Tissue Flaps Research Articles

Methods in breast reconstruction for patients with a history of breast cancer after total or partial mastectomy care

Breast cancer is an oncologic process in which healthy cells of the mammary gland degenerate and transform into tumor cells, proliferating and multiplying until the tumor is formed. It is known that breast cancer is one of the main causes of death in women. Therefore, mastectomy is one of the most used medical interventions to prevent, fight or stop breast cancer totally or partially. Due to this, the aim of this work was to determine the method or methods used for breast reconstruction for patients with a history of breast cancer after a total or partial mastectomy, and also to know a little about possible complications if any, to know which would be the most assertive to apply to the patient, for which information was collected in databases, and using a method similar to PRISMA a necessary number of articles that met the criteria for the preparation of the work were chosen, and search terms were used in pages such as MESH/DECS. Among the main methods found to achieve breast reconstruction was the immediate reconstruction that can even be applied at the time of mastectomy, however, the technique to be used will depend on the patient's case, as soft tissue flaps can be used, as well as autologous tissues that are cataloged with better results even than radiotherapy

A TriNetX Registry Analysis of the Need for Second Procedures following Index Anterior and Posterior Urethroplasty.

We queried a global database to understand re-intervention rates following urethroplasty with the goal of evaluating whether they align with previously published data. Using the TriNetX database and Common Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD) codes, we identified adult male patients with urethral stricture disease (ICD N35) who underwent one-stage anterior (CPT 53410) or posterior urethroplasty (CPT 53415), with or without (substitution urethroplasty) a tissue flap (CPT 15740) or buccal graft (CPT 15240 or 15241). We set urethroplasty as the index event and used descriptive statistics to report the incidence of secondary procedures (using CPT codes) within 10 years after the index event. There were 6606 patients who underwent urethroplasty within the last 20 years, with 14.3% of patients undergoing a second procedure after index event. Upon subgroup analysis, reintervention rates were 14.5% for anterior urethroplasty vs. 12.4% of patients with an anterior substitution urethroplasty (RR 1.7, p = 0.09) and 13.3% for posterior urethroplasty vs. 8.2% for patients with a posterior substitution urethroplasty (RR 1.6, p < 0.01). Most patients will not need any form of re-intervention following urethroplasty. These data align with previously described recurrence rates, which may help urologists counsel patients considering urethroplasty.

Abstract P2-14-12: Endoscopic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: A single Institutional Experience of 50 Consecutive Cases

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study is to to introduce an early experience of endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) combined with immediate breast reconstruction through simple single-port access that placed in axillary incision. Methods and Materials: Between November 2018 and June 2022, 48 female patients with breast cancer, total 50 cases of breast cancer (bilateral breast cancer in 2 patients) were treated with endoscopic NSM combined with immediate breast reconstruction through simple single-port access that placed in axillary incision. Forty-six patients, total forty-eight cases, underwent breast reconstruction with silicone implant, two patient underwent TRAM reconstruction. Surgical procedures of endoscopic NSM: Patients were placed in a supine position with both upper limbs on arm boards abducted 90 degree. An incision of 5 cm was made along the anterior axillary line from the inferior mammary fold. The sentinel lymph node was excised through the incision. .A workspace for the insertion of a Glove Port (Nelis, Republic of Korea) was created within a radius of 3 cm from the incision, and the subcutaneous tissue flaps were raised. The Glove Port was inserted first into the retromammary space, carbon dioxide (CO2) gas was insufflated, and the pressure was maintained at approximately 7 mmHg. The retromammary space dissection was performed with caution to avoid dissecting the interpectoral space, using an energy device and an endoscopic grasper guided by a flexible endoscope (ENDOEYE FLEX 10 mm, OLYMPUS, Japan). The breast was elevated to the edge of the latissimus dorsi muscle laterally, to the thoracoabdominal aponeurosis inferiorly, to the level of the clavicle superiorly, and to the edge of the sternum medially. After dissecting the retromammary fat plane, the Glove Port was relocated into the subcutaneous space. Skin flap was dissected using an energy device, and the duct beneath the nipple was cut off using endoscopic scissors. The subcutaneous flap was dissected completely along the boundaries of the breast, and the entire breast was removed Results: The patients were 30-55 years old (mean, 43 years). The tumor located at the left breast in 26 cases and at the right breast in 23 cases. The diameter of tumor ranged from 1.5 to 5.2 cm (mean, 3.4 cm). Median operation time was 153 minutes. After operation, nipple necrosis or skin flap necrosis was not observed. No subcutaneous emphysema occurred. There is one tumor involvement to nipple in postoperative pathological examination. So, excision of nipple-areolar-complex was performed 2 weeks after first operation. All patients were followed up 1-43 months (median, 19 months). According to the Harris assessment criteria for appearance of reconstructed breast, there were 43 cases of excellent and 7 cases of good. No tumor recurrence or metastasis occurred during follow-up. Conclusion: It is a safe and feasible method of endoscopic NSM combined with immediate breast reconstruction through simple single-port access that placed in axillary incision, and can obtain good cosmetic results. It is a new option to breast reconstruction. Citation Format: HYEYOON LEE, Kyusang Cho, YOUNGWOO CHANG, GILSOO SON. Endoscopic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: A single Institutional Experience of 50 Consecutive Cases [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-14-12.

LAPAROSCOPIC PERITONEAL COLPOPOIESIS: LONG-TERM ANATOMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES

Objective: To evaluate the long‑term anatomical and sexual outcomes of laparoscopic peritoneal colpopoiesis among women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. Material and methods. We conducted a retrospective and observational single center study. Between January 2007 and May 2017, 16 patients with MRKH syndrome were treated with laparoscopic peritoneal colpopoiesis procedure. Results. The mean age of patients at the time of diagnosis was 18.8 years, and that at the time of hospitalization was 20.6 years. Concomitant congenital anomalies, such as urinary tract anomaly, were reported in six (37.5%) patients, various malformations of the cardiovascular system were reported in two (12.5%) patients. Mean surgery duration was 122.6 minutes (range 65 – 295 min); mean intraoperative blood loss was 75.3 ml (range 30 – 200 ml). Anatomical success, along with the absence of stenosis and reduction of the tissue flap was achieved in 100% cases. According to the female sexual function index (FSFI), results show good quality of sexual life. One of the patients, thanks to transvaginal donation of oocytes and surrogate motherhood, is raising her own child at the age of 3 years. Conclusion. Laparoscopic peritoneal colpopoiesis can be used as an effective and low-traumatic technique for creating a neovagina, taking into account the anatomical structure of the perineum.

Surgical management of large tracheoesophageal fistula in infants after button battery ingestion.

In recent years, an increase in severe and even fatal outcomes related to oesophageal or airway button battery (BB) ingestion by infants and small children has been reported. Extensive tissue necrosis caused by lodged BB can lead to major complications, including tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). In these instances, best treatment remains controversial. While small defects may warrant a conservative approach, surgery often remains inevitable in highly complex cases with large TEF. We present a series of small children that underwent successful surgical management by a multidisciplinary team in our institution. This is a retrospective analysis of n = 4 patients <18 months undergoing TEF repair from 2018 to 2021. Surgical repair under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support was feasible in n = 4 patients by reconstructing the trachea with decellularized aortic homografts that were buttressed with pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flaps. While direct oesophageal repair was feasible in 1 patient, 3 required esophagogastrostomy and secondary repair. The procedure was completed successfully in all 4 children with no mortality and acceptable morbidity. Tracheo-oesophageal repair after BB ingestion remains challenging and is associated with major morbidity. Bioprosthetic materials in conjunction with the interposition of vascularized tissue flaps between trachea and oesophagus appear to be a valid approach to manage severe cases.

Transvaginal ultrasonography for trigonitis diagnosis in women.

Chronic trigonitis (CT) is usually diagnosed through cystoscopy which is invasive and expensive. Thus, an accurate non-invasive diagnostic method is necessary. The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of transvaginal bladder ultrasound (TBU) for CT diagnosis. Between 2012 and 2021, 114 women (17-76 years old) with recurrent urinary tract infection (RUTI) and history of antibiotic resistance were evaluated with TBU by a single ultrasonographer. As a control group, TBU was performed in 25 age-matched women with no previous history of UTI, urological or gynecological conditions. All patients with RUTI had undergone a cystoscopy with biopsy for diagnostic confirmation at the time of trigone cauterization. Thickening of trigone mucosa (>3 mm) was detected in all patients with RUTI and represented the most relevant criteria for trigonitis diagnosis on TBU. Other TBU findings in CT are: irregular and interrupted mucosa lining (96.4%), free debris in the urine (85.9%), increased blood flow at doppler (81.5%), mucosa shedding and tissue flaps. Biopsy showed CT with erosive pattern (58%) or non-keratinizing metaplasia (42%). Diagnostic agreement index between TBU and cystoscopy was 100%. In the control group, normal trigone mucosa is ultrasonographically regular, continuous, with thickness ≤3 mm and there is no debris in the urine. TBU proved to be an efficient, inexpensive and minimally invasive method to diagnose CT. To our knowledge, this is the first article that reports the use of transvaginal ultrasound as an alternative method for diagnosing trigonitis.

Arterialized Vein Bypass Graft Recipient Vessel in Free Tissue Transfer Covering Diabetic Foot Ulcers Complicated by Critical Limb Ischemia.

Limb salvage options are limited in diabetic patients with critical limb ischemia. Soft tissue coverage remains technically demanding with limited recipient vessels for free tissue transfer. These factors make revascularization alone challenging. When open bypass revascularization is possible, venous bypass graft is optimal and functions as a recipient vessel for staged free tissue transfer.The authors present 2 cases using a combination approach of staged venous bypass graft revascularization followed by free tissue transfer with anastomosis to the venous bypass graft resulting in successful limb preservation.Free tissue transfer to a native vessel has limited application in severe peripheral vascular disease patients because early vascular compromise threatens flap survival. In both presented cases, venous bypass graft alone was insufficient to treat their nonhealing wounds, and preoperative angiogram revealed dismal options for free tissue transfer reconstruction. However, previous venous bypass graft provided an operable vessel for free tissue transfer anastomosis. The combination of venous bypass graft and free tissue transfer proved to be ideal for successful limb preservation by providing vascularized tissue to previously ischemic angiosomes, ensuring optimal wound healing capacity. Venous bypass graft is advantageous to native arterial grafts, and its combination with free tissue transfer likely increases graft patency and flap survival. We demonstrate that end-to-side anastomosis to a venous bypass graft is a viable option in these highly comorbid patients with favorable flap outcomes.

Breast Reconstruction Trends in the Setting of Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy: Analysis of Practices among Plastic Surgeons in the United States.

A cross-sectional survey of members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery was performed. Practice/demographic information and breast reconstruction protocols were queried. Univariate descriptive statistics were calculated, and outcomes were compared across cohorts with χ2 and Fischer exact tests. Overall, 477 plastic surgeons averaging 16.3 years in practice were surveyed. With respect to types of reconstruction, all options were well represented, although nearly 60% preferred autologous reconstruction with prior radiation and 55% preferred tissue expansion followed by implant/autologous reconstruction in the setting of unknown postoperative radiation. There was little consensus on the optimal timing of reconstruction in the setting of possible postoperative radiation. Most respondents wait 4-6 or 7-12 months between the end of radiation and stage 2 implant-based or autologous reconstruction. Common concerns regarding the effect of radiation on reconstructive outcomes included mastectomy flap necrosis, wound dehiscence, capsular contracture, tissue fibrosis, and donor vessel complications. Despite considerable research, there is little consensus on the ideal type and timing of reconstruction in the setting of pre- and postoperative radiation. Understanding how the current body of knowledge is translated into clinical practice by different populations of surgeons allows us to forge a path forward toward more robust, evidence-based guidelines for patient care.

Hypoxia-induced CCL2/CCR2 axis in adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) promotes angiogenesis by human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) in flap tissues.

Flap expansion has become an important method widely used in wound repair and organ reconstruction. However, distal skin flap ischemic necrosis remains a problematic complication. In this study, integrative bioinformatics analyses indicated the upregulation of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) in reperfusion-exposed skin flap tissues. In adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs, CD90-positive, CD29-positive, CD34-negative, and CD106-negative) exposed to hypoxia, HIF-1α and CCL2 levels were significantly elevated. Conditioned medium (CM) from hypoxia-stimulated ADSCs promoted HDMEC proliferation, migration, and tube formation, partially inhibited by sh-CCL2-induced CCL2 knockdown or neutralized antibody-induced CCL2 depletion in ADSCs. Consistently, CCL2, CCR2, TNF-α, TLR2, and TLR4 protein levels in HDMECs were significantly increased by hypoxia-treated ADSCs CM, and partially decreased by sh-CCL2-induced CCL2 knockdown or neutralizing antibody-induced CCL2 knockdown in ADSCs. In the flap expansion model, ADSCs transplantation significantly improved flap survival and angiogenesis by endothelial cells in flap tissues, whereas CCL2 knockdown in ADSCs partially eliminated the improvement by ADSCs transplantation; overexpression of CCL2 in ADSCs further promoted the effects of ADSCs transplantation on skin flap. In conclusion, the CCL2/CCR2 axis in ADSCs could be induced by hypoxia, promoting HDMEC proliferation, migration, and tube formation and improving flap survival and angiogenesis in flap tissues.

Hopeless Neuroma—The Neurotized Free Flap Tissue Augmentation as Salvage Therapy—A Concept and Clinical Demonstration

Therapy-resistant neuroma pain is a devastating condition for patients and surgeons. Although various methods are described to surgically deal with neuromas, some discontinuity and stump neuroma therapies have anatomical limitations. It is widely known that a neurotizable target for axon ingrowth is beneficial for dealing with neuromas. The nerve needs "something to do". Furthermore, sufficient soft tissue coverage plays a major role in sufficient neuroma therapy. We aimed, therefore, to demonstrate our approach for therapy of resistant neuromas with insufficient tissue coverage using free flaps, which are sensory neurotized via anatomical constant branches. The central idea is to provide a new target, a new "to do" for the painful mislead axons, as well as an augmentation of deficient soft tissues. As indication is key, we furthermore demonstrate clinical cases and common neurotizable workhorse flaps.

Improvement of reconstructive surgical operations with closure of skull tissue defects in primary malignant tumors with intra-extracranial and extra-intracranial localization

Objective ‒ to improve reconstructive and plastic methods of treatment of patients with malignant tumors that spread beyond the brain skull to ensure a decent quality of life.Materials and methods. The results of a comprehensive clinical examination and surgical treatment (with a reconstructive component) of 21 patients with scalp and skull tissue defects operated on in the extracerebral tumor clinic of Romodanov Institute of Neurosurgery of NAMS of Ukraine in the period from 2018 to 2021. There were 9 women and 12 men among the patients. The age of the patients is from 36 to 80 years old. All patients underwent clinical, neurological and instrumental examinations. The diagnosis was verified by the results of histopathomorphological examination. Statistical methods (discriminant analysis (MANOVA)) were used for data processing. Statistical significance was tested using the Pearson test (χ²).Results. The patients were divided into two groups. The main group (n=16) – operated on using adapted patented plastic techniques that take into account the optimal angle of direction of stress vectors in the tissue of skin-aponeurotic flaps in the postoperative period during stress relaxation. The comparison group was made up of 5 people operated on using traditional methods of mobilization and fixation of skin-aponeurotic flaps. Using the patient’s own tissues is the most reliable and effective method of cosmetic restoration of the head after radical treatment for locally advanced tumors. Active tactics (postoperative monitoring of the flap) make it possible to detect blood circulation disorders in the transplanted tissues at an early stage and to carry out a timely revision of the anastomoses. Performing simultaneous reconstructive operations is an integral part of complex treatment of patients with malignant tumors, expands the indications for performing gentle operations, allows to obtain «excellent» and «good» functional and aesthetic results in 85 % of cases. Simultaneous microsurgical reconstructive operations are possible in patients after complex treatment, although the frequency of thrombotic complications in this group was higher (12.5 %) than in the comparison group (7.5 %).Conclusions. The perspective of plastic-reconstructive replacement of defects for clinical application has been proven and the method has been improved using the latest technologies.Key words: malignant tumors; intracranial/extracranial spread; surgical treatment; reconstruction; quality of life.

Effects of Tissue Flap on Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C (VEGF-C) as a Marker of Improved Inguinal Lymphatic Circulation on Dissected Mice

Background: Radical surgery in cancer patients might result in complications like lymphedema. Tissue transfer procedure and lymphatic reconstruction could be done to manage lymphedema. Few biomarker expressions were identified to be associated with lymphangiogenesis and improved lymphatic system function after dissection. This study aims to evaluate the development of new lymphatic vessels by adding flap tissue after lymphatic dissection, assessed by VEGF-C expression, macrophage infiltration, and fibrotic tissue development. Methods: This is a non-randomized clinical trial at Animal House Skill Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, conducted from January to March 2018. Sprague clawley male mice were aged 8-12 weeks were used and divided into control and trial groups. Each mouse underwent inguinal dissection and was randomized to receive additional flap tissue procedures and then evaluated two months after. Methylene blue dye was used to assess the lymphatic flow. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry examination was used to assess the development of fibrotic tissue. Data analysis was done by using SPSS version 20.0 for Windows. Results: 18 mice were included in the analysis and divided into two groups. Eight out of 9 mice (88.9%) in the trial group, which received flap tissue, showed lymphatic flow from the visualization of methylene blue, compared to two mice (22.2%) from the control group (p=0.15) two months after surgery. Histopathology examination showed wider fibrotic tissue of the lymphatic system from the trial group (p=0.05). Immunohistochemistry analysis also showed higher VEGF-C (p=0.01) and CD68 expression in the trial group (p=0.15). Conclusion: The addition of flap tissue might improve lymphatic flow, proven by increased lymphatic circulation and VEGF-C expression.

Treatment of infected thoracic aortic aneurysm with combined abscess debridement and stent-graft wrapping using pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flaps after thoracic endovascular aortic repair

BackgroundOpen thoracic surgery (with infected lesion removal, prosthetic graft replacement, and pedicled tissue flap) has remained the main treatment for infected thoracic aortic aneurysms to date. Recent reports have highlighted good prognostic outcomes with thoracic endovascular aortic repair. However, thoracic endovascular aortic repair for infected thoracic aortic aneurysms is associated with an exacerbation of infection due to residual infected tissues. We discuss the control of refractory infections following endovascular treatment of infected thoracic aortic aneurysms.Case presentationAn 81-year-old man, with a history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and pancreaticoduodenectomy, presented to our emergency department with a fever. Blood tests revealed a markedly elevated leukocyte count, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography suggested a descending thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm. We diagnosed the patient with an infected descending thoracic aortic aneurysm, and performed urgent thoracic endovascular aortic repair; he was started on an intravenous antibiotic treatment. Postoperatively, blood tests revealed a decreased leukocyte count and the patient remained afebrile. However, computed tomography revealed temporal enlargement of the abscess cavity; therefore, an abscess debridement and stent graft wrapping with pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flaps were performed, which successfully controlled the infection. Six weeks after abscess debridement, the patient was switched to an oral antibiotic therapy. There was no evidence of recurrence of infection 8 months after the surgery.ConclusionsA combined abscess debridement and pedicled tissue flap approach is useful for patients with poor surgical tolerance in whom infection control is difficult after thoracic endovascular aortic repair for infected thoracic aortic aneurysms. Pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flaps are useful when using the omentum for pedicled tissue flap is difficult.

Surgical Considerations of One-Stage Reconstruction of Large Extremity Defects Using a Thin Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap.

Background One-stage reconstruction with "thin perforator flaps" has been attempted to salvage limbs and restore function. The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is a commonly utilized flap in breast reconstruction (BR). The purpose of this study is to present the versatility of DIEP flaps for the reconstruction of large defects of the extremities. Methods Patients with large tissue defects on extremities who were treated with thin DIEP flaps from January 2016 to January 2018 were included. They were minimally followed up for 36 months. We analyzed the etiology and location of the soft tissue defect, flap design, anastomosis type, outcome, and complications. We also considered the technical differences in the DIEP flap between breast and extremity reconstruction. Results Overall, six free DIEP flaps were included in the study. The flap size ranged from 15 × 12 to 30 × 16 cm 2 . All flaps were transversely designed similar to a traditional BR design. Three flaps were elevated with two perforators. Primary closure of the donor site was possible in all cases. Five flaps survived with no complications. However, partial necrosis occurred in one flap. Conclusion A DIEP flap is not the first choice for soft tissue defects, but it should be considered for one-stage reconstruction of large defects when the circulation zone of the DIEP flap is considered. In addition, this flap has many advantages over other flaps such as provision of the largest skin paddle, low donor site morbidity with a concealed scar, versatile supercharging technique, and a long pedicle.

Chicken Feet: A Model for Practising Locoregional Flaps of the Hand.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of the chicken foot model for surgical trainees interested in practising the designing, harvesting and inset of locoregional flaps of the hand. Methods: A descriptive study was performed to demonstrate the technical aspects of harvesting four locoregional flaps in a chicken foot model: fingertip volar V-Y advancement flap, four-flap and five-flap Z-plasty, cross-finger flap and first dorsal metacarpal artery (FDMA) flap. The study was performed in a surgical training laboratory on non-live chicken feet. No participants were involved in this study, apart from authors performing the descriptive techniques. Results: All flaps were successfully performed. Anatomical landmarks, soft tissue texture and flap harvest, as well as inset closely resembled clinical experience with patients. Maximal flap sizes were 12 × 9 mm for volar V-Y advancement, 5 mm limbs for Z-plasties, 22 × 15 mm for cross-finger flaps and 22 × 12 mm for FDMA flaps. The maximal webspace deepening with four-flap/five-flap Z-plasty was 20 mm and the FDMA pedicle length and diameter was 25 and 1 mm, respectively. Conclusions: Chicken feet can be effectively used as simulation models for hand surgical training with respect to gaining familiarity with the use of locoregional flaps of the hand. Further research requires testing for reliability and validity of the model on junior trainees.

Head and Neck Reconstruction With 2-Stage External Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap Transfer.

In head and neck surgery cases where skin is severely scarred or adhered to surrounding tissue, reconstruction can be difficult to perform using microsurgical tissue or conventional pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) transfer given the risks, which include damage to major vessels when manipulating scarred skin. For such cases, we perform a 2-stage external PMMF transfer, whereby the PMMF is directly sutured to the defect over the neck skin (without manipulation the hardened skin), and the flap division is then performed secondarily. A total of 30 patients who had histories of radiotherapy (60-70 Gy) and prior neck dissection received the 2-stage external PMMF transfer procedure. Indications for the flaps included pharyngeal fistula closure in 12 patients, reconstruction for mandibular necrosis after radiotherapy in 8 patients, salvage surgery for partial or total necrosis of the free flap in 4 patients, and simultaneous reconstruction after tumor excision in 6 patients. Two patients underwent a second external PMMF transfer from the contralateral side because of postoperative complications, yielding a total of 32 flap transfers. Twenty-nine flaps showed complete flap survival, whereas 3 had partial necrosis. Other complications, despite complete flap survival, included large fistulas requiring additional surgery for fistula closure (1 patient) and small fistulas that were closed without requiring reoperation (7 patients). External PMMF transfer offers a safe, simple, and effective option in cases where free flap surgery is considered difficult or the risks associated with neck manipulation are high.

Use of a Synthetic Dermal Matrix for Reconstruction of 55 Patients with Nongraftable Wounds and Management of Complications.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of a completely synthetic dermal matrix (Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix [BTM]) for staged reconstruction of complex wounds. The authors defined complex wounds as wounds not amenable to reconstruction with skin grafting alone due to an inherent avascularity such as the presence of bare bone, tendinous, or neural structures. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of complex wounds as defined above was carried out. Fifty-five patients were identified who underwent staged BTM and autologous skin graft reconstruction for complex wounds affecting a wide variety of patient demographics, treatment indications, and body sites. Wound etiology included burn injury and nonburn-related trauma such as degloving injury or infective complications. Caveats relating to the successful application of staged dermal matrix reconstruction, techniques, tips, prevention, and management of complications are outlined. This large consecutive case series demonstrates the integral role dermal substitutes play in providing biological wound cover for avascular wound beds which may otherwise require complex distant flap or free tissue transfer for reconstruction. Staged synthetic dermal matrix reconstruction has proven robustness in the face of unfavorable wounds compared with nonsynthetic dermal matrices, physiologically covering avascular structures, allowing for early graft take, expediting rehabilitation, and mobilization with good scar cosmesis and limited contracture formation.

A Reviewing Early Vs Later Reconstruction for Post-Mastectomy Cases

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the advantages and disadvantages of patients undergoing either immediate or delayed breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Methods: This review was compiled using information from numerous web databases. Scientific articles were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Data were collected, organized, and summarized. Results: Mastectomy or breast removal is frequently performed as part of breast cancer treatment. Psychological issues following a mastectomy may get better for some patients after breast reconstruction. The most common type is immediate reconstruction, which preferably uses a nipple-sparing or skin-sparing mastectomy and implant-based reconstruction (but can also be autologous reconstruction). Delayed reconstruction is often performed using autologous tissue flaps or implant-based using either the definitive implant or temporary expanders. Conclusion: Immediate reconstruction creates better cosmetic outcomes, shorter overall costs, quicker recovery, higher quality of life, and increases the psychological well-being of patients. Besides, delayed reconstruction is a beneficial option for post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) cases and reduced the incidence of postoperative complications than immediate reconstruction.

Factors Influencing Residual Glandular Breast Tissue after Risk-Reducing Mastectomy in Genetically Predisposed Individuals Detected by MRI Mammography.

This study seeks to evaluate MR imaging morphological factors and other covariates that influence the presence of residual glandular tissue after risk-reducing mastectomy in patients with a familial predisposition. We analyzed women of a high-risk collective with pathogenic mutation (BRCA1 (n = 49), BRCA2 (n = 24), or further mutation (n = 9)). A total of 117 breasts were analyzed, 63 left and 54 right, from a cohort of 81 patients, who were on average 40 years old. The mean follow-up was 63 months (range 12-180 months, SD = 39.67). Retrospective analysis of MR imaging data from 2006-2022 of patients of a high-risk collective (all carriers of a pathogenic mutation) with contralateral (RRCM) or bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy (RRBM) was performed. In the image data the remaining skin flap thickness by distance measurements at eight equally distributed, clockwise points and the retromamillary area, as well as by volumetry of each breast, was elected. Residual glandular tissue was also volumetrized. In addition, patient-related covariates were recorded and their influence on postoperative residual glandular tissue and skin flap thickness was analyzed by uni- and multivariate regressions. A significant association with postoperative residual glandular tissue was shown in multivariate analysis for the independent variables breast density, skin flap mean, and surgical method (all p-values < 0.01). A negatively significant association could be seen for the variables preoperative breast volume (p-values < 0.01) and surgeon experience (most p-values < 0.05-<0.1). Postoperative residual glandular tissue is an important tool for quantifying the risk of developing breast cancer after risk-reducing mastectomy. Different effects on residual glandular tissue were shown for the independent variables breast density, skin flap, surgical method, preoperative breast volume, and surgeon experience, so these should be considered in future surgical procedures preoperatively as well as postoperatively. Breast MRI has proven to be a suitable method to analyze the skin flap as well as the RGT.

Treatment protocols for gynecomastia in adults [Version 1; Peer Review - In process

Introduction: gynecomastia is a relatively common disorder in the male population, where between 36 % and 65 % have palpable glandular tissue measuring at least 2 cm in subareolar diameter. Although, initially it usually disappears on its own; According to data from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 0,2 % of cases are associated with male breast cancer. Objective: describe the treatment protocols for gynecomastia in adults in the period 2017-2021 Methods: a non-experimental study of a descriptive-correlational type, of bibliographic review, was carried out. Inclusion criteria were established as original articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses from the last 5 years, whose topic was related to the treatment of gynecomastia and which presented methodologies and conclusive results. The data was collected from journals indexed in digital and academic databases such as: Scopus, Pubmed, LILACS, Springer. Results: with the research addressed, 12 articles were identified that cover substantial differences in current treatment compared to traditional management in patients with gynecomastia. Conclusion: it was concluded that tamoxifen is more efficient than radiotherapy as a pharmacological treatment of gynecomastia, and the surgical treatment with fewer complications is surgery with a posterior inferior pedicled tissue flap for breast reconstruction followed by the periareolar double pedicle technique