Superiority of a Silk Surgical Site Wound Closure Device Over Synthetic Dressings.

BACKGROUND: Silk fibroin is an emerging biomaterial with enhanced properties of cellular regeneration, growth and proliferation. The use of a silk fibroin wound dressing has the potential to decrease the incidence of wound healing complications and to improve patient outcomes compared to synthetic dressing alternatives. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, single-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 50 patients who were dressed with a silk fibroin dressing on one side of their body and on the contralateral side with 3M Steri-Strips® after undergoing abdominoplasty, reduction mammaplasty, or brachioplasty procedures. Data was collected over 5 postoperative visits using photographs and an investigator administered questionnaire to monitor erythema, skin irritation, skin discomfort, the need for pharmaceutical intervention, wound dehiscence and mechanical skin injury. A comprehensive 75 patient statistical analysis was conducted combining the results with a previously published study comparing Dermabond® Prineo® to the silk dressing. RESULTS: 20.8% (10/48) of patients were assessed by surgeons as having skin erythema (7-10) on the Steri-Strip® control side and 0% (0/48) on the silk dressing side (p=0.002). The frequency of breast triple point separation in 43 cases was 30.2% (13/43) on the Steri-Strip® side and 9.3% (4/43) on the silk side (p=0.012). 75% (36/48) of patients had partial or total detachment of Steri-Strips® while 0% (0/48) had total detachment of the silk dressing and 18.8% (9/48) had partial detachment of the silk dressing within the first two weeks (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: A silk fibroin wound dressing significantly reduces the incidence of wound healing complications throughout the postoperative period.Clinical Relevance Statement: The adoption of a silk fibroin wound dressing into clinical practice has the potential to improve patient outcomes, decrease medical adhesive related skin injuries and reduce the rate of wound healing complications.

Cost comparison of immediate one-stage and tissue-expander breast reconstructions after mastectomy in commercially insured patients.

OBJECTIVE: Growing acceptance of nipple-sparing mastectomy and rising rates of prophylactic mastectomy due to genetic findings make immediate one-stage implant breast reconstruction an attractive option for many American women facing post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. We compared medical services utilization and cost of immediate one-stage reconstruction with that of the more common tissue-expander (TE) breast reconstruction. DESIGN: Retrospective administrative claims database analysis. METHODS: We obtained commercial insurance claims on patients in the U.S. who had undergone one-stage or TE post-mastectomy implant breast reconstructions in 2008, and we compared 18-month results in terms of the frequency and cost of return visits for additional procedures and/or for the treatment of complications. Return visits were categorized as planned, planned with revision, or unplanned. RESULTS: Among 1,316 immediate implant breast reconstructions, 95 (7%) were one-stage procedures and 1,221 (93%) were TE reconstructions. The data showed a modest, nonsignificant trend toward fewer return visits after one-stage reconstruction versus TE reconstruction (191 vs. 242 visits per 100 patients, respectively; relative risk [RR]: 0.95). Patients with TE reconstructions returned more often for planned returns and planned returns with revisions. Patients with one-stage reconstructions returned more often for unplanned events. The total costs over 18 months were $34,839 and $39,062 for one-stage and TE reconstructions, respectively, for a difference of -$4,223 (P = 0.38). The initial reconstruction, including the mastectomy, accounted for 64% of the 18-month costs with one-stage reconstructions and for 54% of the 18-month costs for TE reconstructions. CONCLUSION: Costs and utilization trended lower over 18 months for one-stage versus TE reconstructions following post-mastectomy breast reconstructions but did not achieve statistical significance.

Silk Bioprotein as a Novel Surgical-Site Wound Dressing: A Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blinded, Superiority Clinical Trial.

Background: Medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSIs) affect about 1.5 million patients annually in the United States. Complications include allergic contact dermatitis, skin blistering, skin tears, and surgical-site infections (SSIs). The authors hypothesize that a natural hypoallergenic silk bioprotein wound dressing will decrease the incidence of MARSI in comparison to a synthetic alternative. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a silk bioprotein wound dressing compared to the Dermabond Prineo (Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ) skin closure system. Methods: This prospective, randomized, single-blinded trial studied 25 patients who were dressed with Dermabond Prineo on one side of their body and on the contralateral side with the silk bioprotein dressing after undergoing abdominoplasty or reduction mammaplasty procedures. Data were collected over 5 postoperative visits using photographs and an investigator administered questionnaire to track rash, itch, discomfort, erythema, edema, SSIs, need for pharmaceutical intervention, mechanical injury, removal time, and bathing routines. Results: Sixty-four percent (16/25) of patients characterized the severity of discomfort as a score of 4 out of 10 or greater on the Dermabond Prineo control side and only 4% (1/25) for the silk-dressing side (P < .001). Fifty-two percent (13/25) had a visible rash of 4 or higher on the Dermabond Prineo side of their incision and 0% (0/25) had a rash on the silk side (P < .001). Fifty-two percent (13/25) required steroids or antibiotics to treat MARSI to Dermabond Prineo and 0% (0/25) required pharmaceutical intervention on the silk side (P < .001). Conclusions: The use of a silk bioprotein wound dressing significantly reduces the incidence of MARSI throughout the postoperative period.

The emerging role of antineoplastic agents in the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars: a review.

The management of keloids and hypertrophic scars continues to challenge health-care providers. Though both forms of pathologic scarring are distinct entities at the macro and microscopic level, their etiologies and treatment are often similar. Potential treatment approaches are progressing, and combinations of treatment options have been proposed in the literature with promising outcomes. The treatment evolution has reached a level where molecular therapeutic modalities are being investigated. Currently, no gold standard treatment exists. Overall success rates and patient satisfaction seem to be slowly climbing, but additional investigational studies must continue to be performed. Several studies have investigated antineoplastic agents, and there seems to be a marked improvement in rates of recurrence, patient satisfaction, and overall quality of scar when these agents are used. Intralesional injection and/or wound irrigation with interferon-a2b, interferon-g, mitomycin-C, bleomycin, or 5-fluorouracil seems to have a positive effect on the reduction of pathologic scars. There is mounting evidence that these drugs used alone or in combination therapy, have the potential to be an integral part of the treatment paradigm for hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Classification schema for anatomic variations of the inferior epigastric vasculature evaluated by abdominal CT angiograms for breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Many studies demonstrate direct patient benefits from use of preoperative computed tomography angiograms (CTA) for abdominal tissue-based breast reconstruction. We present a novel classification schema to translate imaging results into further clinical relevance. METHODS: Each hemiabdomen CTA was classified into a schema that addressed findings of expected anatomy, anatomy that necessitates a change in operative technique and anatomy that suggests less morbid procedures may be considered. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients (172 hemiabdomens) were available for study. Of the reconstructions performed in this time period, 40 (47%) were bilateral and 46 (53%) unilateral. Based on perforator size and location, relative perimuscular anatomy, and continuity of vessels, five categories were defined: type I "Traditional" anatomy (n = 150, 87%), type II "Highly Favorable" anatomy (n = 11, 6.4%), type III "Altered-Superiorly Translocated" anatomy (n = 9, 5.2%), type IV "Superficial Dominant" anatomy (n = 26, 15%), and type V "Hostile" anatomy (n = 4, 2.3%). The additive total is greater than 100%, because vessels may fall into more than one category. DISCUSSION: In providing the microsurgeon with a preoperative vascular map that has the potential to influence the preoperative, operative, and postoperative course, abdominal CTAs should be considered a worthy adjunct to the diagnostic armamentarium of the reconstructive surgeon. These classifications and their clinical impacts become even more important in centers performing increasing numbers of bilateral reconstructions. We believe that our simple schema can facilitate effective use of this powerful tool, aiding in overall care of the breast reconstruction patient.

Functional outcomes of posttraumatic lower limb salvage: a pilot study of anterolateral thigh perforator flaps versus muscle flaps.

BACKGROUND: Functional outcomes of lower extremity reconstruction compared with amputation have been evaluated. However, there are little comparative data among the different reconstructive options. With the recent increase in perforator flaps, we compared the functional outcomes of muscle and perforator flaps. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 136 lower extremity trauma patients who underwent reconstruction with either a free muscle or perforator flap during a 7-year period. Forty-two of these patients completed the study. Patients answered the short musculoskeletal functional assessment form and supplemental questions. A physical therapist evaluated performance of physical tasks. Donor site sensation was measured with the pressure specified sensing device. Radiographic fracture union was evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon. RESULTS: Of the 42 patients enrolled, 20 had coverage with perforator flaps and 22 with muscle flaps. Quality of life and functional outcomes demonstrate no difference (p > 0.05). Ninety-three percent of patients would go through the limb salvage process to avoid amputation. Sensation at the donor site was diminished in all patients; however, the perforator flap donor site had more significant sensory loss (p = 0.005). Time to bony union (p = 0.51), union in the presence of infection (p = 0.85), and infection after flap (p = 0.87) was not related to flap type. CONCLUSION: Both muscle and perforator flaps provide vascularized coverage, which nourishes the fracture but muscle flaps pilfer a functional unit which may not be inconsequential in a patient trauma. This pilot study suggests that functional outcomes of perforator skin flaps are equal to muscle flaps and a larger prospective study is warranted.

Banking a hemi-abdominal DIEP flap: a pilot report of indications, technique, and utility.

We present a pilot report of "banking" the contralateral hemi-abdominal deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap under the abdominal closure in patients undergoing unilateral autologous breast reconstruction when a hemi-abdominal flap suffices. Four patients undergoing unilateral autologous breast reconstruction with a hemi-abdominal DIEP or superficial inferior epigastric artery flap had their contralateral hemi-abdominal flap left in position, or "banked," under their abdominal closure to be used in case of failure. This novel method may be of assistance when a free microvascular hemi-abdominal flap is felt to be threatened or suspect. It provides a life-boat for the younger and experienced surgeon alike, and most importantly, for the breast cancer survivor. Economic analysis of the technique reveals that the contralateral hemi-abdominal flap should be banked more often than intuition alone would suggest.

Pocket conversion made easy: a simple technique using alloderm to convert subglandular breast implants to the dual-plane position.

BACKGROUND: The advantages of dual-plane, partially submuscular breast implants are well documented. Standard conversion techniques to dual-plane positioning use marionette sutures and internal capsulorrhaphy sutures from the lower edge of the pectoralis major muscle to the anterior capsule or breast fascia within the subglandular plane. These techniques are limited by high rates of postoperative implant malposition and technical limitations that make combined mastopexy procedures difficult to perform. OBJECTIVE: We describe a simple technique familiar to most plastic surgeons accustomed to placing tissue expanders for use in breast reconstruction using Alloderm (LifeCell Corp., Branchburg, NJ) as a sling beneath the pectoralis major muscle to the chest wall. METHODS: We studied 25 women who underwent breast augmentation revision from the subglandular to the dual-plane position by performing a 9-year retrospective review from 1999 to 2007 of 2 surgeons' experience. We identified 10 women for whom Alloderm, sutured from the lower edge of the pectoralis major muscle to the chest wall, was used to create a composite pectoralis-Alloderm pocket for partial submuscular transfer of implants and 15 case controls who underwent pocket conversion using standard capsulorrhaphy and marionette suture techniques. RESULTS: The principal outcome variable of at least 1 complication was 73.3% without Alloderm, resulting in a 40% need for revision surgery, versus 0% with Alloderm (Fisher exact test; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The standard techniques available for conversion of subglandular breast implants to the dual-plane position using capsulorrhaphy and marionette sutures are limited by a high complication rate for the reliable positioning into a stable dual-plane pocket during implant exchange. A commonly used technique in reconstructive breast surgery using Alloderm is shown to reliably convert subglandular implants to the dual-plane position.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy: critical assessment of 51 procedures and implications for selection criteria.

BACKGROUND: Retrospective studies have shown that occult nipple-areolar complex (NAC) involvement in breast cancer is low, occurring in 6-10% of women undergoing skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM). The cosmetic result and high patient satisfaction of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) has prompted further evaluation of the oncologic safety of this procedure. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 36 self-selected patients who underwent 51 NSM procedures between 2002 and 2007. Criterion for patient selection was no clinical evidence of nipple-areolar tumor involvement. All patients had the base of the NAC evaluated for occult tumor by permanent histologic section assessment. We also evaluated tumor size, location, axillary node status, recurrence rate, and cosmetic result. RESULTS: Malignant NAC involvement was found in 2 of 34 NSM (5.9%) completed for cancer which prompted subsequent removal of the NAC. Of the 51 NSM, 17 were for prophylaxis, 10 for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and 24 for invasive cancer. The average tumor size was 2.8 cm for invasive cancer and 2.5 cm for DCIS. Nine patients had positive axillary nodes. Overall, 94% of the tumors were located peripherally in the breast. After mean follow-up of 18 months, only two patients (5.9%) had local recurrence. CONCLUSION: Using careful patient selection and careful pathological evaluation of the subareolar breast tissue at surgery, NSM can be an oncologically safe procedure in patients where this is important to their quality of life. A prospective study based on focused selection criteria and long-term follow-up is currently in progress.

Peroneal artery perforator-based propeller flap reconstruction of the lateral distal lower extremity after tumor extirpation: case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue defects in the distal lower extremity present a formidable challenge due to the lack of reliable local flap options. Pedicled adipofasciocutaneous flaps provide the closest match to local tissues, but random pattern flaps are limited in reliability, size, reach, and arc-of-rotation. One hundred and eighty degree perforator-based propeller flaps are an innovative option because they provide robust axial perfusion to flaps with significantly greater surface area and ease of transposition versus that provided by their random pattern counterparts in these anatomic regions traditionally addressed with free tissue transfer. CASE: We present a rare case of aggressive digital papillary carcinoma of the posteriolateral ankle and Achilles region. Wide local excision resulted in a defect with Achilles tendon exposure and denudation. A fasciocutaneous propeller flap based on a dominant peroneal artery perforator was raised and rotated 180 degrees to resurface the wound, providing a gliding surface for Achilles tendon function. The reconstruction was successful with no complications, excellent contour, and esthetic appearance. CONCLUSIONS: Peroneal perforator-based propeller flaps in the ankle region are useful local options providing unparalleled form and function, with excellent surface area and mobility, for dynamic areas of the lower extremity, without sacrificing any major vessels or nerves. This technique adds to the reconstructive microsurgeon's armamentarium for complex coverage of the ankle region.

Infection after augmentation gluteoplasty in a pregnant patient.

The authors present a case of late postoperative infection after augmentation gluteoplasty in a 32-year-old pregnant woman. The case is unique in that it is the first documented example of a gluteal implant infection in a pregnant woman and because the infection was not preceded by trauma to the anatomic region.

Beauty lies in the "eyebrow" of the beholder: a public survey of eyebrow aesthetics.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have attempted to define the dimensions of an aesthetically pleasing eyebrow. However, these dimensions represent the views of plastic surgeons and cosmetologists, not necessarily the general public. We hypothesized that many patients who present to their plastic surgeon for periorbital rejuvenation actually want their eyebrows to be in a more natural position than was represented in the studies we surveyed. OBJECTIVE: A study was designed to define the dimensions of an aesthetically pleasing eyebrow from the perspective of the general public. This was achieved by surveying individuals in our local community. METHODS: One hundred individuals were surveyed and asked to rank 27 photographs (including photographs of pre- and postoperative patients and of models) on a scale of 1 to 10 and grade each photograph as either "attractive" or "unattractive". Each survey taker provided extensive background information. The photographs receiving the highest number of points and "attractive" grades were then analyzed for eyebrow dimensions. The following distances were measured: medial canthus (MC) to medial eyebrow (ME), lateral limbus (LL) to lateral eyebrow (LE), and eyebrow arch position (EAP) to eye width (EW). Ratios were determined using the EW for comparison. We also evaluated the EAP in relation to the LL. RESULTS: The eyebrow dimensions (mean +/- SD) of the most highly ranked female photographs were as follows: MC-ME:EW ratio 0.573 +/- 0.126, LL-LE:EW ratio 0.668 +/- 0.083, and EAP:EW 0.703 +/- 0.1. The eyebrow dimensions (mean +/- SD) of the most highly ranked male photographs were as follows: MC-ME:EW ratio 0.547 +/- 0.177, LL-LE:EW ratio 0.58 +/- 0.171, and EAP:EW 0.63 +/- 0.175. The EAP in relation to the LL was found to be 0.925 +/- 0.884 cm lateral to the LL in women, and 1.05 +/- 1.04 cm lateral to the LL in men. CONCLUSIONS: Previously published dimensions of an aesthetically pleasing eyebrow, as defined by plastic surgeons and cosmetologists, differ from dimensions currently defined as attractive by the general public in our study.

Multilevel analysis of the impact of community vs patient factors on access to immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy in Maryland.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether various individual factors such as patient demographics and various community factors such as characteristics of the neighborhood in which the patient lives would influence access to immediate breast reconstruction. DESIGN: Multilevel analysis of the Maryland Hospital Discharge Database, a prospectively collected observational database of inpatient care for all hospitals in Maryland. SETTING: Database analysis. PATIENTS: We queried for International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision procedure codes for all patients undergoing mastectomy and reconstruction during the same hospitalization in Maryland from January 1, 1995, through December 31, 2004. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Disparities in immediate reconstruction rates via analysis of the impact of patient-level and community-level factors. RESULTS: A total of 18 690 patients underwent mastectomy in Maryland during the study period, 27.9% of whom had immediate reconstruction. On multivariate analysis, patient factors such as African American race/ethnicity and older age had a negative association. Community factors such as increasing household income, increasing population density, and increasing proportion of the community with at least some college education had a positive association, while increasing home value and increasing African American composition of the patient's neighborhood had a negative association. The impacts of ethnic/racial mix and educational level of the patient's neighborhood were independent of the patient's race/ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Community factors beyond patient characteristics have a significant association with immediate reconstruction. Prospective community-level public health policy measures should be developed to address these inequalities (particularly racial/ethnic disparities based on neighborhood) and to increase the likelihood of obtaining immediate reconstruction.

3D CT angiography of abdominal wall vascular perforators to plan DIEAP flaps.

PURPOSE: Since the first report of TRAM flap reconstruction, there have been numerous studies to reduce complications of elective breast reconstruction. Current methods of preoperative perforator localization can be time-consuming, inaccurate, and imprecise. Thus, we sought to evaluate ultra-high resolution 3D CT angiography for the preoperative mapping of DIEAP flap perforating vessels. METHODS: We reviewed all perforator-based breast reconstructions performed over a 5-month period. Candidates for DIEAP flap reconstruction were sent for a focused CT scan of the abdominal wall, using the 64 slice multi-detector CT scanner. RESULTS: This article presents our first 23 flaps in 17 patients with preoperative ultra-high resolution 3D CT angiography. The reconstruction plan changed in three patients (18%). There was one take-back for venous congestion, but no partial or total flap loss. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative perforator flap planning for breast reconstruction utilizing 3D CT angiogram is safe, easy to read, and can change the operative plan.

The utility of the anterolateral thigh donor site in reconstructing the United States trauma patient.

BACKGROUND: Identification of a single donor site capable of providing all the components of the soft tissue envelope and the ability to selectively harvest a subset of these components is a central requirement for the microvascular reconstruction of the trauma patient. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap's long pedicle and adaptability in supporting a variety of tissues (muscle, fascia, soft tissue) make it a valuable tool for microsurgical reconstruction in these challenging patients. We investigated the utility of the ALT as a donor for microvascular tissue reconstruction in a Level I trauma center. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review on all trauma patients treated by the plastic surgery service at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center who required microsurgical free flap coverage from July 2002 to March 2005. Fifty-eight patients underwent reconstruction of traumatic deformities with 62 microvascular free flaps from the ALT region. RESULTS: Of the 58 patients, 42 were male and 16 were female with an average age of 39 years. Recipient site locations for the 62 flaps were lower extremity, upper extremity, trunk, and head and neck. Analysis of flap anatomy revealed that 43 were fasciocutaneous, 14 were myocutaneous, 2 were adipofascial, and 3 were myofascial (vastus lateralis muscle). Six flaps were based on septocutaneous perforators, whereas the remainder contained myocutaneous perforators. Nine thigh donor sites required a split thickness skin graft, and 53 were closed primarily. The size of the flaps ranged from 36 cm2 to 600 cm2. CONCLUSIONS: The ALT is a predictable donor site that facilitates a 2-team approach. ALT displays minimal donor site morbidity and in most cases provided sufficient tissue to cover the entire traumatic defect. Our results suggest the ALT is a reliable tissue source and an ideal donor site for the management of complex traumatic wounds in the United States.