Definitive Reconstruction Research Articles

P128. Outcomes of definitive implant-based reconstruction using a delayed-immediate approach in the context of anticipated post-mastectomy radiotherapy

Introduction: Where post-mastectomy radiotherapy is anticipated, our unit has adopted a delayed-immediate approach using a temporary subcutaneous implant. Kronowitz originally described definitive autologous reconstruction, but with advances in implant-based reconstruction, we have offered both where appropriate and report here the outcomes of definitive implant reconstruction.

P130. Delayed immediate implant breast reconstruction -- how temporary is temporary?

Introduction: Subcutaneously placed breast implants for reconstruction have been associated with unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes and high implant loss rates. In our unit they are used for skin envelope preservation to allow completion of adjuvant treatments that may negatively affect a definitive reconstruction. We noted that some patients subsequently declined definitive reconstruction. We aimed to quantify this, identify factors contributing to these decisions, and assess rates of implant loss in this group.

Role of a new acellular dermal matrix in a multistep combined treatment of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the lumbar region: a case report

BackgroundDermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare skin fibroblastic tumor, with a high rate of recurrence. The treatment of DFSP is generally surgical, and wide local excision is the mainstay of surgical treatment. Therefore, complete assessment of all surgical margins is fundamental before definitive reconstruction. The reconstruction is a challenge for plastic surgeons, especially in particular anatomical areas (for aesthetic or functional problems) or in patients who are not candidates for more complex surgical treatments. We describe an alternative approach for reconstructive treatment of the lumbar area after wide excision of DFSP (without fresh-frozen sections) in a young obese woman with a history of smoking, using a new type of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in a combined management protocol. The benefits of ADM are numerous: immediate wound closure and prevention of infections and excessive drying; minimal donor site morbidity; and good functional and aesthetic outcomes. Moreover, it is a temporary cover while the anatomical specimen is histologically analyzed, without donor site morbidity or prevention of any future surgery (if the margins are not tumor-free) or radiotherapy.Case presentationIn October 2019, a 34-year old obese Caucasian Woman with a history of smoking came to our institute for a multinodular growing polypoid mass in her lumbar region. An incisional biopsy diagnosed DFSP. The patient underwent proper staging. A wide local excision with 3 cm clinically healthy tissue margins down to the muscle fascia was performed and the defect was repaired using a combined approach with a new artificial bilaminar dermal template (Pelnac®, Gunze Ltd., Osaka, Japan) and a negative-pressure wound therapy system (V.A.C.®, KCI, San Antonio, USA). After the final histological examination revealed tumor-free margins, a split-thickness graft was harvested from the right gluteus and fixed to the new derma with negative-pressure wound therapy. Postoperative radiotherapy was not necessary. After 15 days, the wound had healed without complications, with satisfactory aesthetic outcome and with no limitation of back motion or pain. After 6 months of follow-up, the patient was free from disease.ConclusionsThis is the first reported case of Pelnac® use in DFSP reconstruction of the lumbar region. We believe that the multistep approach described herein may be a good alternative approach in selected patients with wide resections in particular anatomical areas, especially when frozen sections (with Mohs micrographic surgery) are not available.

Spaghetti wrist: Transverse injury, axial incision, layered microsurgical reconstruction

IntroductionAmong various patterns of complex injuries of the wrist and forearm, “spaghetti wrist” refers to an extensive volar forearm laceration, in which several of the 12 tendons, 2 major nerves and 2 major arteries are transected, leading to lifelong disability and psychological, social and economic consequences. The aim of the study is to emphasize the keynote principles for the management of these injuries through retrospective review of a large group of patients treated by a team of experienced hand surgeons. Material-MethodsData were retrospectively obtained for 61 patients (49 males and 12 females with average age of 34.7 years) treated for spaghetti wrist lacerations and followed for a minimum period of two years, in two accredited Orthopaedic / Hand-Upper Extremity Surgery and Microsurgery Departments in Greece. All patients were treated within 16 hours of injury and underwent primary, layered reconstruction of all injured structures through an axial forearm exposure. ResultsThe most frequent mechanism of injury was glass-related lacerations. Overall, 541 structures were reconstructed, of which 417 were tendons, 76 nerves, and 48 arteries. An average of 8.86 structures were injured per patient, including 6.83 tendons, 1.24 nerves, and 0.79 arteries. The majority of the patients (28/61) had ≥10 structures injured (45.9%), while 32.7% (20/61) and 21.3% (13/61) of patients had 6-9 and 3-5 injured structures respectively. Almost 80% (49/61) of patients had excellent/good grading in all six tests used for the functional assessment post-operatively. DiscussionSpaghetti wrist injuries usually occur in a transverse wound pattern and necessitate timely and definitive operative reconstruction of all injured structures in layers, through an axial approach, by experienced hand surgeons to maximize outcome and to avoid complications. The most important prognostic factor of functional recovery is not the number of transected tendons, but the involvement of ulnar and/or median nerve injury.

Early Abdominal Wall Reconstruction with Biologic Mesh is Feasible after Catastrophic Abdominal Wall Disruption from Blunt Trauma

Introduction: Traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWHs) after blunt trauma, while rare, are typically associated with severe injuries, particularly those involved with the seatbelt triad of abdominal wall disruption. The aim of this study is to present a case series of patients with TAWHs that were managed at an early stage post injury with a biological mesh. Materials and Methods: Patients with TAWH undergoing complex abdominal wall reconstruction (CAWR) between 2017 and 2020 were identified from our institutional database. All patients underwent definitive reconstruction using advanced surgical techniques including a posterior component separation with biological mesh (STRATTICE™, Allergan, Inc., Dublin, Ireland) placed in a sublay fashion. Results: Seven patients underwent definitive TAWH repair during their index admission: the median age was 56 years (range 20–77) and the median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 34 (29–50). The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle crash (MVC) at 86%, while the most common intra-abdominal concomitant injury was small bowel. Traumatic hernia location was on the right side of the abdominal wall in three patients, left in three patients, and bilaterally in one patient. There were no hernia recurrences or deaths in this small cohort. Conclusion: Traumatic abdominal wall disruption can be safely reconstructed using advanced surgical techniques with a biological mesh during the acute phase or same index hospitalization.

Three-Dimensional Printed Nasal Prostheses After Oncologic Rhinectomies: Workflow and Patients' Satisfaction.

Reconstructions after oncologic full-thickness rhinectomies are often deferred from the ablative surgery. Definitive silicone prostheses are usually not used for transitional rehabilitation, and therefore, patients may deal with major facial defects for a long time before reconstruction. The aim was to develop a time- and cost-effective digital workflow to three-dimensional print temporary nasal prostheses and to assess patients' satisfaction. This prospective study enrolled all consecutive patients after full thickness ablative surgery and deferred reconstruction, from May 2018 to October 2019, at a tertiary care academic institution. With a dedicated software, the pre- and postoperative scans were three-dimensional processed to create the prosthesis and they were directly printed in elastic transparent resin. A cross-sectional survey was conducted 4 months after the rehabilitation to assess patients' satisfaction regarding comfort, aesthetics, and security of the retaining system. Seven patients were enrolled and they were all rehabilitated using this workflow. Mean time of design was 2h48 (SD 40 minutes), and mean printing time was 5h18 (SD 1 hour). Mean cost of production was 753 U.S. Dollars (SD 144 U.S. Dollars). Median scores of the visual analog scales were 8 out of 10 for each topic with interquartile range of 4 to 7 for aesthetics, 7 to 9 for comfort, and 7 to 10 for security of the retaining system. It has shown its feasibility in terms of costs and time of production. Patients were satisfied and it can be considered as a mean to help patients to deal with treatment sequelaes before definitive reconstruction.

Multistage Management of Complex Maxillofacial Defects Due to Gunshot Injury

Background and Aim: The injuries due to gunshot can form extensive defects. The management of these defects is required in multistage procedures, and the treatment achievement should be evaluated in many aspects. In this study, a methodology was tried to be developed to reveal the path to be followed in the management of maxillofacial defects caused by high-energy close-range gunshot injury. In addition, similar cases were analyzed retrospectively, and the functional and social successes of the treatment were evaluated. Subjects and Methods: Five patients with high-energy gunshot injuries were retrospectively analyzed. The tissue requirements of the patients were identified. The technical and quantitative details of the treatment were recorded. The facial disability index was used to evaluate the patient's social and motor functions in the 1st year after the operations were completed. Results: The patients' mean age was 31 (17–45), and all of them were male. The mean follow-up time was 25 months (14–26), and the mean operation amount was 7.6 (3–11). Four mandibular, one maxillary, and five soft-tissue defects were detected. It was detected that these defects were managed in basic four steps. Satisfactory, functional, and social results were obtained in four patients in the postoperative 1 year. Conclusions: The management of this group of patients comprises complicated procedures. First, the patient should be stabilized vitally. Definitive reconstruction should be carried out after the wound is stabilized. To increase treatment success, the patient's mental status should be stabilized during the treatment period. Providing social function is important along with physical function.

Extracorporeal sheath shunt technique in trauma: A different vascular shunt in civilian trauma.

Temporary intravascular shunts are widely used in military surgery, representing a bridging until definitive vascular reconstruction. In civilian practice, shunts are mainly used as damage control and as a temporary measure until orthopaedic fixation. The objective of this report is to illustrate a new approach to the temporary restoration of perfusion during open management of extremity arterial injury. The authors present a technique that uses sheaths introducers, instead of commercial or purpose-built shunts, which can be used through surgical or percutaneous approaches. Three clinical cases are presented where this technique was performed.Results/Conclusion: In the presented cases, this technique reduced time of shunt construction by avoiding artery surgical approach. This technique can facilitate the creation of an intravascular shunt among other than vascular surgeons.

Damage control strategy in perforated diverticulitis with generalized peritonitis

BackgroundThe best treatment for perforated colonic diverticulitis with generalized peritonitis is still under debate. Concurrent strategies are resection with primary anastomosis (PRA) with or without diverting ileostomy (DI), Hartmann’s procedure (HP), laparoscopic lavage (LL) and damage control surgery (DCS). This review intends to systematically analyze the current literature on DCS.MethodsDCS consists of two stages. Emergency surgery: limited resection of the diseased colon, oral and aboral closure, lavage, vacuum-assisted abdominal closure. Second look surgery after 24–48 h: definite reconstruction with colorectal anastomosis (−/ + DI) or HP after adequate resuscitation. The review was conducted in accordance to the PRISMA-P Statement. PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane central register of controlled trials (CENTRAL) and EMBASE were searched using the following term: (Damage control surgery) AND (Diverticulitis OR Diverticulum OR Peritonitis).ResultsEight retrospective studies including 256 patients met the inclusion criteria. No randomized trial was available. 67% of the included patients had purulent, 30% feculent peritonitis. In 3% Hinchey stage II diverticulitis was found. In 49% the Mannheim peritonitis index (MPI) was greater than 26. Colorectal anastomosis was constructed during the course of the second surgery in 73%. In 15% of the latter DI was applied. The remaining 27% received HP. Postoperative mortality was 9%, morbidity 31% respectively. The anastomotic leak rate was 13%. 55% of patients were discharged without a stoma.ConclusionDCS is a safe technique for the treatment of acute perforated diverticulitis with generalized peritonitis, allowing a high rate of colorectal anastomosis and stoma-free hospital discharge in more than half of the patients.

Plastic Surgery at War: A Scoping Review of Current Conflicts.

The scope of military plastic surgery and location where care is provided has evolved with each major conflict. To help inform plastic surgeon utilization in future conflicts, we conducted a review of military plastic surgery-related studies to characterize plastic surgeon contributions during recent military operations. Using a scoping review design, we searched electronic databases to identify articles published since September 1, 2001 related to military plastic surgery according to a defined search criterion. Next, we screened all abstracts for appropriateness based on pre-established inclusion/exclusion criteria. Finally, we reviewed the remaining full-text articles to describe the nature of care provided and the operational level at which care was delivered. The final sample included 55 studies with most originating in the United States (54.5%) between 2005 and 2019 and were either retrospective cohort studies (81.8%) or case series (10.9%). The breadth of care included management of significant upper/lower extremity injuries (40%), general reconstructive and wound care (36.4%), and craniofacial surgery (16.4%). Microsurgical reconstruction was a primary focus in 40.0% of published articles. When specified, most care was described at Role 3 (25.5%) or Roles 4/5 facilities (62.8%) with temporizing measures more common at Role 3 and definite reconstruction at Roles 4/5. Several lessons learned were identified that held commonality across plastic surgery domain. Plastic surgeons continue to play a critical role in the management of wounded service members, particularly for complex extremity reconstruction, craniofacial trauma, and general expertise on wound management. Future efforts should evaluate mechanisms to maintain these skill sets among military plastic surgeons.

Maxillofacial reconstruction with prefabricated prelaminated osseous free flaps.

The prefabricated fibula flap is an advanced method of occlusal-based reconstruction that combines placement of osseointegrated dental implants with prelamination, using a split skin graft on the fibula, weeks prior to the definitive reconstruction. This approach is resource intensive but has several advantages including eliminating the delay from reconstruction to dental rehabilitation. A retrospective cohort study of all prefabricated fibula flaps used for mandible and maxillary reconstruction from 2012 to 2020 was performed. Outcome measures were implant survival, implant utilization and functional dental rehabilitation. A total of 17 prefabricated fibula flaps were performed including two analogue and 15 digital plans. There were nine maxillary and eight mandibular reconstructions, of which 11 were primary and seven were secondary. There were no free flap failures. A total of 65 implants were placed (average 3.8, median 3 implants). There was one implant failure at 6 years giving a 1.5% failure rate. There was 91% implant utilization and 94% functional dental rehabilitation. The prefabricated fibula flap provides outstanding dental rehabilitation in well-selected patients.

Systematic Review of Tissue Expansion: Utilization in Non-breast Applications.

Tissue expansion is a versatile reconstructive technique providing well-vascularized local tissue. The current literature focuses largely on tissue expansion for breast reconstruction and in the context of burn and pediatric skin/soft tissue replacement; however, less traditional applications are also prevalent. The aim of this study was to systematically review the utilization of tissue expansion in such less well-characterized circumstances. The authors conducted a systematic review of all publications describing non-breast applications of tissue expansion. Variables regarding expander specifications, expansion process, and complications were collected and further analyzed. A total of 565 publications were identified. Of these, 166 publications described tissue expansion for "less traditional" indications, which fell into 5 categories: ear reconstruction, cranioplasty, abdominal wall reconstruction, orthopedic procedures, and genital (penile/scrotal and vaginal/vulva) reconstruction. While lower extremity expansion is known to have high complication rates, tissue expander failure, infection, and exposure rates were in fact highest for penile/scrotal (failure: 18.5%; infection: 15.5%; exposure: 12.5%) and vaginal/vulva (failure: 20.6%; infection: 10.3%; exposure: 6.9%) reconstruction. Tissue expansion enables index operations by providing additional skin before definitive reconstruction. Tissue expanders are a valuable option along the reconstructive ladder because they obviate the need for free tissue transfer. Although tissue expansion comes with inherent risk, aggregate outcome failures of the final reconstruction are similar to published rates of complications without pre-expansion. Thus, although tissue expansion requires a staged approach, it remains a valuable option in facilitating a variety of reconstructive procedures.

Multiple Cholecystoenteric Fistulas and Choledochal Cyst Identified during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: An Interesting Case

Introduction: Cholecystoenteric fistula is a rare complication of gallbladder disease and cholelithiasis, and are typically discovered incidentally during cholecystectomy. Identification and proper management with division and closure of the fistula is of paramount importance. Type I choledochal cysts are the most common type of choledochal cysts and carry a risk of malignancy. Here, we report a rare case of a patient with cholelithiasis who during laparoscopy was found to have both cholecystoduodenal and cholecystocolonic fistulas, as well as a Type I choledochal cyst. We describe an algorithmic approach to definitive management. Case description: A 55-year-old female presented with cholelithasis. During laparoscopy, a cholecystocolonic fistula, a cholecystoduodenal fistula, and a Type I choledochal cyst were found. Take-down of fistulae and cholecystectomy were performed followed by definitive biliary resection and reconstruction in a staged approach. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a patient with two incidentally discovered cholecystoenteric fistulae and concurrent choledochal cyst. Furthermore, as avoiding definitive biliary bypass in the presence of a septic focus, we describe a step-wise approach to management. Discussion: In patients with acute cholecystitis or choledocholithiasis, imaging frequently does not show evidence of gallbladder fistulas. Most commonly, these processes are only identified intra-operatively. We present a rare case of a patient with multiple cholecystoenteric fistulae and a Type I choledochal cyst discovered intra-operatively. This case report highlights an algorithmic approach to the management of not only dual or multiple cholecystoenteric fistulas, but also a concurrent Type 1 choledochal cyst.

Role of topical insulin therapy as an adjunct in the management of pressure ulcer

Pressure ulcer or pressure sore is one of the complications seen in bedridden patients. Management of these ulcers is often challenging. But there is no well-established method that accelerates the wound healing rate. Various adjunctive methods are used for wound bed preparation before definitive reconstruction plan is made. Here we describe our experience in the role of insulin therapy as an adjunct in the management of pressure sores.

Role of topical insulin therapy as an adjunct in the management of pressure ulcer

Pressure ulcer or pressure sore is one of the complications seen in bedridden patients. Management of these ulcers is often challenging. But there is no well-established method that accelerates the wound healing rate. Various adjunctive methods are used for wound bed preparation before definitive reconstruction plan is made. Here we describe our experience in the role of insulin therapy as an adjunct in the management of pressure sores.

Use of Islanded Supratrochlear Artery Component Paramedian Forehead Flap and Cranial Bone Graft for Composite Nasal Defect Reconstruction.

The authors present a case series of patients with composite loss of nasal skin cover and lining following road accidents. The nasal skeletal framework in all these cases was also severely communited. The reconstruction of all the these was achieved in 1 operation. The authors have utilized islanded supratrochlear artery based paramedian forehead skin and pericranial flap for reconstruction of both skin and lining defects. The nasal skeletal framework was restored with the help of cantilevered split cranial bone graft. In all but 1 patient, the reconstruction was done in the emergency setting at the time of initial admission itself. One patient had infected wound that necessitated an initial debridement and split skin grafting. In this case, the definitive reconstruction was done after a gap of 3 months.A long-term follow-up of these patients is presented.

The linguocultural image of raspberries (Rubus idaeus) in Polish

Background: The aim of the article is to reconstruct the linguocultural view of raspberries ( Rubus idaeus ) in the Polish language and folk culture based on the assumptions of the cognitive definition. The popular account of raspberries found in folklore introduces the ethnolinguistic methodology, which is used to describe the world of plants by the Lublin-based team of researchers under the guidance of Jerzy Bartminski – the originator and editor of Slownik stereotypow i symboli ludowych [ Dictionary of Folk Stereotypes and Symbols ], published since the 1980s. The author shows that similar research – combining ethnobotany, linguistics, ethnography and folklore studies – has also been conducted in other Slavic countries, such as Russia, Serbia, Ukraine and Belarus. Methods: Following the methodology adopted in the Lublin ethnolinguistic dictionary, the author reconstructs – based on the collected documentary material and using the cognitive definition method – the entry malina [raspberry] ( Rubus idaeus ) and arranges stereotypical judgments about this plant into separate semantic subcategories (facets). The reconstruction applies the panchronic approach, which allows to present the general characteristics of raspberries in Polish linguaculture. Results: On the basis of the collected source material (lexicographic, folklore and ethnographic data) the cognitive definition of raspberries involves such semantic subcategories as: collections and complexes, appearance and properties, ripening and harvesting, location, vehicle, practical applications, magical and medicinal applications, equivalents and symbolism. The reconstruction of the cognitive definition is preceded by the analysis of names, species and varieties, as well as ways of plant categorisation, according to the postulate of the subjective reconstruction of the linguistic worldview. Conclusions: In conclusion, the author presents the semantic “capsule” of raspberry ( Rubus idaeus ), containing the most important characteristics of the plant that are most firmly entrenched in the Polish language and Polish folk culture. Keywords: ethnolinguistics, ethnobotany, cognitive definition, linguistic worldview, raspberry ( Rubus idaeus )

Is Tissue Expansion Worth It? Comparative Outcomes of Skin-preserving versus Delayed Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

Background:The requirement for postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) at the time of mastectomy is often unknown. Autologous reconstruction is preferred in the setting of radiotherapy by providing healthy vascularized tissue to the chest. To maximize mastectomy skin preservation, tissue expander (TE) placement maintains the breast pocket until definitive reconstruction. This study aims to compare outcomes of skin-preserving delayed versus standard delayed autologous breast reconstruction in the setting of PMRT.Methods:A retrospective review of a prospective database was performed of two patient cohorts at a single center between 2006 and 2016. Inclusion criteria were locally advanced breast cancer patients who completed PMRT and free autologous reconstruction. Primary outcomes were major intraoperative and postoperative TE and flap complications.Results:Over 10 years, 241 patients underwent mastectomy and PMRT. Standard delayed autologous breast reconstruction was performed in 131 breasts (non-TE group). Skin-preserving delayed autologous reconstruction was performed in 113 breasts (TE group). The TE group was associated with a higher incidence of intraoperative complications during flap reconstruction (P = 0.002) and had a higher venous thrombosis incidence than the non-TE cohort (P = 0.007). Other major postoperative complications were not significantly different between the two groups. TE patients had 7.5 times higher risk of intraoperative complications and an 18.6% TE loss rate.Conclusions:We identified higher intraoperative flap complications and a high rate of TE loss in patients who underwent skin-preserving delayed autologous breast reconstruction. The benefit of mastectomy skin preservation needs to be weighed against the increased risk of TE loss and higher rates of flap thrombosis.

Delayed reconstruction of soft tissue defects in mangled lower extremities: A report of three cases

Background: The best timing for the soft tissue reconstruction procedure in the mangled lower extremity is still controversial. Despite the advantages of acute treatment, delayed soft tissue reconstruction are often inevitable for various reasons. This case report aims to present three cases of delayed reconstruction to treat lower extremities soft-tissue defects in mangled lower extremity following high-energy trauma.Case Series: This study included three cases that underwent delayed reconstruction for the mangled lower extremity. The definitive reconstructions were done in 15, 30, and 60 days after injury and all cases underwent serial debridement before the definitive procedure. The reconstruction methods used were skin graft and free flap. There was no graft/flap loss observed in this study.Conclusion: We believe that soft tissue reconstruction of mangled lower extremities following high-energy trauma may also be safely done in a delayed setting if the wound debridement is adequately done, and the basic reconstructive principles are fulfilled.

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided hepaticogastrostomy as a bridge to the definitive biliary reconstruction in a pediatric patient with left hepatic duct disruption secondary to blunt liver trauma

Abstract Case report Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) is a minimally invasive technique for biliary system drainage that is used in adult patients with biliary obstruction whose papilla of Vater cannot be accessed. We report a pediatric patient who developed complete obstruction of left hepatic duct associated with liver injury and underwent EUS-HGS as a bridge to the definitive biliary reconstruction. A 7-year-old boy sustained a liver injury (Grade IV) developed bile peritonitis post-traumatic day 17 and underwent perihepatic drainage followed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, which revealed persistent bile leakage from B8. The left biliary system was not visible. A 7-Fr plastic stent was placed into the right biliary system, but 1 week later the patient developed diffuse dilatation of the left biliary system due to complete obstruction of left hepatic duct. EUS-HGS was performed to drain the left biliary system. A dilated bile duct (B2) was accessed using a needle through the EUS probe. A 7-Fr plastic stent was placed into B2 over the guidewire. Eight months later, he underwent elective exploratory laparotomy and hepaticojejunostomy by pediatric hepatobiliary surgeons. Conclusion Temporarily draining the biliary system by EUS-HGS is a viable option prior to definitive biliary reconstructive surgery.