational status, educational level, having children) and clinical (type and side of surgery, previous breast surgery, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and axillary dissection) characteristics were investigated through a semi-structured interview. The following rating scales were administered: Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Hopelessness Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale. Our findings indicate that the presence of children and of a partner was associated with a lower total score on the clinical dimensions evaluated. Furthermore, we found demolitive surgery to be a mediator between perceived stress and hopelessness, while history of previous breast surgery was found to be a mediator between demolitive surgery and perceived stress. In conclusion, patients affected by breast cancer undergoing more complex and demolitive surgery or with history of previous breast surgery should be mostly monitored from a psychological and psychiatric point of view from the beginning of treatments to evaluate the first manifestations of psychiatric symptomatology.

Breast Reconstruction Using the Lateral Thoracic, Thoracodorsal, and Intercostal Arteries Perforator Flaps.

Breast-conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy represents the standard of care for early-stage breast cancer. The aim of this article was to provide a review of the literature about the use of the lateral thoracic artery perforator (LTAP) flap, the lateral thoracodorsal (LTD) flap, and the lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap in lateral partial breast defect. METHODS: A literature search was performed via PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane. Patient's characteristics, topography and size of breast defect, flap size and design, number of perforators, and operative time were analyzed. Aesthetic and patient-reported outcomes, postoperative complications, and donor site morbidity were also registered. RESULTS: Thirteen articles fulfilled inclusion criteria, and 432 patients were included. Different flap designs and flap combinations were described. Satisfactory outcomes were reported for between 78% and 100% of cases. Patient satisfaction ranged from 75.8% to 92.5% of cases. The overall complication rate was 9.25%, and donor site morbidity was very low (3.7%). CONCLUSIONS: A distinct advantage of LTAP, LTD, and LICAP flap reconstruction is that the thoracodorsal pedicle is not sacrificed, not compromising eventual delayed breast reconstruction with TDAP or latissimus dorsi flaps. This staged approach to partial breast reconstruction is especially useful in cases where the oncological margins are uncertain and wider resections (or mastectomies) are secondly required.

Peripheral Occipital Nerve Decompression Surgery in Migraine Headache.

BACKGROUND: Migraine headache in the occipital region is characterized by a recurrent pain of moderate to severe intensity. However, the diagnosis can be difficult because of the multitude of symptoms overlapping with similar disorders and a pathophysiology that is not well-understood. For this reason, the medical management is often complex and ineffective. METHODS: A literature search according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted to evaluate the surgical treatment of occipital migraines. Inclusion criteria were: English language, diagnosis of migraine, occipital neuralgia, or tension headache in compliance with the classification of the International Headache Society, follow-up at minimum 3 months, and adult age. The treatment had to consist of peripheral occipital nerve surgery. RESULTS: 323 records were identified after duplicates were removed, 30 full text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 9 records were selected for inclusion. A total of 1046 patients were included in the review. General positive response after surgery (>50% reduction in occipital migraine headaches) ranged from 80.0% to 94.9%. However, many differences in the selection of patients, target of decompression surgery, and measurement outcome were described. CONCLUSION: Despite the decennial proven effectiveness and safeness of surgical therapy for chronic occipital migraine headaches, more significant proof is needed to definitively confirm its use as a standard therapy.

Decompression Surgery for Frontal Migraine Headache.

INTRODUCTION: Migraine headache (MH) is one of the most common diseases worldwide and pharmaceutical treatment is considered the gold standard. Nevertheless, one-third of patients suffering from migraine headaches are unresponsive to medical management and meet the criteria for "refractory migraines" classification. Surgical treatment of MH might represent a supplementary alternative for this category of patients when pharmaceutical treatment does not allow for satisfactory results. The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the literature regarding surgical treatment for site I migraine management. METHODS: A literature search using PubMed, Medline, Cochrane and Google Scholar database according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines was conducted using the following MeSH terms: "frontal neuralgia," "frontal trigger site treatment," "frontal migraine surgery" and "frontal headache surgery" (period: 2000 -2020; last search on 12 March 2020). RESULTS: Eighteen studies published between 2000 and 2019, with a total of 628 patients, were considered eligible. Between 68% and 93% of patients obtained satisfactory postoperative results. Complete migraine elimination rate ranged from 28.3% to 59%, and significant improvement (>50% reduction) rates varied from 26.5% to 60%. CONCLUSIONS: Our systematic review of the literature suggests that frontal trigger site nerve decompression could possibly be an effective strategy to treat migraine refractory patients, providing significant improvement of symptoms in a considerable percentage of patients.

Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap in Partial Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Breast conserving surgery followed by radiation therapy represents the standard of care for early stage breast cancer. Oncoplastic breast surgery includes several reconstructive techniques essentially summarized in 2 categories: volume displacement and volume replacement procedures. These latest procedures have evolved over time from the use of the entire latissimus dorsi muscle to the use of pedicled perforator flaps, namely the thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the literature regarding the use of the TDAP flap in partial breast defects. METHODS: A literature search was performed via PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane. Studies reporting the use of the TDAP flap after breast conserving surgery were included. Patient characteristics, topography and size of breast defect, flap size and design, number of perforators, and operative time were analyzed. Moreover, aesthetic and functional (shoulder morbidity) results, patient satisfaction, postoperative complications, and donor site morbidity were registered. RESULTS: Twelve articles fulfilled inclusion criteria, and 337 patients were included. All articles except 1 described the use of the TDAP flap for defects in every breast quadrant. The mean weight of resected breast tissue was 97.28 g, and patients with over 20% of volume deficiency were considered eligible for TDAP flap volume replacement. The ellipse-shaped skin paddle (oriented oblique downward, transversal or oblique upward in most cases) was extended over the anterior border of the latissimus dorsi muscle to include possible septocutaneous perforator vessels. Most authors began the dissection from the anterior and caudal border of the flap to reserve the possibility to convert the TDAP to a musculocutaneous flap and check for septocutaneous perforators. Flap size ranged from 4 × 12 to 21 × 9 cm. The mean procedure time was 192.21 minutes. Mean follow-up was 17.42 months. Evaluation by way of a 5-point Likert scale reported overall mean values of over 4 points. Satisfactory outcomes were reported in 92.85%-100% of cases. Patient satisfaction ranged from 80% to 94% of cases. The incidence of seroma (1 case) and "shoulder-related" donor site morbidity was very low. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the heterogeneity of the evaluation methods, our review suggested that the use of the TDAP flap in oncoplastic surgery allows for satisfactory aesthetic outcomes and quite high levels of patient satisfaction. The TDAP flap represents an effective and versatile tool that amplifies the oncoplastic surgeon's arsenal, which allows for satisfactory outcomes.

Prepectoral implant pocket conversion in breast reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: While many authors have reported their experience in immediate prepectoral breast reconstruction (BR), implant pocket conversion from a submuscular to a prepectoral plane is less well described. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive review on plane conversion in implant-based BR, including the indications, surgical techniques, functional, and esthetic results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search via PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases was performed using the following MeSH terms: "prepectoral pocket conversion", "subcutaneous pocket conversion", "prepectoral plane conversion", "subcutaneous plane conversion", and "prepectoral breast reconstruction". RESULTS: Ten articles in which 504 breasts were studied were deemed eligible for inclusion. The indications to perform plane conversion were animation deformity (AD), chronic pain, and implant malposition. Seven studies described complete or partial capsulectomy. The use of acellular dermal matrices (ADM) was reported in all cases except for three studies. The mean follow-up was 10.64 months. There was resolution of AD in 100% of cases. Three studies reported complete resolution of chronic pain. The overall complication rate was 12.102% and capsular contracture (CC) was the most frequent complication. Cosmetic revisions were reported in six studies (9.52%). The use of ADMs and fat grafting appeared to decrease the rate of subsequent CC formation and cosmetic revisions. CONCLUSIONS: The current article represents the first review about implant pocket conversion from a submuscular to a prepectoral plane, delineating its indications, surgical technique, postoperative complications, and functional and esthetic outcomes.

Surgical Reconstruction following Wide Local Excision of Malignant Melanoma of the Scalp.

Scalp reconstruction in cases of melanoma excision can be challenging due to specific functional and aesthetic outcome requirements. Reconstructive techniques reported in the literature were reviewed to establish whether a surgical algorithm for the management of melanoma of the scalp may be deduced. METHODS: A literature search was conducted to evaluate reconstructive strategies after melanoma wide local excision of the scalp according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Inclusion criteria were English language, diagnosis of melanoma of the scalp, and the presence of the following data: characteristics of the residual defect (width and depth), type of reconstruction, follow-up, and surgical outcome. RESULTS: Six hundred twenty-five records were identified after excluding the duplicates; 48 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 17 records were selected for inclusion. A total of 39 patients were included in the review. The majority of patients (n = 20) underwent skin grafting subsequent to dermal regeneration template positioning. Local flaps (n = 10), free flaps (n = 7), skin grafting alone (n = 1), and dermal regeneration template positioning alone (n = 1) were less frequent. CONCLUSIONS: Numerous reconstructive strategies for the scalp are described in the literature. Melanoma patients present a greater variability in terms of general health conditions and social needs that must be taken into account while choosing the most suitable procedure.

Surgical Correction of Inverted Nipples.

Nipple inversion is a common pathologic condition affecting 2%-10% of women. Congenital inversions are the most common forms, while acquired inversions are less frequent. This condition can induce psychological discomfort, functional problems that could prevent adequate breast feeding, and cosmetic dissatisfaction, and create local irritation and infection. The aim of this article was to provide a comprehensive review of the literature about surgical treatment of inverted nipple. METHODS: A literature search was conducted by using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane database using the following MeSH terms: "inverted nipple," "inverted nipple surgery," "inverted nipple treatment," and "inverted nipple management." Studies that described surgical treatment and included outcomes and recurrence rate were included. RESULTS: Thirty-three articles were considered suitable, including 3369 inverted nipple cases. Eight studies described techniques with lactiferous ducts damaging, while 25 studies described techniques with lactiferous duct preservation using dermal flaps, sutures, or distractor systems. The average follow-up was 23.9 months. Overall, a satisfactory correction was reached in 88.6% of cases, and the recurrence rate was 3.89%. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, our review includes the largest sample size in the literature. The heterogeneity and subjectivity of outcomes make it more complicated to state which is the best surgical strategy to adopt to obtain satisfactory and stable results with minimal morbidity. This study highlights the need of a standardized method to evaluate outcomes, including aesthetic, functional and psychological results, while using objective and subjective measurement instruments.

Nummular Headache and Its Surgical Treatment.

Nummular headache (NH) is an uncommon primary headache characterized by pain limited to a precise small area of the scalp. There is no global consensus on its pathogenesis, but its extracranial origin is the most accepted theory. Moreover, peripheral mechanism is supported by the overlapping symptomatology of secondary forms of NH and is well described in the literature. However, a standard effective treatment is still lacking. METHODS: A literature search according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines was conducted to evaluate surgical strategies for NH. Inclusion criteria were English language, diagnosis of primary NH according to International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd Edition, or of secondary NH, and follow-up at a minimum of 3 months. The treatment had to consist of peripheral surgery. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-seven records were identified after duplicates were removed, 15 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 4 records were selected for inclusion. A total of 53 patients were included in this review, 50 of whom were diagnosed with primary NH. The general positive response after surgery (>50% reduction in occipital migraine headaches) was about 70.0% for primary NH, while secondary NH always showed complete pain relief. However, many variations in patient selection and type of surgery were described. CONCLUSIONS: Neurovascular relationship in the extracranial tissues seems to be involved in the onset of NH. However, only limited data from meager literature and from few patients are currently available. Shared multicentric research protocols are badly required.

Site V Surgery for Temporal Migraine Headaches.

BACKGROUND: Auriculotemporal nerve is demonstrated to contribute to migraine pain in temporal area. In particular, its relationship with the superficial temporal artery in the soft tissues superficial to the temporal parietal fascia has attracted researchers' attention for many decades. The objective of this review was to explore whether site V nerve surgical decompression is effective for pain relief in temporal area. METHODS: A literature search, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, was conducted to evaluate the surgical treatment of auriculotemporal migraine. Inclusion was based on studies written in English, published between 2000 and February 2020, containing a diagnosis of migraine in compliance with the classification of the International Headache Society. The treatment must consist of surgical procedures involving the auriculotemporal nerve and/or arteries in site V, with outcome data available for at least 3 months. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-four records were identified after duplicates were removed, 31 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 2 records were selected for inclusion. A total of 77 patients were included in the review. A direct approach at the anatomical site identified with careful physical examination and confirmed with a handheld Doppler probe is generally performed under local anesthesia. Blunt dissection to the superficial temporal fascia to expose the auriculotemporal nerve and the superficial temporal artery is followed by artery cauterization/ligament and eventual nerve transection/avulsion. Site V surgery results in a success rate from 79% to 97%. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the recent advances in extracranial trigger site surgery and a success rate (>50% improvement) from 79% to 97%, site V decompression is still poorly described. Elaborate randomized trials are needed with accurate reporting of patient selection, surgical procedure, adverse events, recurrencies or appearance of new trigger points, quality of life outcome, and longer follow-up times.

Consensus based recommendations for diagnosis and medical management of Poland syndrome (sequence).

BACKGROUND: Poland syndrome (OMIM: 173800) is a disorder in which affected individuals are born with missing or underdeveloped muscles on one side of the body, resulting in abnormalities that can affect the chest, breast, shoulder, arm, and hand. The extent and severity of the abnormalities vary among affected individuals. MAIN BODY: The aim of this work is to provide recommendations for the diagnosis and management of people affected by Poland syndrome based on evidence from literature and experience of health professionals from different medical backgrounds who have followed for several years affected subjects. The literature search was performed in the second half of 2019. Original papers, meta-analyses, reviews, books and guidelines were reviewed and final recommendations were reached by consensus. CONCLUSION: Being Poland syndrome a rare syndrome most recommendations here presented are good clinical practice based on the consensus of the participant experts.

Correction to: Safety Communication Tools and Healthcare Professionals' Awareness of Specific Drug Safety Issues in Europe: A Survey Study.

In the original publication of the article, the headings of columns 3 and 4 in the data table.

Complication Rate of Prepectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction Using Human Acellular Dermal Matrices.

Implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) is currently the most frequently performed reconstructive technique post mastectomy. Even though submuscular IBR continues to be the most commonly used technique, mastectomy technique optimization, the possibility to check skin viability with indocyanine green angiography, the enhanced propensity of patients undergoing prophylactic mastectomies, and the introduction of acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) have paved the way to the rediscovery of the subcutaneous reconstruction technique. The aim of this article is to update the complication rate of immediate and delayed prepectoral IBR using human ADMs (hADMs). METHODS: A literature search, using PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, and Google Scholar database according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, was conducted to evaluate complication rates of prepectoral implant-based reconstructions using hADMs. The following MeSH terms were used: "prepectoral breast reconstruction acellular dermal matrix," "prepectoral breast reconstruction ADM," "human ADM breast reconstruction," and "human acellular dermal matrix breast reconstruction" (period: 2005-2020; the last search took place on April 2, 2020). RESULTS: This meta-analysis includes 1425 patients (2270 breasts) who had undergone immediate or delayed prepectoral IBR using different types of hADMs. The overall complication rate amounted to 19%. The most frequent complication was represented by infection (7.9%), followed by seroma (4.8%), mastectomy flap necrosis (3.4%), and implant loss (2.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The overall complication rate was 19%. The most frequent complications were infection, seroma, and mastectomy flap necrosis, while capsular contracture was rare.