Functional Subunit Reconstruction of Giant Facial Congenital Melanocytic Nevi in Children With the Use of Matriderm and Skin Graft: Surgical Experience and Literature Review.

Introduction: Facial giant congenital melanocytic nevus represents a major cosmetic deformity for the child and parents and is a challenge for the plastic surgeons to achieve best cosmetic results. Herein, we present a case of single-stage surgical reconstruction using partial-thickness scalp skin graft aided with Matriderm dermal substitute for a facial giant congenital melanocytic nevus. Methods: An 8-year-old boy presented with a facial giant congenital melanocytic nevus without leptomeningeal involvement. A single-stage complete excision of the nevus was performed. A split-thickness skin graft, 12/1000-inch thick, was then harvested from the anterior scalp region for reconstruction. A 1-mm Matriderm dermal substitute was first applied, on which functional subunit skin graft was then secured to cover the defect. Eyelid reconstruction was reconstructed separately using full-thickness postauricular skin grafts. Results: Histopathology of the excised specimen confirmed the diagnosis of congenital melanocytic nevus, with no evidence of melanoma. The donor area healed with a favorable scar and no donor site morbidity or complications such as alopecia or hypertrophic scar. The postoperative result was satisfactory with minimal residual nevus around the eye, and the patient was fully satisfied with the cosmetic and functional results. Discussion and Conclusions: Resection of facial congenital melanocytic nevi, followed by single-stage reconstruction using Matriderm and skin graft from the scalp, is an excellent and fast reconstructive method with promising aesthetic outcomes and greater improvement in physiological outcome, especially in the pediatric population.

Reconstruction of Congenital Sternal Clefts: Surgical Experience and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Sternal cleft is a rare anomaly with a reported incidence of 1:100,000 cases per live births. Surgical intervention represents a crucial factor altering the overall patient prognosis, since they are at high risk of impaired oxygenation, as well as multiple chest infections. Herein, we are reporting our experience of surgical management of such rare cases, alerting plastic surgeons to their possibly crucial role in the reconstructive team. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 2 cases presenting with chest wall defects. All perioperative data were collected and presented. RESULTS: Two patients with sternal clefts of variable degrees were managed. The first was an 18-month-old boy with partial inferior sternal cleft, who was otherwise asymptomatic. The patient underwent reconstruction at the same age using autologous rib graft and pectoralis major flaps due to ectopia cordis that was putting the patient at higher risk for cardiac trauma. The second patient was a 3-month-old girl having a V-shaped partial superior cleft with lung herniation. Surgical reconstruction was applied due to difficulty in weaning the patient off of ventilator support. Initially, reconstruction was applied with SurgiMend dermal matrix, but this was complicated by chest retraction and high oxygen requirement. Definitive reconstruction was later applied with allogeneic bone graft and pectoralis major flaps. CONCLUSIONS: Meticulous patient assessment and screening for associated anomalies are crucial. Surgical intervention is warranted at an early age. The use of acellular dermal matrix products in the reconstruction is of interest, but should be approached with caution.