The clinicopathological impact of tumor-associated macrophages in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are an immune component of the cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) microenvironment and affect tumor growth. TAMs can polarize into different phenotypes, that is, proinflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. However, the role of the macrophage phenotype in CMM remains unclear. METHODS: We examined 88 patients with CMM. Tissue microarrays were constructed, and the density of M1 and M2 macrophages was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Immune cells coexpressing CD68 and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (pSTAT1) were considered M1 macrophages, whereas those coexpressing CD68 and c-macrophage activating factor (c-Maf) were defined as M2 macrophages. These TAMs were counted, and the relationships between the density of M1 and M2 macrophages and clinicopathological factors including prognosis were investigated. RESULTS: The CD68/c-Maf score ranged from 0 to 34 (median: 5.5). The patients were divided based on the median score into the CD68/c-Maf high (≥5.5) and low (<5.5) expression groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that CD68/c-Maf expression was an independent predictive factor for progression-free survival and an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. CD68/pSTAT1 expression was found in only two patients. CONCLUSION: We suggest that CD68/pSTAT1 coexpression is rarely observed in patients with CMM, and high CD68/c-Maf expression is a predictor of worse prognosis in these patients.

The volume-outcome relationship in free-flap reconstruction: A nationwide study based on the Clinical Database.

BACKGROUND: The association between successful reconstructive surgery with a free flap and hospital volume has not been well established. This study was designed to retrospectively analyze the outcome of free-flap surgery registered in a nationwide surgical registration system in Japan to clarify the relationship between free-flap survival and facilities' average annual number of free-flap surgeries. METHODS: We analyzed data from 19,482 free flaps performed during 2017-2020 at 407 facilities throughout Japan. After adjusting for sex, age, and disease classification that differ between the groups, we examined the differences in the flap survival rates among the different facilities in terms of the average number of free-flap surgeries performed annually. RESULTS: The total overall necrosis rate was 2.8%. Of all procedures, 14.9%, 12.9%, 33.4%, and 38.8% were performed at facilities with an average number of free-flap procedures <10, 10-19, 20-49, and ≥ 50 per year, respectively, and the respective rates of total necrosis were 6.0%, 3.8%, 2.1%, and 1.7%, respectively. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of flap necrosis for facilities with ≥ 50 cases per year relative to those <10 were 2.70 (1.98-3.68) for nonbreast reconstruction cases and 5.72 (2.77-11.8) for breast reconstruction cases. CONCLUSION: This analysis of a nationwide plastic surgery database showed that free-flap surgeries in institutions with a low average annual number of free-flap surgeries had a higher risk of total necrosis. Measures should be taken to either aggregate cases into high-volume centers or improve management at low-volume centers.

Modified trilobed transposition flap for a distal nasal defect.

Reconstruction of a distal nasal defect is challenging due to poor skin mobility and the potential for nasal alar retraction. A trilobed flap can utilize more mobile proximal skin, increase the total rotational arc, and decrease the tension associated with flap transposition. However, the trilobed flap may not be ideal for distal nasal defects because each flap is designed using immobile skin, which may lead to flap immobility and free margin distortion. To overcome these problems, the base and tip of each flap were extended further from the pivot point than those of the conventional trilobed flap. Herein, we report the use of the modified trilobed flap to treat 15 consecutive cases of distal nasal defects that occurred from January 2013 to December 2019. The mean duration of follow-up was 15.6 months. All flaps survived completely, and satisfactory aesthetic outcomes were achieved. No complications such as wound dehiscence, nasal asymmetry, or hypertrophic scarring were observed. The modified trilobed flap is a simple and reliable treatment for distal nasal defects.

A Novel Risk Model for Predicting Dysphagia after Tongue Reconstruction: A Retrospective Multicenter Study in Japan.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the postoperative outcomes of tongue reconstruction. Therefore, the authors developed a novel risk model for predicting dysphagia after tongue reconstruction. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted by the Oral Pharyngeal Esophageal Operation and Reconstruction Analytical, or OPERA, group across 31 cancer centers and university hospitals in Japan. A total of 532 patients [390 (73.3%) men and 142 (26.7%) women; median age at surgery, 60 years (range, 15 to 88 years)] who were diagnosed with oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma and underwent tongue reconstruction following glossectomy between 2009 and 2013 were included. Independent risk factors were identified using univariate regression analysis and converted to a binary format for multivariate analysis. An integer value was assigned to each risk factor to calculate a total score capable of quantifying the risk of feeding tube dependence. RESULTS: Overall, 54 patients (10.2%) required a feeding tube at the time of evaluation. Predictive factors for feeding tube dependence were advanced age, lower American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, low body mass index, lower serum albumin, comorbid hypertension and diabetes, extended tongue defect, resection beyond the tongue, laryngeal suspension, postoperative radiation therapy, and no functional teeth. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age greater than or equal to 58.5 years, postoperative radiation therapy, wider tongue defect, and body mass index less than 21.27 kg/m 2 earned 6, 4, 3, and 2 points, respectively, for a maximum total score of 15. CONCLUSION: The authors' risk model provides a mathematical tool for estimating the individual risk of postoperative feeding tube dependence before tongue reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Goltz Syndrome Combined with Triple X Syndrome, a Case Report.

Goltz syndrome is a rare X-linked dominant multisystem disorder that presents with ectoderm and mesoderm-derived symptoms. Skin manifestations including congenital patchy skin aplasia, congenital nodular fat herniation, congenital hypo- or hyperpigmentation along Blaschko's lines, telangiectasia, and congenital ridged dysplastic nails are typical in this disorder. Almost all cases of Goltz syndrome correspond to female newborns and that hemizygosis makes the syndrome fetal in males. Triple X syndrome is a relatively common congenital disorder that presents with mild to no symptoms in the developmental and psychiatric realm. The patient reported here was born with multisystem anomaly affecting the eyes, craniofacial region, cardiovascular system, skin, and limbs. A G-banding chromosomal study revealed 47, XXX. She was diagnosed with Goltz syndrome owing to her distinctive skin manifestations. The congenital cervical skin defect healed with conservative treatment. The facial cleft, cleft lip-palate, and syndactyly were successfully treated with multiple surgical treatments. The combination of triple X syndrome and Goltz syndrome is very rare. We describe the expression of presenting with both syndromes simultaneously.

Protocol for a multicentre, prospective, cohort study to investigate patient satisfaction and quality of life after immediate breast reconstruction in Japan: the SAQLA study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of breast reconstruction (BR) is to improve patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Therefore, measuring patient-reported outcomes (PROs) would clarify the value and impact of BR on a patient's life and thus would provide evidence-based information to help decision-making. The Satisfaction and Quality of Life After Immediate Breast Reconstruction study aimed to investigate satisfaction and HRQOL in Japanese patients with breast cancer who undergo immediate breast reconstruction (IBR). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This ongoing prospective, observational multicentre study will assess 406 patients who had unilateral breast cancer and underwent mastectomy and IBR, and were recruited from April 2018 to July 2019. All participants were recruited from seven hospitals: Okayama University Hospital, Iwate Medical University Hospital, The Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Showa University Hospital, University of Tsukuba Hospital, Osaka University Hospital and Yokohama City University Medical Center. The patients will be followed up for 36 months postoperatively. The primary endpoint of this study will be the time-dependent changes in BREAST-Q satisfaction with breast subscale scores for 12 months after reconstructive surgery, which will be collected via an electronic PRO system. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study will be performed in accordance with the Ethical Guidelines for Medical and Health Research Involving Human Subjects published by Japan's Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the modified Act on the Protection of Personal Information and the Declaration of Helsinki. This study protocol was approved by the institutional ethics committee at the Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, on 2 February 2018 (1801-039) and all other participating sites. The findings of this trial will be submitted to an international peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000032177.

Surgical outcome for colorectal or urinary tract-related fistula: Usefulness of vascularized tissue transfer-a retrospective study⁎.

BACKGROUND: It is challenging to manage colorectal or urinary tract-related fistula. We typically treat colorectal or urinary tract-related fistula with a vascularized tissue transfer. This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of our surgical treatments for colorectal or urinary tract-related fistula. METHODS: This retrospective review included all patients who underwent surgical repair of a colorectal or urinary tract-related fistula at our institution from October 2004 to September 2019. Patients whose surgical outcomes could not be evaluated were excluded. The primary outcome was the overall cure rate. We also evaluated the complication rate and compared the outcomes for rectovaginal fistula with those for urorectal fistula. RESULTS: The final analysis included 38 cases, of which 17 were rectovaginal fistula and 16 were urorectal fistula. The transperineal approach was used in 28 cases and transperineal and transabdominal combined in nine cases. A gracilis muscle flap was used in 19 cases and a gluteal fold flap in 13 cases. Although a major leak occurred in nine cases, the fistula was finally cured successfully in 31 cases. A comparison of the outcomes for rectovaginal fistula and urorectal fistula showed that complications occurred in 5/17 cases of rectovaginal fistula and 10/16 cases of urorectal fistula (p = 0.056). Fistulae were cured successfully in 13/17 cases of rectovaginal fistula and 14/16 cases of urorectal fistula (p = 0.656). CONCLUSION: Our surgical treatment for colorectal or urinary tract-related fistula succeeded in 31 of 38 cases. Thus, vascularized tissue transfer is useful for refractory colorectal or urinary tract-related fistula.

Comparison of salvage surgery for recurrent or residual head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Concomitant chemoradiation therapy is a standard treatment for head and neck cancer. Thus, salvage surgery has become a necessary treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of salvage surgery by each site of the head and neck, especially the oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-institute study. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Secondary endpoints were disease-free survival, the locoregional control rate after salvage surgery, the indication rate for salvage surgery, the reasons for contraindications to salvage surgery, the post-operative complication rate and the predictors of survival. RESULTS: Three-year overall survival after salvage surgery was 58.8% in the salvage surgery group and 8.59% in the other treatment group (P < 0.0001). Regarding overall survival and disease-free survival after salvage surgery, there was no difference among sites. Regarding locoregional control rate among sites, there was no significant difference. The oropharyngeal cancer group had the lowest rate of salvage primary resection. Surgical margin and local and regional recurrence or residual disease were predictors on univariate and multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Salvage surgery is effective for recurrent or residual cases after concomitant chemoradiation therapy. For oropharyngeal cancer, local control is important, and for oropharyngeal cancer and hypopharyngeal cancer, distant metastasis is important.

Clavien-Dindo classification for grading complications after total pharyngolaryngectomy and free jejunum transfer.

BACKGROUND: The frequency of postoperative complications is used as an indicator of surgical quality; however, comparison of outcomes is hampered by a lack of agreement on the definition of complications and their severity. A standard grading system for surgical complications is necessary to improve the quality of clinical research and reporting in head and neck reconstruction. METHODS: The aim of this study was to compare postoperative morbidity after microvascular head and neck reconstruction between patients with versus without a history of prior radiation therapy (RT) by using the Clavien-Dindo classification. A group of 274 patients was divided into two cohorts based on the history of prior RT: the RT group included 79 patients and the non-RT group included 195 patients. Postoperative (30-day) complications were compared between the groups with a nonstandardized evaluation system and the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: The grades of complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification were significantly higher in the RT group than in the non-RT group. The frequency of postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the groups according to the nonstandardized evaluation system. CONCLUSIONS: The Clavien-Dindo classification could serve as a useful, highly objective tool for grading operative morbidity after microvascular head and neck reconstruction when comparing similar defects and methods of reconstruction. Widespread use of the Clavien-Dindo classification system would allow adequate comparisons of surgical outcomes among different surgeons, centers, and therapies.

Free flap reconstruction of Achilles tendon and overlying skin defect using ALT and TFL fabricated chimeric flap.

A 33-year-old man developed a left Achilles tendon rupture and skin necrosis. We reconstructed the defect using an anterolateral thigh flap and a tensor fasciae lata muscle flap in a chimeric fashion. he was able to stand on a toe of the operated foot without help 6 months postoperatively.

Mandibular reconstruction in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The choice of reconstructive technique for a segmental mandibular defect in elderly patients is controversial. The aim of this study was to establish an algorithm for selecting a method of mandibular reconstruction in elderly patients. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 121 patients aged ≥65 years who underwent immediate microvascular mandibular reconstruction after oncologic resection. Patients were divided into three groups based on method of reconstruction: vascularized bone graft (n = 49), mandibular reconstruction plate and soft tissue flap (n = 22), and soft-tissue flap (n = 50). We compared perioperative outcomes among groups and investigated factors affecting the choice of reconstructive technique. RESULTS: Rates of postoperative complications did not differ significantly among groups. Mandibular reconstruction plate was indicated only for anterior mandibular defects. Soft-tissue flap was indicated for posterior mandibular defects in patients aged ≥75 years or with a poor postoperative Eichner index. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular reconstruction plate and soft-tissue flap can be good alternatives to vascularized bone graft in the elderly. Our algorithm uses defect type, patient age, and postoperative Eichner index to determine reconstructive technique.

Swallowing disorder following salvage total pharyngo-laryngo-esophagectomy with free jejunum reconstruction.

For recurrent cases or residual cases following concomitant chemo-radiation therapy (CCRT), salvage surgery is a frequently used treatment options. A swallowing disorder is one of the major complications of CCRT. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of CCRT on swallowing function in patients who underwent salvage total pharyngo-laryngo-esophagectomy (TPLE), and to evaluate the importance of pharyngeal constriction in patients who underwent TPLE. Between 2008 January and 2014 May, 54 patients were treated with salvage TPLE following CCRT or TPLE at the National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba, Japan and were included in the present study. A total of 14 patients underwent salvage TPLE following CCRT for recurrence or residual tumor (the salvage TPLE group), and 40 patients underwent TPLE as initial treatment (the TPLE group). The pharyngeal constriction score and the post-swallowing oropharyngeal residue rate were evaluated, and inadequate velopharyngeal closure was assessed by videofluorography. The pharyngeal constriction score of the salvage TPLE group was poorer than that of the TPLE group (P<0.05). The bolus residue in the oropharynx was significantly larger in the salvage TPLE group than in the TPLE group (P<0.05). With regards to inadequate velopharyngeal closure, there was no significant difference between the TPLE group and the salvage TPLE group (P>0.99). The results of the present study indicate that the swallowing function of patients who undergo salvage TPLE may be affected by CCRT.

Analysis of cancer-associated fibroblasts and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cutaneous basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.

Activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and fibroblasts that have undergone the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer stroma contribute to tumor progression and metastasis. However, no reports have investigated the CAF phenotype and its clinicopathological relevance in cutaneous malignant tumors, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and malignant melanoma (MM). Here, we investigated the CAF phenotype in cutaneous malignant tumors based on their histology and immunohistochemical expression of CAF-related markers, including adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1), podoplanin, platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα), PDGFRß, fibroblast activating protein (FAP), CD10, S100A4, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and EMT-related markers (Zeb1, Slug, and Twist). In addition, we assessed the role of the CAF phenotype in cutaneous malignant cancers using hierarchical cluster analysis. Consequently, 3 subgroups were stratified based on the expression pattern of CAF- and EMT-related markers. Subgroup 1 was characterized by low expression of AEBP1, PDGFRα, PDGFRß, FAP and Slug, whereas subgroup 2 was closely associated with high expression of PDGFRß, S100A4 and Twist. In addition, high expression levels of podoplanin, PDGFRß, CD10, S100A4, α-SMA, Zeb1, Slug and Twist were observed in subgroup 3. High expression of CD10 was commonly found in all 3 subgroups. These subgroups were correlated with histologic subtypes, that is, subgroup 1, MM; subgroup 2, BCC; and subgroup 3, SCC. We suggest that the expression pattern of CAF- and EMT-related proteins plays crucial roles in the progression of BCC, SCC, and MM.

Repairing Bronchoesophageal Tube Fistula Using A Contralateral Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flap.

A postoperative aerodigestive fistula is one of the rare but critical complications after esophagectomy, and management is challenging. The essential keys to successful treatment of these fistula are thorough debridement and complete closure followed by separation of the respiratory and digestive tract. We present a case of a recurrent bronchoesophageal fistula between the left main bronchus and neo esophagus, which was successfully treated through a contralateral approach. The fistula was debrided and closed primarily through a right thoracotomy, and the interposition of a pedicled latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap from the right side was carried out. The patient was able to resume oral feeding at 16th postoperative day.

Comparison of Donor Site Drainage Duration and Seroma Rate Between Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flaps and Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flaps.

INTRODUCTION: Donor site seroma formation and prolonged drainage duration are common complications of using latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous (LDMC) flaps. The present retrospective study aimed to investigate the effect of types of back flap harvest on drainage duration and seroma formation rates. METHODS: Adult patients (n = 155) who underwent reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi flap from January 2010 to October 2015 were included in the study, of which 54 patients underwent breast reconstruction with a pedicled LDMC flap (LD breast group), 80 patients underwent an LDMC flap transfer for purposes other than breast reconstruction (LD nonbreast group), and 21 patients underwent soft tissue reconstruction with a thoracodorsal artery perforator (TAP) flap (TAP group). Flap size, drainage durations, and seroma formation rates at donor sites were compared among the 3 groups. RESULTS: Flap sizes significantly differed between the LD nonbreast group (median value, 185.5 cm) and the other 2 groups (119 cm in the LD breast group. 127.5 cm in the TAP group), with no significant difference observed between the LD breast and TAP groups. The mean drainage duration was 11.6 days for the LD breast group. 9.82 days for the LD nonbreast group, and 4.81 days for the TAP group. Drainage durations significantly differed among the groups. Seroma formation rate of the LD breast group (42.6%) was significantly higher than those of the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: The type of back flap harvest used significantly affected drainage duration and seroma formation rate in the present study. Lumbar fat extension with the use of a LDMC flap for breast reconstruction may lead to seroma formation. Thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps are associated with minimal risks of seroma formation and significantly shortened drainage duration compared with LDMC flaps.

Analysis of a Surgical Treatment for Persistent Urorectal Fistulas after Radical Cancer Surgery: A Comparison of Prostate Cancer and Rectal Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to present our experience of surgical treatment for urorectal fistulas (URF) that develop after cancer surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients with URF who were treated at our institution from 2005 through 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Among these, 7 patients had previous surgical treatment of prostate cancer (PC) and the other 7 had been treated for rectal cancer (RC). The fistula was resected through a perineal incision, and the urinary and fecal defects were separately closed with the hinge flap method followed by interposition of a muscle flap transfer. RESULTS: The overall fistula closure rate was 79%. Although the closure rate of the URF was lower in patients with previous RC surgery compared to the PC patients (57 vs. 100%), it did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: URF treatment using an interposition muscle flap offers a high success rate of fistula closure. However, complicated fistulas occurring after RC surgery involving the prostate or the seminal vesicle might be difficult to repair by this surgery alone.

Reconstructive Surgery for Bronchopleural Fistula and Empyema: New Application of Free Fascial Patch Graft Combined with Free Flap.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative bronchopleural fistula (BPF) and empyema are not uncommon after lung cancer surgery. Some patients require reconstructive surgery to achieve wound healing. In this report, we describe a novel method of reconstructive surgery for BPF and empyema. METHODS: From 1996 through 2014, we performed reconstructive surgery for the treatment of BPF and empyema in 13 cases. BPF or a pulmonary fistula was present in 11 patients at the time of reconstruction. Of these, a free fascial patch graft combined with a free soft tissue flap was used to close the fistula in 6 cases. In the other 5 cases, primary fistula closure or direct coverage of the fistula with a transferred flap was performed. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and postoperative results were compared for these methods. RESULTS: All the flaps were transferred successfully except in 1 case. Although postoperative air leakage was observed in 5 cases, most of these healed with conservative management. Of 11 fistulas, 8 were successfully controlled. Although differences were not statistically significant, a higher success rate of fistula closure was obtained in patients with a fascial patch graft (100% vs 40%). As a result, 9 patients could be discharged from the hospital, but 4 died during their hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Although the incidence of in-hospital mortality was high, fistula closure with a fascial patch graft combined with free flap transfer was effective for the treatment of BPF and empyema, compared with other procedures.

Efficacy of Tensed and Straight Free Jejunum Transfer for the Reduction of Postoperative Dysphagia.

BACKGROUND: Free jejunal transfer (FJT) is a standard method of reconstruction after total pharyngo-laryngo-cervical esophagectomy (TPLE) in patients with advanced head and neck cancer. However, it is related to various degrees of postoperative swallowing dysfunction. This study aimed to assess whether the tensed and straight FJT method results in a reduced rate of postoperative dysphagia compared with historical controls. METHODS: Patients who were undergoing FJT after TPLE for squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx or cervical esophagus were enrolled. The primary endpoint was the rate of not developing dysphagia within 6 months of the surgery, and we compared this value with that obtained from historical data of patients who underwent FJT. The secondary endpoint was the rate of developing surgical complications. RESULTS: Although 128 patients were registered between August 2012 and July 2015, 7 were excluded based on the exclusion criteria. Of the remaining 121 patients, FJT with the craniocaudally tensed and straight method was performed in all patients. The rate of not developing dysphagia and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were 66.1% and 57.0-74.5%, respectively. The lower limit of the CI was higher than the prespecified threshold value of 50.0%. The rate of developing complications of total necrosis of the jejunum was 3.3%, cervical infection was 9.9%, and major anastomotic leakage was 4.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that the proportion of postoperative dysphagia decreased in patients who underwent tensed and straight FJT. This method may become the standard surgical method in reconstruction of defects after TPLE.

Analysis of functional outcomes in patients with mandible reconstruction using vascularized fibular grafts.

BACKGROUNDS: Although a vascularized fibular graft (VFG) is the favored method for mandible reconstruction, only few functional reports have been published. In this study, surgical outcomes and functional results after mandible reconstruction were analyzed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1999 through 2010, oromandibular defects after segmental mandibulectomy were reconstructed with VFG in 101 patients. Operative outcomes and subjective functional evaluation was performed. Of these, 44 patients could be evaluated for functional outcomes, and bite force was measured with an occlusal force meter in 24 patients. RESULTS: Major surgical complications required secondary revisional surgery developed in four patients. A normal diet was possible in 37 patients (84.1%), and a soft diet was possible in 7 patients (15.9%). Conversational ability was rated as excellent in 42 patients (95.5%). The mean bite force on the nonaffected side of the mandible was 187.7 N, and bite force decreased as the number of osteotomies in the VFG increased. Furthermore, bite force was significantly lower (P = 0.001) on the affected side (58.2 N), compared to nonaffected side (191.9 N). CONCLUSIONS: Although masticatory force decreases as the number of osteotomies increases, oral function after mandible reconstruction is satisfactory in most cases. Transfer of a VFG is a safe and reliable method for functional mandible reconstruction. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:101-104, 2017.

Reconstruction of Complex Groin Defects After Sarcoma Resection.

BACKGROUND: Complex groin defects after sarcoma resection require reconstruction of multiple vital structures that can include the major vessels, the overlying skin, the abdominal wall, and the hip joint. We investigated the feasibility of limb preservation after complex groin reconstruction. METHODS: The subjects were 12 consecutive patients who underwent complex groin reconstruction after sarcoma resection. In all patients, the defect included a major artery (external iliac or femoral) and overlying skin. The defect included the abdominal wall in 5 patients and the hip joint in 2. Arterial reconstruction was performed with an autologous vein graft in 9 patients and with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft in 3. Soft-tissue coverage was performed with a pedicled rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap in 7 patients, a free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap in three, and a free anterolateral thigh flap in 2. RESULTS: Postoperative complications occurred in 7 patients (58.3%). Limb salvage was possible in 8 patients (66.7%) with 39 months' median follow-up. Two patients required amputation because of wound problems, and 2 required amputation because of local recurrence of the tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Limb salvage is possible even after extensive resection of groin sarcoma, although the rate of postoperative wound complications is substantial. Proper selection of the arterial conduit and the soft-tissue flap, depending on the components of the defect, are mandatory for successful reconstruction.