Limited Excision Research Articles

Recurrence rates after functional surgery versus amputation for nail squamous cell carcinoma not involving the bone: A systematic review.

Background Nail unit squamous cell carcinoma (nSCC) is a malignant subungual tumour. Although it has a low risk of metastasis and mortality, the tumour has a significant local recurrence rate. There is insufficient data to determine whether functional surgery is less effective than amputation for nSCC that does not involve the bone. Objectives We aimed to investigate existing data on the outcomes of functional surgery and amputation for nSCC without bone invasion. Materials and Methods We carried out an extensive search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus for appropriate English-language academic papers, starting with the creation of individual resources until February 23, 2023. The main outcome was local recurrence. Initially, 2191 studies related to nSCC were selected. Information from every research study was retrieved and subdivided, comprising the year of publication, period, number of patients, age, gender distribution, tumour stage, type of intervention, number of recurrences, and follow-up period. Results Ten independent studies (319 lesions) were finally selected. Mohs micrographic surgery was the most reported surgical modality, followed by wide surgical excision and amputation. Local recurrence rates between Mohs micrographic surgery, wide surgical excision and amputation treatment were nearly identical. Other surgical methods included limited surgical excision, partial ablation, and limited excision until the clearing of margins, with recurrence rates up to 50%. Conclusions Given the functional impairment and psychological distress associated with phalanx amputation, functional surgery, including Mohs micrographic surgery and wide surgical excision , should be the preferred therapy for nSCC without bone involvement. Amputation should remain the preferred therapy for nSCC that involves the bone. Partial excision should be avoided. Further studies on whether Mohs micrographic surgery or wide surgical excision is a better option for nSCC not involving the bone are required.

Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Upper Eyelid Treated With Combination Therapy of ALA Photodynamic Therapy and Surgery With Secondary Healing

Background. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) frequently occurs in photoexposed areas. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment in attempts to reduce recurrence, but it must be combined with other therapy because of the limited excision possible in the region of the eyelid, lip, and nose. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a relatively new treatment modality that involves the administration of a photosensitizing drug and its subsequent activation by specific wavelengths of light to produce reactive oxygen species that specifically destroy target cells. Case Report. An 87-year-old female presented 4 weeks after initial resection with recurrent medium-differentiated cSCC measuring 5.2 cm × 3 cm × 2 cm in the left upper eyelid. Subsequent treatment involved palliative resection with an additional 1 cm at 3 margins of the tumor (excluding the bottom edge of the double eyelid line) and 3 applications of PDT using 5-aminolevulinic acid as the photosynthesizing agent in the open wound over a 2-week period. The wound healed well within 6 weeks. During the following 4 years, the patient showed satisfactory progress in both aesthetics and function, with no sign of recurrence or metastasis. Conclusion. Refractory cSCC was successfully managed using a combination of PDT and secondary healing, and functions of the head and face were well protected. These results suggest that such management warrants consideration in clinical settings.

Unmet clinical needs, burden of disease and treatment patterns in hidradenitis suppurativa: Real‐world experience from Spain

AbstractBackgroundHidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory, debilitating skin disease. HS is difficult‐to‐treat, and a multifaceted treatment approach is recommended to achieve adequate clinical response. A greater understanding of HS treatment could help identify unmet clinical needs.ObjectivesTo evaluate disease characteristics and treatment patterns in a real‐world population of patients with HS in Spain.MethodsThis retrospective analysis utilised data collected from the Adelphi HS Disease Specific Programme between November 2020 and April 2021. Dermatologists completed patient record forms (PRFs) for consulting HS patients. Outcomes included disease severity, HS clinical signs, quality of life measures, medical treatments and previous surgeries.ResultsOverall, 53 dermatologists completed 332 PRFs, each representing one patient with HS. Based on physician‐judged disease severity at sampling, 73.8%, 22.9% and 3.3% of patients were classified as mild, moderate or severe, respectively. Overall, patients presented with 2.8±2.7 (mean±SD) HS symptoms, which increased with worsening disease severity. The most frequently reported symptoms were ‘inflammation/redness of HS lesions/abscess’ (45.9%), general pain/discomfort (39.9%) and pain on sitting (32.3%). Overall, patients reported a mean±SD Dermatology Life Quality Index score of 4.7±4.8, which increased with worsening disease severity (mild, 3.9±4.3; moderate, 8.7±5.1; moderate to severe, 9.0±5.1). When asked what effect HS had on everyday activities, a large proportion of patients reported that HS sometimes or greatly affected personal appearance/self‐confidence (66.0%), mood (60.2%), close personal relationships (60.4%), motivation (38.3%), leisure activities (43.0%) and feelings about the future (33.6%). At the time of HS diagnosis, the most frequently prescribed treatment regimens were topicals (70.7%), antibiotics (57.6%) and antiseptics (32.2%). At the time of sampling, the most common treatment regimens were biologics (43.8%), topicals (34.9%) and antibiotics (32.2%). The mean±SD number of surgical interventions was 0.6±0.8; incision and drainage (31.3%), local or limited excision (13.0%), and wide surgical excision of all hair‐bearing skin (9.9%) were the most common surgeries.ConclusionsThese real‐world data suggest a high disease burden in patients with HS in Spain. Patients received multiple treatments, and a notable proportion underwent surgery. More data are needed to define optimal HS management strategies.

Endometriosis with colonic and rectal involvement: surgical approach and outcomes in 142 patients.

Endometriosis involving the colon and/or rectum (CRE) is operatively managed using various methods. We aimed to determine if a more limited excision is associated with 30-day complications, symptom improvement, and/or recurrence. This is a retrospective review of consecutive cases of patients who underwent surgical management of CRE between 2010 and 2018. Primary outcomes were the associations between risk factors and symptom improvement, 30-day complications, and time to recurrence. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the independent risk factors. Of 2681 endometriosis cases, 142 [5.3%of total, mean age 35.4 (31.0; 39.0) years, 73.9% stage IV] underwent CRE excision (superficial partial = 66.9%,segmental = 27.5%,full thickness = 1.41%). Minor complications (14.8%) were associated with blood loss [150 (112; 288) vs. 100 (50.0; 200) mls, p = 0.046], Sigmoid involvement [45.5% vs. 12.2%, HR 5.89 (1.4; 22.5), p = 0.01], stoma formation[52.6% vs. 8.9%, HR 10.9 (3.65; 34.1), p < 0.001], and segmental resection [38.5% vs. 5.8%, HR 9.75 (3.54; 30.4), p < 0.001]. Superficial, partial-thickness resections were associated with decreased risk [(4.2% vs. 36.2%), HR 0.08 (0.02; 0.24), p < 0.001]. Factors associated with major complications (8.5%) were blood loss [250 (100; 400) vs. 100 (50.0; 200) mls, p = 0.03], open surgery [31.6% vs. 4.9%, HR 8.74 (2.36; 32.9), p = 0.001], stomaformation [42% vs. 3.3%, HR 20.3 (5.41; 90.0), p < 0.001], and segmental colectomy [28.2% vs. 0.9%, HR 34.6 (6.25; 876), p < 0.001]. Partial-thickness resection was associated with decreased risk ([.05% vs. 23.4%, HR 8.74 (2.36; 32.9), p < 0.001]. 19.1% experienced recurrence. Open surgery [5.2% vs. 21.3%, HR 0.14 (0.02; 1.05), p = 0.027] and superficial partial thickness excision [23.4% vs. 10.6%, HR 2.86 (1.08; 7.59), p = 0.027] were associated. Segmental resection was associated with decreasedrecurrence risk [7.6% vs. 23.5%, HR 0.27 (0.08; 0.91), p = 0.024]. Limiting resection to partial-thickness or full-thickness disc excision compared to bowel resection may improve complications but increase recurrence risk.

Tarsal Buckling and Entropion after Levator Aponeurosis Advancement in Patients with Floppy Eyelid Syndrome.

Two patients with floppy eyelid syndrome presented with severe eye pain and foreign body sensation after recent levator aponeurosis advancement. The examination in both patients was notable for entropion of the upper eyelid, and upper lid eversion revealed deformity of the tarsus in both patients. Surgical revision with full-thickness horizontal tarsotomy and limited excision of the abnormal tarsus corrected the deformity. The authors propose a mechanism for this phenomenon and a modification of surgical technique that may prevent this complication.

Short term outcome of treatment with percutaneous cross Kirschner wires in paediatric distal humeral metaphyseal diaphyseal junction fractures

Background: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are malignant tumours arising from mesenchymal tissue, comprising &lt;1% of all the tumours of the human body and represent the second most common type of solid tumours in children and adolescents. Surgical resection is considered the mainstay of treatment, supported by multimodal therapies including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Resource-limited countries, like Pakistan, face additional challenges due to inadequate resources. This study presents the experience of management of soft tissue sarcomas presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Central Lahore.&#x0D; Patients and Methods: This was an observational study conducted in Surgical Unit I of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore from January 2017 till June 2022. American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system and Fédération Nationale des Centres de Lutte Contre le Cancer (FNCLCC) resection classification was applied. Surgical treatment including R0, R1 and R2 resections were carried out. SPSS 23 version was used for statistical analysis of collected data.&#x0D; Results: A total of 36 patients; 24 male (66.7%) and 12 females (33.3%) were included. Anatomical site involvement was observed as 23 (63.8%) limb sarcomas and 13 (36.1%) trunk sarcomas. Out of 36 patients, 20 (55.6%) patients were staged as stage II, 11 (30.5%) patients as stage III and 5 (13.9%) as stage I. Total 17 (47.2%) patients underwent wide excision, 13 (36.1%) patients underwent limited excision, 4 (11.1%) patients underwent compartmental excision and 2 (5.6%) patients underwent palliative excision. &#x0D; Conclusion: Thigh was the commonest site of involvement in extremity sarcomas. Retroperitoneal sarcomas were most frequent among trunk tumours. Leiomyosarcoma was the most common histopathological diagnosis followed by malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours. Most of the patients presented with stage II disease.&#x0D; Keywords: Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Presentation, Resection, Histology, Outcome

Spectrum of soft tissue sarcomas: Experience of surgery at a tertiary care referral hospital in Central Lahore

Background: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are malignant tumours arising from mesenchymal tissue, comprising &lt;1% of all the tumours of the human body and represent the second most common type of solid tumours in children and adolescents. Surgical resection is considered the mainstay of treatment, supported by multimodal therapies including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Resource-limited countries, like Pakistan, face additional challenges due to inadequate resources. This study presents the experience of management of soft tissue sarcomas presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Central Lahore.&#x0D; Patients and methods: This was an observational study conducted in Surgical Unit I of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore from January 2017 till June 2022. American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system and Fédération Nationale des Centres de Lutte Contre le Cancer (FNCLCC) resection classification was applied. Surgical treatment including R0, R1 and R2 resections were carried out. SPSS 23 version was used for statistical analysis of collected data.&#x0D; Results: A total of 36 patients; 24 male (66.7%) and 12 females (33.3%) were included. Anatomical site involvement was observed as 23 (63.8%) limb sarcomas and 13 (36.1%) trunk sarcomas. Out of 36 patients, 20 (55.6%) patients were staged as stage II, 11 (30.5%) patients as stage III and 5 (13.9%) as stage I. Total 17 (47.2%) patients underwent wide excision, 13 (36.1%) patients underwent limited excision, 4 (11.1%) patients underwent compartmental excision and 2 (5.6%) patients underwent palliative excision. Recurrence was observed in 8 patients for which palliative 2 (5.6%), limited 3 (8.3%) or potentially curative resection 3 (8.3%) was performed.&#x0D; Conclusion: Thigh was the commonest site of involvement in extremity sarcomas. Retroperitoneal sarcomas were most frequent among trunk tumours. Leiomyosarcoma was the most common histopathological diagnosis followed by malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours. Most of the patients presented with stage II disease. Resectional surgery, whether curative or palliative, was found to be the management modality of choice. Rhabdomyosarcoma most frequently recurred within 6 months of potentially curative surgery (R1), most likely due to compromised initial resection.

Reconstruction of Macrocheilia on the Lower Lip Through Bilateral Limited Excision and a Stepwise Single-Stage Approach (BLESS).

The surgical management of macrocheilia secondary to port-wine stains is complicated. This study aimed to propose an innovative method for treating macrocheilia on the lower lip. Patients who underwent the reconstruction of macrocheilia on the lower lip through the innovative approach were examined. Their preoperative and postoperative standard photographs were taken to evaluate the changes in lip length and thickness. The scores on Vancouver scar scale (VSS) and visual analog scale (VAS) were evaluated. Thirty-two patients who underwent the reconstruction of macrocheilia were examined. A follow-up of 12.2 months (6-36 months) was conducted. The lower lip contour and the mentolabial groove were reconstructed to normal appearance. The lip length was shortened from 5.38 ± 0.49 cm pretreatment to 4.59 ± 0.30 cm posttreatment (p = .016). The exposed vermilion was shortened from 2.05 ± 0.48 cm to 1.26 ± 0.12 cm posttreatment (p < .01). The mean VSS and VAS scores were 2.2 ± 1.5 and 8.4 ± 1.3, respectively. The bilateral limited excision and stepwise single-stage approach were safe and effective for reconstructing prominent macrocheilia on the lower lip. The technique was also easy to command for the beginners.

Treatment Options and Outcomes for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Nail Unit: A Systematic Review.

Nail squamous cell carcinoma (nSCC) is the most common nail unit malignancy. However, no studies to date have evaluated treatment options for nSCC based on recurrence data while controlling for invasion. To identify temporal trends in nSCC treatment modalities and compare treatment outcomes based on invasion. The authors performed a systematic review of articles published on PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus from inception to April 2020 reporting treatment of nSCC. The primary outcome was disease recurrence. Reports of nSCC treatments have increased in the past decade. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the most common treatment reported overall. The lowest recurrence rates for in situ nSCC were seen with wide surgical excision (WSE) and MMS. For invasive disease, the recurrence rates were lowest with amputation, MMS, and WSE. Complete surgical excision of nSCC with either WSE or MMS is associated with lower recurrence rates than limited excision and nonsurgical therapies, regardless of degree of invasion. The prognostic significance of in situ versus invasive disease remains unclear. Confirmation of complete excision may improve outcomes. Digital amputation is indicated for nSCC with bone invasion. Prospective studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to directly compare surgical modalities for nSCC.

Bronchogenic Cyst Associated with an Ostium Secundum Atrial Septal Defect in a One and Half Month Infant: Is it the Youngest Patient Yet

ABSTRACT We report an extremely rare case of a Bronchogenic Cyst incidentally identified via contrast enhanced computed tomography in a one and half-month-old male infant, a known case of Ostium Secundum Atrial Septal Defect and mild pulmonary hypertension. The patient was evaluated in detail and cystic mass resembling a Bronchogenic Cyst was found over lower paratracheal mediastinal space. The patient was planned for excision of the posterior mediastinal lesion using a right limited postero-lateral thoracotomy incision and complete excision was done and the mass was pathologically confirmed to be a Bronchogenic Cyst. This case is one of the few rare cases of infants with acyanotic congenital heart defectd that were incidentally found to have a Bronchogenic Cyst. This case to our knowledge is one of the youngest patient yet and also highlights the importance of identifying rare causes like these amongst differentials of cough and wheeze responding poorly to regular treatment.

Osteoclastic giant cell tumor of the pancreas with osteoid and bone formation: a case report

Background: Extraosseous giant cell tumors involving visceral organs (pancreas, kidneys, bladder, etc.) and soft tissues present similar histological features to those occurring in the bones. Rarely, they may affect pancreas and their origin remains still controversial, with some authors supporting the epithelial and some others the mesenchymal origin. Case Presentation: We report the case of a pancreatic giant cell tumor with osteoclast-like cells, negative for epithelial markers. A 64-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of progressively worsening abdominal pain, radiating to the lumbar region. He reported no other symptoms. The abdominal clinical examination was unremarkable and there was no associated jaundice. Liver function tests remained within normal limits. His past medical history had nil of note. He underwent an outpatient abdominal computed tomography which revealed a large cystic lesion at the body of the pancreas measuring 10 × 7 × 6.5 cm. We proceeded with a limited excision of the pancreatic mass alone, avoiding major dissections that would unnecessarily increase morbidity and mortality and the postoperative course was good. The histological morphological and immunohistochemical assessment revealed two tumor cell types: osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells and pleomorphic mononuclear cells, with bone formation and without important cellular and nuclear atypia. Conclusion: Pancreatic giant cell tumors with osteoclast-like giant cells are rare tumors of the pancreas with various clinical characteristics and controversial origin. En bloc resection has prevailed as the only beneficial treatment so far.

Optimization location of femoral attachment in medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction assisted with arthroscopy for patellar dislocation

To investigate the technique of optimizing the location of femoral attachment in medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction assisted with arthroscopy and evaluate the effectiveness. Between January 2014 and September 2018, 35 patients with patellar dislocation were admitted. There were 14 males and 21 females with an average age of 22.6 years (range, 16-38 years). All patients had a history of knee sprain. The disease duration ranged from 1 to 7 days (mean, 2.8 days). Patellar dislocation occurred 2-4 times (mean, 2.5 times). The preoperative Lysholm score and Kujala score were 47.60±11.24 and 48.37±9.79, respectively. The patellar congruence angle was (31.40±6.81)°, the patellar tilt angle was (29.95±5.44)°, the lateral patellofemoral angle was (-11.46±5.18)°, and the tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance was (16.66±1.28) mm. All patients were treated by MPFL reconstruction with the semitendinosus tendon under arthroscopy. During operation, the suture anchors were inserted into the midpoint and the 1/3 point of superomedial edge of the patella. Then, the femoral tunnels were created in medial femoral condyle through limited excision. For tendon fixation, the Kirschner wires were inserted into adductor tubercle, medial epicondyle of femur, and the midpoint between the two points, as well as the anteriorly and posteriorly. Afterwards, the changes of ligament length and tension, patellar tracking, and the relationship of patella and femoral trochlea were evaluated, thereby determining the optimized femoral attachment for MPFL reconstruction. Finally, the patellar congruence angle, patellar tilt angle, and lateral patellofemoral angle were measured by imaging to assess the relationship of patella and femoral trochlea. Moreover, Lysholm score and Kujala score were used to evaluate the knee joint function. All incisions healed by first intention without infection. All patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 15.4 months). At 12 months, the Lysholm score was 94.40±3.99 and the Kujala score was 92.28±4.13, which were significant higher than those before operation ( P<0.05). No patellar dislocation occurred during follow-up. At 12 months, the patellar congruence angle was (6.57±4.59)°, the patellar tilt angle was (9.73±2.82)°, the lateral patellofemoral angle was (7.14±4.63)°, which were superior to those before operation ( P<0.05). During the MPFL reconstruction under arthroscopy, a higher positioning accuracy for the femoral attachment and satisfactory effectiveness can be obtained by evaluating MPFL length and tension, patellofemoral joint kinematics, and patellar tracking.

Strategies of upper blepharoplasty in aging patients with involutional ptosis.

In many aging individuals, dermatochalasis and involutional ptosis appear together. Therefore, for functional and aesthetic purposes, ptosis correction and upper blepharoplasty are performed together. The aim of this article is to investigate factors that should be considered in order to achieve good results when simultaneously performing involutional ptosis correction and upper blepharoplasty in aging patients. Involutional ptosis is usually corrected through aponeurosis advancement in mild cases. In moderate or severe ptosis, the Muller muscle and aponeurosis are used together to correct ptosis. Using the two muscles together has the advantages of reducing lagophthalmos and increasing the predictability of outcomes after surgery. Broadly speaking, the surgical method used for involutional ptosis varies depending on the specific case, but unlike congenital ptosis, it is often not necessary to perform overcorrection. In particular, if there are problems such as severe dry-eye symptoms or risk of lagophthalmos, undercorrection should be considered. When performing ptosis correction, the surgeon should be careful not to overdo skin excision; instead, limited excision should be performed. After ptosis surgery, the brow may descend and the double fold may look too small. However, in order to make the double eyelids look larger, the surgeon should consider making the double eyelid design high rather than excising an excessive amount of skin. In some cases, to obtain more natural double eyelids and favorable results, it may be necessary to perform a sub-brow lift or forehead lift before or after involutional ptosis surgery.

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele: excision of sac may not be necessary

Abdominoscrotal hydroceles (ASH) are uncommon occurrences in boys and usually treated similarly to a hernia with the assumption that there is an associated patent processus vaginalis. Treatment in this manner may be challenging due to sac size, extension and adherence to the spermatic cord. Due to the rarity of ASH, the literature is mostly limited to small, single-institution case studies. Our goal was to evaluate two techniques in large number. We hypothesized a simplified scrotal technique with eversion, Jaboulay procedure, would demonstrate less complications and equivalent efficacy to standard excision. We retrospectively reviewed medical records at three tertiary children's hospitals to identify boys who underwent surgical repair of ASH between 1998 and 2018. Group 1 had excision and/or ligation of the hydrocele sac. Group 2 had a scrotal incision with limited excision and then eversion of the hydrocele sac (Jaboulay procedure). Variables that were analyzed included preoperative imaging, surgical technique, surgical findings, length of follow up, complications and recurrence of swelling. We identified 61 boys, who had 77 abdominoscrotal hydroceles. Group 1 included 38 patients with 48 hydroceles. Group 2 included 23 patients with 29 hydroceles. Complications were more common in Group 1 patients (18% vs 0%) but complication rate and operative time were not statistically associated with surgery type or age. No patient in either group had recurrence of hydrocele. Although this is a large study for this rare condition, the analysis is limited by number and its retrospective nature. For the rare and difficult to treat abdominoscrotal hydrocele, we were unable to prove with statistical significance that a simplified technique of eversion via the scrotum is safer. However, this large series did demonstrate that the simplified procedure provides equal efficacy as excision.

Safe Operative Planning For Extensive Neurogenic Heterotopic Ossification (NHO) at the Hip

Objectives:Patients_with_traumatic_brain_or_spinal_cord injury are at risk of developing peri-articular NHO most frequently affecting the hip; with resulting ankyloses and functional limitations1. Surgical excision aims to improve functional ability and facilitate nursing care2. It is technically challenging as NHO development maybe multi-focal and multi-directional around the joint involving important neuro-vascular structures2. Plain_radiographs often provide sub-optimal_information_required_for_surgical planningMethods:An_18-year-old_male_presented to us with pain and immobility of his right hip 18-months following a traumatic brain injury. The joint was completely ankylosed and he was unable to walk. Plain radiograph showed extensive NHO from medial aspect of right proximal femur to ischial tuberosity (Figure_1). A CT scan with 3D reconstruction more clearly defined the NHO as extending posteriorly from the greater trochanter to ipsilateral pubic ramus and ischial tuberosity (Figures 2a & 2b). We therefore opted_for_a_Kocher-Langenback approach and performed selective excision to achieve satisfactory_range of motion.RESULTS:The_Kocher-Langenbeck_approach_enabled_us to visualise and access a major segment of the bone bridge. Excision of NHO began at the proximal end of the femur with aim to break the bone bridge between the femur and pelvis to enable hip movement (Figure 3). Limited excision was performed until satisfactory range of motion of hip is achieved as assessed intraoperatively. This is to reduce risk of iatrogenic sciatic nerve injury. 3 months following_surgery, the_patient is now weight bearing_with_80_degrees_of_hip_flexion_with good_internal_and_external_rotation.Conclusion:CT_scanning_with_3D reconstruction should be performed prior to excision of hip NHO as it aids the surgeon in planning the appropriate approach and avoid iatrogenic injury to_adjacent_structures.

Can radical surgical treatment of the vulva be justified in the absence of a conclusive diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma on biopsy? A retrospective 10-year cohort study

ObjectivesThe extent of surgical treatment for vulvar lesions is predominantly guided by the histopathologic diagnosis rendered on the pre-operative biopsy. For premalignant lesions, local excisions are performed, whereas for vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC), more radical procedures are mandatory. However, even in the absence of a conclusive diagnosis of VSCC on biopsy, the surgeon may opt for a radical excision on grounds of strong clinical suspicion, with a view to avoiding repeat surgeries. We studied a retrospective, 10-year cohort of patients who underwent vulvar excisions, in the absence of a conclusive biopsy diagnosis of VSCC. We aimed to identify the factors predictive of VSCC in these patients, and assess their treatment. Study designAll patients who underwent vulvar excision (2005–2016) at Erasmus MC, without a definitive diagnosis of VSCC on the preoperative biopsy were included. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors predictive of a final diagnosis of VSCC. Surgical treatment was categorized as definitive, incomplete, or over-treatment, based on histopathology of the excision specimen and previous surgical history. ResultsIn 57 % (64/113) of all included patients, the final diagnosis was VSCC. Higher patient age (p = 0.03), and suspicion of VSCC on pre-operative biopsy (p < 0.001) were associated with a final diagnosis of VSCC on univariate analysis. Suspicion of VSCC on biopsy was the only significant predictor (p < 0.001) on multivariable analysis. For patients with a suspicion of VSCC on biopsy, radical treatment was more frequently performed (p < 0.001), which resulted in over-treatment in only 1 case. Where the surgeon had performed a limited excision despite a suspicion of VSCC on biopsy, high patient age, co-morbidities, location of the tumor close to the anus, and history of previous vulvar surgeries were factors which influenced the decision. The treatment administered was definitive for 72 %., i.e. additional surgeries were not required; 25 % received incomplete treatment and needed additional surgeries, and 3% received over-treatment. ConclusionSuspicion of VSCC on biopsy is strongly predictive of a final diagnosis of carcinoma. In our cohort, radical treatment performed on patients with clinical and histopathological suspicion of VSCC resulted in minimal over-treatment, and helped avoid second surgeries.

Ocular preservation through limited tumor excision combined with ALA-PDT in patients with periocular basal cell carcinoma.

In recent years, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a successful technique for treating early non-melanoma skin cancers compared with traditional methods such as surgical operation, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunity treatment, etc. PDT offers excellent aesthetic results and skin function preservation effects, especially so for tumor in difficult-to-treat areas. The purpose of this article was to study the anti-tumor effect of ALA-PDT combined with limited excision in periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and its role in improving the effect of the operation. In our study, 8 patients with periocular basal cell carcinoma were treated with topical aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) combined with surgery. After removal of tumor mainly with normal tissue saved, each tumor region was irradiated with 177 J/cm2 using a 635-nm laser for 15 min. A total of 3 times of assisted ALA-PDT was applied during and after operation. BCC was confirmed by pathological examination and the structure of tumor tissues was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy showed that PDT had inhibitory effects on the growth of BCC by causing necrosis of tumor cells. There was no recurrence in the follow-up of 2.8 years (range, 0.6-5 years). The patients with infiltrative orbital BCC were able to complete the treatment protocol with good cosmetic results and no significant side effects. PDT in combination with limited surgery is a safe, effective and minimally-invasive approach for treating orbital BCC. Topical PDT during and after operation can reduce the excision range of the tumor lesions. Therefore, PDT may play a positive role in the treatment of periocular basal cell carcinoma.

A comparative study between sinotomy with or without marsupialization versus sinotomy and primary closure with or without drain in the management of pilonidal sinus

Background: pilonidal sinus (PNS) is a common condition. Although many methods for treatment are available, there is no consensus on the optimal treatment. Aim of the study: The aim of the work was to compare the outcome of sinotomy procedure with or without marsupialization versus sinectomy and primary closure with or without drain in the management of pilonidal sinus as regards operative times, postoperative complications, and time of healing and return of work. Patients and Methods: This is a comparative randomized comparative study. Sixteen patients undergoing surgery for primary PNS were enrolled. The patients were randomized into four groups. Each group included 15 patients. Group A underwent sinotomy without marsupialization; group B underwent sinotomy with marsupialization; group C underwent limited excision and primary closure with a drain and group D underwent the same procedure as group C but without drain. Each patient was followed up for 6 months. Results: Significantly short operative time was recorded in group B. Postoperative wound complications occurred in 3.2% of patients in group A, in 1.7% of patients in B, in 7.4% of patients in group C and in 4.2% of patients in group D. Recurrence rate was a slightly higher in group C but with no statistical significance. Conclusion: The sinotomy with marsupialization for treatment of PNS is superior to excision with primary closure either with or without a drain and sinotomy without marsupialization.

Treatment of Clinically Positive Cervical Lymph Nodes by Limited Local Node Excision and Adjuvant Radiotherapy in Melanoma Patients with Major Comorbidities.

When cervical lymph nodes are clinically positive for metastatic melanoma, surgeons may be hesitant to recommend a therapeutic complete lymph node dissection if the patient is elderly or has major comorbidities. A limited local node excision of the clinically positive nodes only, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy to the entire node field, may be an effective alternative in such patients. All patients who had presented with a primary head and neck melanoma or an unknown primary site and had subsequently undergone limited local node excision and adjuvant radiotherapy for macroscopically involved cervical nodes between 1993 and 2010 at a tertiary referral center were selected for study. Twenty-eight patients were identified, with a median age of 78years and a median of 2 major comorbidities. The 5-year regional control, disease-free survival, and overall survival rates were 69%, 44%, and 50%, respectively. At the time of data analysis, seven patients were alive without evidence of disease. Twenty-one patients had died: 11 of melanoma (4 with neck recurrence) and 10 of other causes (2 with neck recurrence). Excision of clinically positive metastatic cervical lymph nodes followed by radiotherapy provides satisfactory regional disease control without risking serious morbidity or mortality in melanoma patients whose general condition is considered a contraindication for therapeutic complete lymph node dissection.

Local Phenol Application Versus Excision with Modified Primary Closure Technique in Pilonidal Sinus Disease: A Comparative Study

Background: Different procedures are practiced nowadays for management of pilonidal sinus disease (PSD), ranging from the minimally invasive techniques to the complex flap techniques. Each procedure has its own advantages and drawbacks in terms of patient’s satisfaction, follow up and recurrence rate. Local phenol application into the sinus track was practiced with encouraging results. The limited excision and modification of the primary closed technique has shown both low wound dehiscence and recurrence rates. The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the local application of phenol 80% in the pilonidal sinus tracks after minimal debridement with the limited excision and modified primary closure technique. Methods: 52 patients suffering from chronic pilonidal sinus disease were divided equally into 2 groups. Patients in group I were managed with local phenol application under local anesthesia. In group II, the patients were operated upon by limited excision of the skin bearing the sinus pits and the underlying granulation tissue with modified primary closure technique using the gluteus maximus fasciae to close the cavity left followed by closure of the subcutaneous tissue and skin with leaving a suction drain inside. Results: The median duration of phenol applications procedure was 20 ± 11 minutes versus 41 ± 13 minutes in the modified primary closure technique. There was a significant difference between both groups as regards the duration of pain killers’ use. By 5 weeks, signs of complete healing were shown in 22 patients (84.5%) of the phenol group, versus 25 patients (96.2%) in the surgery group with no statistic difference between both. The recurrence of PSD in the phenol group was detected in 2 cases (7.7%) while it was one case (3.8%) in the surgery group (p=0.163). Conclusion: both procedures are simple, less surgically demanding, having simple postoperative care, low complication and recurrence rates, early recovery and good patient satisfaction.