Pedicled Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator (SCIP) flap for perineo-scrotal reconstruction following Fournier's gangrene.

BACKGROUND: Fournier's gangrene is a form of necrotising fasciitis involving perineo-scrotal skin. It is treated with radical debridement, infection control and often leaves a large anatomical defect that is challenging to reconstruct. The anatomical location of the defect leads to faecal contamination, difficulties when mobilizing, and negative psychological impact. Traditional approaches for managing such defects have relied on either healing by secondary intention or skin grafting. There are few reported cases in the literature to cover such defects with a flap. METHODS: Pedicled Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator (SCIP) flap reconstruction was performed in three patients who had perineo-scrotal defects following debridement for Fournier's gangrene. RESULTS: All flaps survived with no significant postoperative complications and good functional and aesthetic outcomes were achieved. The mean age of patient was 52 years and the largest defect measured 22 × 10 cm. CONCLUSION: The reconstruction of perineo-scrotal defects is difficult despite a range of reconstructive options. The pedicled SCIP flap offers many advantages over standard techniques. This flap is thin, pliable, and has a consistent anatomy. With continued experience, we feel that this flap could be considered the gold standard of treatment for such defects.

Necrotising myositis - learnings for a plastic surgeon.

BACKGROUND: Necrotising myositis (NM) is a life-threatening emergency. Prompt treatment is associated with more favourable outcomes, but early diagnosis is challenging. The initial absence of cutaneous signs and symptoms coupled with delayed recognition commonly result in higher rates of morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES: Analyse data regarding demographics, epidemiology, aetiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of previously reported cases. This publication is intended for plastic surgeons in training to help them look out for this disease. SEARCH METHODS/CRITERIA: Publications reporting necrotising myositis between 1974 to January 2020 were identified from Embase, Medline All, Web of Science Core Collection, Google Scholar and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Identified studies were exported to an end note library. In animal studies, studies relating to statin-induced myotoxicity and auto-immune myositis were excluded. The quality of included case reports was assessed using JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Reports. MAIN RESULTS: The most common initial presentation was a few days of antecedent prodromal flu-like symptoms associated with muscle pain. The mean age was 43.3 years and 82% had no significant medical history. The most frequent misdiagnoses were muscle strain (11%), deep vein thrombosis (10%) and viral illness (9%). Seventy-four per cent of presentations were due to Group A Streptococcus infections and only 3.5% of cases were polymicrobial. The most common clinical course following the initial presentation was rapid deterioration into profound sepsis and progression into multi-organ failure. The overall mortality rate was 36.5%. CONCLUSIONS: NM is a life-threatening muscle infection. It is a diagnostic conundrum as initial presentation is often only myalgia without features of preceding trauma. We propose that a high index of suspicion and increased awareness will reduce morbidity. OTHER: PROSPERO (registration number CRD42018087060). Nil funding/conflict of interest.

Ischaemic breast necrosis following coronary artery bypass grafting using left internal mammary artery: understanding the risks.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common procedure performed commonly using left internal mammary artery (LIMA). We report a case of sternal wound dehiscence and breast necrosis following LIMA harvest in a 55-year-old obese lady with macromastia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and end stage renal disease requiring dialysis. We also review the existing literature. METHODS: Publications were identified from Medline All, Web of Science Core Collection, Google Scholar and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial between 1974 and 2 January 2020. We assessed patient co-morbidities, presentation time frame, quadrant of breast necrosis and reconstruction option utilized. RESULTS: There were 18 cases of breast necrosis reported post-CABG. The patients were aged 50 or over, morbidly obese and had large tubular breasts. Other risk factors included chronic renal insufficiency, diabetes and hypertension. The presentation was delayed with necrosis only evident 7 days or more after CABG. All the reported cases had necrosis at lower inner quadrant of the left breast with nipple-areola complex. CONCLUSION: Blood supply to the breast is segmental with considerable overlap, however, this overlap is reduced in large breasts. Patients with macromastia and multiple co-morbidities need preoperative imaging (computed tomography angiogram) to evaluate breast vascularity prior to CABG. Risk of breast necrosis needs to be explained during the informed consent. Surgical management of the hypermastia (breast reduction or amputation) may be a factor in facilitating the CABG procedure if indeed the LIMA is absolutely indicated considering the risks and benefits.

Necrotizing myositis: highlighting the hidden depths - case series and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing myositis (NM) is a life-threatening emergency. It causes focal muscle necrosis without abscess formation or extensive involvement of the overlying fascia and soft tissue. It is a clinical diagnosis requiring a high index of clinical suspicion. Usual presentation can readily be mistaken to represent more benign pathologies such as muscular injury, viral myopathy or deep venous thrombosis. The clinical course following initial misdiagnosis is rapid deterioration into profound sepsis and progressive multiorgan failure. Prompt treatment is associated with favourable outcomes, but early diagnosis is challenging due to initial absence of cutaneous signs and symptoms. Delayed referral to surgeons with appropriate expertise results in higher morbidity and mortality. The cornerstones to treatment are complete surgical debridement, intensive care management and accurate antimicrobial therapy. METHODS: We report four cases of NM demonstrating classical scenarios of initial misdiagnosis, delays in referral and review by an experienced surgeon. A review of the current literature to aid with overall management is also included. RESULTS: Review of literature that revealed the most common presentation was antecedent prodromal flu-like symptoms followed by rapidly progressing focal muscle pain. Patients were initially misdiagnosed followed by rapid deterioration into profound sepsis before surgical opinion was obtained. CONCLUSION: NM is a rare and potentially fatal disease that must be considered in the differential diagnoses of the young, healthy patient with acute limb pain and fever. A high index of suspicion will facilitate earlier management and reduce morbidity and mortality.