Management of refractory cervical anastomotic fistula after esophagectomy using the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap / Tratamento da fístula anastomótica cervical refratária após esofagectomia utilizando retalho miocutâneo do músculo peitoral maior

Abstract Introduction A refractory cervical anastomotic fistula which postoperatively remains unhealed for more than 2 months under conservative care severely impacts the quality of life of the patient and potentially leads to anastomotic stricture after the fistula heals. It is widely accepted that, to avoid this complication, refractory cervical anastomotic fistulas should undergo more aggressive treatments. However, when and which surgical intervention should be considered is unclear. Objective This study was designed to evaluate the role of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in the management of refractory cervical anastomotic fistulas based on our experience of 6 cases and a literature review. Methods Six patients diagnosed with refractory cervical anastomotic fistula after esophagectomy treated using pectoralis major myocutaneous flap transfer were included in the study. The clinical data, surgical details, and treatment outcome were retrospectively analyzed. Results All patients survived the operations. One patient who had a circumferential anastomotic defect resulting from surgical exploration developed a mild fistula in the neo-anastomotic site in the 5th postoperative day, which healed after 7 days of conservative care. This patient developed an anastomotic stricture which was partially alleviated by an endoscopic anastomotic dilatation. All the other 5 patients had uneventful recoveries after operations and restored oral intake on the 10th-15th days after operation, and they tolerated normal diets without subsequent sequelae on follow-up. One patient developed both local and lung recurrence and died in 15 months after operation, while the other 5 patients survived with good tumor control during the follow-up of 25-53 months. Conclusion The satisfactory treatment outcome in our study demonstrates that pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction is a reliable management modality for refractory cervical anastomotic fistulas after esophagectomy, particularly for those patients who experienced persistent fistulas after conservative wound care and repeated wound closures.

Resumo Introdução Uma fístula anastomótica cervical refratária, que permanece sem cicatrização por mais de 2 meses sob cuidados conservadores, afeta gravemente a qualidade de vida do paciente e potencialmente causa estenose anastomótica após a cicatrização da fístula. É amplamente aceito que as fístulas anastomóticas cervicais refratárias devem ser submetidas a tratamentos mais agressivos. No entanto, quando e qual intervenção cirúrgica deve ser considerada ainda é incerto. Objetivo Avaliar o papel do retalho miocutâneo do peitoral maior no manejo de fístula anastomótica cervical refratárias com base em nossa experiência de 6 casos e uma revisão da literatura. Métodos Foram incluídos no estudo seis pacientes diagnosticados com fístula anastomótica cervical refratária após esofagectomia tratados com transferência de retalho miocutâneo do peitoral maior. Os dados clínicos, detalhes cirúrgicos e resultado do tratamento foram analisados retrospectivamente. Resultados Todos os pacientes sobreviveram às cirurgias. Um paciente com defeito anastomótico circunferencial, resultante da exploração cirúrgica, desenvolveu uma fístula leve no sítio neoanastomótico no 5° dia de pós-operatório, que foi resolvida após 7 dias de tratamento conservador. Esse paciente desenvolveu uma estenose anastomótica parcialmente aliviada por uma dilatação endoscópica anastomótica. Todos os outros 5 pacientes tiveram recuperações sem intercorrências após as cirurgias, restabeleceram a ingestão oral 10 ou 15 dias após a operação e toleraram dietas normais sem sequelas subsequentes no seguimento. Um paciente desenvolveu recorrência local e pulmonar e morreu 15 meses após a cirurgia, enquanto os outros 5 pacientes sobreviveram com bom controle tumoral durante o seguimento de 25 a 53 meses. Conclusão O resultado satisfatório do tratamento em nosso estudo demonstra que a reconstrução com o retalho miocutâneo do peitoral maior é uma modalidade de manejo confiável para as fístula anastomótica cervical refratárias após a esofagectomia, particularmente nos pacientes que apresentaram falha após o tratamento conservador das feridas cirúrgicas e com fechamento repetido delas.

Effect of sarcopenia on survival and toxicity in postoperative recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients receiving chemoradiotherapy / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the impact of sarcopenia on survival and treatment-related toxicity in postoperative recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients treated with chemoradiotherapy.Methods:Clinical data of 147 patients with postoperative locoregional recurrent ESCC receiving chemoradiotherapy in Huai'an First People's Hospital from 2016 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Pectoralis muscle area (PMA) was determined using routine pre-radiotherapy CT simulation scan above the aortic arch level. Sarcopenia was defined as a cut-off value of pectoralis muscle index (PMI) (PMA/height 2) <11.55 cm 2/m 2 for males and <8.69 cm 2/m 2 for females. The incidence of toxicity, 1- and 3-year overall survival (OS) rates were statistically compared between patients with and without sarcopenia. Results:Sarcopenia was detected in 49 of 147 (33.3%) patients. The incidence of grade 3-4 toxicities in sarcopenic patients was significantly higher compared to that in their counterparts without sarcopenia (40.8% vs. 18.4%, P=0.005). In addition, patients with sarcopenia had significantly worse 1-year (61.2% vs. 82.7%) and 3-year OS rates (10.2% vs. 28.6%) than those without sarcopenia (both , P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that sarcopenia was an independent prognostic factor for poor OS ( P<0.001). Conclusion:PMI based on CT simulation scan has prognostic value in postoperative locoregional recurrent ESCC patients treated with chemoradiotherapy, which probably serves as a novel diagnostic tool for sarcopenia.

Giant intermuscular lipoma of neck and chest: a case report with review of literature.

Intermuscular lipoma is an uncommon benign tumor. In this case report we described a case of a patient with intermuscular lipoma located between sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis and scalene muscles on left side. These typ es of tumors are exceedingly rare in head and neck regions. Intermuscular lipomas are thought to arise from the Intermuscular septa and enlarge between muscle bundles. Clinical data, investigations, Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan confirm the diagnosis. These tumours are more common in males than females. Complete surgical excision of tumor is the treatment of choice. It is crucial for the surgeon to consider deep lipomas when dealing with soft tissue tumors.

Therapeutic Outcomes of Pectoralis Major Muscle Turnover Flap in Mediastinitis

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic results and safety of pectoralis major muscle turnover flaps in the treatment of mediastinitis after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures. METHODS: Data regarding 33 patients with post-CABG deep sternal wound infections (DSWIs) who underwent pectoralis major muscle turnover flap procedures in the Emam Reza and Ghaem Hospitals of Mashhad, Iran were reviewed in this study. For each patient, age, sex, hospital stay duration, remission, recurrence, and associated morbidity and mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 2,447 CABG procedures that were carried out during the time period encompassed by our study, DSWIs occurred in 61 patients (2.5%). Of these 61 patients, 33 patients (nine females [27.3%] and 24 males [72.7%]) with an average age of 63+/-4.54 years underwent pectoralis major muscle turnover flap placement. Symptoms of infection mainly occurred within the first 10 days after surgery (mean, 10.24+/-13.62 days). The most common risk factor for DSWIs was obesity (n=16, 48.4%) followed by diabetes mellitus (n=13, 39.4%). Bilateral and unilateral pectoralis major muscle turnover flaps were performed in 20 patients (60.6%) and 13 patients (39.4%), respectively. Complete remission was achieved in 25 patients (75.7%), with no recurrence in the follow-up period. Four patients (12.1%) needed reoperation. The mean hospitalization time was 11.69+/-6.516 days. Four patients (12.1%) died during the course of the study: three due to the postoperative complication of respiratory failure and one due to pulmonary thromboembolism. CONCLUSION: Pectoralis major muscle turnover flaps are an optimal technique in the treatment of post-CABG mediastinitis. In addition to leading to favorable therapeutic results, this flap is associated with minimal morbidity and mortality, as well as a short hospitalization time.

Poland Syndrome in One Dizygotic Twin: A Case Report / 대한주산의학회잡지

Poland syndrome, also known as pectoral aplasia-dysdactylia syndrome, is a rare anomaly, characterized by aplasia of the pectoralis major muscle with ipsilateral upper extremity anomalies. The cause of Poland syndrome is still unknown. Several twin patients were reported to propose a genetic or nongenetic hypothesis. We experienced a female baby showing absence of the pectoralis major muscle in a pair of mixed twin. The patient was referred to our hospital for evaluation of an asymmetric chest wall. She showed depression of the left chest wall, ipsilateral nipple hypoplasia, and axillary webbing. A chest CT scan showed aplasia of the left large pectoral muscle. Our patient had no abnormalities such as symbrachydactyly in an ipsilateral upper extremity. In comparison, a physical examination showed that the fraternal twin boy was completely normal.

Poland Syndrome: A Case Study

We report a rare case of Poland syndrome in a 22-year-old female patient. This is a syndrome defined bytheunilateral absence or hypoplasia of the thoracic muscles with under development of one breast. A female patient presented with aesthetic concerns having hypoplasia of left breast and the nipple-areola complex small and displaced laterally. There were no other developmental problems with ribs, breast bone or upper extremity. The patient was surgically treated with breast reconstruction using amammary prosthesis. The incidence of Poland syndrome ranges from 1 in 7000 to 1 in 1,00,000 [Fokin and Robicsek (2002). Ann Thorac Surg 2002;74(6):2218–25]. Ten percent of these patients also express some of the other features of the disorder. There is a male to female ratio of 2:1 to 3:1.

Immediate Debridement and Reconstruction with a Pectoralis Major Muscle Flap for Poststernotomy Mediastinitis

BACKGROUND: Poststernotomy mediastinitis is a rare, but life-threatening complication, thus early diagnosis and proper management is essential for poststernotomy mediastinitis. The main treatment for mediastinitis is aggressive debridement. Several options exist for reconstruction of defects after debridement. The efficacy of immediate debridement and reconstruction with a pectoralis major muscle flap designed for the defect immediately after the diagnosis of poststernotomy mediastinitis is demonstrated. METHODS: Between September 2009 and June 2011, 6 patients were referred to the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery of Ajou University Hospital for poststernotomy mediastinitis. All of the patients underwent extensive debridement and reconstruction with pectoralis major muscle flaps, advanced based on the pedicle of the thoracoacromial artery as soon as possible following diagnosis. A retrospective review of the 6 cases was performed to evaluate infection control, postoperative morbidity, and mortality. RESULTS: All patients had complete wound closures and reduced severity of infections based on the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels and a reduction in poststernal fluid collection on computed tomography an average of 6 days postoperatively. A lack of growth of organisms in the wound culture was demonstrated after 3 weeks. There were no major wound morbidities, such as hematomas, but one minor complication required a skin graft caused by skin flap necrosis. No patient expired after definitive surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate debridement and reconstruction using a pectoralis major muscle flap is a safe technique for managing infections associated with poststernotomy mediastinitis, and is associated with minimal morbidity and mortality.

Retalhos miocutâneos de músculo peitoral maior: resultados e complicações em uma série de 116 casos / Myocutaneous flap of pectoralis major muscle: results and complications in a serie of 116 cases

Introdução: Os retalhos miocutâneos representam uma importante arma com que conta o cirurgião plástico quando se depara com grandes defeitos a serem cobertos após ressecção de tumores. Objetivo: O presente estudo tem por objetivo relatar a incidência de complicações com o uso de retalhos miocutâneos de músculo peitoral maior para reconstrução em cirurgia oncológica, em especial de cabeça e pescoço. Método: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo. Foram estudados pacientes operados por lesões malignas de cabeça e pescoço,nos quais se usou a técnica em discussão. Resultados: Foram avaliados 116 pacientes operados no período entre março de 1994 e julho de 2009. Houve 2 perdas totais de retalho,14 perdas parciais e formação de 17 fístulas. Conclusão: A incidência de complicações foi relativamente alta, o que relacionamos com o avançado estádio de doença dos pacientes operados e estado nutricional dos mesmos, além do porte das cirurgias. Apesar disso, os autores consideram o retalho miocutâneo de músculo peitoral maior um grande aliado parao cirurgião plástico que trabalha em reconstrução de cabeça e pescoço.

Introduction: The myocutaneous flap is an important tool on which the plastic surgeon relies when handling major defects after tumors resection. Purpose: The objective of this study is reporting the incidence of post-operative complications with myocutaneous flap of pectoralis muscle for repairs in oncologic surgery, especially head and neck. Methods: A retrospective survey was performed. Patients with head and neck malignancies submitted to this technique were studied. Results: Between March/1994 and July/2009, 116 patients submitted to oncologic surgery were evaluated. There were 2 total flap losses, 14 partial flap losses and 17 fistulas. Conclusion: The incidence of surgical complications was relatively high, what we believe to be linked with the advanced oncologic disease stage in our population, their nutritional condition and the nature of the surgery. Despite that, the authors consider that the myocutaneous flap of pectoralis muscle is a good choice for plastic surgeons working in head and neck reconstruction.

Pectoralis Major Musculocutaneous Flap for Reconstruction of Permanent Tracheostoma / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap has been considered as a "workhorse" of the pedicled flaps for head and neck reconstruction. We introduce several types of PMMC flap for the reconstruction of tracheostoma with surrounding soft tissue defects and evaluate the usefulness of PMMC flap. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We reviewed retrospectively our experience of using 12 PMMC flaps for the reconstruction of tracheostoma between 1997 to 2002. RESULTS: Five patients received semi-lunar type of PMMC flap, 3 patient received doughnut type, 3 received skin graft type and 1 received mixed type of PMMC flap for the reconstruction of tracheostoma. There was no total necrosis of flap but, 1 case have had marginal necrosis. No other complications were noted. CONCLUSION: The PMMC flap is a safe and convenient method for reconstruction of the permanent tracheostoma with surrounding soft tissue defect after tracheal resection, superior mediastinal dissection. And several types of PMMC flap design can be used according to the types of stoma and the condition of the defect.