Platelet gel in wound treatment in patient with pemphigus vulgaris and Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Case report.

Treatment of wounds, especially in patients with systemic diseases, is very difficult and time consuming, and it represents great challenge. Complications like infections and impaired healing are regularly seen in these patients, sometimes leaving almost no other treating option, but amputation surgery. In wound healing process, platelets play one of key roles, both in hemostasis, and, by releasing many growth factors, in reepithelization and tissue remodeling. Platelet concentrates are defined as autologous or homologous platelet derivatives with a platelet concentration higher than it is usually in human blood. Concentration of platelets needed to affect wound healing should be 1,000,000/µl. This is a report about patient with pemphigus vulgaris and Type 2 diabetes mellitus, who got injury of the left lower leg. Traditional surgical methods of wound closure and vacuum-assisted closure therapy were ineffective. Homologous platelet gel was used topically, resulting in wound closure, without any adverse effects.

Time to Procedure, Nuclear Imaging and Clinicopathological Characteristics as Predictive Factors for Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis in Cutaneous Melanoma: A Single-Center Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a widely accepted staging procedure for cutaneous melanoma patients who are at risk of clinically occult nodal metastases. Numerous predictive factors for regional lymph node metastases have been identified; however, few have been found to be reproducibly significant. Also, the role of blue dye in identification was questioned in recent trials. Time to procedure was also found to be predictive of SLN positivity, but this was not confirmed in other studies. In our study, predictive factors for metastatic involvement of SLN were analyzed, together with the role of addition blue dye in imaging on detection rate and false-negative SLN rate. An impact of time interval to procedure on the rate of SLN positivity was also explored. METHODS: Data analysis was done in 362 cutaneous melanoma patients who underwent lymphoscintigraphy and SLN biopsy at our institution from 2010 to 2016, with a median follow-up of 29 months (1-98 months). To delineate the relation of each variable (demographical, time to procedure, and clinical and pathological variables, as well as the presence of in-transit nodes, the number of draining basins, and SLN localization on scintigraphy) with positive SLN status, we used univariate logistic regression with odds ratios representing effect size. RESULTS: Metastatic involvement SLN was found in 67 (18.8%) of 356 patients. Detection rate was similar with or without further intraoperative SLN identification with blue dye (98.8% vs 98.17%, P > 0.05). Time to procedure was not associated with higher SLN positivity rate (P > 0.05). In univariate analysis, Breslow thickness (P < 0.001), primary ulceration lesion (P = 0.001), and lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.006) were strongly correlated with SLN positivity, as well as the site of primary tumor (P = 0.024), tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) (P = 0.021), and sex (P = 0.026). In multivariate analysis, Breslow thickness and TILs were found to be significant independent predictors of SLN status (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Addition of blue dye did not improve SLN detection rate; time to procedure was not found to be associated with higher SLN biopsy positivity rates. Breslow thickness and TILs, as a marker of immune response to tumor, were consistently found to be significant independent predictors of SLN status.

Polymorphisms in toll-like receptor 3 and 4 genes as prognostic and outcome biomarkers in melanoma patients.

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive tumors, and in the setting of rising incidence and mortality, there is an urgent need to identify new prognostic markers. Toll-like receptors (TLRs), are aberrantly expressed in numerous cancers, including melanoma. TLR signaling provides a microenvironment that is involved in antitumor immune response, chronic inflammation, cancer cell proliferation and evasion of immune destruction. In the present study, we investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TLR3 and TLR4 genes are associated with clinicopathologic features, progression and survival of melanoma patients. The study was conducted on 120 melanoma patients. DNA extracted from peripheral blood was genotyped for TLR3 polymorphisms rs5743312 and rs3775291 (L412F) and TLR4 polymorphisms rs4986790 (D299G) and rs4986791 (T399I), by TaqMan Real-Time PCR Assays. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were compared by the log-rank test. TLR3 polymorphism L412F was associated with a higher mitotic index ( P = 0.035). TLR4 D299G and T399I polymorphisms were associated with indicators of melanoma severity, nodal metastases ( P = 0.005 and P = 0.007, respectively) and advanced stage III ( P = 0.005 and P = 0.004, respectively). Cox regression analysis showed that the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) predicted better overall survival (HR = 0.318; P = 0.004). TLR4 T399I polymorphism was significantly associated with worse survival, P = 0.025. The overall survival rates were significantly lower for patients carrying variant allele T of TLR4 T399I SNP (TC and TT genotypes combined) ( P = 0.008, log-rank test), compared to wild-type genotype CC. Our findings indicate that TLR4 polymorphisms T399I (rs4986791) and D299G (rs4986790) could be potential prognostic and survival markers for melanoma patients.

ESPRAS Survey on Continuing Education in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery in Europe.

BACKGROUND: Specialty training in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery is a prerequisite for safe and effective provision of care. The aim of this study was to assess and portray similarities and differences in the continuing education and specialization in plastic surgery in Europe. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A detailed questionnaire was designed and distributed utilizing an online survey administration software. Questions addressed core items regarding continuing education and specialization in plastic surgery in Europe. Participants were addressed directly via the European Leadership Forum (ELF) of the European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ESPRAS). All participants had detailed knowledge of the organization and management of plastic surgical training in their respective country. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 29 participants from 23 European countries. During specialization, plastic surgeons in Europe are trained in advanced tissue transfer and repair and aesthetic principles in all parts of the human body and within several subspecialties. Moreover, rotations in intensive as well as emergency care are compulsory in most European countries. Board certification is only provided for surgeons who have had multiple years of training regulated by a national board, who provide evidence of individually performed operative procedures in several anatomical regions and subspecialties, and who pass a final oral and/or written examination. CONCLUSION: Board certified plastic surgeons meet the highest degree of qualification, are trained in all parts of the body and in the management of complications. The standard of continuing education and qualification of European plastic surgeons is high, providing an excellent level of plastic surgical care throughout Europe. HINTERGRUND: Die Facharzt-Weiterbildung für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie ist eine Grundvoraussetzung für sichere und effektive Patientenversorgung. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war die Darstellung von Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschieden in der Weiterbildung für Plastische Chirurgie innerhalb von Europa. MATERIALIEN UND METHODEN: Ein internetbasierter Fragebogen wurde mit Hilfe eines kostenlosen Formularerstellungstools erstellt und verteilt. Die Fragen betrafen Kernpunkte der Weiterbildung für Plastische Chirurgie in Europa. Die Teilnehmer wurden direkt über das European Leadership Forum (ELF) der European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ESPRAS) kontaktiert. Alle Teilnehmer hatten weitreichende Kenntnisse über die Organisation und Struktur der plastisch-chirurgischen Weiterbildung in ihrem jeweiligen Land. ERGEBNISSE: 29 Teilnehmer*innen aus 23 europäischen Ländern nahmen an der Umfrage teil. Die Weiterbildung für Plastische Chirurgie beinhaltet grundlegende Prinzipien und Techniken zur Wiederherstellung von Form und Funktion innerhalb der verschiedenen Säulen der Plastischen Chirurgie, sowie in allen Körperregionen. In den meisten europäischen Ländern ist eine Rotation in der Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin und die Behandlung kritisch kranker Patienten obligatorisch. Voraussetzung für die Facharztbezeichnung ist die mehrjährige, national organisierte Weiterbildung, der Nachweis einer festgelegten Anzahl selbstständig durchgeführter Operationen, sowie die mündliche und/oder schriftliche Abschlussprüfung. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNG: Fachärzte für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie sind hochqualifiziert und auch im Umgang mit Komplikationen geschult. Der Standard der Weiterbildung der europäischen Plastischen Chirurgen ist hoch, so dass innerhalb Europas eine hohe Qualität plastisch-chirurgischer Versorgung gewährleistet ist.

Regional lymph node metastases in cutaneous melanoma: a single-center analysis from southeast europe.

OBJECTIVE: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is the standard of care for nodal staging in clinically node-negative melanoma patients. Our goal was to present 10-year results of sentinel lymph node biopsy at our institution and to evaluate the clinicopathologic factors as potential predictors of sentinel lymph node and non-sentinel lymph node metastatic involvement in patients with cutaneous melanoma. METHODS: We have analyzed clinicopathologic and lymphoscintigraphic characteristics in 420 patients with cutaneous melanoma who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy between 2010 and 2019. In addition, we have examined the results of group of patients with positive sentinel lymph node biopsy undergoing complete lymph node dissection. RESULTS: The overall detection rate of sentinel lymph node biopsies was 97.1%, of which 18.8% was metastatic. Drainage to one regional basin was seen in 345 patients (83.1%) and to multiple drainage regions in 71 patients (17%). In-transit lymph nodes were detected in 20 patients. On univariate logistic regression analysis, male gender, primary tumor thickness with nodular histology, acral location, presence of ulceration, and the number of nodes harvested were significantly associated with sentinel lymph node biopsy status (p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, the Breslow thickness was the only independent predictor of sentinel lymph node biopsy status. The metastases in non-sentinel lymph node found in 26 patients with positive sentinel lymph node (35.6%) correlated on univariate, as well as on multivariate logistic regression, with tumor subtype and number of sentinel lymph node harvested. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the well-established primary tumor thickness as a predictor of sentinel lymph node biopsy positivity, we observed acral location and nodular melanoma subtype to significantly enhance the risk of metastases in sentinel lymph node(s). Primary tumor histology and number of nodes harvested were the only statistically significant variables predicting the non-sentinel lymph node status on multivariate analysis. Lymphoscintigraphy imaging characteristics were not significantly associated with sentinel lymph node status.

ESPRAS Survey on Breast Reconstruction in Europe.

BACKGROUND: The European Leadership Forum (ELF) of the European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ESPRAS) previously identified the need for harmonisation of breast reconstruction standards in Europe, in order to strengthen the role of plastic surgeons. This study aims to survey the status, current trends and potential regional differences in the practice of breast reconstruction in Europe, with emphasis on equity and access. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A largescale web-based questionnaire was sent to consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeons, who are experienced in breast reconstruction and with understanding of the national situation in their country. Suitable participants were identified via the Executive Committee (ExCo) of ESPRAS and national delegates of ESPRAS. The results were evaluated and related to evidence-based literature. RESULTS: A total of 33 participants from 29 European countries participated in this study. Overall, the incidence of breast reconstruction was reported to be relatively low across Europe, comparable to other large geographic regions, such as North America. Equity of provision and access to breast reconstruction was distributed evenly within Europe, with geographic regions potentially affecting the type of reconstruction offered. Standard practices with regard to radiotherapy differed between countries and a clear demand for European guidelines on breast reconstruction was reported. CONCLUSION: This study identified distinct lack of consistency in international practice patterns across European countries and a strong demand for consistent European guidance. Large-scale and multi-centre European clinical trials are required to further elucidate the presented areas of interest and to define European standard operating procedures.

Psychological Impact of Melanoma, How to Detect, Support and Help.

Incidence of melanoma is increasing every year. A few years ago, we could not speak about long term survivors with melanoma. Chemotherapy did not give a good effect in the past. Metastasis occurred very rapidly, and the progression of melanoma was very fast. But now, with new forms of therapy, especially immunotherapy and target therapy, for the first time, we have long-time survivors. For the prognosis of melanoma, the most important is the stage in which melanoma is detected. For all dermatologists, it is very important to be aware of the psychological impact of melanoma on patients. Dermatologists should recognise psychological disorders. Several different scales can be used for the detection of depression and anxiety - some of them are completed by researchers, some of them are completed by patients, and also, we have combined scales. The need for adequate social and family support as well as psychological help to achieve better coping with illness is necessary. Learning techniques to overcome fear and stress would help in better functioning of all affected, regardless of the stage of the disease. The most severe cases of anxiety and depression, in addition to psychotherapeutic interventions, should also be considered medication therapy.

Melanoma and Mastocytosis.

There are numerous cases reports and studies confirming the enhanced incidence of melanoma among patients with mastocytosis, especially with systemic mastocytosis. These two diseases are arising from two different types of cells; melanoma arises from neural crest cells and mastocytosis from hematopoietic stem cells. But there are a lot of similarities between the two diseases. The most important and significant is the dependence of the growth factor receptor c-KIT and c-KIT ligand (stem cell factor) for their growth and development. Also, expression of the STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) and transcription factors MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor) make the connection between melanoma and mastocytosis.

Autologous Fat Graft: Not Only an Aesthetic Solution.

Subcutaneous adipose tissue was defined as the "perfect filler" as is soft and malleable and is usually enough present in the body for correcting volume defects and small remodelling purposes. The first attempts to implant autologous adipose tissue dates back to the end of the twentieth century, and with the refinement of harvesting, processing and replanting techniques today a uniform and predictable amount of survival rate were achieved. Those improvements have led to wider use of autologous fat grafts in many medical specialities not only in aesthetic or reconstructive treatments.

Botulin Toxin Use in Scars/Keloids Treatment.

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a neurotoxin protein derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium that inhibits the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction level whose effects has been used for many years to treat a variety of muscular/neuromuscular conditions and more recently also for cosmetic use. BTX has experimented in some dermatological conditions which include scar prevention and treatment with good results The complex mechanism underlying those results is not completely understood but several mechanisms were proposed release inhibition of different substances like (TGF)-ß, substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and glutamate thus modulating cutaneous inflammation and wound healing. We analysed the published data on BTX off label applications on scars and keloids retrieved from PubMed.

Botulin Toxin Use in Rosacea and Facial Flushing Treatment.

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a neurotoxin derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium that inhibits the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction level whose effects has been used for many years to treat a variety of muscular/neuromuscular conditions and more recently also for cosmetic use. BTX has experimented in some dermatological conditions, which include Rosacea and facial flushing treatment with good results. The complex mechanism underlying those results is not completely understood but was proposed a release inhibition of acetylcholine from peripheral autonomic nerves of the cutaneous vasodilatory system combined with the blockade substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) thus modulating blood vessel dilatation. We analysed the published data on BTX off label applications rosacea and flushing retrieved from PubMed.

Gut Microbiota and the Alteration of Immune Balance in Skin Diseases: From Nutraceuticals to Fecal Transplantation.

The P.N.E.I. (Psycho-Neuro-Endocrine-Immunology) approach is represented by the interdisciplinary concept of bidirectional cross-talk between the psycho-neuro-endocrine and immune systems, which can influence the immune response. The well-known Gut-Brain Axis and the Gut-Skin Axis can be merged in a bigger network- the Gut-Brain-Skin Axis, with complex regulation by cytokines, neuro-peptides, neuro-hormones and another messenger (signalling) molecules and maybe the most important modulator of the Gut-Brain-Skin Axis/ the gut microbiota. The role of gut bacterial homeostasis is very important, and the homeostatic imbalance of the immune response may be a relevant etiologic/pathophysiologic factor for extra-intestinal and intestinal inflammatory, allergic and autoimmune diseases. The Low Dose Cytokines Medicine (LDM) is an innovative therapeutic approach. It is based on the most advanced knowledge in molecular biology and low dose pharmacology with the primary outcome. The SKA (Sequential Kinetic Activation) technology, codified and standardised by GUNA S.p.a. -Italy- makes the low doses of signalling molecules able to be active even below the minimum dose classically considered as effective and the significative efficacy of orally administered low-dose signalling molecules is the most representative aspect of LDM. The Physiologic Nutraceuticals and the Low Dose Medicine are two of the most promising approaches for the treatment of skin diseases based on the rebalance of the immune response and the recovery of gut dysbiosis.

New Trends in Cutaneous Melanoma Surgery.

The main surgical treatment for melanoma consists in wide surgical excision of the primary lesion and the sentinel node but in recent times management of melanoma is rapidly evolving with the introduction of new systemic therapies, like BRAF inhibitors, MEK inhibitors and antibodies anti-PD-1 that show good results in controlling even advanced stages of the disease. This review aims to present data for the optimal surgical management of patients with malignant melanoma.

The influence of Dupuytren's disease fingers contracture degree on surgical treatment outcome.

Background/Aim: Dupuytren's disease is a progressive disease of the palmar and digital fascial structures, with functional limitations. There are no clear recommendations about the optimal time of surgical repair, concerning the hand impairment. The aim of our study was to investigate the relation between finger's contracture degree and success of surgical treatment of the Dupuytren's disease. Methods: This prospective analysis included 60 patients operated on due to Dupuytren's contracture. According to preoperative contracture degree of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, patients were divided into three groups: the group 1: < 15°, the group 2: 15−30° and the group 3: > 30°. All the patients underwent operation of partial palmar fasciectomy. Postoperative improvement was expressed with contracture reduction INDEX. Results: There were 60 patients with 85 fingers affected. The groups 1, 2 and 3 had 22 (37%), 37 (62%) and 26 (43%) fingers with MCP contracture and 32 (37.4%), 24 (28.2%) and 29 (34.1%) fingers with PIP contracture, respectively. Postoperative contractures of MCP joint in these groups were 0, 0.135° and 5°, and of PIP joint 0, 2.08 ° and 16.89°, respectively. After six months all MCP contractures resolved, while PIP joint contracture in the group 3 remained 13.62°. The reduction INDEX was 98.85%, 97.62% and 75.52% in the groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the INDEX value between the groups (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: The degree of PIP joint contracture is related to the outcome of surgical treatment of Dupuytren's disease. Optimal results are achieved when contracture degree is between 15° and 30°. Surgical treatment of MCP joint contracture is successful regardless of the preoperative joint contracture degree.

Risk factors for Clostridium difficile infection in surgical patients hospitalized in a tertiary hospital in Belgrade, Serbia: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate independent risk factors (RFs) connected with healthcare-associated (HA) Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in surgical patients, its frequency per surgical wards and in-hospital-mortality at a single hospital. METHODS: Risk factors for the infection were prospectively assessed among surgical patients with laboratory confirmed HA CDI and compared with a control group without HA CDI. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate of HA CDI was 2.6 per 10000 patient-days. Significant independent RFs for HA CDI were the use of carbapenems (P = 0.007, OR: 10.62, 95% CI: 1.93-58.4), the admission to intensive care unit (P = 0.004, OR:3.00, 95% CI:1.41-6.40), and the administration of 3rd generation cephalosporins (P = 0.014, OR:2.27, 95% CI:1.18-4.39). Patients with HA CDI had significantly higher in-hospital mortality compared to controls (P: 0.007; OR: 8.95; 95% CI: 1.84-43.43). CONCLUSIONS: CDI is an important HA infection in population of surgical patients and this study emphasizes the importance of the wise use of antibiotics, and other infection control strategies in order to prevent HA CDI, and to decrease the incidence and in-hospital mortality rate.

Cranial reconstruction with prefabricated 3D implant after a gunshot injury: A case report.

Introduction: Complex defects of skull bones with different etiology, still present the challenge in reconstructive surgery. The goldstandard for cranioplasty is the autologous calvarial bone graft removed during surgery which cannot be always applied, especially in gunshot wounds for sometimes complete bone destruction. Autologous reconstruction with split calvarial, rib bones or iliac bone graft is also possible. Materials routinely used for reconstructions like titanium mesh, polymethyl metacrylate (PMMA), and other have numerous disadvantages and limitations. Case report: We presented a patient with gunshot injury to the head with residual large bone defect in the frontal region, with involvement of the skull base, and open frontal sinus. After conservative treatment, six months after the injury, reconstruction of the residual bone defect was performed. The chosen material was computerdesigned PEEK-OPTIMA® implant, manufactured on the basis of MSCT scan. This material has not been used in this region so far. The postoperative and follow-up period of the next 12 months passed without surgical complications, neurological deficit, with satisfactory functional and aesthetic results. Conclusion: Implanted bone replacement was designed and manufactured precisely according to the skull defect, and we found it suitable for the treatment of complex defects of the cranium. Early results are in favor of this cranioplasty method over standardized materials. Therefore, this material is expected to become a method of choice for reconstructive surgery of bony defects of the face and skull especially in complex cases.

Validity of ultrasound-guided aspiration needle biopsy in the diagnosis of micrometastases in sentinel lymph nodes in patients with cutaneous melanoma.

Background/Aim: Cutaneous melanoma is one of the most aggressive solid cancers, that develops local, regional and distant metastases. The presence of metastases in lymph nodes is in correlation with Breslow tumor thickness. According to various researches, in melanoma with more than 4 mm Breslow thickness, lymph node micrometastases can be found in 60-70% of cases. Sentinel lymph nodes biopsy is a diagnostic procedure for lymph node micrometastasis detection, which is necessary for disease staging. In recent studies, ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration with cytology (US FNAC) of the sentinel lymph node was used as less invasive procedure, but is not accepted as the standard procedure. The goal of this work was to define sensitivity, specification and precision of the ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration method in comparison with standard sentinel lymph node biopsy. Methods: After obtaining the Ethics Committee's permission, from 2012 to 2014 a total of 60 patients with cutaneous melanoma were enrolled, and divided into three groups: group I with thin melanoma, group II with intermediate thickness melanoma and group III with thick melanoma. The presence of micrometastases in sentinel regional lymph nodes was analyzed by US FNAC. The results obtained were compared to sentinel lymph nodes biopsy (SLNB) results. The golden standard for calculating the specific, sensitive and precise characteristics of the method of US FNAC of sentinel lymph nodes was histopathologic lymph node examination of sentinel lymph nodes acquired through biopsy. Results: Detection rate of US FNAC was 0% in the group I, 5% in the group II and 30% in the group III. SLNB detection rates were: 10% in the group I, 15% in the group II, and 45% in the group III. In melanoma thicker than 4 mm, 15% of the patients were false negative by US FNAC. The sensitivity of US FNAC for all the patients was 50%: in the group I, 0%; in the group II, 33.3%; and in the group III, 66.6%. The method specificity for all examined patients was 100% and accuracy 88%: group I, 90%; group II, 90%; group III, 85%. The FNAC and SLNB micrometastasis detection rate was significantly higher in melanoma with Breslow thickness > 4 mm (group 3) in comparison to thin and intermediate thickness tumors. Conclusion: The method of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of sentinel lymph nodes, according to its sensitivity, has a place in the diagnostics of micrometastasis in regional lymph nodes only in thick melanoma, but not in thin and intermediary thickness melanoma. The results must be confirmed in a larger number of patients. If this observation could be confirmed, it would rationalize treatment of patients with thick melanoma, decrease the number of operations and shorten the time to make the diagnosis.

[Reconstruction of the columella and the tip of the nose with an island-shaped forehead flap].

BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic and postoperative defects of columella and the tip of the nose are difficult to reconstruct. There are several operative methods described in the literature, and many of them are step-by-step procedures with long duration. The aim of this study was to present one-step procedure for reconstruction of the columella and the tip of the nose with island-shaped arterial forehead flap. CASE REPORT: A 45-year old man was submitted to surgical excision of basocellular skin cancer. After the excision, a defect of the columella and tip of the nose the remained, 3 x 2.5 cm in dimensions, with exposed alar cartilages. During the same operation, the defect was covered with an island-shaped arterial forehead flap. Postoperative one-year course was uneventful, without signs of tumor recurrence after one year, and further surgical corrections were unnecessary. CONCLUSION: Considering the results of our operative technique, we believe that middle island-shaped forehead flap is suitable for reconstruction of the columella and the tip of the nose, due to the following reasons: safe vascularization of flap, similarity of the transferred tissue with the excised one, the procedure is completed in one step, simple surgical technique and uncomplicated healing of a flap-harvesting site.

Principles of surgical treatment of congenital, developmental and acquired female breast asymmetries.

BACKGROUND/AIM: There is a natural asymmetry in normal female brests. When the difference in the shape, size or position of the breast and nipple-areola complex is visible, surgical correction is the only treatment option and presents one of the greatest challenges for a plastic surgeon. Based on the Nahai classification presented in details, the aim of the study was to present the possibilities of plastic surgery to correct primary (congenital), secondary (developmental) and tertiary (acquired) brest asymmetries. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of female breast asymmetry surgeries performed in the Clinic for Plastic Surgery and Burns, Military Medical Academy (MMA), Belgrade over the last seven years (January 2002 - January 2009). RESULTS: During the above mentioned period, 82 female patients, 18 - 65 years of age, underwent surgery for breast asymmetry. The most frequent asymmetries were developmental, "pubertal" (n = 43); acquired asymmetries as a consequence of tumor surgery were found in the other 22 patients, while 7 patients were diagnosed with primary asymmetries such as congenital chest-wall asymmetry (Sy. Poland), accessory and tuberous breasts. All patients underwent preoperative ultrasound examination, while hormone status was determined in those with developmental, "pubertal" asymmetries. The selection of surgical procedure for correction of breast asymmetry depended upon clinical examination findings and patient's wish relating to the shape and size of the breasts. The most of breast asymmetries were corrected by a combination of surgical procedures including primary and secondary reconstruction, reduction, suspension or augmentation mammoplasty. Having combined different surgical procedures, we managed to achive satisfactory results. The hypertrophic scar formation after reduction mamoplasty was seen in some cases, however, they caused no significant patient's discomfort. CONCLUSION: Application of plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgical principles can considerably contribute to achieving excellent results in corrective surgery for breast asymmetries. In addition to most suitable breast asymmetry surgical procedures choice, motivation of a patient is also very important for achieving satisfactory results.

Denonvilliers' advancement flap in congenital alar rim defects correction.

BACKGROUND: Alar rim defects are mostly acquired, resulting from burns, traumas or tumor excision. Sometimes they can accompany craniofacial clefts. However, isolated congenital alar defects are extremely rare. CASE REPORT: We presented two cases of congenital isolated alar cleft. The defect was closed by the use of an advancement flap, the technique described by Denonvilliers. We achieved both symmetry and appropriate thickness of the nostrils. Skin color and texture of the alar rim were excellent, with scars not excessively visible. CONCLUSION: Denonvilliers' z-plasty technique by using advancement flap provides both functionally and aesthetically satisfying outcome in patients with congenital alar rim defects.