[Use of a free antero-lateral thigh flap for two-stage reconstruction of a large thoracic defect]. / Utilisation du lambeau antéro-latéral de cuisse selon la technique du chausson aux pommes pour la couverture d'une large perte de substance thoracique.

In case of extremely large thoracic full-thickness defects where no pedicled flap is available, very large free flaps are sometimes the only options. Dealing with such full-thickness defects where failure of the flap could be lethal, Servant and al described the concept of "two stage free flap" using Latissimus Dorsi muscular or myocutaneous flap. We present a reconstruction of a wide right posterior trunk radionecrosis with exposure of an underlying infected prosthesis using this two-stage free flap strategy with a fasciocutaneous antero-lateral thigh flap.

[Tolerance and efficacy of lipomodelling as an element of breast symmetry in breast reconstruction]. / Tolérance et efficacité du lipomodelage comme élément de symétrisation en reconstruction mammaire: à propos de 150 patientes.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Fat transfer significantly improved results in breast reconstruction. Final breast symmetry is very important in breast reconstruction, but sometimes, the result is not perfect with usual techniques. The aim of this study is to evaluate the tolerance and efficacy of lipomodelling as a complementary technique for breast symmetrisation. MEANS AND METHODS: In this study, 150 patients had controlateral breast symmetrisation after breast reconstruction, using or completed with fat transfer. Patients were clinically evaluated one year after surgery. Age, BMI, harvested, purified and transferred fat volumes, and postoperatory complications were recorded. Morphological outcomes were evaluated by the surgeon as: very good, good, average or bad. Patients rated their degree of satisfaction as: very satisfying, satisfying, poor or bad. RESULTS: We found out that 98.6 % of morphological results were good or very good, and 86.6 % of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the result. Complications were rare (2 % of cytosteatonecrotic lesions). CONCLUSION: Lipomodelling in native breast symmetrisation after reconstruction is a powerful technique because it allows to increase volume of a hypoplastic controlateral breast, to ameliorate its shape, and to finally enhance mammoplasty result by correcting persisting localized volume defects. It definitively is a major therapeutic tool for enhancing breast reconstruction outcomes.

Maxillary and mandibular distraction osteogenesis in growing patients: lessons learned after 14 years and update on indications.

In the past decade, distraction osteogenesis (DO) has become increasingly popular and has opened new therapeutic perspectives for the treatment of numerous congenital and acquired craniofacial skeletal anomalies. However, DO mechanisms still remain unclear and different treatment protocols are applied by different groups. Here the authors use their 14 years-clinical experience to evaluate DO parameters such as maxillary and mandibular DO stability over time, especially in growing patients, DO effects on soft tissues and the correlation between the bone gain and lengthening capabilities of the device. Based on these data, clinical indications and treatment protocols for mandibular and maxillary DO are suggested. The application of DO to the membranous bones of the craniofacial skeleton has opened a new chapter in the surgical treatment of several congenital and acquired craniofacial deformities. Based on this experience, the authors recommend DO indications guidelines in selected cases of hemifacial microsomia, maxillary hypoplasia and narrow mandible with anterior dental crowding.