Impact of Body Mass Index, Age and Tobacco Use on the Outcomes of Immediate Breast Reconstruction with Implants and Acellular Dermal Matrix.

Background This study aimed to analyze the effect of body mass index (BMI), age, and tobacco use on alloplastic breast reconstruction. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of patients who submitted to immediate breast reconstructions with an anatomical implant and acellular dermal matrix in a single center between 2016 and 2018. Outcomes evaluated included immediate complications, early complications, reinterventions, readmissions, and reconstruction failure. Patients were divided into two groups concerning each potential risk factor (BMI < or ≥25; age < or ≥ 50 years; and smokers vs nonsmokers). Simple descriptive statistics and univariate analysis were performed. Results A total of 101 breast reconstructions (73 patients) were included in the analysis. The mean BMI was 24, and the mean age was 44.5 years old. Smokers accounted for 14 breast reconstructions (13.9%). The rate of early infections, mastectomy flap necrosis, and implant removal was significantly higher in overweight patients. The total volume of breast drainage was higher in the age ≥ 50 years group. Smoking did not alter the outcomes. Conclusions A BMI ≥ 25 is a risk factor for early infections and reconstructive failure. Age ≥ 50 years is associated with a higher volume of breast drainage but does not seem to impact the success of the reconstruction. Smoking does not appear to affect the outcomes significantly in this type of reconstruction. Surgeons should consider delaying the reconstruction or using autologous tissue when patients are overweight.

Technical considerations for isolated limb perfusion: A consensus paper.

BACKGROUND: Isolated limb perfusion (ILP) is a well-established surgical procedure for the administration of high dose chemotherapy to a limb for the treatment of advanced extremity malignancy. Although the technique of ILP was first described over 60 years ago, ILP is utilised in relatively few specialist centres, co-located with tertiary or quaternary cancer centres. The combination of high dose cytotoxic chemotherapy and the cytokine tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), mandates leakage monitoring to prevent potentially serious systemic toxicity. Since the procedure is performed at relatively few specialist centres, an ILP working group was formed with the aim of producing technical consensus guidelines for the procedure to streamline practice and to provide guidance for new centres commencing the technique. METHODS: Between October 2021 and October 2023 a series of face to face online and hybrid meetings were held in which a modified Delphi process was used to develop a unified consensus document. After each meeting the document was modified and recirculated and then rediscussed at subsequent meeting until a greater than 90% consensus was achieved in all recommendations. RESULTS: The completed consensus document comprised 23 topics in which greater than 90% consensus was achieved, with 83% of recommendations having 100% consensus across all members of the working group. The consensus recommendations covered all areas of the surgical procedure including pre-operative assessment, drug dosing and administration, perfusion parameters, hyperthermia, leakage monitoring and theatre logistics, practical surgical strategies and also post-operative care, response evaluation and staff training. CONCLUSION: We present the first joint expert-based consensus statement with respect to the technical aspects of ILP that can serve as a reference point for both existing and new centres in providing ILP.

A Two-Year Retrospective Analysis of the Clinical Outcomes of Immediate Submuscular Breast Reconstructions With Native® Acellular Dermal Matrix.

BACKGROUND: Implant-based submuscular breast reconstruction (SBR) can be performed with the aid of acellular dermal matrices (ADM) for implant coverage on their inferolateral pole, aiming at providing a biological interface for hiding the implant and therefore reducing the risk of complications. The purpose of this study is to assess the long-term post-operative outcomes obtained using the SBR-specific Native® ADM (DECO med s.r.l., Marcon, Venice, Italy). METHODS: All cases of Native®-assisted immediate SBR performed at our institution between October 2016 and March 2020 were retrospectively analysed. Demographic and surgical data were collected, and post-operative outcomes, including minor and major complications, were evaluated. Particular attention was paid to complications emerging before and after patient discharge. Dependence analyses were performed to uncover statistically significant relationships between risk factors and reconstructive outcomes. RESULTS: Data on 100 patients were collected, for a total of 128 breasts. The mean age of the cohort was 49.5 years, the mean BMI was 23.4 kg/m2, and the mean follow-up was 24 months. Out of this, 14.1% of patients received pre-operative radiotherapy, while 16.4% underwent post-mastectomy radiotherapy. Breasts appeared to develop short-term minor complications more likely during hospitalisation (11.7% vs. 7.8%), while short-term major complications occurred more often after discharge (7.8% vs. 15.6%). The most frequent long-term complications were capsular contracture and contour defects (both 9.4%). Risk factors that showed a statistically significant relationship with complications were pre- and post-mastectomy radiotherapy and post-operative chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The retrospective analysis showed results in line with clinical outcomes reported in the literature for the same reconstructive technique. The use of Native® ADM in SBR is safe and effective in the long term.

Comparison of Outcomes in Immediate Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: Acellular Dermal Matrix versus Inferior Dermal Flap.

Background Implant-based breast reconstruction has evolved tremendously in the last decades, mainly due to the development of new products and techniques that make the procedure safer and more reliable. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes in immediate one-stage breast reconstruction between acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and inferior dermal flap (IDF). Methods We conducted a retrospective comparative study of patients submitted to immediate breast reconstructions with an anatomical implant and ADM or IDF in a single center between 2016 and 2018. Outcomes evaluated included major complications, early complications, reinterventions, readmissions, and reconstruction failure. Simple descriptive statistics and univariate analysis were performed. Results A total of 118 breast reconstructions (85 patients) were included in the analysis. Patients in the IDF group had a higher body mass index (median = 27.0) than patients in the ADM group (median = 24). There were no statistically significant differences among both groups regarding immediate major complication, early complications, readmissions, and reinterventions. Conclusion There are no significant differences in complications between the ADM and IDF approach to immediate implant breast reconstruction. In patients with higher body mass index and large, ptotic breasts, we recommend an immediate implant reconstruction with IDF.

Giant chondrosarcoma of the chest wall: a rare surgical challenge.

The chest wall chondrosarcoma (CWC) is a rare slowly growing primary tumor of the chest wall with an incidence of <0.5 per million person-years. We present the case of a giant CWC that caused a mass effect on the mediastinum, heart, and lung. Large tumors with thoracic structures compression may be life threatening, and its resection and subsequent chest wall reconstruction represent a significant multidisciplinary surgical challenge. In this case, despite the large tumor dimensions, the preoperative planning-sparing key reconstructive options without compromising the tumor resection-allowed a complete en bloc tumor excision of a grade III chondrosarcoma with negative histologic margins. Successful reconstruction of the large full-thickness chest wall defect, with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap and methyl methacrylate incorporated into a polypropylene mesh in a sandwich fashion, was accomplished. Patient recovery was uneventful with good functional and aesthetic outcomes, and no evidence of recurrence at 1.5 years follow-up. This case report illustrates the main clinical, radiological, and histologic features of a CWC while discussing the surgical goals and highlighting the principles for chest wall reconstruction following extensive resection of a large and rare entity.

Holistic view of patients with melanoma of the skin: how can health systems create value and achieve better clinical outcomes?

Patients with skin cancer should be treated in healthcare units that ensure holistic and multidisciplinary approaches. Current healthcare units, especially those dedicated to cancer care, must evolve to integrated patient-centred systems. The current review presents a holistic health services perspective towards managing patients with melanoma of the skin, based on a literature search. It includes a detailed discussion on how this could impact on the patient, his or her quality of life and on service providers. Data from a multidisciplinary integrated practice unit, specialised in skin cancer, were also discussed, namely, for outcomes measurements, access to innovative treatments, value-based healthcare, patient centricity and use of integrated systems. Epidemiology data, including disease determinants and risk factors, play an important role in defining measures, resources and management of these integrated cancer units. To optimise effective care and improve survival outcomes, integrated cancer clinics should comprise, in a patient-centred way, innovative treatments and technologies, along with continuous training and creation of multidisciplinary units of healthcare professionals. Measurement of outcomes, such as clinical, quality of life and cost, is decisive in determining affordability and access to the best available state-of-the-art care. Besides, treatment of melanoma has significantly improved over recent years, but with increasing costs, which brings a challenging mission to guarantee access to treatment and quality care. Value-based healthcare allows the achievement of better health outcomes and higher quality services while reducing the costs associated with the full-care cycle. Therefore, current healthcare systems should develop in line with health institutions' organisation and culture, increasing adherence to best practices and create value.

Basal cell carcinoma: multimodal treatment and the role of neoadjuvant vismodegib.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer. It generally has an indolent course with low rates of metastasis and mortality. However, BCC is locally invasive and can cause significant morbidity due to destructive local spread. We report our experience with a patient who was referred to our skin cancer unit due to a previously neglected lesion on the parietal region of the scalp, which had developed for 7 years. The patient was prescribed vismodegib on the basis that surgery could cause excessive functional and aesthetic damage. The patient had an objective partial response after 20 months of treatment. He was then submitted to radical skin excision, leaving a large defect that was reconstructed using a free latissimus dorsi muscle flap. The patient recovered well, and at the 1-year follow-up there were no signs of local recurrence. Our case demonstrates the value of vismodegib treatment prior to surgery in a locally advanced, high-risk scalp BCC and highlights the importance of an individualized and specialized approach with these patients, within a multidisciplinary team.

Descortinando e ampliando horizontes: ações afirmativas e antirracismo como estratégias de inclusão educacional / Descubriendo y ampliando horizontes: acciones afirmativas y antirracismo como estrategias para la inclusión educativa / Uncovering and expanding horizons: affirmative actions and anti-racism as strategies for educational inclusion

Resumo Neste artigo, busca-se descortinar o processo de implementação das Ações Afirmativas e de Antirracismo como estratégias de inclusão educacional. A tratativa da intersecção raça-gênero-classe social é propícia para os descortinamentos do racismo, do machismo, da LGBTfobia e das desigualdades, e também para indicar formas de superá-los. Nesse exercício, ao observar as pessoas, os coletivos, as instituições e a sociedade em movimento, é importante reconhecer os diálogos e as negociações entre o ativismo negro e as instituições estatais. Porém, a vivência não ocorre apenas a partir de entendimentos, pois é também um campo de conflito e tensionamento. O artigo divide-se em cinco tópicos: Desigualdade, racismo e o grito por justiça; Lutas cotidianas, um caminho para as conquistas históricas; Ações afirmativas e Políticas de Promoção da Igualdade Racial; Com oportunidades, mesmo frente a dificuldades, as mudanças acontecem; Descortinar o vivido, como um exercício para modificar a vida.

Resumen Dar a conocer el proceso de implementación de Acciones Afirmativas, Antirracismo, e estrategias de inclusión en la educacion es el propósito de este artículo. Abordar la intersección raza-género-clase social conduce a descubrir el racismo, el machismo, la LGBTfobia y las desigualdades, así como formas de superarlas. En este ejercicio es importante observar en movimiento: las personas, los colectivos, las instituciones y la sociedad en su conjunto. Por tanto, es de relieve reconocer los diálogos y negociaciones entre el activismo negro y las instituciones estatales. Sin embargo, la experiencia no se produce sólo a partir de entendimientos, también es un campo de conflicto y tensión. El artículo contiene cinco partes: desigualdad, racismo y el grito de justicia; luchas cotidianas, caminos hacia las conquistas históricas; acciones y políticas afirmativas para promover la igualdad racial; dificultades, logros y desafíos para acceder a cuotas raciales y; develar lo vivido como un ejercicio para cambiar de vida.

Abstract This article aims to uncover the process of implementation of Affirmative Actions and Anti-racism as educational inclusion strategies. The race-gender-social class intersection leads to uncovering racism, sexism, LGBTphobia and inequalities, as well as ways to overcome them. In this exercise it is important to recognize the dialogues and negotiations between Black activism and State institutions when observing people, groups, institutions and society as a whole in movement. However, the experience is not produced only from understandings, it is also a field of conflict and tension. The article contains five parts: Inequality, racism and the cry for justice; Daily struggles, a path towards historical conquests; Affirmative actions and Racial Equality Promotion Policies; Even with difficulties, with opportunities, changes happen; Uncovering the lived experience, as an exercise to change life.

Giant chondrosarcoma of the chest wall: a rare surgical challenge

The chest wall chondrosarcoma (CWC) is a rare slowly growing primary tumor of the chest wall with an incidence of <0.5 per million person-years. We present the case of a giant CWC that caused a mass effect on the mediastinum, heart, and lung. Large tumors with thoracic structures compression may be life threatening, and its resection and subsequent chest wall reconstruction represent a significant multidisciplinary surgical challenge. In this case, despite the large tumor dimensions, the preoperative planning—sparing key reconstructive options without compromising the tumor resection—allowed a complete en bloc tumor excision of a grade III chondrosarcoma with negative histologic margins. Successful reconstruction of the large full-thickness chest wall defect, with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap and methyl methacrylate incorporated into a polypropylene mesh in a sandwich fashion, was accomplished. Patient recovery was uneventful with good functional and aesthetic outcomes, and no evidence of recurrence at 1.5 years follow-up. This case report illustrates the main clinical, radiological, and histologic features of a CWC while discussing the surgical goals and highlighting the principles for chest wall reconstruction following extensive resection of a large and rare entity.

The new bilaterally pedicled V-Y advancement flap for face reconstruction.

A new bilaterally pedicled V-Y advancement flap based on two subcutaneous pedicles that vascularize the skin island through subdermal plexus lateral bridges is described for face reconstruction. It differs from traditional V-Y advancement flaps in that it does not rely on the classic subcutaneous "vertical" pedicle that is sectioned from top to bottom to improve advancement of the skin island. This technique had predictable results for 12 years in 425 consecutive patients, with infection occurring in 2.8 percent of the cases and complete necrosis in less than 1 percent of the flaps.

Basal cell carcinoma: multimodal treatment and the role of neoadjuvant vismodegib

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer. It generally has an indolent course with low rates of metastasis and mortality. However, BCC is locally invasive and can cause significant morbidity due to destructive local spread. We report our experience with a patient who was referred to our skin cancer unit due to a previously neglected lesion on the parietal region of the scalp, which had developed for 7 years. The patient was prescribed vismodegib on the basis that surgery could cause excessive functional and aesthetic damage. The patient had an objective partial response after 20 months of treatment. He was then submitted to radical skin excision, leaving a large defect that was reconstructed using a free latissimus dorsi muscle flap. The patient recovered well, and at the 1-year follow-up there were no signs of local recurrence. Our case demonstrates the value of vismodegib treatment prior to surgery in a locally advanced, high-risk scalp BCC and highlights the importance of an individualized and specialized approach with these patients, within a multidisciplinary team.

Políticas de promoção da igualdade racial no Brasil (1986 - 2010) / Policies to promote racial equality in Brazil (1986 - 2010)

Este livro surge de uma reflexão teórica política acerca da realidade brasileira a partir do reconhecimento, por parte do Estado, da existência do racismo e das perspectivas para sua superação. O reconhecimento do racismo foi impulsionado pela atuação do Movimento Negro e da organização das mulheres negras perante a sociedade e o Estado, por meio do encadeamento de lutas e negociações das políticas públicas de igualdade racial. O período escolhido (1986-2010) demarca importantes momentos da realidade social e política brasileira – do processo pré-Constituinte ao final da segunda gestão do presidente Lula...