Technical Refinements for Reducing Reoperations in Single-Stage Augmentation Mastopexy: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The goals of mastopexy differ significantly from those of augmentation mammoplasty. Mastopexy is designed to lift and reshape the breasts, while augmentation mammoplasty is designed to increase the volume of the breasts. This conflict causes that one-stage augmentation mastopexies showed a revision rate from 8.7 to 23.2%. The aim of our study is to present some technical refinements for reducing the risk of implant exposure and reoperation. METHODS: We designed a retrospective matched cohort study, including 216 consecutive patients, undergone augmentation mastopexy between January 2013 and December 2022. We divided them in two groups: Group A undergone an inverted-T superomedial pedicled augmentation mastopexy and Group B undergone our inverted-T modified augmentation mastopexy. The groups were matched for clinical and surgical variables, with the surgical technique the only difference between the two. RESULTS: Complications were registered in ten patients (9.3%) in Group A (two wound breakdowns at T with implant exposure and eight wound dehiscences), six of which required surgical revision. In contrast, only three patients (2.8%) in Group B reported a complication, which was wound dehiscence without implant exposure in all cases. None of the dehiscence required surgical revision. The difference between complication and revision rates was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Separating the implant and the mastopexy dissection planes reduces the implant exposure and the reoperation rate in one-stage augmentation mastopexy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors https://link.springer.com/journal/00266 .

Labia Majora Hypertrophy in a Patient Affected by Familial Partial Lipodystrophy Type 5: A Case Report on Diagnosis, Presentation, and Surgical Correction.

BACKGROUND: Familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD) is a rare disease, presenting as localized areas of lipodystrophy in the body and associated with defined genes mutations. Labia majora hypertrophy is rarely reported in the literature, and it has been described only once associated with the FLPD syndrome. We present a rare case of labia majora lipodystrophy successfully corrected with a pubo-pexy and a labial reduction plasty. METHODS: A 26-year-old girl presents with massive labia majora hypertrophy, not associated with any type of systemic comorbidity or infection. The hypertrophy was pure adipose and subcutaneous tissue. After exclusion of lymphedema, a lateral reduction labioplasty with pubo-pexy was performed in general anesthesia. RESULTS: The patient presented also a c.623G>A p. (Arg208Lys) missense mutation in AKT2 gene, usually associated with insulin resistance and lipodystrophy. After genetic counseling, the patient was diagnosed with FPLD type 5. The wounds healed perfectly, and the patient returned to normal life after 4 weeks from the operation. CONCLUSIONS: We report the first case in the literature of FPLD type 5 associated with labia majora lipodystrophy and successfully corrected with reduction labioplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Efficacy of Flap-based Posterior Trunk Reconstruction after Vertebrectomy and Radiation Therapy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Adjuvant radiation therapy following vertebrectomy is a major risk factor for local wound complications such as dehiscence, infection, and skin necrosis. In selected cases, well-vascularized coverage and modification of tension forces on the wound might reduce the risk of postoperative complications and reoperations. We aimed to demonstrate a reduction in general and specific complications in patients undergoing vertebral resection and flap coverage compared with vertebral resection alone. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed and collected data from patients diagnosed with a tumor involving the spine and requiring a total or partial posterior vertebrectomy between January 2012 and October 2022, referred to a single tertiary-level orthopedic and trauma center. We included only patients in whom primary closure of the wound was possible but judged to be under excessive tension. Results: A total of 145 patients underwent partial or total vertebrectomy for oncological reasons at our tertiary-level trauma hospital. Among these, 73 patients were eventually included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria: 53 in the orthopedic group and 20 in the orthoplastic group. Considering only patients undergoing radiation therapy, the orthoplastic group showed significantly lower rates of overall complications (33% versus 69%) than the orthopedic group. Conclusions: Primary flap coverage, especially in patients receiving RT, reduces the risk of postoperative complications and avoids a second reconstructive operation, consequently reducing patient discomfort, length of hospital stay, and healthcare costs.

History of Cranial Surgery in World War I: Experience on the Italian Front.

Since ancient history, men have been attempting to intervene when skull trauma occurs. The majority of traumas were always linked to war injuries, and in the modern era, the culprit was reached during World War I. Cranial traumas in wartime were very common, and consequently, physicians in wartime became particularly interested in the subject of cranial traumatology. In the following text, we want to bring to light the experience of some of the pioneers of cranial surgery in Italy during the First Great War. In fact before the war, very few medical officers had received training in central nervous system surgery. In addition, the surgical instruments for that clinical activity were inadequate and obsolete, but to deal with the medical emergency that had arisen on the front lines, the Italian government established Battlefield Medical Schools. And it is also from the reports and lectures of surgeons working on the front lines that the next generations of neurosurgeons were able to develop this surgical field into the complex and well-established surgical specialty that it is today.

Efficacy of Septoplasty in Patients with Nasal Obstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Septoplasty is the most frequently performed ENT surgery to correct nasal septal deviation (NSD). The present study aimed to quantify the effectiveness of septoplasty with or without turbinate surgery according to NOSE questionnaire scores, with the hypothesis that it is able to clinically improve patient-reported nasal obstructive symptoms in the post-operative follow-up. METHODS: An electronic search was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The primary outcome was the change in NOSE score at 6 months after surgery. It was assessed with the mean difference (MD) between baseline and postoperative results. RESULTS: A total of 2577 patients (males: 65.1%, 95% CI: 59.9-70.2) with a mean age of 33.3 years (n = 1456, 95% CI: 30.4-36.2) were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled baseline NOSE mean score was 68.1 (n = 2577, 95% CI: 64.3-71.9). The pooled MD in NOSE score at 6-months follow-up compared to baseline was -48.8 (n = 1730, 95% CI: -54.6 to -42.9). CONCLUSIONS: Functional septoplasty with or without turbinate surgery shows a critical improvement of obstructive symptoms and quality of life according to the validated NOSE score. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 133:3237-3246, 2023.

Reconstruction of the Axillary Region after Excision of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review.

Introduction Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, debilitating, recurrent, auto-inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous units of the skin. The axillary region is the most affected anatomical site and its reconstructive options include skin grafts, local random plasties, regional axial flaps, and regional perforator flaps. The main aim of this systematic review is to identify the best surgical technique for axillary reconstruction in the context of HS, in terms of efficacy and safety. Methods We adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) throughout the whole review protocol build-up. The literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane library databases, updated to March 2021. Quality was assessed for each study, through the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool. Results A total of 23 studies were included in the final analysis. We reviewed a total of 394 axillary reconstructions in 313 patients affected by HS Hurley Stage II or III. Skin grafts were associated with the highest overall complication rate (37%), and highest rate of reconstruction failure (22%). Between thoraco-dorsal artery perforator flap, posterior arm flap, and parascapular flap, the latter showed fewer total complications, recurrences, and failures. Conclusion Regional axial flaps should be considered as the best surgical approach in the management of advanced HS. The parascapular flap emerges as the most effective and safest option for axillary reconstruction. Local random flaps might be considered only for selected minor excisions, due to the higher risk of recurrence. The use of skin grafts for axillary reconstruction is discouraged.

Craniotomy Burr Hole Covers: A Comparative Study of Biomechanical, Radiological, and Aesthetic Outcomes Using 3 Different Plug Materials.

Burr holes in the cranial vault are usually made during trephination for craniotomy or drainage of chronic subdural hematomas. The resulting cranial defect might bring to unsatisfactory esthetic outcome. In the current study the authors report clinical data regarding a cohort of patients who were treated with 3 different types of burr hole covers; autologous bone dust from skull trephination, and 2 different types of cylindric plug made out of porous hydroxyapatite in order to evaluate medium and long-term esthetic and radiological outcomes. Twenty patients were consecutively enrolled in the study and in each patient all 3 types of materials were used to cover different holes. Clinical and radiological outcomes at 6 and 12 months, were analyzed for all 3 types of plugs in terms of thickness of the graft coaptation of margins, remodeling, fractures, mobilization, and contour irregularities. In all craniotomy holes filled with autologous bone dust the authors have observed partial or complete bone reabsorption at 1 year and in 60% of the cases a visible and palpable cranial vault contour irregularity was reported. Both types of bone substitutes gave satisfactory results, comparable to autologous bone dust at 6 months and superior at 12 months, especially in terms of thickness and esthetic appearance. Hydroxyapatite plugs have shown better esthetic and biomechanical results and higher patients' satisfaction compared to autologous bone dust while not giving any additional complications.

The Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture: An Evidence-Based Approach from the Diagnosis to the Treatment.

Background and Objective: Acute Achilles tendon rupture (AATR) is a common injury with a significant impact on daily living. Although various systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been written on the topic, no actual consensus exists on the best treatment. We aimed to collect the highest quality of evidence on the subject and to produce a document to which to refer, from the diagnosis to the final treatment. Material and Methods: Inclusion criteria were systematic reviews discussing Achilles tendon rupture, concerning either diagnostic criteria, classification, or treatment; English language; clearly stated inclusion and exclusion criteria for patients' selection. Results: Thirteen systematic reviews were included in the study. A strong consensus exists about the higher risk of re-rupture associated with non-operative treatment and a higher risk of complications associated with surgical repair. Conclusions: The combination of minimally invasive repair and accelerated functional rehabilitation seems to offer the best results in the treatment of Achilles tendon rupture.

Outcomes in Hybrid Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Background and Objectives: Lipofilling is a commonly performed procedure worldwide for breast augmentation and correction of breast contour deformities. In breast reconstruction, fat grafting has been used as a single reconstructive technique, as well as in combination with other procedures. The aim of the present study is to systematically review available studies in the literature describing the combination of implant-based breast reconstruction and fat grafting, focusing on safety, complications rate, surgical sessions needed to reach a satisfying reconstruction, and patient-reported outcomes. Materials and Methods: We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) throughout the whole review protocol. A systematic review of the literature up to April 2022 was performed using Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Only studies dealing with implant-based breast reconstruction combined with fat grafting were included. Results: We screened 292 articles by title and abstract. Only 48 articles were assessed for full-text eligibility, and among those, 12 studies were eventually selected. We included a total of 753 breast reconstructions in 585 patients undergoing mastectomy or demolitive breast surgeries other than mastectomy (quadrantectomy, segmentectomy, or lumpectomy) due to breast cancer or genetic predisposition to breast cancer. Overall, the number of complications was 60 (7.9%). The mean volume of fat grafting per breast per session ranged from 59 to 313 mL. The mean number of lipofilling sessions per breast ranged from 1.3 to 3.2. Conclusions: Hybrid breast reconstruction shows similar short-term complications to standard implant-based reconstruction but with the potential to significantly decrease the risk of long-term complications. Moreover, patient satisfaction was achieved with a reasonably low number of lipofilling sessions (1.7 on average).

Anxiety and depression mood disorder in patients with nasal septal deviation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Nasal septal deviation (NSD) is one of the most prevalent upper airway diseases causing airway obstruction, and it can negatively impact patients' quality of life (QoL). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the risk of anxiety and depression mood disorders in patients with NSD. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA statement. An electronic search was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Google Scholar. Raw affect size data were pooled comparing standardized between group mean differences. RESULTS: A total of 625 patients (males: 53 %, n = 280/525) with a mean age of 32.4 years (n = 375, 95 % CI: 25.3-39.4) were included. The pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) for the prevalence of the anxiety disorder was 1.17 (n = 625, 95 % CI: 0.34-2.0). The pooled SMD for the prevalence of the depression disorder was 0.30 (n = 490, 95 % CI: 0.12-0.48). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of anxiety and depression mood disorders is higher in patients with NSD compared to controls. These diseases should be investigated and considered during the diagnostic and therapeutic process to improve the QoL of patients with NSD.

Soft palate reconstruction with free jejunum flap: Impact on the velopharyngeal insufficiency.

If inadequately reconstructed, large resections of the soft palate inevitably cause velopharyngeal insufficiency, nasal regurgitation and reduce speech intelligibility. A series of 12 free Jejunal flaps are presented, with 28.5 months median follow up (IQR 10.5), with evidence that the flaps provided appropriate secretions and good functionality for speech and resumption of oral intake. A retrospective case series was performed, from 2004 to 2020, including patients diagnosed with palate locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma and reconstructed with free jejunum flap. Twelve patients were included, with mean age of 66 years. No flap loss, thrombosis or infection were recorded. Oral feeding was achieved in all patients, on an average after 36 days from the operation. Speech intelligibility improved by 4 points in a scale 0-10. The thin, pliable, and elastic properties of the free jejunal flap are optimally suited for a functional reconstruction of the three-dimensional palatal defects. With its serous and mucous secretion, the free jejunal flap can lead to early return to solid diet and minimize functional impairment of phonation and speech.

Reducing complications in reconstruction of the cervical esophagus with anterolateral thigh flap: The five points protocol.

Patients suffering from hypopharyngeal cancer commonly present in the advanced stage and undergo a circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy. The possibility to reconstruct the esophagus and achieve an oral alimentation can significantly reduce the additional burden of a jejunostomy. The cervical esophagus is usually reconstructed with jejunal free flap (JFF) or fasciocutaneous free flap such as the anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap. The latter has proved its donor-site safety and fast recovery. However, it is burdened by a high fistula rate. We present our five points protocol for reducing fistula rate and improving outcome. Twenty-eight patients underwent total pharyngolaryngectomy and required esophageal reconstruction with ALT flap from 2015 to 2020. In each patient, we performed five adjustments: a thicker dermal layer, a two-layer closure, a barrier from the tracheostomy, a nonabsorbable monofilament suture, and two NG tubes to enhance neoesophageal drainage. Twenty-five (89%) patients returned to solid or soft food diet after the reconstruction. Three patients had liquid diet. Contrast media leakage was observed in only 2 (7%) patients during esophagography at three weeks, with only one needing surgical revision. Our five points protocol for ALT reconstruction of cervical esophagus proved to be effective in achieving an incredibly low rate of complications, without the burden of significant donor-site complications.

The Antibiotic Immersion of Custom-Made Porous Hydroxyapatite Cranioplasty: A Multicentric Cohort Study.

ABSTRACT: Cranioplasty is a common neurosurgical procedure performed to reconstruct cranial defects. The most common cranioplasty materials used today can be divided into 2 types: autologous bone and bone substitutes, such as polyetheretherketone, titanium mesh, poly-methyl methacrylate, and Hydroxyapatite (HA). Infection represents one of the most feared complications, ranging from 2.3% to 20%. Early implant infections occur within 30 days from the operation and are mostly due to pathogens from the skin and the paranasal cavity. The authors aim to demonstrate the efficacy of our preoperative antibiotic immersion protocol of custom-made HA prosthesis, to prevent early implant infections. The authors compare this population to cranioplasties without preoperative antibiotic elution and those with anonstandardized antibiotic elution. The authors retrospectively analyzed data from patients referred to 6 different hospitals in northern Italy, in the period 2000 to 2020. Inclusion criteria were patients requiring reconstruction of thecal bone with HA prosthesis after post-traumatic decompressive surgery; age more than 18 years; detailed patient history and clinical data; and follow-up of minimum 6 months. A total of 77 cranioplasties were included in the study, along with 120 retrospective cases in comparison. Infections occurred in 2.6% of cranioplasties with antibiotic immersion compared to 7.8% of cranioplasties without. Even if nonsignificant, these results support our hypothesis that pretreatment of HA implants with antibiotic appears to prevent cranioplasty infections and could be a viable option to improve cranioplasty outcomes in the future.

Restoring blood flow to the lateral plantar artery after elevation of an instep flap or medialis pedis flap.

The instep flap and medialis pedis flap are both originate based on the medial plantar artery. The medialis pedis flap is based from the deep branch and the instep flap is based from the superficial branch. To increase the axial rotation, it is acceptable to ligate the lateral plantar artery. However, this can partially affect the blood supply of the plantar metatarsal arch. We restored the blood flow with a vein graft between the posterior tibial artery and the ligated stump. From 2012 to 2020, 12 cases of heel reconstruction, including seven instep flaps and five medialis pedis flaps, were performed with ligation of the lateral plantar artery. The stump of the lateral plantar artery was restored with a vein graft and between the posterior tibial artery and the ligated stump. Patients were followed for 18 months. Long-term results showed the vascular restoration of the lateral plantar artery remained patent demonstrated by doppler ultrasonography. Restoring blood flow to the lateral plantar artery maintains good blood supply to the toes. If the patient in the future develops a chronic degenerative disease, with microvascular complications, bypass surgery can still be performed because of the patency of both branches.

One-Step Approach for Infections After Achilles Tendon Open Repair: The Distally Based Peroneus Brevis Muscle Flap.

The aim of this single-center, retrospective study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of distally based peroneus brevis muscle flap as first therapeutic option for infections after Achilles tendon open repair. We retrospectively analyzed 14 consecutive patients with complete Achilles tendon rupture and developing surgical site infection after an attempt of open surgical repair. Every patient was reconstructed with distally base peroneus brevis muscle flap. The primary outcome was the return to work and the initiation of full weight-bearing. Secondary outcomes were complication rate and time needed to return to work. A review of the literature was conducted to better define the actual standard treatment. Each patient returned to work. No flap necrosis occurred. Two minor healing delays and one hematoma were reported. Median time to wound healing was 17 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 13-20). Median time to full weight-bearing was 52 days (IQR = 47-55). Median follow-up (FU) was 21 months. Distally based peroneus brevis flap is a safe treatment for surgical site infections after Achilles tendon rupture repair. Patients regained full weight-bearing after a median time of 52 days from the surgical reconstruction. No major complications were observed. This flap clearly emerges as first reconstructive option for complications after surgery of Achilles tendon region.

The triple conjoined scapular-latissimus dorsi-groin flap for reconstruction of long lower extremity degloving injury: A case report.

Since the introduction of the angiosome concept, many attempts have been made to push the dimensional limits of free tissue transfers. While initially limited by the boundaries of random vascularization of adjacent angiosomes, wider flaps were transferred by combining contiguous source vessels. Combined flaps, either chimeric or conjoined, represent nowadays the largest reconstructive options in the human body. This is the first report of a triple conjoined free flap with two vascular anastomoses, able to cover the anterior surface of the entire lower limb, representing the longest flap ever reported in history. A 43-year-old woman sustained a car accident as a pedestrian and presented with a massive circumferential degloving injury of the right lower limb. Femoral displaced shaft fracture and Gustilo type IIIb tibial fracture were diagnosed with emergent CT scan. A myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap was planned, conjoined with the scapular flap to obtain a thick and large cover for the knee, and with a groin flap, to cover for the foot. Descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery and anterior tibial artery at the dorsum of the foot were selected as recipient vessels. Donor site was closed primarily. All flaps survived and no immediate nor late complications were reported. Follow up was 3 months. The triple conjoined flap can be considered a safe and useful reconstructive tool in severe degloving injuries of the lower limb, allowing the coverage of a large surface of the lesion with a single operation and without increasing the donor site morbidity.

Comparison of Efficacy among Three Dermal Substitutes in the Management of Critical Lower-Limb Wounds: The Largest Biases-Reduced Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study in Literature.

Background and objectives: The skin recently became the main focus of regenerative medicine and, in this context, skin substitutes are fully entering into the plastic surgeon's armamentarium. Among the various types of skin substitutes, dermal substitutes (DSs) are the most used. Our study aims to retrospectively compare three renowned and extremely similar DS in the management of critical lower limb wounds in the largest cohort analysis currently present in literature. Materials and Methods: We followed a strict protocol of application and evaluation of the DS for each patient and wound and, after a meticulous bias reduction process, we compared final outcomes in terms of efficacy and speed in achieving the defect coverage. Results: Among patients who did not receive a skin graft after the DS, we registered a wound healed surface of 50% for Pelnac, 52% for Integra, and 19% for Nevelia, after 30 days from the external silicon layer removal; among those who received a skin graft after the DS, we observed a significantly lower mean percentage of graft take after 7 days with Pelnac (53%) compared to Integra and Nevelia (92% and 80%, respectively). The overall percentage of wound healed surface obtained after 30 days from the external silicon sheet removal, either with or without skin graft, was 71% for Pelnac, 63% for Integra and 63% for Nevelia. We also ran a sub-group analysis only including grafted wounds with a negative microbiological test and the mean percentage of graft take was similar this time. Eventually, we assessed the influence of the wound's "chronicity" on its healing, comparing the mean graft take only in "acute" wounds who received a skin graft and it resulted 63% for Pelnac, 91% for Integra and 75% for Nevelia. Conclusions: Integra demonstrates the highest rate of skin graft viability and the highest rate of skin graft takes after 7 days. Pelnac shows the quickest induction of secondary healing in acute wounds. Nevelia is not different from Integra and shows a superior graft take compared to Pelnac, but features the lowest secondary healing induction rate. No differences exist between the three DSs in terms of wound healing after 30 days from the skin graft or from the removal of the external silicon layer.