Interferon gamma as an immune modulating adjunct therapy for invasive mucormycosis after severe burn - A case report.

Background: Mucormycosis is a deadly fungal infection that mainly affects severely immunocompromised patients. We report herein the case of a previously immunocompetent adult woman who developed invasive cutaneous mucormycosis after severe burn injuries. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) treatment was added after failure of conventional treatment and confirmation of a sustained profound immunodepression. The diagnosis was based on a reduced expression of HLA-DR on monocytes (mHLA-DR), NK lymphopenia and a high proportion of immature neutrophils. The immune-related alterations were longitudinally monitored using panels of immune-related biomarkers. Results: Initiation of IFN-γ was associated with a rapid clinical improvement and a subsequent healing of mucormycosis infection, with no residual fungi at the surgical wound repair. The serial immunological assessment showed sharp improvements of immune parameters: a rapid recovery of mHLA-DR and of transcriptomic markers for T-cell proliferation. The patient survived and was later discharged from the ICU. Conclusion: The treatment with recombinant IFN-γ participated to the resolution of a progressively invasive mucormycosis infection, with rapid improvement in immune parameters. In the era of precision medicine in the ICU, availability of comprehensive immune monitoring tools could help guiding management of refractory infections and provide rationale for immune stimulation strategies in these high risk patients.

Techniques of Concomitant Abdominoplasty and Umbilical Hernia Repair: A Review.

BACKGROUND: Different methods of performing full abdominoplasty and umbilical hernia (UH) repair simultaneously have been proposed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to review and compare UH repair outcomes and umbilical stalk survival. METHODS: A literature research was performed through 28 December 2019. Other hernia repairs and mini-abdominoplasty (without umbilical transposition) were excluded. The primary outcomes analyzed were rates of UH recurrence, mesh infection, and umbilical necrosis. RESULTS: Six studies were included (5 retrospectives series, 1 case report). Hernia was repaired by an open approach (3 studies, 28 patients) or a laparoscopic approach (3 studies, 67 patients). UH repair consisted of mesh placement in the intraperitoneal or retromuscular/preperitoneal plane, or suture technique in the intraperitoneal plane. No hernia recurrence, mesh infection, or umbilical necrosis was described. CONCLUSIONS: Both open and laparoscopic approaches to simultaneous abdominoplasty and UH repair seem to be safe based on the rates of umbilical stalk vascularization, hernia recurrence, and mesh infection. However, more well-designed studies are needed to prove this hypothesis.

Re-epithelialization of adult skin wounds: Cellular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.

Cutaneous wound healing in adult mammals is a complex multi-step process involving overlapping stages of blood clot formation, inflammation, re-epithelialization, granulation tissue formation, neovascularization, and remodelling. Re-epithelialization describes the resurfacing of a wound with new epithelium. The cellular and molecular processes involved in the initiation, maintenance, and completion of epithelialization are essential for successful wound closure. A variety of modulators are involved, including growth factors, cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases, cellular receptors, and extracellular matrix components. Here, we focus on cellular mechanisms underlying keratinocyte migration and proliferation during epidermal closure. Inability to re-epithelialize is a clear indicator of chronic non-healing wounds, which fail to proceed through the normal phases of wound healing in an orderly and timely manner. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the management and treatment of acute and chronic wounds, with a focus on re-epithelialization, offering some insights into novel future therapies.

Impact on Breastfeeding According to Implant Features in Breast Augmentation: A Multicentric Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding is highly recommended by the World Health Organization during the first 6 months of life. In parallel, breast augmentation with implants is one of the most performed operations in aesthetic surgery. OBJECTIVE: The goal of our study was therefore to analyze the potential impact of aesthetic breast implants on breastfeeding. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study was carried out in 3 French university hospitals. The main inclusion criterion was adult women of childbearing age (18-50 years old) with bilateral breast hypoplasia. Some features of the surgery, such as the operative indication, the surgical approach, the implant position against the pectoral muscle, and implants features (material, volume, profile), were collected. We conducted a survey by phone about childbirth after the procedure. If the women had children after surgery, we asked them if they breastfed and the characteristics of breastfeeding. RESULTS: In total, 1316 patients received breast implants in the 3 centers from January 2011 to October 2016 and met our inclusion criteria. We included 1073 patients; 998 women had breast implants with no pregnancy. Among the 75 patients (7%) who gave birth after the surgery, 51 wanted to breastfeed (68%). The patients with a retroglandular implant were significantly less able to breastfeed compared with the patients with retromuscular implants (P = 0.0005). No difference was found for age, the type of surgery, the surgical approach, and the shape or type of implant between the successful breastfeeding group and failed breastfeeding group. CONCLUSION: A woman with aesthetic breast implants has a 75% chance of breastfeeding if desired, regardless of the type and the volume of the implant and the surgical approach. She has an 82% probability of breastfeeding with retromuscular implants and 17% with retroglandular implants.

Simultaneous Abdominoplasty and Umbilical Hernia Repair via Laparoscopy: a Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical hernias (UH) are common in postpartum patients seeking abdominal contouring surgery and the question of simultaneous abdominoplasty and UH repair is raised. This presents, however, a risk to the umbilicus vascularisation with possible umbilical necrosis. To minimize this risk we associated abdominoplasty with laparoscopic UH repair. The aim of this study was to present the technique of simultaneous abdominoplasty and UH repair and the first results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Simultaneous abdominoplasty and laparoscopic mesh UH repair was analysed in the first 10 cases. The intervention was performed by a plastic surgeon and a general surgeon. It begins as a standard abdominoplasty with flap elevation, umbilicus detachment and diastasis repair, if indicated. The second stage is the UH repair via laparoscopy using an intraperitoneal mesh. The third stage consists of umbilical transposition and closure of the abdominoplasty incision. RESULTS: We had no complications at the umbilicus or the hernia mesh. In all cases, umbilical vascularisation was preserved and no hernia recurrence was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Our first results suggest that the simultaneous UH repair with abdominoplasty is safe, minimizing the risk to the umbilicus blood supply. These first results encourage us to recommend this approach and perform a more detailed analysis of the whole series since our first case.

Hand Allograft Saved by an Ultrathin Groin Flap.

We report a case of a young double-hand allotransplant patient who presented with a full-thickness skin necrosis of the dorsum of the left hand after vascular compromise of the allotransplantation. Considering the lack of viable dorsal tissue overlying the extensor tendons and the need for early hand rehabilitation, an ultrathin pedicled groin flap was used for the coverage. This procedure resulted in salvaging the allotransplantation, and the patient was able to successfully return to work after his surgery. To our knowledge, this is the only case of an upper extremity allotransplant salvaged by a pedicled flap.

Bilateral hand transplantation: Functional benefits assessment in five patients with a mean follow-up of 7.6 years (range 4-13 years).

Between January 2000 and July 2009, five adults who had suffered bilateral traumatic below-elbow amputations, received bilateral hand-forearm allografts performed by the Lyon team. We report the functional benefits achieved over a mean follow-up period of 7.6 years (range 4-13 years), up to December 31st, 2013. Clinical measurement is hampered by the lack of specific validated assessment tools, obliging us to use non-specific standardized evaluation means. Our assessment shows that the restoration of motion, strength, and sensibility are fair. Functional results (Carroll upper extremity function test, 400-point test, Activities of daily living) are good, as well as quality of life evaluation (RAND-36). Subjective and overall results explored with questionnaires - Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Hand Transplantation Score System (HTSS), are very good. Improvement was seen to continue during the first three years, and then tend to become stable. Continued efforts should be directed at designing comprehensive, condition-specific, reliable outcome measurement tools. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of patients is required to assess the long-term risk-benefit balance.

Evaluation of the risk of post-operative bleeding complications in skin cancer surgery without interruption of anticoagulant/antithrombotic medication: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports showed lack of consensus concerning interruption of anticoagulant/antithrombotic (AC/AT) treatment before skin cancer surgery. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of postoperative bleeding in patients on AC/AT treatment undergoing skin cancer surgery without interruption of this treatment. METHOD: This prospective cohort study included 271 consecutive patients divided into two groups - patients without and patients with AC/AT therapy. Inclusion criteria were skin cancer (basal-cell carcinoma, squamous-cell carcinoma, or malignant melanoma). Exclusion criteria were patients undergoing regional lymph node dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy. Postoperative bleeding complications taken into consideration were those evaluated as moderate or severe and requiring some form of surgical or non-surgical hemostasis on an outpatient or inpatient basis. RESULTS: There were 47 patients in the AC/AT group and 224 in the control group (mean age = 76.6 and 68 years, respectively), with almost equal distribution of tumours in both groups. There were 34.1% of patients on AT, 55% on AC treatment, and 10.6% on mixed treatment (AC+AT or AT+AT). Postoperative bleeding complications did not show a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.063). CONCLUSION: Skin cancer surgery can be safely performed without discontinuation of AC/AT treatment, since the risk of postoperative bleeding is statistically insignificant.

Cultured autologous keratinocytes in the treatment of large and deep burns: a retrospective study over 15 years.

AIM: The aim was to review the use and indications of cultured autologous epidermis (CAE) in extensive burns and to evaluate the efficiency of our strategy of burn treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study comprised 15 years (1997-2012). INCLUSION CRITERIA: all patients who received CAE. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: patients who died before complete healing and patients who received exclusively cultured allogeneic keratinocytes. Evaluation criteria were clinical. Time and success of wound healing after CAE graft were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients were included with severity Baux score of 107 (from 70 to 140) and mean percentage of TBSA of 71% (from 40% to 97%). The CAE were used as Cuono method, in STSG donor sites and deep 2nd degree burns and in combination with large-meshed STSG (1:6-1:12) in extensively burned patients. Cuono method was used in 6 patients. The final take was 16% (0-30) because of the great fragility of the obtained epidermis. Nine patients with deep 2nd degree burns (mean TBSA 81%, from 60 to 97%) were successfully treated with only CAE without skin grafting. Combined technique (STSG meshed at 1:6-1:12 covered with CAE) was used in 27 patients (mean TBSA 69%, from 49% to 96%) with 85% success rate. Finally, donor sites treated with CAE in 49 patients could be harvested several times thanks to rapid epithelialization (time of wound healing was 7 days (from 5 to 10 days)). CONCLUSION: The CAE allow rapid healing of STSG donor sites and deep 2nd second degree burns in extensively burned patients.

Cultured allogenic keratinocytes for extensive burns: a retrospective study over 15 years.

UNLABELLED: The aim was to review the use and indications of cultured allogenic keratinocytes (CAlloK) in extensive burns and their efficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study comprised 15 years (1997-2012). INCLUSION CRITERIA: all patients who received CAlloK. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: patients who died before complete healing. Evaluation criteria were clinical. Time and success of wound healing after CAlloK use were evaluated. RESULTS: The CAlloK were used for 2 indications - STSG donor sites and deep 2nd degree burns in extensively burned patients. A total of 70 patients were included with severity Baux score of 99.2 (from 51 to 144) and mean percentage of TBSA of 63.49% (from 21 to 96%). Fifty nine patients received CAlloK for STSG donor sites with a mean number of applications of 4 and mean surface of 3800 cm(2) per patient. Treated donor sites were re-harvested 2.5 times. The mean time of complete epithelialization was 7 days. In 11 patients, CAlloK were used for deep 2nd degree burns. The mean percentage of burned surface was 73.7%. The mean surface of CAlloK per patient was 2545 cm(2). Complete healing was achieved in 6.4 days. CONCLUSION: The CAlloK allow rapid healing of STSG donor-sites and deep 2nd second degree burns in extensively burned patients.

Superficial femoral artery perforator flap: anatomical study of a new flap and clinical cases.

BACKGROUND: The medial thigh has been infrequently studied as a donor site for pedicled or free flaps. In their previous studies, the authors observed a direct cutaneous branch from the superficial femoral artery. This study aimed to investigate the anatomy and potential possibility for flap elevation (the midmedial thigh flap) on this direct branch of the superficial femoral vessels. METHODS: Circumferential adipocutaneous thigh flaps were harvested from 14 fresh adult cadaver legs. The direct cutaneous branch from the superficial femoral vessels was located between the sartorius and gracilis muscles. Pedicle location, diameter, and length and position of the great saphenous vein and saphenous nerve were recorded. A flap based on this vessel was designed. Height, width, and surface of the skin paddle were recorded. Three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography was used to analyze the area of cutaneous territory supplied by the studied perforator. RESULTS: The pedicle was located at an average distance of 22.79 ± 1.55 cm below the pubic tubercle on the medial axis of the thigh, and it was found in 100 percent of dissections. It was always located between the sartorius and gracilis muscles, with a mean diameter of 2.82 ± 0.69 mm and mean length of 4.79 ± 0.52 cm. The average area of skin perfused was 182.24 cm, located preferentially distal and posterior to the perforator pedicle. Two clinical cases illustrate the feasibility of the midmedial thigh perforator flap. CONCLUSIONS: The superficial femoral artery perforator flap appears to be reliable and has a constant vascular anatomy. Donor-site morbidity is low, resulting in only a vertical scar on the medial thigh. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

Poland syndrome and breast tumor: a case report and review of the literature.

Poland syndrome is a rare congenital malformation. Hypoplasia of the sternocostal portion of the pectoralis major muscle is the most significant feature and is most frequently associated with homolateral breast hypoplasia. In this article, the authors present a case of bilateral phyllodes tumors in a 28-year-old woman with Poland syndrome and discuss (1) the relationship between the condition and breast cancer, (2) the modes of surveillance in patients with Poland syndrome, and (3) its impact on breast reconstruction.

Anatomical study of the medial gastrocnemius muscle flap: a quantitative assessment of the arc of rotation.

BACKGROUND: The authors compared the arc of rotation of medial gastrocnemius flaps according to three methods: standard harvesting, dissection of the "pes anserinus" muscle, and dissection of the medial condyle. METHODS: This study was performed using 20 fresh cadavers in two anatomy laboratories in Lyon, France; and Dallas, Texas. The area covered by each flap was calculated. The arc of rotation was calculated using distance from a fixed point, the anterior tibial tuberosity, to the distal flap (segment 1), to the lateral knee (segment 2), to the upper knee (segment 3), and to the medial thigh (segment 4). All measurements were done with leg stretched, applying a tensile strength of 1 daN on the muscle. RESULTS: The average surface of the flaps (32.5 ± 8.55 cm) did not vary with the technique used; neither did the length of segment 1 (19.6 ± 3.53 cm). Segment 2 (9.6 ± 3.1 cm) and segment 3 (13.6 ± 2.76 cm) were increased by 7.3 ± 11.1 percent and 21.3 ± 13.9 percent, respectively, when using pes anserinus dissection; and by 30.2 ± 23 percent and 49.3 ± 34 percent when combining with medial condyle dissection. Segment 4 (22.9 ± 2.21 cm) increased by 15.3 ± 12.8 percent with pes anserinus dissection alone and 36.2 ± 13 percent when combining with medial condyle dissection. CONCLUSIONS: This study allowed precise measurement of the flaps and arcs of rotation according to the type of harvest. A marked length gain was achieved by pes anserinus dissection alone or the combination with medial condyle dissection. The authors' results support the importance of assessing the benefit/risk balance between different techniques according to the type and extent of soft-tissue loss requiring reconstruction.

Influence of age and body mass index on the yield and proliferation capacity of adipose-derived stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue is commonly used for volume restoration. It is also a source of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), easy to obtain in large quantities by liposuction or resection techniques. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of body mass index (BMI) and age on the number (yield) and proliferation capacity of ASCs. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 42 women. They were divided into two groups: age ≤ 40 or >40 and BMI ≤ 25 or >25. Fat tissue was harvested via manual lipoaspiration always from the abdominal region. After centrifugation in the OR, the harvested fat (100 cc) was sent to the laboratory for isolation and cultivation of ASCs. The yield of viable ASCs was evaluated by the trypan blue exclusion test. Viable ASCs were cultured and their proliferation capacity was evaluated by the growth kinetics assay. Results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The average cell yield was 0.380 × 10(6)/ml. Cell yield and proliferation capacity did not show statistically significant correlation to the age and BMI of patients, with regression lines showing null correlation. There was no significant difference between the cell yield and proliferation capacity between the different groups. CONCLUSION: The results from this study suggest that there is no statistically significant correlation between ASC yield and proliferation capacity and age and BMI.

Distally based adipofascial sural flap for foot and ankle reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: this retrospective study of a case series analyzed the results from the application of a distally based adipofascial sural flap for nonweightbearing defects of the foot and ankle. METHODS: twenty-eight patients with post-traumatic ankle and foot defects (ten women and 18 men; age range, 17-63 years) underwent surgery between November 1, 2003, and November 30, 2008. Distally based adipofascial sural flaps were used in ten open fractures, 14 soft-tissue post-traumatic defects, and four deep burns. Defects were on the dorsal side of the foot (eight cases), the lateral malleolus (four cases), the medial malleolus and inframalleolar region (four cases), the Achilles tendon region (eight cases), and the anterior surface of the ankle (four cases). Surgical procedures were performed by a single surgeon (A.M.). RESULTS: all of the flaps healed uneventfully. There was no partial or total flap loss. All 28 patients walked normally at the time of follow-up. Three delayed healings occurred at the donor site. CONCLUSIONS: this is a homogeneous series of lower-limb reconstructions with the distally based adipofascial sural flap, which permits better analysis of the results. This flap has a constant and reliable blood supply. It can be used for the reconstruction of nonweightbearing foot and ankle regions to avoid the bulky volume of the fasciocutaneous flap in this area and to minimize the donor site scar.

Breast reduction with the posterosuperior pedicle: a series of 200 consecutive patients.

AIM: To present and evaluate the outcomes of the posterosuperior pedicle breast reduction technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 200 patients were included in the present retrospective study. They were operated on between January 2006 and January 2009. The mean age was 35.9 years (range 22 to 58 years). The average notch-to-nipple distance was 35.8 cm (range, 29 to 42 cm). The mean body mass index was 27 (range, 22 to 35 cm). Results were assessed by means of self-evaluation and by an independent 5-member jury. Fifty two patients (26%) had had bariatric surgery and 48 (24%) had had abdominoplasty. None of the patients had any previous breast surgery. All patients reported dorsal and cervical pain. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 16 months (range, 13 to 23 months). The average weight resected was 981 g (range from 370 g to 1800 g). The average duration of surgery was 2h (range, 1.50 to 2.30 hours) and average length of hospital stay was 2.3 days (range, 2 to 4 days). The duration of the outpatient postoperative care until complete wound healing was 15.2 days (range, 13 to 20 days). There were 4 major complications (2%) (1 bilateral and 3 unilateral infections) treated by drainage and intravenous antibiotics. Twenty-two minor complications were recorded (11%) including one desquamation of the nipple-areola complex without necrosis (0.5%) delayed healing at the junction site of the inverted T incision in 21 cases (10.5%). One hundred and forty eight patients evaluated their results as "very good" (74%), 36 as "good" (18%), and 16 as "acceptable" (8%). There were no results assessed as "poor." Fifty-eight percent of the patients found that back pain had totally resolved versus 42% who had significant improvement though not complete resolution. CONCLUSIONS: The postero-superior pedicle for breast reduction is a reproducible and versatile technique. The preservation of the anterior intercostal artery perforators enhances the reliability of the vascular supply to the superior pedicle.

Breast reduction in gigantomastia using the posterosuperior pedicle: an alternative technique, based on preservation of the anterior intercostal artery perforators.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate the outcomes of breast reduction in cases of gigantomastia using a posterosuperior pedicle. METHODS: Four hundred thirty-one breast reductions were performed between 2004 and 2007. Fifty patients of 431 (11.6 percent) responded to the inclusion criteria (>1000 g of tissue removed per breast (100 breasts). The mean age was 33.2 years (range, 17 to 58 years). The average notch-to-nipple distance was 37.9 cm (range, 35 to 46 cm). The mean body mass index was 27 (range, 22 to 35 cm). The technique of the posterosuperior pedicle was used, in which the perforators from fourth anterior intercostal arteries are preserved (posterior pedicle). Results were evaluated by means of self-evaluation at 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: The average weight resected was 1231 g (range, 1000 to 2500 g). The length of hospital stay was 2.3 days (range 2 to 4 days). Thirty seven patients evaluated their results as "very good" (74 percent), nine as "good" (18 percent), and four as "acceptable" (8 percent). There were no "poor" results. The chief complaint was insufficient breast reduction (four patients), despite the considerable improvement in their daily life (8 percent). Back pain totally resolved in 46 percent and partially (with significant improvement) in 54 percent of cases. One major and seven minor complications were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The posterosuperior pedicle for breast reduction is a reproducible and versatile technique. The preservation of the anterior intercostal artery perforators enhances the reliability of the vascular supply to the superior pedicle.