Sentinel lymph node biopsy for lentigo maligna melanoma under local anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Lentigo maligna melanoma is mainly localized in the head and neck region in elderly patients. Due to its slow horizontal growth, it has a good prognosis compared to other melanoma subtypes, but specific data are rare. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate sentinel lymph node biopsy in lentigo maligna melanoma under local anaesthesia and to discuss the benefit. METHODS: Investigation of patients with lentigo maligna melanoma and tumour thickness ≥1 mm treated at the Department of Dermatology, University Medical Centre Tuebingen, between January 2008 and October 2019. RESULTS: In total, 204 patients (126 SLNB, 78 non-SLNB) with a median age of 75.7 years (SLNB: 73.3 years, non-SLNB: 79.7 years) could be included. Sixteen of 126 (12.7%) sentinel lymph nodes were positive. Five-year overall survival was 87.9% (88.5% SLNB; 87.4% non-SLNB) and 5-year distant metastasis-free survival was 85.8% (85.4% SLNB; 86.7% non-SLNB). There was no significant difference for distant metastasis-free survival (p = 0.861) and overall survival (p = 0.247) between patients with and without sentinel lymph node biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: Sentinel lymph node biopsy in lentigo maligna melanoma under local anaesthesia is a safe and simple method, even in very old patients. However, LMM has a very good 5-year overall survival. In high-risk patients with high tumour thickness and/or ulceration, adjuvant immunotherapy can now be offered without the need to perform this procedure.

Tumescent local anesthesia in geriatric patients with head and neck skin cancer - a retrospective study of 782 patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Due to frailty, dermatosurgery in the elderly is preferably performed under tumescent local anesthesia, but data is limited. The aim was to evaluate tumescent local anesthesia for skin cancer surgery in the elderly with focus on clinical benefits (treatment processes, pain management) and local postoperative complication risk. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Investigation of patients ≥ 75 years with inpatient head and neck skin cancer surgery under tumescent local anesthesia. RESULTS: 2,940 procedures in 782 patients (mean age 83.3 years) were performed with the aim of complete tumor resection during the inpatient stay. 3.8 (range: 1-20) interventions were done over an average of 4.9 days (range: 1-28). 43.2% did not require any postoperative analgesia. 53.5% received NSAIDs, 3.3% opioids. Infection (13.6%) was the most common local postoperative complication. Surgical intervention due to bleeding was required in 2.8%. None was hemoglobin relevant or life-threatening. Suture dehiscence and necrosis were rare (0.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Tumescent local anesthesia is an effective method for skin cancer surgery in the elderly. By avoiding general anesthesia, treatment processes can be optimized and anesthesiologic risks minimized. Local postoperative complications are still low and well treatable. The long-lasting analgesia results in a reduced need for analgesics and drug interactions.

Tumescent local anaesthesia for the surgical therapy of congenital nevi in the first year of life.

BACKGROUND: The indication for surgical treatment of congenital nevi must be made after individual consideration of the expected benefit and risk and requires careful information of the parents as well as interdisciplinary psychological support. In addition to suspected malignancy, a relevant indication is the risk of stigmatization depending on the size and localization of the nevus. Objective was to show which size reduction of the congenital nevus can be achieved by surgical therapy under tumescent local anaesthesia (TLA) in infancy and how often complications of anaesthesia or surgery occur. METHODS: All infants up to 12 months of age who underwent surgery for a congenital nevus under TLA at the University Dermatological Clinic Tuebingen between January 2015 and December 2021 were included; surgeries were performed using serial excisions (powerstretching technique), whereby the incisions were made inside the nevus and mobilization was strictly limited to the skin side without nevus. RESULTS: Overall, a cumulative total area of 38.65 cm2 could be removed on average within the first year of life (trunk: 67 cm2 , head: 21.2 cm2 , legs: 21.6 cm2 , arms: 13.2 cm2 ). A cumulative maximum area reduction of 406.9 cm2 could be achieved. We evaluated 363 surgical sites (123 children) on all body regions. The median age of the children at the first surgery was 3.5 months (0.46-10.7 months). Complications occurred in 2.3% (seven procedures). All these complications were reversible in the course of the operation and did not lead to a prolonged hospital stay. No anaesthesia-related complications occurred. CONCLUSION: We were able to show that a reduction of large areas of congenital nevi is possible in the first year of life with the combination of serial excisions using powerstretching technique, TLA, and intracutaneous butterfly sutures.

Influence of perioperative antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication management on bleeding events in dermatosurgery-A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative management of antiplatelet and anticoagulant (AP/AC) therapy is a matter of balancing the risks of bleeding and thromboembolic events. Reliable data for dermatosurgery are still lacking, especially for direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC). OBJECTIVES: The aim was to prospectively evaluate the influence of AP/AC-medication on bleeding risk in dermatosurgery with focus on exact intervals between DOAC intake and procedure performed on post-operative bleeding. METHODS: Patients with or without AP/AC-therapy were included in the study without randomization. Exact times of DOAC-intake, procedure performed and post-operative bleeding were documented. Data collection was prospectively and standardized done by one person. RESULTS: We evaluated 1852 procedures in 675 patients. Post-operative bleeding occurred after 15.93% (n = 295) of all procedures, but only a few of them were severe (1.57%, n = 29). Compared to patients without AP/AC-medication, severe post-operative bleeding occurred significantly more often under dual antiplatelet therapy (11.76%, n = 2; p = 0.0166) and bridging of either vitamin K antagonist (9.09%, n = 2; p = 0.0270) or DOAC (15.38%, n = 2; p = 0.0099). There was no significant difference in the frequency of severe bleeding regarding to the preoperative DOAC-free period. CONCLUSIONS: Although AP/AC-therapy is associated with a significant higher rate of post-operative bleeding, no life-threatening bleeding was recorded. Long preoperative pausing or bridging of DOAC does not lead to significantly less severe bleeding events.

Risk analysis of systemic side effects of tumescent local anaesthesia in the surgical treatment of geriatric and multimorbid patients with skin cancer.

BACKGROUND: Due to demographic change and increased UV exposure, the number of dermatosurgical procedures in the elderly is increasing. Data on the occurrence of systemic side effects during and after treatment with tumescent local anaesthesia are limited and do not refer to details such as volume and composition of local anaesthetics or epinephrine additive. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of systemic side effects in elderly patients undergoing skin tumour surgery with tumescent local anaesthesia. METHODS: Investigation of systemic complications in patients (≥75 years) who underwent head and neck skin tumour surgery under tumescent local anaesthesia at the Department of Dermatology, University Medical Centre Tübingen, between October 2018 and March 2020. RESULTS: In total 782 patients (479 males, 303 females) with a mean age of 83.3 years (range: 75.1-102.2 years) could be included. A total of 2940 procedures were performed. Patients were assigned to two groups. The old-old group (≥75-84 years) included 491 patients and the oldest-old group (≥85 years) included 291 patients. The total inpatient stay and thus mean follow-up period was 4.9 days (range 1-28 days). 92.0% (719/782) suffered from pre-existing comorbidities. Systemic complications occurred in 10.2% (80/782; old-olds: 8.6%, oldest-olds: 13.1%). Hypertensive crisis (>180/120 mmHg) requiring intervention (6.7%) that occurred intraoperatively or during the inpatient stay was the most frequent systemic complication. Cardiac arrhythmias occurred postoperatively in 0.8% of cases. No life-threatening complications directly related to tumescent local anaesthesia were found. CONCLUSIONS: Skin tumour surgery in tumescent local anaesthesia for the elderly is safe, and complications caused by general anaesthesia can be avoided. Systemic complications can occur, but are usually mild, are caused by pre-existing diseases and perioperative excitement, and can be rapidly detected and well treated by monitoring. There is no direct correlation of complications to high-tumescent concentrations or volume quantities.

Surgical Therapy of Congenital Nevi in the First Year of Life-Psychological Impact on Parents.

BACKGROUND: The birth of a child with a congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) can lead to distress in the parents. Surgical treatment of CMN can begin in infancy. OBJECTIVES: To provide insight into the perspective of parents of children with CMN regarding their experienced psychological burden and motivation to undergo surgery as well as their satisfaction. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patient data of infants (< 1 year of age), who were surgically treated by power stretching for CMN using subcutaneous infiltration anesthesia (SIA) from 01/01/2020 to 08/31/2021. To evaluate the parent's motivation and psychological burden during the surgical treatment of their child, a questionnaire was designed to interview them in a standardized telephone-based interview. RESULTS: Out of 45 interviewed parents, 62.2% indicated "severe" or "very severe" distress at the time of their child's birth. Distress was mostly reduced by information about diagnosis and treatment (n = 34) and treatment-progress (n = 27). Stigmatization was experienced by 35.6% of parents. 84,5% of parents were highly satisfied with early initiation of surgical therapy. 69% felt "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the outcome of surgery. Motivation for surgical therapy was concern about malignant transformation of the, possible stigmatization of the child due to the nevus, while most of the parents (73.3%) mentioned both. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of CMN by power stretching in SIA in infancy is associated with high levels of satisfaction among the children's parents. Early initiation of surgical therapy and education about the diagnosis can reduce the psychological burden of the parents and can prevent psychosocial problems in affected children.

Local Tumor Infiltration and Locoregional Recurrence in Desmoplastic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Perusal of the literature of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) reveals that the role of the desmoplastic subtype is indistinct. Data on local infiltration and recurrence are inconsistent dependent on surgical technique, histological method, and investigated collective. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze local infiltration and locoregional recurrence of the desmoplastic subtype under a uniform procedure. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between 2005 and 2015, 320 SCCs were analyzed and histological sections of all tumors were examined. Data collection included locoregional recurrence, metastasis rate, and tumor-specific death. The median follow-up was 36.5 months. RESULTS: The desmoplastic subtype required significant more re-excisions (70.0% vs 23.9%, p < .001), more interventions until tumor-free margins were achieved (maximal 6 vs 2; p < .001), showed more widespread tumor infiltration with larger excisional margins (median 9 mm, 2-51 mm vs median 4 mm, 1-10 mm; p < .001), and a 5-fold higher local recurrence rate (26.7% vs 5.0%, p < .001). The metastasis rate (16.6% vs 2.3%, p < .001) was increased. CONCLUSION: The desmoplastic subtype is characterized by a widespread local infiltration associated with perineural infiltration. It seems to be a marker for decreased histological detectability with a high rate of locoregional recurrence and metastasis.

Modification of Skin Flaps for Single-Stage Reconstruction of the Nasal Ala Using All-Layer Suture: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: After local flaps, it may be necessary to reconstruct the contour of the nasal ala. This is possible with a single-stage all-layer shaping suture. In the present study, the functional and aesthetic results after single-stage reconstruction of the nasal ala were prospectively evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery for skin tumors of the nose between 06/2019 and 06/2020 who required reconstruction of the nasal ala as part of the defect closure and had an all-layer suture used were prospectively included in the study. A standardized evaluation of aesthetic and functional outcome was conducted by the patient and a physician at discharge as well as 4 weeks later. Patients additionally underwent a follow-up survey 6 months later. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were included in the study. Four weeks postoperatively, all flaps were found to be fully healed and vital. Aesthetic outcome at 4 weeks was rated as very good or good by physicians in 73% and by patients in 78.4%. Persistent complications due to reduced blood flow were not observed. CONCLUSION: The reshaping of the nasal ala as part of the defect reconstruction with an all-layer suture demonstrates very good aesthetic as well as functional results and can be performed in a single-stage procedure. .

Micrographic Surgery Allows Fascia Preservation in Dermatofibro-sarcoma Protuberans.

Removal of the deep fascia is recommended in therapy for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, but its necessity in the context of micrographic surgery is unclear. A retrospective clinicopathological analysis of 48 patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans treated by micrographic surgery was performed, to determine in which tumours fascia preservation was feasible and safe. Histologically, 93% of tumours on the trunk and extremities and 14% of tumours in the head and neck region were fully located above the fascia. Localization on the head and neck was the only significant risk factor for tumour extension beyond the subcutis (p<0.001). Overall, 44% of tumours were completely excised above the fascia and 56% with deeper excisions. Two deeply infiltrating tumours (4%) on the head recurred, but in none of these lesions was the fascia spared. These results show that micrographic surgery allows fascia preservation in superficial tumours outside the head and neck region.

Local Recurrence Rates of Skin Tumors After Resection With Complete Circumferential Peripheral and Deep Margin Assessment-Identification of High-Risk Entities.

BACKGROUND: The local recurrence rates of malignant skin tumors after micrographic controlled surgery using complete circumferential peripheral and deep margin assessment (CCPDMA) are reported to be low. However, in daily practice, tumor entities with a significantly higher recurrence rate are found. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the investigation was to identify these high-risk tumors to develop approaches for risk stratification. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included different malignant tumors that were surgically treated and examined with CCPDMA using paraffin sections and H&E staining. Re-excisions were performed until the tumor was completely removed. RESULTS: Ninety-nine thousand three hundred seventy-two tumors were included in the study; the follow-up period was 4 years (median). Eight tumor entities were identified as high-risk entities, showing a significantly higher local recurrence rate of over 20%: desmoplastic squamous cell carcinoma, desmoplastic melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, microcystic adnexal carcinoma, pleomorphic sarcoma, liposarcoma as well as angiosarcoma, and extramammary Paget's disease. CONCLUSION: Complete circumferential peripheral and deep margin assessment allows complete control of the resection margins and enables skin-sparing resections with low recurrence rates for basal cell carcinomas, nondesmoplastic squamous cell carcinomas, lentiginous melanomas, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. However, other tumors show significantly higher recurrence rates and therefore need to be classified as high-risk tumors.

Histological and Immunohistochemical Changes of Congenital Melanocytic Nevi With Age.

ABSTRACT: Clinical but not histological changes of congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) with age are well characterized. Our objective was to analyze histological changes of CMN with age and discuss possible clinical implications of our findings. We investigated serial excisions of 21 patients with CMN and compared histological and immunohistochemical features over time. The median number of serial excisions was 6 [interquartile range (IQR) 5-7], the median age at the first excision was 12 months (IQR 5-98), and the median time between the first and last analyzed excision was 53 months (IQR 45-64). The projected adult size of the excised CMN was "large" or "giant" in 14 of the 21 CMN (67%) and "medium" in the remaining lesions (33%). Nineteen CMN (90%) involved the subcutaneous fat, and 16 of the 21 CMN (76%) reached the lower surgical margin. The histological pattern and depth did not change over time but the cellularity and HMB-45 expression of dermal melanocytes decreased in 16 of the 21 patients (76%) and in 15 of the 21 patients (71%), respectively (both P < 0.001). Patients with decreasing HMB-45 expression were significantly younger at the first excision (median 6 months, IQR 4-28) than patients with unchanged HMB-45 expression (median 176 months, IQR 12-186; P = 0.018). The expression of Ki-67 and p16 did not change significantly with age. Our study demonstrates that (1) the cellularity and pigment production of CMN decreases with age, (2) the histological pattern and extension in depth remain stable, and (3) clear resection margins can rarely be achieved in larger CMN.

Benefits, safety and side effects of tumescent local anesthesia in dermatologic surgery in infants.

Tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) plays an important role in dermatosurgical procedures. TLA has several benefits such as long-lasting anesthesia, reduced bleeding during surgery and the avoidance of general anesthesia-associated complications. Convenience and a favorable risk profile along with a broad spectrum of indications are further reasons why TLA is increasingly applied in infants as well. There are not only a variety of indications for surgical excisions in infancy, such as congenital nevi, but also substantial benefits when performing these excisions at an early age. These include the smaller size of the lesions as well as the unproblematic wound healing and tissue regeneration in infancy. Nevertheless, several aspects need to be considered when applying TLA in infants including dosing, altered plasma protein binding and the need for adequate and long-lasting pain control.

Vorteile, Sicherheit und Nebenwirkungen der Tumeszenz-Lokalanästhesie bei dermatologischen Operationen an Säuglingen.

Die Tumeszenz-Lokalanästhesie (TLA) spielt bei dermatochirurgischen Eingriffen eine wichtige Rolle. Die TLA bietet etliche Vorteile, wie lang anhaltende Betäubung, reduzierte Blutung während der Operation und Vermeidung möglicher Komplikationen einer Vollnarkose. Einfache Durchführung, günstiges Risikoprofil und breites Indikationsspektrum sind weitere Gründe dafür, dass TLA zunehmend auch bei Säuglingen eingesetzt wird. Es gibt nicht nur viele Indikationen für chirurgische Exzisionen im Säuglingsalter, wie angeborene Naevi, sondern es hat auch erhebliche Vorteile, wenn diese Exzisionen in einem frühen Alter durchgeführt werden. Dazu zählen die geringere Größe der Läsionen sowie die unproblematische Wundheilung und Geweberegeneration im Säuglingsalter. Dennoch müssen hinsichtlich der Anwendung der TLA bei Säuglingen einige Aspekte berücksichtigt werden, darunter die Dosierung, eine veränderte Plasmaproteinbindung und die Notwendigkeit einer adäquaten und lang anhaltenden Schmerzkontrolle.

Post-operative follow-up of 150 patients with sentinel lymph node biopsy under tumescence local anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is useful for staging of patients with melanoma. Although SLNB is mostly performed under general anesthesia (GA), tumescence local anesthesia (TLA) can also be used. However, less data are available regarding feasibility of SLNB under TLA. Here we present a post-operative follow-up of 150 patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively analyzed data from 150 patients with primary cutaneous malignant melanoma. We assessed pain, post-operative complications and patients' satisfaction after SLNB under TLA. RESULTS: 32 % of the patients reported post-operative pain within the first 48 h after SLNB. Seroma was the most frequent complication, as 29 seromas after SLNB were observed. Wound infection was observed in 3.3 % of the patients. 98.7 % of the patients were satisfied with SLNB under TLA. CONCLUSIONS: SLNB under TLA is a safe and feasible option and should be considered for patients with melanoma. Especially with multimorbid or elderly patients, the risks of GA can be avoided.

Use of local anesthetics with an epinephrine additive on fingers and penis - dogma and reality.

Epinephrine supplements in local anesthetics are regularly used for surgery in areas with terminal vessels. According to the pharmaceutical guidelines, the use of epinephrine as an additive to local anesthetics is contraindicated for these areas. This review provides an overview of the current scientific data as well as new clinical developments in various fields. It also reviews the current legal situation. A literature research was carried out to survey the current status of relevant data. Written inquiries to several German institutions (Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Center for Clinical Studies Tübingen, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices) were made to determine the legal situation. No evidence was found in the literature for a causal relationship between the use of epinephrine as a vasoconstrictor and necrosis of the finger or penis. Studies and reviews show that the use of local anesthetics with epinephrine on the fingers or penis is a safe procedure with many clinical and economic advantages. In routine clinical practice, the WALANT method (Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet) as well as the increasing incidence of skin tumors in acral areas has led to a tendency towards increasing use. However, its use is still legally contraindicated, and the pharmaceutical companies show no interest in supporting a drug study. Further clinical trials - regardless of the strength of the evidence - would not change the current legal contraindication.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy in Non-melanoma Skin Cancer.

Electrical impedance spectroscopy is a non-invasive technique that can help clinicians in diagnosing malignant skin tumours. Depending on the cellular irregularity of the lesion, electrical impedance spectroscopy can reveal changes in the structure and form of the cells, using a harmless electrical current applied to the skin. A score between 0 and 10 is generated by the electrical impedance spectrometer, where 0 is considered benign and 10 is malignant. This prospective study was conducted in 101 patients with a total of 200 skin lesions; 62 benign and 138 malignant. There was a significant difference between the electrical impedance of malignant and benign lesions (p < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of electrical impedance spectroscopy for non-melanoma skin cancer were 94.2%, 41.9%, 78.3% and 76.5%, respectively, when the cut-off for the electrical impedance spectroscopy score was set at between 5 and 6. The area under the curve in receiver operating characteristics analyses was 0.758.

[Surgical techniques in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma-a prospective investigation]. / Chirurgische Techniken in der Therapie des Basalzellkarzinoms ­ eine prospektive Untersuchung.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinomas are the most frequent epithelial skin tumors and a frequent indication for dermatological interventions. Despite the establishment of drug treatment options, surgery is still the treatment of choice. Various options are available ranging from curettage to complex dermatosurgical procedures. In addition to the main aspect of low local recurrence rates, esthetic factors and the number of procedures are also important for the choice of treatment. METHODS: In this study 347 patients with 398 basal cell carcinomas (nodular type, diameter up to 10 mm) were prospectively examined. The patients were randomized into two treatment arms: in one group the tumor was treated by ring curettage and in the other group the tumor was excised. Patients who underwent 3D histologically controlled surgery due to basal cell carcinoma during the same investigation period served as controls. RESULTS: The highest local recurrence rate was observed after curettage (14.0%), whereas the group with 3D histology had the lowest recurrence rate (0.9%, p < 0.001). In the 3D group, more re-excisions were required to achieve complete tumor clearance compared to the group who underwent excisions with serial section histology. Patients rated the esthetic outcome best after curettage. The median follow-up was 3.9 years. CONCLUSION: The choice of surgical treatment for small nodular basal cell carcinomas depends on individual circumstances. Excisions controlled by 3D histology with wound closure after complete tumor clearance showed the lowest recurrence rate in our study; however, curettage is also a possible surgical treatment option with minimal effort and an acceptable recurrence rate, which can lead to good esthetic results.

Local surgical treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: deficits and controversies in the literature.

The prognostic impact of primary excision in the treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma depends on certain tumor characteristics (risk factors), the surgical approach chosen and the subsequent histological examination. For the development of the AWMF (Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany) guidelines for squamous cell carcinoma, the most conclusive guidelines available were evaluated using the DELBI tool (German Instrument for the Methodological Appraisal of Guidelines). These were the Scottish and Canadian guidelines as well as the joint guidelines published by EDF, EADO and EORTC. The primary literature on the aforementioned topics that was used for these guidelines included 49 studies and 9 reviews. None of the studies had a prospective, randomized design; 19 studies contained prospective data; 30 studies provided retrospective data. Overall, the results were heterogeneous. Not only were there discrepancies in terms of the validity of the various risk factors for locoregional disease progression - such as dedifferentiation, desmoplasia and perineural invasion - but also with respect to tumor thickness and surgical consequences. Differences were also found regarding the histological processing method used. In general, there are two such methods: conventional histology (bread loaf technique) and complete histological assessment of excision margins. The latter was found to be associated both with low recurrence rates and low metastatic rates, possibly due to the fact that patients treated with the latter method had lower-risk tumors. Publications on bread loaf histology lacked precise information as to how the tissue was actually processed. Likewise, there was a lack of usable data in terms of the surgical margins used in the primary excision. Conclusion: The current literature is inconsistent and insufficient with regard to the various prognostic factors and the surgical approach to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.