A scanning electron microscope study and statistical analysis of adipocyte morphology in lipofilling: comparing the effects of harvesting and purification procedures with 2 different techniques.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on adipocyte morphology of 2 techniques of fat harvesting and of fat purification in lipofilling, considering that the number of viable healthy adipocytes is important in fat survival in recipient areas of lipofilling. METHODS: Fat harvesting was performed in 10 female patients from flanks, on one side with a 2-mm Coleman cannula and on the other side with a 3-mm Mercedes cannula. Thirty milliliter of fat tissue from each side was collected and divided into three 10 mL syringes: A, B, and C. The fat inside syringe A was left untreated, the fat in syringe B underwent simple sedimentation, and the fat inside syringe C underwent centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 3 minutes. Each fat graft specimen was processed for examination under low-vacuum scanning electron microscope. Diameter (µ) and number of adipocytes per square millimeter and number of altered adipocytes per square millimeter were evaluated. Untreated specimens harvested with the 2 different techniques were first compared, then sedimented versus centrifuged specimens harvested with the same technique were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: The number of adipocytes per square millimeter was statistically higher in specimens harvested with the 3-mm Mercedes cannula (P = 0.0310). The number of altered cells was statistically higher in centrifuged specimens than in sedimented ones using both methods of fat harvesting (P = 0.0080) with a 2-mm Coleman cannula and (P = 0.0050) with a 3-mm Mercedes cannula. Alterations in adipocyte morphology consisted in wrinkling of the membrane, opening of pore with leakage of oily material, reduction of cellular diameter, and total collapse of the cellular membrane. CONCLUSIONS: Fat harvesting by a 3-mm cannula results in a higher number of adipocytes and centrifugation of the harvested fat results in a higher number of morphologic altered cells than sedimentation.

Predictive and protective factors for partial necrosis in DIEP flap breast reconstruction: does nulliparity bias flap viability?

Although success rate of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction has greatly improved, complications still occasionally occur. Perfusion-related complications (PRCs) (ie, fat necrosis and partial flap necrosis) are the most frequent concern, affecting aesthetic final result of the reconstructed breast. The aim of our study was to retrospectively investigate 287 consecutive DIEP flap breast reconstructions to investigate predictive and protective factors for PRCs.From May 2004 to February 2012, 287 DIEP flap breast reconstructions were performed on 270 patients; 247 unilateral flaps, including Holm vascular zones I to III, were retrospectively selected and analyzed. Tobacco use, mean blood pressure over the first postoperative 48 hours, superficial epigastric vein drainage, medial/lateral row perforator, nulliparity, crystalloid versus combined crystalloid/colloid intravenous fluid infusion therapy, and learning curve were evaluated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Perfusion-related complications occurred 32 (12.9%) times, 79 (31.9%) patients were smokers, 48 (19.4%) showed postoperative mean blood pressure less than 75 mm Hg, 29 (11.7%) were nulliparous, and 173 (70%) had superficial epigastric vein drainage. Selected perforators were 110 (44.5%) from lateral row, 137 (55.5%) from medial row; 91 (36.8%) received crystalloid fluid infusion, whereas 156 (63.2%) combined crystalloid/colloid fluid infusion. From univariate analysis emerged significance of nulliparity, perforator row and intravenous fluid infusion for PRC. Nevertheless, multivariate model confirmed only nulliparity as a significant risk factor (P = 0.029), although variable correlations to other predictors were found: both medial row perforator and combined crystalloid/colloid fluid infusion potentially decrease the PRC risk of 11.6% and 27.6%, respectively. Learning curve did not show significant decrease of PRC risk over time.Our study first proved nulliparity as a statistically significant predictor for PRCs in DIEP flap breast reconstruction, possibly due to different superficial abdominal perfusion between pluriparous and nulliparous women, with potential weaker pattern of perforators and smaller angiosomes in the latter. The choice of medial row perforators and combined crystalloid/colloid fluid infusion might reduce PRC risk.

Accidental injury of the latissimus dorsi flap pedicle during axillae dissection: types and reconstruction algorithm.

The intra-operative latissimus dorsi (LD) pedicle damage during axillary lymph-node dissection by the general surgeon is a rare complication leading to flap failure and poor outcomes. The authors present their experience on this topic and develop a classification of the thoracodorsal (TD) pedicle injuries and reconstruction algorithm. Pedicle damage of LD occurred in five cases, three of which were experienced during immediate breast reconstruction and two observed in patients who underwent prior surgery. In two cases the thoracodorsal vein (TDV) was damaged in its proximal segment, thus end-to-end anastomosis was performed between distal stump of TDV and circumflex scapular vein (CSV). In one case the TDV required simple microsurgical repair while in other two cases the severe damage of vein and artery required more complex surgical strategies in attempt to salvage the flap. Four cases completely survived with one case of rippling phenomenon. One case had partial flap necrosis that required subtotal muscle resection. Based on these cases, the authors have developed a reconstruction algorithm in attempt to repair LD pedicle damage while preserving breast reconstruction. Taking into account its anatomical conformation, TD pedicle injuries are classified in four different types and available options are suggested for all of them according to the anatomical site and to the mechanism and timing of injury.

Flap survival of skin-sparing mastectomy type IV: a retrospective cohort study of 75 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: High incidence of epidermolysis and full thickness necrosis of Wise-pattern skin-sparing mastectomy (WPM) skin flaps to almost 30% represent the Achilles' heel of this procedure. Our purpose was to investigate potential predictors of skin flap ischemic complications (SFIC) in WPM. METHODS: A total of 75 immediate prosthetic reconstructions following Wise-pattern mastectomy on 63 patients were retrospectively analyzed to assess risk factors for SFIC and their impact on aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction. There were 2 clusters of hypothetic predictors investigated: patient-related (age, body mass index, smoking, neoadjuvant chemotherapy) and procedure-related (implant weight, breast weight, curative-prophylactic procedure, axillary lymph nodes dissection). Significant predictors from univariate and mixed-effects multivariate logistic regression analyses were considered to be important selection criteria that expose the patients to higher risk of SFIC. Moreover, patients were divided into 3 subgroups according to postoperative outcome: (A) group healed uneventfully, (B) with partial thickness, and (C) with full thickness necrosis. Aesthetic evaluations scores of subgroups were analyzed and compared using a Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance, and Dunn's test for multiple comparisons between subgroups. RESULTS: Smoking and weight of prosthesis >468 g showed significant association with SFIC, additionally analysis of aesthetic evaluations confirmed differences between subgroups (p = 0.001), and multiple testing showed significance between subgroup A and C (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with clinically significant predictors are at higher risk of postoperative SFIC and consequently less satisfied of their aesthetic outcomes. The surgeon should consider alternative procedures for such patients, and prostheses heavier than 468 g should be avoided.

Permanent latissimus dorsi muscle denervation in breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: A retrospective analysis of our series of denervated latissimus dorsi (LD) breast reconstructions showed a high incidence of postoperative LD contraction. Anatomical studies with a prospective clinical trial are set up to outline a successful denervation procedure. METHODS: Fifteen fresh cadavers were dissected to study thoracodorsal nerve course. Subsequently, 40 consecutive LD breast reconstructions were divided randomly in equal groups and underwent either distal (group A) or proximal (group B) nerve resection and clipping. The presence of postoperative contraction was evaluated clinically and instrumentally at 2-year follow-up. Statistical analysis of data was performed by Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Cadaver dissections showed distal branching of thoracodorsal nerve in 20% of cases. Incidence of postoperative LD contraction was 35% (7/20) in group A and 0% in group B. A significantly lower rate of contraction in group B was demonstrated (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Type B proximal nerve resection allows for effective denervation reducing incidence of postoperative contraction (P = 0.004).

Wide excision and anterolateral thigh perforator flap reconstruction for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the face.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a rare cutaneous malignant tumor associated with a high cure rate but with a high incidence of local recurrence. Because of its tentacle-like subcutaneous infiltrating pattern that extends far beyond the clinically visible skin lesion, a wide resection margin is recommended. Hence, its localization to the head-and-neck regions, although rare, represents a real challenge for both the oncologic surgeon and the reconstructive surgeon, who aim to achieve a radical resection of the tumor with the best possible aesthetic outcome.A case of a 21-year-old Mediterranean man who presented with a 7-month history of a slowly growing subcutaneous lesion of the left preauricular region is reported. A diagnosis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans CD34+ was confirmed through surgical biopsy, and the patient subsequently underwent a wide en bloc local surgical resection, followed by anterolateral thigh perforator free flap reconstruction. Healing was uneventful. Initially, there was some facial nerve neurapraxia; however, this completely subsided within 3 months after the surgery. At the 13-month follow-up, the patient was completely well and free from the disease.

Bilobed skin paddle fibula flap for large oromandibular defects.

Although the fibula free flap (FFF) is a useful choice for mandible reconstruction, its application for large oromandibular defects is still debated upon. We report the use of FFF with a bilobed perforator-based skin paddle for combined hemiglossectomy, floor-of-the-mouth, tonsillar pillar, and mandibular body defect. A case of an 84-year-old woman with a 2.5 × 3.5-cm exophytic ulcerated mass on the right side of the tongue, extended to omolateral gengival fornix, tonsillar pillar, and mandibular body, is reported. An osteocutaneus FFF with a 7-cm bone strut and a 17 × 10-cm bilobed shaped skin paddle was performed. The longer lobe was used to restore tongue shape, whereas the smaller lobe was used to line the pelvic floor, gingival, and tonsillar pillar. The postoperative period was uneventful. The patient was capable to protrude her neotongue beyond the virtual incisors line and to touch the hard palate at different degrees of mouth opening. The bilobed perforator-based skin paddle FFF is felt to be a sound option for large compound oromandibular defects offering the possibility to safely base the skin component on a single peroneal perforator while achieving effective tongue mobility preservation.

Sagittal split osteotomy of the fibula for modeling the new mandibular angle.

Fibula modeling techniques for mandible reconstruction carry a high risk of bone perfusion impairment and low predictability of osteotomy angles. To restore the parabolic shape of the mandible, the number of osteotomies should be as small as possible to preserve both periosteal and endosteal perfusion. We report our approach with sagittal split osteotomy (SSO) technique for mandibular angle reconstruction.Obwegeser-Dal Pont SSO of fibula flaps was performed on 10 patients who underwent mandibular angle reconstruction. Bone segments were tilted according to stereolithographic template and fixed with 3 bicortical screws in triangular fashion. Fibula-gonial angle at 15 days and 6 months from surgery was compared with the contralateral-mandibular-gonial angle using Kruskal-Wallis test with a P < 0.05 considered significant.Mean bone length and skin paddle size were 15.6 cm (range, 13-18 cm) and 22.5 cm (range, 3 × 4 cm to 11 × 5 cm). Bone unions occurred at 12 months (mean follow-up, 39 months). No differences (P > 0.05) between fibula-gonial angle at 15 days (mean, 122.88 ± 0.55 degrees; range, 122.49-123.27 degrees) and 6 months (mean, 123.36 ± 0.88 degrees; range, 122.73-123.99 degrees) and contralateral-mandibular-gonial angle (mean, 123.20 ± 0.80 degrees; range, 122.62-123.77 degrees) were observed.Fibula SSO allows for new-mandible angle shaping, reducing risk of pedicle and endosteal vascular impairment. Triangular bone fixation thereby emerges as a reliable technique, enhancing functional and aesthetic long-term outcomes.

Radiation therapy after breast reconstruction: outcomes, complications, and patient satisfaction.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment-related complications, outcomes, and patient satisfaction in women with locally advanced breast cancer who received post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) after breast reconstruction (BR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2007 and November 2010, 46 patients with locally advanced breast cancer who underwent mastectomy followed by BR received PMRT at our Department. Radiotherapy was delivered to the chest wall with a dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 19 months. Skin erythema grade 1 and 2 was seen in 44 (96%) and two (4%) patients, respectively. Major complications, requiring additional corrective surgical procedure, occurred in three (7%) patients (one patient with prosthesis, one patient with tissue expander and one patient with deep inferior epigastric perforator flap). At univariate analysis, smoking, chemotherapy, hormone therapy with tamoxifen and reconstruction with implant were associated with overall complications (capsular contracture and reconstruction failure). Forty (86%) patients were very satisfied or satisfied with the cosmetic outcome of reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy can be safely delivered after BR, with a low complication rate and good patient satisfaction. Further randomised studies are needed to better define the optimal timing of breast reconstruction and post-mastectomy radiation therapy.

Late unilateral hematoma after breast reconstruction with implants: case report and literature review.

UNLABELLED: Although reports of late hematoma after placement of breast implants are rare, there has been a noticeable increase in these reports in recent years. Various etiologies have been proposed, usually relating to history of trauma, anticoagulant use, or physical strain. In this case report, we describe a 61-year-old patient who slowly developed a unilateral intracapsular hematoma 2 years after breast reconstruction with Biocell (Natrelle; Allergan, Inc, Irvine, California) textured implants. This case is unique because of the intraoperative finding of 2 capsules surrounding the implant, with the hematoma between the 2 layers. We also discuss the possible pathophysiological mechanisms of this phenomenon. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

Stensen duct relocation after cheek mucosa tumor resection.

Cheek mucosa cancer might surround Stensen meatus requiring preservation and relocation of the duct. Sialodochoplasty is necessary to avoid subsequent stricture, cheek swelling, and obstructive sequelae that could make following oncologic follow-up difficult. We report a simple successful technique of parotid duct cannulation and relocation in a 77-year-old woman who underwent cheek mucosa tumor resection for squamous cell carcinoma and free fasciocutaneous forearm reconstruction. Ability of milk clear saliva from the duct orifice after 6 weeks from surgery was assessed clinically, and no fistula or swelling was experienced. Stensen duct cannulation and relocation are a useful adjunctive procedure in the treatment of oral mucosa cancer, preserving salivary gland function while not compromising cancer resection.

The "Type V" skin-sparing mastectomy for upper quadrant skin resections.

Skin-sparing mastectomies (SSMs) are classified according to the type of incision and breast size. In large breasts, if cancer is superficially located in the upper quadrants, SSM type IV is not indicated, because tumor resection interferes with skin flap pattern. For these patients, a modified Wise-pattern SSM has been developed to achieve immediate breast reconstruction. Twenty-four patients, 14 with tumor in the superior-lateral, 7 in the superior-medial, and 3 in the inferior-lateral quadrant, were operated on with modified SSM incisions. To replace the skin area removed with mastectomy from the upper quadrants, a similar size area from the lower pole was used. No local or distant recurrences occurred, with a mean follow-up of 27 months. Natural breast shape was achieved in all cases. Our procedure allows for a skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM type V) with immediate reconstruction, achieving a natural breast shape also in this group of patients previously excluded.

Preliminary experience in breast reconstruction with the free vertical deep inferior epigastric perforator flap.

The transverse abdominoplasty flap based on the perforators of the deep inferior epigastric pedicle (DIEP) is not indicated in patients with longitudinal midline abdominal scars because of the poor midline crossover of blood and the high risk of necrosis of the distal flap. Four patients who required breast reconstruction and presented with a mid-abdominal scar and an incongrous half abdomen, had a flap outlined vertically over the rectus abdominis muscle (VDIEP). The flaps were transferred to the thorax and reperfused to the thoracodorsal vessels. All flaps healed uneventfully which showed that the VDIEP is a reliable option for breast reconstruction, with the abdominoplasty flap, in patients with a vertical mid-abdominal scar. This flap seems to be perfused more robustly than the transverse DIEP; it has a better arterial inflow because of the inclusion of zone I and II alone according to Scheflan's model, and an easier longitudinal venous outflow.

Free flap reconstruction of the sole of the foot with or without sensory nerve coaptation.

The authors present a retrospective study on major plantar foot reconstruction to evaluate the role of the free fasciocutaneous flap and the importance of sensory nerve reconstruction in improving long-term results. Between 1995 and 1999, 20 patients with major defects of the sole of the foot underwent free forearm flap reconstruction performed by the senior author (F.S.). Sensory nerve reconstruction was added to this technique in 1997. The age and sex of the patients and the cause, location, and dimensions of their defects were recorded. The patients were clinically and neurophysiologically evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure for the following parameters: flap contour, flap stability, load capacity, walking ability, touch sensation, pain sensation, static two-point discrimination, and thermal sensibility. Dermatomic somatosensory-evoked potentials were also tested at 12 months. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 5 years. Patients were divided into two groups according to sensory nerve reconstruction. Group A consisted of 11 patients with nerve repair, and group B consisted of nine patients without nerve repair. One patient from group A who had an idiopathic neuropathy was excluded from the study because of interference with the reinnervation process. Five more patients (three from group A and two from group B) were lost at follow-up and excluded from the study. The final sample size in each group was seven. Data from both groups were compared and statistically analyzed with the Mann-Whitney test and the Fisher exact test. Long-term results confirmed in all reconstructions long-lasting stability. During the first postoperative year, patients with sensory nerve reconstruction showed better sensibility. The statistical analyses confirmed significant differences between the two groups to be dependent upon surgical technique at 3 and 6 months. Two-point discrimination and dermatomic somatosensory-evoked potentials were recorded. After 12 months, flaps without surgical nerve repair showed progressive improvement of sensitive thresholds, achieving a good protective sensibility, similar to that of the other group, but these flaps never regained two-point discrimination or dermatomic somatosensory-evoked potentials.

Suspension of the eyelid to the check ligament of the superior fornix for congenital blepharoptosis.

A new surgical procedure for the treatment of all types of congenital blepharoptosis is described: suspension of the eyelid to the check ligament of the superior fornix. This is a dynamic suspension technique by which the check ligament, which is an extension of Tenon's capsule and normally inserts into the superior conjunctival fornix, is brought forward and sutured to the tarsus, which raises the eyelid. This technique does not sacrifice or add any tissue and is simple to repeat if necessary. Sixty-two patients were operated on using the technique and followed up for a mean of 23 months (range 3 months to 9.6 years). In a group of patients not operated on before for ptosis, 50 eyelids were raised with 74% normalisation, 22% improvement, and one eyelid each that showed only slight change or overcorrection. In a group of patients with 27 eyelids operated on before using other techniques, 67% of the eyelids were normalised, 30% were improved, and only one eyelid showed no change. In conclusion, this new technique has proved to be quite successful in raising the level of the upper eyelid in congenital blepharoptosis, with results at least comparable to those of most other techniques. The advantages with the check ligament over other techniques are the minimal trauma of the surgery, its simplicity, and its repeatability.

Reconstruction of a natural-looking umbilicus.

Based on the assumption that the umbilicus is a wound that has healed by second intention, we describe a method of reconstruction. The procedure consists of complete resection of the umbilical scar and its reconstruction by a linear incision at the site of the new umbilicus and inversion of the skin hedges, which are sutured to the linea alba leaving a 1 cm space between the skin borders to cause secondary wound healing. This procedure provides a natural-looking umbilicus. It is easy and quick to do, and can be used for reconstruction after abdominoplasty, excision of a naevus, or when the umbilicus has been removed during a previous xiphopubic incision.

Functional sequelae following bilateral mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap: medium-term follow-up.

Arm morbidity following unilateral Latissimus Dorsi (LD) flap harvest is controversial and bilateral harvest is considered potentially disabling. Arm and shoulder disability was investigated in patients undergoing bilateral mastectomy and immediate LD flap reconstruction. Thirty consecutive bilateral immediate reconstructions with denervated LD flaps, performed between 2005-2009, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were assessed for arm function by conducting the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) test, between 12-51 months after surgery (mean 23 months). Disability scores ranged from 1-100%, with 1-25% being regarded as mild dysfunction, 26-50% as moderate dysfunction, 51-75% as severe dysfunction, and 76-100% as total dysfunction. A statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher exact test and the multivariate linear regression model for variables. The Global Mean Dash score was 14.8%. Twenty-four patients presented a mild functional deficit (< 25%), while six presented a moderate one (< 50%). Five of them presented a score < 40%, while only one patient presented a score of 49.1%. Higher scores were significantly associated (p < 0.001) with major postoperative complications and lower ones with re-innervated LD flaps (p < 0.01). An insignificant functional impairment was noted in most patients, while a moderate-to-severe one was noted only in the group with complications. Greater impairment is observed in the heavy activities. The DASH test is a useful tool in terms of informing patients and helping the surgeon to choose the best surgical option.

Infections in breast implants: a review with a focus on developing countries.

The risk of surgical site infection is always present in surgery; the use of prosthetic materials is linked to an increased possibility of infection. Breast augmentation and breast reconstruction with implants are gaining popularity in developing countries. Implant infection is the main complication related to breast aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. In the present paper, we reviewed the current microbiological knowledge about implant infections, with particular attention to risk factors, diagnosis, clinical management, and antibiotic prophylaxis, focusing on reports from developing countries. After breast aesthetic surgery, up to 2.9% of patients develop a surgical site infection, with an incidence of 1.7% for acute infections and 0.8% for late infections. The rate of surgical site infection after post-mastectomy breast reconstruction is usually higher, ranging from 1% to 53%. The clinical features are not constant, and bacterial culture with antibiogram is the gold standard for diagnosis and for identification of antibiotic resistance. While waiting for culture results, empiric therapy with vancomycin and extended-spectrum penicillins or cephalosporins is recommended. Some patients require removal of the infected prosthesis. The main methods to bring down the risk of infection are strict asepsis protocol, preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, and irrigation of the surgical pocket and implant with an antibiotic solution.

Total breast reconstruction using the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap without implant.

BACKGROUND: The thoracodorsal artery perforator flap was described mainly for partial breast reconstruction by Hamdi. The purpose of this article is to describe the use of the pedicled thoracodorsal artery perforator flap for total autologous breast reconstruction without using an implant. METHODS: Between January of 2009 and December of 2011, seven patients underwent total breast reconstruction with a pedicled thoracodorsal artery perforator flap. The mean age of the patients was 53 years (range, 43 to 62 years), and the mean body mass index was 27 kg/m (range, 24 to 32 kg/m). RESULTS: The mean size of the harvested skin paddle was 23.7 × 8.8 cm (range, 15 × 7 cm to 39 × 14 cm). The flaps were based on one to three perforators and successfully transferred with an average operative time of 3 hours. No seroma occurred at the donor site. Average hospital stay was 4 days (range, 3 to 6 days). At an average follow-up of 21.5 months, two patients underwent additional revisions using autologous fat grafting, with overall fat injection volumes of 240 and 280 cc, respectively. CONCLUSION: The pedicled thoracodorsal artery perforator flap offers an alternative for total autologous breast reconstruction in small to medium breasted patients when abdominal tissues are not available. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.