The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on breast surgery in Italy: a multi-centric retrospective observational study.

COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on surgical activities. The aim of this multi-centric, retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast surgery. The patients who operated during the pre-pandemic year 2019 were compared to those operated in 2020. Fourteen Breast Care Units provided data on breast surgical procedures performed in 2020 and 2019: total number of breast-conserving surgery (BCS), number of 1st level oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS), number of 2nd level OBS; total number of mastectomies, mastectomies without reconstruction, mastectomies with a tissue expander, mastectomies with direct to implant (DTI) reconstruction, mastectomies with immediate flap reconstruction; total number of delayed reconstructions, number of expanders to implant reconstructions, number of delayed flap reconstructions. Overall 20.684 patients were included: 10.850 (52.5%) operated during 2019, and 9.834 (47.5%) during 2020. The overall number of breast oncologic surgical procedures in all centers in 2020 was 8.509, compared to 9.383 in 2019 (- 9%). BCS decreased by 744 cases (- 13%), the overall number of mastectomies decreased by 130 cases (- 3.5%); mastectomy-BCS ratio was 39-61% in 2019, and 42-58% in 2020. Regarding immediate reconstructive procedures mastectomies with DTI reconstruction increased by 166 cases (+ 15%) and mastectomies with immediate expander reconstruction decreased by 297 cases (- 20%). Breast-delayed reconstructive procedures in all centers in 2020 were 142 less than in 2019 (- 10%). The outburst of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 determined an implemented number of mastectomies compared to BCS, an implemented number of immediate breast reconstructions, mainly DTI, and a reduction of expander reconstruction.

Outcome of Acquired Fanconi Syndrome Associated with Ingestion of Jerky Treats in 30 Dogs.

Acquired canine proximal renal tubulopathy (Fanconi syndrome) related to excessive ingestion of jerky treats has been recognized since 2007. This study aimed to improve knowledge about the syndrome's characteristics, especially long-term outcome. By reaching out to veterinarians and dog owners, dogs suspected of jerky induced Fanconi syndrome were identified. The dog's medical records were reviewed, and owners interviewed. Data was analyzed using linear mixed models (p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant) and descriptive statistics are reported. Thirty dogs, median body weight 6.8 (range 1.2−59) kg and age 6.5 (0.5−14) years, were enrolled as suspected cases based on history of jerkey ingestion and confirmed normoglycemic/hypoglycemic glycosuria. Clinical signs included polydipsia (23/30), polyuria (21/30), lethargy (19/30), weight loss (15/30), hyporexia (11/30), vomiting (7/30), diarrhea (7/30) and no clinical signs (2/30). Para-clinical findings included azotemia (6/28), hypophosphatemia (9/25), metabolic acidosis (3/8), hypokalemia (6/20), proteinuria (13/26), aminoaciduria (4/4), hematuria (22/29) and ketonuria (7/27). Clinical signs resolved in 22/28 within 11 (0.3−52) weeks and glycosuria resolved in 28/30 within 6.5 (1−31) weeks. There were no associations between serum creatinine and urea and the amount/duration of jerky ingestion. Serum symmetric dimethylarginine concentrations were only available for a few dogs, therefore no conclusion was achieved on a possible association with duration of jerky ingestion. Apart from a larger percentage of dogs achieving complete recovery, the current findings are in agreement with previous reports.

Treatment of Severe Gynecomastia After Massive Weight Loss: Analysis of Long-Term Outcomes Measured with the Italian Version of the BODY-Q.

INTRODUCTION: The objectives of this study are: (1) comparison of long-term outcomes after correction of severe gynecomastia using different techniques; (2) apply the Italian version of the BODY-Q; (3) present the role of intercostal perforator flap (ICAP) after massive weight loss for correction of severe gynecomastia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and March 2016, we performed surgical correction of bilateral severe gynecomastia in 80 men (160 breasts) following massive weight loss. Patients answered the Italian version of BODY-Q postoperative module. All patients had experienced substantial weight loss (> 30 kg), presented with bilateral severe tissue ptosis of the breast, follow-up of almost 2 years and had a good understanding of the Italian language, and signed consents were included in the study. The sample was studied about age, BMI, comorbidity, bariatric surgical procedure, follow-up, type of post-bariatric surgical procedure, complications and secondary procedures. RESULTS: We performed 487 severe gynecomastia corrections from 2008 to 2016; 80 patients adhered to the inclusion criteria and formed our study group. This cross-sectional study compared three cohorts: 52 access using a circumareolar scar, 18 with an inframammary fold scar, 10 with an inframammary fold scar using intercostal perforator flaps. There were 16 secondary procedures in group one, 2 in group two and 1 in group three. We compared the secondary procedures of group 1 with the other groups, and we obtained a significant difference with a P = 0.04. The mean patient age was 36.5 years, and the average body mass index was 27.5 kg/m2 at the time of surgical correction of gynecomastia. From the BODY-Q analysis, the group of patients undergoing adenomammectomy with inframammary fold scar using intercostal perforator flaps has achieved significantly better results regarding the satisfaction with chest, psychosocial function, satisfaction with outcome and better body image. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study that used the BODY-Q to analyze the correction of severe gynecomastia following massive weight loss with long-term results. The use of this patient-reported outcome measure underlined that the intercostal artery perforator flap, used in the correction of severe gynecomastia following massive weight loss, is a safe and effective technique with good outcomes and high patient satisfaction. 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 www.springer.com/00266 .

Comparative Study Using Autologous Fat Grafts Plus Platelet-Rich Plasma With or Without Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing in Treatment of Acne Scars: Analysis of Outcomes and Satisfaction With FACE-Q.

BACKGROUND: A multitude of options are traditionally used for the treatment of acne scars; however, newer treatment modalities are emerging to decrease the propensity for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and upregulate new collagen production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of nanofat and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) infiltration alone and combined with fractional CO2 laser resurfacing to improve atrophic scars of the face. METHODS: From March 2014 to June 2015, 30 patients with atrophic acne scars on the cheeks were selected for this study. Patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively by physical examination, photographs and ultrasound with a 22-MHz probe to measure subcutaneous tissue thickness. All patients were treated with infiltration of nanofat plus PRP. The production of PRP was achieved using the RegenLab THT tube® method. In 15 randomly chosen patients, a fractional CO2 laser resurfacing at 15 W was also performed right after the infiltration. An Italian version of the FACE-Q postoperative module was administered to analyze each patient's satisfaction and aesthetic perception of the result. RESULTS: The average preoperative thickness of subcutaneous tissue of patients from group A was 0.532 cm, while the average preoperative thickness of subcutaneous tissue of patients from group B was 0.737 cm. The average postoperative thickness of subcutaneous tissue was 1.201 cm in group A and 1.367 cm in group B. The improvement of thickness of subcutaneous tissue was 0.668 cm in group A and 0.63 cm in group B. We applied a t test on unpaired data, comparing the difference in thickness obtained with the treatment in both group A and in group B, with a p value =0.7289 (not significant). All patients in both groups had a treatment benefit, confirmed with FACE-Q postoperative module, but without a significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Subcutaneous infiltration with nanofat and PRP seems to be effective to improve atrophic scars, either alone or combined with fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. The FACE-Q module confirmed the impact of treatment of facial acne scars in social life and relationships. 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 .

Patient Satisfaction and Clinical Outcomes Following 414 Breast Reductions: Application of BREAST-Q.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to measure breast satisfaction and quality of life using the BREAST-Q Reduction Module in a large sample of postoperative patients having breast reduction using the inverted T technique. METHODS: With due approval from the ethics committee of our university, 414 patients who were seen in consultation for breast reduction surgery between 2005 and 2015 performed by the same team were asked to fill out BREAST-Q surveys. The patient factors collected for all those undergoing breast reduction included age, body mass index, incision pattern, areola complex pedicle used, amount of tissue resected, concurrent procedures, and complications. RESULTS: At our Department of plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery, 414 women underwent reduction mammoplasty with the inverted T technique from 2005 to 2015. All patients answered the BREAST-Q reduction mammoplasty postoperative module. Postoperative patients who presented with severe hypertrophy and asymmetry Grade C were more satisfied than others. CONCLUSIONS: Our study represents the largest number of patients who answered the BREAST-Q reduction mammoplasty module. The goal of breast surgery should be the attainment of patient satisfaction with good breast volume, shape, and symmetry. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. 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.

Breast hypertrophy and asymmetry: a retrospective study on a sample of 344 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative evaluation of the anatomical features of the region around the breast is strongly recommended in order to choose the most appropriate technique of reductive mammaplasty. Normally breast hypertrophy presents itself as a bilateral clinical picture, but no study in the literature refers to the incidence of volumetric asymmetry. AIMS: This study aims to analyze weight differences between the right and left breast on a selected sample of patients who underwent reductive mammaplasty or mastopexy over the last five years at our Plastic Surgery Unit and have maintained a good postoperative symmetry for at least 1 year subsequently. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 344 consecutive cases treated between January 2005 and April 2010 were considered for this study. Patients were classified according to the degree of hypertrophy and age. Breast asymmetry was scored, according to the senior author's original classification, on the weight difference of glandular resection. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In 20% of the patients a difference greater than 200 g was found. The statistical analysis showed no significant differences in the predominant side (left or right). Breast hypertrophy is confirmed as a substantially bilateral pathology, but in 1 out of 5 patients a difference of more than one quadrant can be present: thus a careful evaluation is essential in order to decide the correct surgical strategy.

A locally aggressive solitary fibrous tumor of the leg: Case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: The solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare soft tissue tumor with a substantially benign clinical behavior. However, malignant neoplasms with local recurrence or distant metastases have been reported. PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: The authors present a case of an aggressive SFT of the leg, in a 55 years old Caucasian man. Radiological, histological and molecular findings are reported. The differential diagnosis, therapy and outcome of this rare tumor are also discussed. DISCUSSION: An extensive review of literature showed SFT's clinical behavior as substantially benign, anyway aggressive or malignant neoplasms have been described. The potential risk of local recurrence and distant metastasis thus suggests wide surgical resection and careful long-term follow-up. Differential diagnosis may be quite laborious as SFT can mimic a variety of benign and malignant mesenchymal tumors; immunohistochemical analysis for CD34, CD99, vimentin and bcl-2 is then mandatory. CONCLUSION: Our clinical experience confirmed that SFT may have an aggressive behavior, however, conservative surgical treatment may be successful in the long term.

Heterologous reconstruction and radiotherapy: the role of latissimus dorsi flap as a salvage.

AIM: The versatility and effectiveness of the latissimus dorsi flap as salvage in complicated heterologous reconstructions, especially with regards to radiotherapy, is examined in this retrospective review of our 10-year experience. METHOD: Twenty-eight patients with complicated heterologous reconstruction were divided into three groups: (1) 15 patients with mastectomy and immediately expander reconstruction and radiation; (2) 9 patients with previous QUART, salvage mastectomy and immediate expander reconstruction; (3) 4 patients with radical mastectomy without radiation. RESULTS: The most common complications were capsular contracture and radiodermitis in Group 1, cutaneous fistula in Group 2. Recipient site complications, after latissimus dorsi flap, were observed in seven patients (five smokers), five in Group 1, two in Group 2. Cosmetic result was scored excellent and good in 25 patients (89%). CONCLUSION: This study shows as a favourable and cosmetically satisfactory reconstruction can be achieved when combining an implant with a latissimus dorsi flap allowing the salvage of the entire heterologous reconstruction.

A comparative analysis of the toxicity of eight common soil contaminants and their effects on drought tolerance in the collembolan Folsomia candida.

Previous exposure to contaminants can increase the susceptibility to drought stress in soil invertebrates. In the present study, the effects of eight common environmental contaminants on drought tolerance and reproduction were investigated using the collembolan Folsomia candida as a model organism. Four classes of chemicals were considered: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (pyrene and fluorene), detergents (linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and nonylphenol), insecticides (dimethoate and cypermethrin), and heavy metals (copper and cadmium). Previous exposure to nonylphenol, pyrene, and fluorene had significant effects on drought tolerance. LAS had a weak effect on drought tolerance, whereas the remaining chemicals had no such effects even at concentrations at which reproduction was considerably reduced. Reproduction and adult survival in F. candida were equally sensitive to dimethoate. However, for all other chemicals, reproduction was a considerably more sensitive parameter than adult survival. The results suggest that toxicants whose effects are associated with cell membrane function are the most potent with respect to effect on drought tolerance.

[Role of cutaneous thoraco-abdominal flap in the surgical treatment of advanced stage breast tumors]. / Il ruolo del lembo cutaneo toraco-addominale nel trattamento chirurgico degli stadi avanzati del tumore della mammella.

Chest wall reconstruction following extensive resection due to advanced breast cancer or radionecrosis still represents a challenge for both oncologic and reconstructive surgeons. A multitude of techniques including pedicle muscle transposition, free muscle flaps and omental flaps have always been considered, despite the morbidity of donor site. The authors describe a new cutaneous thoraco-abdominal flap to cover full thickness defects up to 600 cm2. 16 patients underwent chest wall reconstruction with the aforementioned technique. No major complications occurred. This technique proved to be a very good options to cover large chest wall defects in patients with advanced or recurred breast cancer or radionecrosis.

[Strategic approach to immediate breast reconstruction with submuscular-fascial tissue expanders]. / L'approccio strategico alla ricostruzione mammaria immediata con gli espansori tissutali sottomuscolofasciali.

Breast reconstruction can be accomplished with implants, autologous tissue or both. Thanks to the widespread of microsurgical techniques autologous tissue reconstruction has become a frequent option in many departments although it is mostly considered a second choice. The aim of this study was to review our experience covering the past five years in immediate breast reconstruction with tissue expanders. From January 2000 to January 2005 279 patients underwent immediate breast reconstruction with submuscular tissue expanders. Tissue expander was chosen according to dimension, shape and volume of the healthy breast. Operating time, early and late complications, interference with neo-adjuvant therapies as well as timing and surgical techniques of second-step reconstruction were also considered. No major complications occurred. Tissue expander, beyond proving itself a valid and safe option in immediate breast reconstruction, also decreased the psychological distress following a mastectomy.

Nipple reconstruction by local flaps: a long-term comparative study between star and skate techniques.

Nipple reconstruction often gives the highest satisfaction to the patient despite being just a minor procedure. During the last 50 years, many techniques have been described in order to improve the cosmetic appearance. Star and skate flaps are two of the most frequently reported procedures. The aim of this study was to compare the personal experience of two plastic surgery departments that have been using these two different methods. Thirty patients have been included in this study. Nipple projection and cosmetic appearance have been evaluated by both patients and surgeons. Follow-up ranged between 1 and 5 years. Results have been compared. Both techniques proved to be versatile and valid. The skate flap seemed to keep projection for a longer time, while the star technique gave a better cosmetic appearance.

[Free anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of head and neck defects: preliminary results and a comparison with the radial forearm flap]. / Ricostruzione microchirurgica dell'estremo cefalico con il lembo anterolaterale di coscia. Risultati preliminari e valutazione comparativa con il lembo antibrachiale.

BACKGROUND: The authors present their personal preliminary experience with the free anterolateral thigh flap in the reconstruction of head and neck defects and compare these first cases with the radial forearm flaps. METHODS: Seventeen patients undergoing free flap reconstruction between December 1998 and September 2001 have been selected for this retrospective study and evaluated. In fourteeen patients reconstruction was performed with a radial forearm flap. In three patients an anterolateral thigh flap was used. Six dissections on cadavers have also been performed in order to study the anatomical variations of the perforators of the lateral circumflex femoral system. RESULTS: All flaps survived, without any major vascular impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a laborious dissection of the pedicle the anterolateral thigh is a versatile flap, with a minimal morbidity of the donor area. Even if the radial forearm is overall accepted as the gold standard for head and neck reconstruction, the anterolateral thigh flap is suggested as a good and safe surgical option, especially when a large flap is requested or in female patients concerned with the cosmetic result in the forearm donor area.

Comparative evaluation of traditional, ultrasonic, and pneumatic assisted lipoplasty: analysis of local and systemic effects, efficacy, and costs of these methods.

Recently ultrasound assisted liposuction (UAL) and pneumatic assisted liposuction (PAL) have been introduced as an attempt to improve the results and reduce the pitfalls of standard liposuction (SAL). Until now no studies comparing, at the same time, UAL, PAL, and SAL have been published. The aim of this study was to analyze these methods from the surgeon's point of view, focusing not only on aesthetic results but also on local and systemic trauma, efficacy, handling, and cost. Forty-five cosmetic patients affected by local lipodystrophy, divided into three equal groups, have undergone liposuction with the three above-mentioned techniques. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of lipoaspirates, together with blood chemistry, local and systemic complications, time to aspirate 100 cm3, distress, fatigue, and costs of the procedures, has been recorded. Our results showed bloodier lipoaspirates in SAL and a higher percentage of triglycerides in UAL lipoaspirates. Blood tests revealed a slight decrease in the postoperative Hb in SAL only. Early complications observed were four erythemas in PAL, three ecchymoses in SAL, and one long-lasting edema in UAL. Aesthetic results rated by independent viewers were similar for all methods. Efficacy was higher in the PAL group (4 min x 100 cm3 fat aspirated) than in SAL (7 min x 100 cm3 fat) and UAL (10 min x 100 cm3 fat). Surgeon's distress was higher in PAL than in SAL and UAL. Surgeon's fatigue was much lower in the PAL group than in the others. Costs expressed as multiples of 1 unit (1 unit = $500 U.S.) were highest for UAL, low for PAL, and lowest for SAL. In conclusion, PAL and UAL caused reduced vascular injury, UAL being more selective for adipocyte removal. Complications of UAL and PAL were mostly related to the longer learning curve of these methods. The UAL procedure was much more expensive than PAL and, especially, SAL. PAL proved to be a handy technique, with the most favorable cost/benefit ratio, and seems to be the best option for busy liposuction practices or fast office procedures, even though the choice of the ideal technique always depends on the surgeon's preference.

[Myocardial ischemia as a risk factor in ambulatory cardiac patients. The case of Alfredo]. / Ischemia miocardica e fattori di rischio nei cardiopatici ambulatoriali. La storia di Alfredo.

The authors describe a case of myocardium infarct treated with domiciliary assistance in order to point up the risk factors that cause the ischemical event and whose persistence characterize the following picture. On the contrary the reduction or the disappearance of these factors can improve the residual function and also the anatomical state of coronary arteries.

[Cerebrovascular episodes in chronic liver diseases and terminal nephrotic syndrome. A case of amyloidosis associated with paraproteinemia IgA-lambda]. / Da un episodio vascolare cerebrale all'epatopatia cronica e sindrome nefrosica terminale. Storia di una amiloidosi associata a paraproteinemia IgA-lambda.

The authors describe a case of amyloidosis associated with an electrophoretic picture, characterized by a monoclonal band with an M component in the alpha 2 and beta regions, in presence of para IgA-lambda. The case casually discovered in the course of a cerebral vascular manifestation and confirmed by bioptic exams, had negative results after four years due to an extremely progressive course involving intestine, liver and kidney, as a consequence of the extension of amyloidosis deposits.