Crafting Contours: A Comprehensive Guide to Scrotal Reconstruction.

This review delves into reconstructive methods for scrotal defects arising from conditions like Fournier's gangrene, cancer, trauma, or hidradenitis suppurativa. The unique anatomy of the scrotum, vital for thermoregulation and spermatogenic function, necessitates reconstruction with thin and pliable tissue. When the scrotal defect area is less than half the scrotal surface area, scrotal advancement flap can be performed. However, for larger defects, some type of transplantation surgery is required. Various options are explored, including testicular transposition, tissue expanders, split-thickness skin grafts, local flaps, and free flaps, each with merits and demerits based on factors like tissue availability, defect size, and patient specifics. Also, physicians should consider how testicular transposition, despite its simplicity, often yields unsatisfactory outcomes and impairs spermatogenesis. This review underscores the individuality of aesthetic standards for scrotal reconstruction, urging surgeons to tailor techniques to patient needs, health, and defect size. Detailed preoperative counseling is crucial to inform patients about outcomes and limitations. Ongoing research focuses on advancing techniques, not only anatomically but also in enhancing post-reconstruction quality of life, emphasizing the commitment to continuous improvement in scrotal reconstruction.

Recurrent cellulitis and bacteremia in a patient with Noonan syndrome: A case report.

A 28-year old Japanese man with Noonan syndrome (NS) presented to our emergency department with painful erythema of the trunk and lower extremities since the previous day. He had been diagnosed with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) with intestinal lymphangiectasia at age 25 years, and undergone lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) twice. Three episodes of cellulitis of both lower extremities had occurred in the past 2 years. Extensive cellulitis with sepsis was diagnosed and piperacillin/tazobactam was started, which was de-escalated to ceftriaxone. He was discharged after 13 days of antibiotic therapy. After discharge, low-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SMZ-TMP) was started as the primary prophylaxis, but three episodes of cellulitis occurred in the next year and were treated with other antibiotics. NS, an autosomal dominant disease known as a RASopathy, is caused by germline mutations in RAS-MAPK pathway genes. Lymphedema resulting from lymphatic abnormalities is a concomitant manifestation in 20 % of patients with NS, and can be a risk factor for cellulitis. Hypoalbuminemia and hypoglobulinemia associated with PLE facilitate infections such as cellulitis. As a treatment for lymphedema in the extremities, LVA has shown objective and subjective improvements in most patients, and some studies have also reported its efficacy for lymphedema in patients with NS. Targeted molecular therapy with mitogen-activated protein kinase enzyme (MEK) inhibitor is used in treatment of cancers with activation of the RAS/MAPK pathway. MEK inhibitors have recently been tried in patients with RASopathies and severe lymphatic disorders, and can lead to rapid resolution of symptoms.

An esthetic, functional, and low-invasive lower red lip reconstruction using a mucosal perforator flap: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: Lower red lip reconstruction using a mucosal perforator flap is low-invasive and adheres to the concept of "like with like." The location of the mucosal perforator can easily be detected using color Doppler ultrasound. Abstract: Lip reconstructions should provide results of a high degree regarding both functionality and esthetics. We describe a case of lower red lip reconstruction using a mucosal perforator. An 81-year-old man complained of repeated bleeding from a submucosal venous malformation on his lower red lip, and surgery was performed under local anesthesia. The venous malformation was completely resected. A 4 cm × 2 cm triangle-shaped flap containing a mucosal perforator, identified using color Doppler ultrasound preoperatively, was designed in the lower red lip adjacent to the defect. The perforator flap was raised in the submucosal layer, and the defect was covered with the flap in an advancement manner. The flap transfer-related defect was closed, and at the one-year follow-up examination, no recurrence, drooling, or speech impediment was observed. In this case, excellent functional and esthetic results were achieved following the low-invasive reconstruction using a mucosal perforator flap.

A new lower eyelid reconstruction using transverse facial artery perforator flap based on an anatomical study.

With the ageing of the global society, the demand for lower eyelid reconstruction following malignant skin tumour resection is increasing. For decades, flaps that require excessive dissection have been used to reconstruct relatively large lower eyelid defects. A new, less invasive option is needed for elderly patients. We present a new surgical technique using a transverse facial artery perforator flap. Records of 11 patients who underwent lower eyelid reconstruction with transverse facial artery perforator flaps after malignant skin tumour resection were reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 85.7 ± 6.7 years. Six patients underwent surgery under local anaesthesia and five under general anaesthesia. Malignant skin tumours were resected with 4-10 mm of the surrounding skin, depending on the tumour type. An ipsilateral transverse facial artery perforator flap was raised to cover the defect. Primary reconstructions were achieved in all cases. The median follow-up period was 13 (range, 9-33) months. Two minor complications occurred during the follow-up period: pyogenic granuloma (n = 1) and temporary ocular pain and conjunctivitis (n = 1). The incidence of complications and the results of the functional and aesthetic evaluation based on the modified patient-reported outcome measure showed no significant differences between the two different anaesthesia groups. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the use of a transverse facial artery perforator flap for lower eyelid reconstruction. The flap may be an effective option for lower eyelid reconstruction in elderly patients to achieve good functional and aesthetic outcomes with low risk and minimal invasion.

[A Case of Recurrent Tongue Cancer in a Patient of AYA Generation Who Underwent Salvage Surgery and Oral-Maxillofacial Reconstruction after Super-Selective Intra-Arterial Chemoradiotherapy].

Radical tumor resection for oral cancer can cause morphological and esthetic disorders and oral and maxillofacial dysfunction and maintaining a social life could become challenging, especially in the adolescents and young adults(AYA)generation. Conversely, chemoradiotherapy for young patients may cause adverse reactions such as impaired fertility and late side effects of radiation. Therefore, treatment should be performed cautiously. We report a case of AYA generation patient who underwent salvage surgery and maxillofacial reconstruction for recurrent tongue cancer after super-selective intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy. The patient was a 30-year-old woman who was 20 weeks pregnant. She was diagnosed with Stage Ⅲ squamous cell carcinoma of the right tongue, cT3N0M0. After abortion, the patient underwent super-selective intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy and achieved a complete response. However, 13 years later, a recurrence of Stage ⅣA tongue cancer, r- cT4aN2bM0, was reported. Additionally, the patient had osteoradionecrosis. We performed radical tumor resection(bilateral neck dissection plus subtotal glossectomy plus segmental mandibulectomy)and maxillofacial reconstruction with a fibula flap. Subsequently, we performed occlusal reconstruction treatment using dental implants. Three years postoperatively, no tumor recurrence was observed, and the patient was satisfied with the restored morpho-aesthetic and maxillo-oral functions.

Emerging Anti-Inflammatory Pharmacotherapy and Cell-Based Therapy for Lymphedema.

Secondary lymphedema is a common complication of lymph node dissection or radiation therapy for cancer treatment. Conventional therapies such as compression sleeve therapy, complete decongestive physiotherapy, and surgical therapies decrease edema; however, they are not curative because they cannot modulate the pathophysiology of lymphedema. Recent advances reveal that the activation and accumulation of CD4+ T cells are key in the development of lymphedema. Based on this pathophysiology, the efficacy of pharmacotherapy (tacrolimus, anti-IL-4/IL-13 antibody, or fingolimod) and cell-based therapy for lymphedema has been demonstrated in animal models and pilot studies. In addition, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have attracted attention as candidates for cell-based lymphedema therapy because they improve symptoms and decrease edema volume in the long term with no serious adverse effects in pilot studies. Furthermore, MSC transplantation promotes functional lymphatic regeneration and improves the microenvironment in animal models. In this review, we focus on inflammatory cells involved in the pathogenesis of lymphedema and discuss the efficacy and challenges of pharmacotherapy and cell-based therapies for lymphedema.

Role and Function of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Fibroblast in Cutaneous Wound Healing.

Skin wounds often repair themselves completely over time; however, this is true only for healthy individuals. Although various studies are being conducted to improve wound-healing therapy outcomes, the mechanisms of wound healing and regeneration are not completely understood yet. In recent years, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to contribute significantly to wound healing and regeneration. Understanding the function of MSCs will help to elucidate the fundamentals of wound healing. MSCs are multipotent stem cells that are used in regenerative medicine for their ability to self-renew and differentiate into bone, fat, and cartilage, with few ethical problems associated with cell harvesting. Additionally, they have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties and antifibrotic effects via paracrine signaling, and many studies have been conducted to use them to treat graft-versus-host disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and intractable cutaneous wounds. Many substances derived from MSCs are involved in the wound-healing process, and specific cascades and pathways have been elucidated. This review aims to explain the fundamental role of MSCs in wound healing and the effects of MSCs on fibroblasts.