Successfully Salvaged Research Articles

Risk factors for severe complications and salvage management in direct-to-implant immediate breast reconstruction: A retrospective study.

Controversies regarding the risk factors affecting direct-to-implant (DTI) immediate breast reconstruction still exist. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for severe complications in DTI breast reconstruction and explore potential salvage management strategies. We conducted a retrospective review of 238 patients (240 breasts) who underwent DTI immediate breast reconstruction between 2011 and 2020. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the risk factors predicting severe complications. Seventeen (7.08%) reconstructed breasts experienced severe complications, of which only 5 were successfully salvaged through surgical revision, while the others failed and resulted in implant removal. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that mesh use [odds ratio (OR) = 4.054, 95% confidence interval: 1.376-11.945, P = .011] and post-mastectomy radiotherapy (odds ratio = 4.383, 95% confidence interval 1.142-16.819, P = .031) were independent predictors of severe complications. Mesh use and post-mastectomy radiotherapy for breast reconstruction increase the risk of severe complications. Despite positive surgical treatment, the successful salvage rate was poor.

Enhanced recovery for acute open lower limb fracture ‘fix and flap’

IntroductionEnhanced recovery (ER) aims to achieve earlier recovery, reduced hospital length of stay (LoS) whilst improving outcomes. Our ER protocol for acute lower-limb open fracture (ALLOFs) includes dangling at day 3 and mobilising fully weight-bearing from day 5. Our aims were to evaluate the outcomes of ALLOFs using our ER protocol for limb salvage, LoS following ‘fix & flap’, return to theatre, rate of successful flap salvage, flap failure and deep infection rates. MethodsAn observational study of a prospectively maintained lower limb flap database from September 2020 to January 2023 was undertaken. Search criteria encompassed patients with a Gustilo IIIB/C injury and a free flap reconstruction. Exclusions were for local/perforator flaps, soft tissue injury only, fracture related/prosthetic joint infections, or chronic osteomyelitis cases. Results161 patients were available for analysis, 126 male (78 %) and 35 female (22 %) with a median age of 40 years (12-79, interquartile range 30.0). 81 % of cases were high-energy injuries. For all patients, the median time to definitive fixation and soft tissue coverage from injury was 4 days (0-30, interquartile range 2). 18 cases (11.2 %) required return to theatre for flap exploration; 11 cases were successfully salvaged (61 %). Nine free flaps failed (5.4 %). The median total LoS from admission was 10 days (6 to 46, interquartile range 5), with a median LoS following definitive fixation and soft tissue coverage of 7 days (4 to 20, interquartile range 3). The median follow-up period was 18 months (12 to 38.2, interquartile range 9), with a deep infection rate of 6.5 %. ConclusionIn isolated ALLOFs, our ER protocol is safe and effective in shortening the LoS. Our outcomes sit comfortably within acceptable ranges of contemporary literature for return to theatre, flap salvage/failure and deep infection. Our ER protocol actively involves our allied health professional colleagues early to facilitate discharge.

Successful Salvage of Venous Thromboembolism Manifested as Free Flap Venous Insufficiency and Pulmonary Embolism in a Patient Receiving Microvascular Free Flap Reconstruction after Oral Cancer Resection: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Venous insufficiency is a severe complication of microvascular free tissue transfers, which may ultimately cause free flap failure. In this report, we describe a case of microvascular free flap reconstruction after oral cancer resection, complicated with venous thromboembolism manifested as venous insufficiency of the flap and pulmonary embolism (PE). Antithrombin III deficiency related heparin resistance was found during the course of treatment. With flap reexploration, veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) and systemic anticoagulation therapy with a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC), the flap was successfully salvaged and the patient recovered well.

Successful salvage of torsion testis by means of intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence imaging

BackgroundTesticular torsion (TT) is common surgical emergency that requires early diagnosis and immediate intervention within 6 h since its onset to salvage the testis. However, the decision was made only by the surgeon’s experience whether it has to be resected or not. Recently, indocyanine green (ICG) has become an excellent tool to identify biliary and vascular anatomy, and assess perfusion abnormalities in tissues. In this case report, we successfully salvaged the twisted testis, since the testicular blood perfusion was confirmed by means of intraoperative ICG (IICG) fluorescence imaging.Case presentationA 14-year-old healthy male patient presented due to acute left testicular pain. The patient was diagnosed with TT and had immediate surgery. Macroscopically, the testis had stagnant blood flow and appeared to be dark colored. After manual detorsion, the testis remained cyanotic and with macroscopically poor blood flow. ICG angiography was performed under near-infrared light by laparoscopic camera to assess the perfusion of the affected testicle. An excellent ICG signal appeared after 45 s in the testis, and decision was made to be preserved. Therefore, left orchidopexy was performed to complete the operation. The patient had a good postoperative course and was discharged the day after surgery. Six months later, the testis did not show any shrinkage, and both sides of the testis showed the same size without any consequences.ConclusionThe blood flow in the testis was visually confirmed during the IICG fluorescence method. ICG fluorescence imaging may become an effective alternative to evaluate whether a testis can be preserved following TT.

Impact of Ischemia Duration on Lower Limb Salvage in Combat Casualties.

The 6-hour threshold to revascularization of an ischemic limb is ubiquitous in the trauma literature, however, contemporary evidence suggests that this threshold should be less. This study aims to characterize the relationship between the duration of limb ischemia and successful limb salvage following lower extremity arterial trauma. This is a cohort study of the United States and UK military service members injured while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan between 2003 and 2013. Consecutive patients who sustained iliac, femoral, or popliteal artery injuries, and underwent surgery to attempt revascularization, were included. The association between limb outcome and the duration of limb ischemia was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. One hundred twenty-two patients (129 limbs) who sustained iliac (2.3%), femoral (56.6%), and popliteal (41.1%) arterial injuries were included. Overall, 87 limbs (67.4%) were successfully salvaged. The probability of limb salvage was 86.0% when ischemia was ≤1 hour; 68.3% when between 1 and 3 hours; 56.3% when between 3 and 6 hours; and 6.7% when >6 hours ( P <0.0001). Shock more than doubled the risk of failed limb salvage [hazard ratio=2.42 (95% confidence interval: 1.27-4.62)]. Limb salvage is critically dependent on the duration of ischemia with a 10% reduction in the probability of successful limb salvage for every hour delay to revascularization. The presence of shock significantly worsens this relationship. Military trauma systems should prioritize rapid hemorrhage control and early limb revascularization within 1 hour of injury.

GCT-10. Successful Salvage of Relapsed intracranial Non-Germinaoteous Germ Cell Tumors NGGCTs in a Child With Renal Insufficiency with Novel platinum-Free chemotherapy Regimen

The Outcome for relapsed NGGCT is poor. Salvage therapy usually consist of reinduction platinum-based chemotherapy regimen followed by high-dose-chemotherapy and autologous-stem-cell-rescue (HDC/AuSCR) and re-irradiation with no consensus on optimal management and usually associated with remarkable toxicity. We present a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with a localized pineal Non-Germinaoteous Germ Cell Tumors NGGCTs of mixed origin with elevated AFP he had ETV and biopsy started on COG ACNS0122 protocol after receiving first cycle (carbo/Etoposide) he developed acute renal failure investigation showed small dysplastic kidney to avoid nephrotoxicity of platinum agents chemotherapy changed to VBE (Vinblastine, Bleomycin and Etoposide) post 3rd cycle MRI showed increase in size of the pineal mass with normal tumor markers representing Growing Teratoma Syndrome He had total surgical resection of the tumor Pathology showed predominant teratoma component He received radiation therapy CSI then another 3 cycles of VBE 4 months following treatment completion he presented with elevated AFB and new right anterior temporal lesion Spinal MRI and CSF were negative. He had 2 cycles of Salvage Non-nephrotoxic 4-drug regimens GEMPIV Gemcitabine 800 mg/m2 days 1 and 14. Paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 days 1 and14, Irinotecan 50 mg/m2 daily for 5 days Vinblastine 6 mg/m2 weekly days 1,8,14 MRI after 2 cycles showed remission with undetectable AFP then 2 consolidation cycles of etoposide and thiotepa (HDC/AuSCR) The 3rd consolidation cycles were cancelled due to hematological toxicity During treatment phases chemotherapy was well tolerated doses were adjusted according to his GFR with renal conservative and supportive therapy.post (HDC/AuSCR) he experienced delayed hematological recovery with persistent thrombocytopenia responded to Eltrombopag then he had focal Temporal lobe irradiation Currently patients in remission with chronic stage 3 renal Insufficiency Conclusions: this case showed that relapsed intracranial NGGCT can be successfully salvaged without platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with renal insufficiency.

Success and Outcomes Following a Second Salvage Attempt for Free Flap Compromise in Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Reconstruction

Incidence of perioperative free flap compromise is low, with successful salvage in up to 70%. When the flap is compromised a second time, the value of intervening is unknown. To assess the outcomes of a second revascularization attempt for compromised free flaps. This multicenter retrospective medical record review included patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction with free flaps at 6 US medical centers from January 1, 2000, through December 30, 2020. Patients were 18 years or older with a history of head and neck defects from cancer, osteoradionecrosis, or other wounds. Of 3510 flaps identified, 79 were successfully salvaged once, became compromised a second time, and underwent attempted salvage. Flaps with a history of initial compromise and successful revascularization demonstrating second episodes of compromise followed by second salvage attempts. A total of 79 patients (mean age, 64 years; 61 [77%] men) were included in the analysis. Of the 79 flaps undergoing second salvage attempts, 24 (30%) survived while 55 (70%) demonstrated necrosis. Arterial or venous thrombectomy was performed in 17 of the 24 (71%) flaps that survived and 23 of the 55 (42%) flaps demonstrating necrosis (odds ratio, 3.38; 95% CI, 1.21-9.47). When venous compromise was encountered, changing the anastomotic vein was associated with decreased survival compared with not changing the vein (29 of 55 [53%] flaps vs 10 of 24 [42%] flaps); vein revision to an alternative branch was completed in 1 of the 24 (4%) flaps that survived and 19 of the 55 (35%) flaps with necrosis (odds ratio, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.00-0.60). Factors that were not associated with flap survival following second salvage attempts included flap type, cause of flap failure, postoperative complications, patient comorbidities, and heparin administration after second salvage. In this cohort study, second salvage was successful in 30% of free flaps. Flaps that underwent arterial or venous thrombectomy demonstrated better survival, while vein revision to neighboring branch veins was associated with worse flap outcomes.

Surgical and Nonsurgical Factors Associated with Salvaging Exposed Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib Hardware.

Vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) devices were designed to treat childhood scoliosis and thoracic insufficiency syndrome. Although they have drastically reduced patient mortality, they present a profound subcutaneous hardware burden. The authors examined the surgical and nonsurgical factors associated with salvage of VEPTR hardware exposures. Between 2014 and 2020, a prospective institutional database was queried for patients with VEPTR hardware complications who required soft-tissue reconstruction. Hardware salvage was considered successful if reconstruction allowed the hardware to be retained until the next VEPTR expansion. Fifty-eight patients required VEPTR hardware salvage. Hardware complications were successfully salvaged in 62.1 percent of patients at 60.0 percent of operative sites. Neuromuscular scoliosis (p = 0.041) and nonambulatory status (p = 0.018) were factors associated with VEPTR hardware salvage failure, whereas congenital scoliosis was associated with successful hardware salvage (p = 0.012) and preventing need for immediate hardware removal (p = 0.049). Exposed hardware, as compared to threatened exposure, was more likely to require immediate removal (p = 0.045) and result in unsuccessful hardware salvage (p = 0.015). Local and regional muscle flaps were able to prevent VEPTR hardware removal in the majority of patients, even in the setting of infection, immobility, incontinence, and multiple systemic comorbidities. Patients with neuromuscular scoliosis and nonambulatory status were at increased risk for failure, whereas those with incontinence and low body mass index trended toward increased risk of failure. Threatened exposure was associated with higher rates of salvage than exposed hardware, and thus earlier referral to plastic surgeons for soft-tissue salvage may be advised. Risk, III.

Combined Orthopaedic and Vascular Injuries With Ischemia: A Multicenter Analysis.

To review a large, multicenter experience to identify the current salvage and amputation rates of these combined injuries and, where possible, the variables that predict amputation. Retrospective. Nine trauma centers. This study involved 199 patients presenting to 9 trauma centers with orthopaedic and vascular injuries resulting in ischemic limbs for whom the orthopaedic service was involved with the decision for salvage versus amputation. We reviewed 199 patients, 17-85 years of age. One hundred seventy-two of the injuries were open. Thirty-eight patients (19%) were treated with amputation upon admission as they were deemed to be unsalvageable. Of the remaining 161 patients who had attempted salvage, 36 (30%) required late amputation. Closed injuries were successfully salvaged in 25 of 27 cases (93%). The highest rate of amputation was in tibia fractures with a combined amputation rate of 62%. In those attempted to be salvaged, 21 of 48 (44%) required amputation. The ischemia time for successful salvage was significantly less, P = 0.03. One hundred twenty-four patients had their definitive vascular repair before the bony reconstruction. There were 15 vascular complications, of which 13 (86%) had the definitive vascular repair performed before the definitive osseous repair, although this was not statistically significant. In this series of combined orthopaedic and vascular injuries, we found a high rate of acute and late amputations. It is possible that other protocols, such as shunting and stabilizing the osseous injury, before vascular repair may benefit limb salvage, although this needs more study. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Mycotic Keratitis due to Cylindrocarpon lichenicola: Successful Salvage of the Eye

AbstractWe hereby report a successfully salvaged eye due to mycotic keratitis by Cylindrocarpon lichenicola in a 60-year-old female from Kasaragod (Kerala). The patient came with a history of pain, photophobia and decreased vision of the right eye. The microbiological investigations of the corneal scraping revealed C. lichenicola. C. lichenicola is a soil saprophyte. Since the ulcer worsened paracentesis followed by therapeutic keratoplasty and adjunct therapy with natamycin drops, voriconazole drops and oral ketoconazole was given. We stress that evidence-based timely medical and surgical intervention helped in the restoration of the vision in an infected eye.

Successful salvage of ruptured renal allograft resulting from renal vein thrombosis

Allograft renal vein thrombosis is a rare vascular catastrophe which occurs usually in the first few weeks following renal transplantation. The occurrence of allograft rupture due to venous thrombosis compounds the situation and often it leads to allograft nephrectomy. We present a case of renal allograft rupture resulting from allograft renal vein thrombosis which was successfully salvaged. We describe the clinical presentation and Doppler imaging findings of allograft vein thrombosis and surgical therapy undertaken in the patient.

Successful Salvage with Inotuzumab Ozogamicin in Relapsed/Refractory Lymphoid Blast Crisis of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia after Failure of Multiple Lines of Therapy Including Blinatumomab

Background: Lymphoid blast crisis, one of the two major forms of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) blast crisis (BC), is comprised of lymphoblasts and occurs in about 30% of BC patients. These individuals often respond to the same treatment strategies used in Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). Blinatumomab, a bispecific T engager, or BiTE, is an antibody with dual specificity against both CD3 and CD19, and is approved for use in relapsed/refractory ALL. We present the first known case of relapsed/refractory lymphoid blast phase CML, including treatment failure with blinatumomab, who achieved a complete response to inotuzumab ozogamicin.Case report: In 2004, the patient was initially diagnosed with CML and received treatment with hydroxyurea followed by imatinib. He was intermittently compliant, later changed to nilotinib, and was ultimately lost to follow-up. Approximately 11 years after diagnosis, he returned with pancytopenia. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy showed a hypercellular bone marrow with 10-15% lymphoid blasts that expressed CD34, CD19, cCD79a, HLA-Dr, CD10 and nTdt. Testing for the BCR-ABL translocation (at breakpoint P210) was positive confirming lymphoid blast phase CML. He received hyperCVAD + dasatinib, responded, and was referred for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) but deferred for social reasons. He was ultimately lost to follow-up.The patient returned with relapsed disease in February 2017 and bone marrow aspiration and biopsy was consistent with CD19+ lymphoid blast phase CML with BCR-ABL major breakpoint p210 and new F317L mutation of ABL kinase domain. He received salvage therapy with vincristine/prednisone/bosutinib, however, repeat bone marrow testing confirmed persistent CD19+ lymphoid blasts (20%). He was treated with blinatumomab, entered a minimal residual disease (MRD)-positive morphologic remission with 1.9% abnormal B lymphoblasts by flow cytometry. A second cycle of blinatumomab was complicated by bone pain and repeat bone marrow testing showed progressive disease with 50-60% CD19+, CD22+ lymphoblasts. Salvage therapy with fludarabine, cytarabine, and idarubicin (FLAG-Ida) in September 2017 was unsuccessful and palliative treatment with vincristine, prednisone, and methotrexate was initiated. He developed new onset neurologic symptoms in March 2018 and lumbar puncture showed evidence of disease in his central nervous system (CNS) The patient received concurrent intrathecal methotrexate and inotuzumab ozogamicin which led to clearance of CNS disease and a morphologic remission in his marrow. He continues with MRD-positivity with 0.15% B lymphoblasts and is on ponatinib maintenance while allogeneic HCT evaluation is underway.Discussion: This is the first reported patient with lymphoid blast phase CML, refractory to BiTE therapy, that was successfully salvaged with inotuzumab ozogamycin. Recent data from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) reported that the majority of BiTE failures remained CD19+ and the mechanisms of CD19 immunotherapy failure are poorly understood (Jabbour E, et al, AJH 2017). These patients may be successfully salvaged by CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells or other directed therapies such as inotuzumab ozogamycin.Conclusion: Patients with relapsed/refractory lymphoid blast phase CML should receive directed salvage therapies. This case report demonstrates that failure of one line of directed therapy does not predict for future failures. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Routine surveillance scanning in HNSCC: Lung screening CT scans have value but head and neck scans do not

ObjectivesTo examine the utility of computed tomography (CT) imaging during routine surveillance for the detection of recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Materials/methodsClinical characteristics of HNSCC patients treated between 2008 and 2017 with radiation therapy or concurrent chemoradiation were abstracted from medical records. In patients who achieved a complete response to treatment by positron emission tomography scan, surveillance CT scans were conducted to the maxillofacial area, neck, and chest every 3 months in year 1, every 6 months in year 2, and every 12 months in years 3 and beyond. ResultsWithin the entire cohort (n = 534), complete response was achieved in 446 patients (83.5%); of these, 84 (15.7%) patients had a recurrence. Among the 84 patients with disease recurrence, 25 (30%) patients remained alive, of which 15 (18%) underwent successful salvage treatment and became free of disease. Lung screening CT scans detected failure in 8 of these successfully salvaged patients. Among the 8 patients successfully salvaged for locoregional recurrence, 3 failures were asymptomatic at onset and detected by laryngoscope or dental exam. The remaining 5 failures were symptomatic and detected upon work up prompted by symptoms. Maxillofacial and neck surveillance CT imaging failed to detect any successfully salvaged patients. ConclusionsRoutine surveillance for HNSCC patients with lung CT imaging had value but routine head and neck CT scans failed to identify any successfully salvaged patients. Given this finding, routine CT imaging surveillance in HNSCC patients should be restricted to annual lung screening with low-dose chest CT.

Abstract QS13: Bridging The Gap: Extending Free Flap Pedicle Length With Interposition Vein Grafts And Arteriovenous Loops

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess clinical outcomes for utilization of vein grafts and arteriovenous loops in the context of free flap reconstruction. Free tissue transfer in complex oncological and traumatic defects may require extension of the vascular pedicle to reach recipient vessels and complete microvascular anastomosis. This can be accomplished by using vein grafts as a bridging medium. When interposition vein grafts (IVG) are needed for extension of both the arterial and venous conduit, a temporary arteriovenous fistula (AV loop) can be constructed as an intermediary step. These techniques have traditionally been regarded with increased risk of thrombosis and flap failure, but the body of clinically relevant published data lags behind. METHODS: Following approval by our Institutional Review Board, we retrospectively analyzed patients requiring free flap reconstruction between March 2007 and June 2017. All patients utilizing any vein graft in this context were identified. Data collection included demographic, medical, surgical, and outcome variables. RESULTS: A total of 90 IVG were used in 56 patients, receiving a total of 54 free flaps. Reconstructive sites included: head/neck (29; 51.8%), breast (13; 23.2%), upper extremity/trunk (9; 16.1%), and lower extremity (5; 8.9%). Twenty out of 26 AV loops created received flaps (11 immediate; 9 staged). Five AV loops thrombosed in staging and were discarded; one patient died in staging due to medical comorbidity. The duration of staging ranged from 1 to 59 days (median=4). Forty-two procedures utilized IVG (n=22; 3 arterial conduit only, 13 venous conduit only and 6 both) or AV loops (n=19) in the index flap surgery, of which 10 (24.4%) were taken back for emergent flap salvage (2 AV loops, 8 IVG group). Seven of these cases (eight flaps) were successfully salvaged. In 13 cases (14 flaps) IVG was utilized for free flap salvage (3 arterial conduit IVG, 10 venous conduit IVG), with a 78.6% successful flap salvage rate (n=11). Out of 54 flaps overall, 11 flap failures occurred (20.4%; 95% CI 10.6–33.5%). All flap failures occurred in the patients that used any IVG (with or without AV loop) for immediate reconstruction (two in AV loop group, 1 in IVG for both conduits, 5 in IVG for single conduit) or failed salvage utilizing IVG (3 in IVG for single conduit). Of the nine staged AV loops that received flaps, flap survival was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Interposition vein grafts and AV loops offer practical solutions for pedicle lengthening in order to successfully perform microvascular anastomosis, but increase risk of take-back and flap failure when utilized in the index flap surgery. Our data demonstrate that staged AV loops may be superior to immediate AV loops, owing to a de facto pre-identification of patients who may otherwise develop a flap complication after immediate reconstruction. Additionally, IVG appears to be an especially effective tool in cases of free flap salvage. T.J. Bos: None. N.A. Calotta: None. M.Y. Seu: None. B.H. Cho: None. A.H. Hassanein: None. G.D. Rosson: None. D.S. Cooney: None. J.M. Sacks: None.

Routine Surveillance Scanning in Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: Lung Screening CT Scans Have Value but Head and Neck Scans Do Not Identify Patients Who Achieve Long-Term Disease Control

To examine the utility of computed tomography (CT) imaging as a routine surveillance tool for the detection of recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Clinical characteristics of HNSCC patients treated between 2008-2017 with radiation therapy (RT) or concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) were abstracted from medical records. In patients who achieved a complete clinical response (CCR) to treatment by positron emission tomography (PET) scan, surveillance CT scans were conducted to the maxillofacial area, neck, and chest every 3 months in year 1, every 6 months in year 2, and every 12 months in years 3 and beyond. Overall survival (OS) curves and multivariate cox proportional hazard ratios (HR) were examined. At this single institution, 588 patients were treated for HNSCC. Median follow up duration for the entire cohort was 30.9 months (range = 6-88 months). Of the 449 (76%) evaluable patients who achieved a CCR, 85 (19%) patients had a recurrence. Among the 85 patients with disease recurrence, 25 (29%) patients remained alive, of which 15 (18%) underwent successful salvage treatment and became free of disease. Lung screening CT scans detected failure in 8 of these successfully salvaged patients. Among the 8 patients successfully salvaged for locoregional recurrence, 3 failures were asymptomatic at onset and detected by laryngoscope or dental exam. The remaining 5 failures were symptomatic and detected upon work up. One patient was successfully salvaged for both local and distant failure. Maxillofacial and neck screening CT imaging failed to detect any successfully salvaged patients. Routine surveillance for HNSCC patients with lung CT imaging had value but head and neck CT scans failed to identify any successfully salvaged patients. Given this finding, routine CT imaging surveillance in HNSCC patients should be restricted to annual lung screenings. Surveillance head and neck CT imaging is not recommended until better salvage treatment is available to treat locoregional recurrence.

The effect of systemic injury score on the decision making of mangled lower extremities

PurposeMangled lower extremity with Mangled extremity severity score (MESS) more than 7 are considered unsalvageable. We are looking for a factor helps us predicting the salvage potential in the patient with MESS score between 7 and 9. Materials and methodsWe reviewed the patients with lower extremities open fracture type IIIB or IIIC and received salvaged procedure or amputation in CGMH between 2002/01 and 2010/09. The patients are subgroup according to their MESS score. ISS score, Gustilo open fracture classification were compared between patient with successful salvage and patient with delay amputation. Logistic regression and stepwise modeling were used to determine the effect of each covariate. Results242 patients were enrolled in the study. 33 patients had primary amputation, 160 patients had successfully salvaged limbs and 49 patients received delay amputation. Among patients with MESS score less than 7, 116 patients had successful salvage limbs and 7 patients received delay amputation. Among patient with MESS between 7 and 9, 44 patients discharged with salvaged limbs and 39 patients were failed to salvage their limbs. Successful salvaged patients in this group had significant lower ISS score in compare to delay amputated patients. Patients with ISS score more than 18 in this group has higher delay amputated rate (P value=0.01). ConclusionSystemic injury severity score can help us tell potentially salvaged patient from potentially amputated patient. In patients with MESS score between 7 and 9 concurrently have ISS score less then 17 are potentially salvageable. Level of Evidence & Study Type: Level 3 Retrospective cohort study/prognostic study

Successful Salvage of Late Anastomotic Thrombosis after Free Tissue Transfer.

Background Anastomotic thrombosis following free tissue transfer (FTT) on or after day 5 ("late thrombosis") is reported to have extremely low rates of salvage. Analysis of our institution's experience with FTT was performed to make recommendations about the optimal management of late thrombosis, and to identify any variables that are correlated with increased salvage rates. Methods The study included patients who underwent FTT between 1986 and 2014, then suffered anastomotic thrombosis on or after postoperative day 5. Twenty-six variables involving demographic information, flap characteristics, circumstances of the thrombotic event, and details of any salvage attempt were analyzed. Patients whose FTT were successfully salvaged and those whose were not were statistically compared. Results Of the 3,212 patients who underwent FTT, 23 suffered late thrombosis (0.7%), and the salvage rate was 60.8% (14 of 23). The salvage rate for reconstruction of the head and neck was 53.3%, breast was 66.7%, and extremity was 100%. There was a statistically significantly greater salvage rate in flaps performed after 1998 than in those performed before 1998 (p = 0.023). There was a nonstatistically significant trend toward increased salvage rates in patients who had no anastomotic thrombotic risk factors, reconstruction using fasciocutaneous flaps, and anastomotic revision using new recipient vessels. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that flap survival after episodes of late thrombosis can be higher than what the literature has previously reported. This underscores the importance of rigorous postoperative monitoring, as well as the importance of exploration at the earliest instance of concern for threatened flap viability.

Course of treatment and rate of successful salvage following the diagnosis of deep infection in patients treated for pilon fractures (AO/OTA: 43)

Background/AimsThe purpose of this study is to report the rate of successful salvage and describe typical treatment course for patients with infected pilon fractures. MethodsThis investigation was performed after gathering a Six-year retrospective database from a single academic trauma center including patients with pilon fractures diagnosed with post-operative deep infection. ResultsThese include a rate of successful salvage in patients diagnosed with deep infection of 88.5% (46/52). Patients who were successfully salvaged required an average of 3.5 (±2.3) procedures following diagnosis of infection, 2.5 (±1.5) debridements and 1.1 (±1.2) reconstructive procedures. ConclusionsConsiderable morbidity follows the diagnosis of deep infection, with 14% of patients ultimately treated with amputation. Successful salvage can be reliably anticipated in over 80% of patients, but typically requires more than 3 additional procedures.

Salvage of upper extremities with humeral fracture and associated brachial artery injury

BackgroundHumeral fractures with brachial artery injury present a challenge for treating surgeons. Treatment practices vary, including use of vascular shunts, multispecialty teams versus an upper-extremity surgeon, and temporizing external fixation. Our objectives were to describe our treatment approach, to define “absolute ischaemia,” to determine whether to use a vascular shunt, and to identify variables that could improve limb salvage rate. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of 38 patients with humeral fracture and brachial artery injury from 1999 through 2012 at a level I trauma centre. Demographic and treatment characteristics were compared between blunt and penetrating injuries and between treatment by multispecialty teams and treatment by an upper-extremity surgeon. We investigated other variables of interest, including immediate internal fixation, shunt use, time to brachial artery repair, and flap coverage. This study focused on immediate limb salvage and not on eventual functional outcomes of the limb or patient satisfaction regarding the extremity. The main outcome measure was salvage versus amputation. ResultsThirty-six upper extremities were successfully salvaged, and two underwent eventual amputation. Immediate internal fixation (33 of 38 patients) did not have an adverse effect on the rate of successful limb salvage (p>.05). Shunt use and treatment by an upper-extremity surgeon were not associated with improved salvage rate (p>.05). The need for flap coverage was significantly associated with failed salvage of the extremity (p=.02). ConclusionsSalvage of the upper extremity with humeral fracture and associated brachial artery injury is not dependent on time to brachial artery repair, shunt use, or specialty of treating surgeon. Immediate internal fixation can be performed without adversely affecting the potential for successful salvage. Flap coverage, which is an indicator of severity of soft-tissue injury, correlates with amputation in these severe injuries. Type of study/level of evidenceTherapeutic III.

The Effectiveness of Off-Protocol Upfront Chemotherapy and Preoperative Short-Course Radiation Therapy Followed by Delayed Surgery for Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer and Synchronous Metastases

Purpose/Objective(s): To assess the necessity of elective inguinal irradiation in locally advanced rectal cancer involving anal canal. Materials/Methods: Between January 2001 and September 2011, 1246 patients with Stage II, III rectal cancer received preoperative or postoperative chemoradiation. Radiation therapy was administered without elective inguinal irradiation. The anal canal ( 3 cm from the anal verge) was involved in 189 patients (Group A) and 1057 patients (Group B) presented no involvement. Five-year inguinal recurrence rate and pattern of failure of patients with inguinal recurrence were analyzed. Results: The median follow-up period was 63 months. Eleven patients presented inguinal recurrence: 7 in Group A and 4 in Group B. The 5-year inguinal recurrence rate was 4.3% in Group A and 0.3% in Group B, respectively (p < 0.001). Among 11 patients, 8 patients presented simultaneous loco-regional or distant failure, and 3 patients had solitary inguinal recurrence that underwent successful salvage. Conclusions: Although inguinal recurrence rate in rectal cancer patients involving anal canal is higher than the other, most of patients presented pattern of multiple site failure at the time of inguinal metastasis. Patients with solitary inguinal recurrence could be successfully salvaged. Thus, the elective inguinal irradiation is not recommended for locally advanced rectal cancer patients involving anal canal. Author Disclosure: H. Lim: None. D. Kim: None. T. Kim: None. S. Kim: None. J. Baek: None. H. Chang: None. J. Park: None. J. Oh: None.