Multidisciplinary care for patients with breast cancer.

Breast cancer management requires a multidisciplinary approach that is tailored to the patient's stage at presentation, desire for breast conservation or reconstruction, estimation of risk of recurrence, and assessment of the benefits and toxicities of potential adjuvant therapies. At the Lahey Clinic Medical Center, breast surgeons, plastic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists staff the Breast Cancer Treatment Clinic, and work closely together to formulate treatment plans that will optimize the likelihood for cure with an acceptable cosmetic result. This involves careful preoperative work-up, surgical axillary staging, breast irradiation in the setting of breast conservation, and selection of chemotherapy or hormonal therapy if appropriate. Newer aspects of breast cancer care, including sentinal lymph node biopsy, postmastectomy radiation therapy, expanded use of hormonal therapy in younger women, new agents and chemotherapy combinations, and autogenous reconstruction techniques, have become an essential part of the multidisciplinary clinic approach.

TRAM fat necrosis in a young surgeon's practice: is it experience, technique, or blood flow?

Fat necrosis, the most common postoperative complication in transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction, affects 12% to 35% of patients. Despite its common occurrence, few studies have commented on the location within the reconstructed breast. Struck by the recurrent appearance of fat necrosis in the medial breast mound, the authors reviewed retrospectively 50 consecutive single-side TRAM flaps performed by the same surgeon during his first 5 years in practice to evaluate location, frequency, and severity of fat necrosis, as well as technique (pedicled vs. free), inset method, and patient risk factors. Fat necrosis of any amount was seen in 17 of 50 patients (34%). Significant fat necrosis (>5 cm) and/or ischemic partial flap loss occurred in 11 of 50 patients (22%), appearing in 9 of 30 pedicled flaps and 2 of 20 free TRAM flaps (pedicled vs. free; p<0.05). Fifteen of 17 ischemic areas occurred within the medial (zone II) portion of the flap. Preoperative obesity (>125% ideal body weight) correlated strongly with fat necrosis (p<0.009), whereas smoking and cup size did not. The authors' review has prompted the preferential use of free TRAM in obese patients, and has caused them to consider zone II to be less reliable than previously appreciated.

Reduction of reperfusion injury edema with corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF): a pilot study.

Regulation of capillary permeability with ischemic reperfusion injury is a complex interaction between vascular endothelium and circulating blood factors. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a 41 -amino acid peptide CNS neurotransmitter known to modulate the pituitary-adrenal axis during stress response, has been shown to affect capillary leakage after thermal injury in peripheral tissue. When administered prior to ischemic reperfusion injury in a pedicled rat hindlimb model, CRF (80 mcg/kg) reduced limb weight gain to approximately 50% of saline control, suggesting a role for CRF in control of vascular permeability. The characteristics of CRF are reviewed.

Reduction of ischemic reperfusion edema with corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in rat hind limb replantation.

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a peptide neurotransmitter, is suggested as a novel agent to reduce reperfusion edema following ischemia. In a rat hind limb replantation model, animals underwent amputation followed by 2.5 hours of ischemia with replantation and 2 hours of reperfusion. Animals were randomized to seven groups: a nonischemic control group and six experimental groups receiving treatment prior to reperfusion with (1) saline control, (2) alpha 9,41-CRF-a CRF receptor blocking agent (98 micrograms/per kilogram), (3) subcutaneous CRF (320 micrograms/per kilogram), (4) intravenous CRF (80 micrograms/per kilogram), (5) alpha-CRF and subcutaneous CRF, and (6) alpha-CRF and intravenous CRF. Comparison of preischemic amputated limb weight with weight after ischemia and reperfusion showed a reproducible and significant gain in limb weight after 2 hours (p = 0.004). A significant reduction in limb weight gain (49%) was achieved with both subcutaneous (p < 0.04) and intravenous CRF (p < 0.036). With the dose used in this model, alpha 9,41 CRF attenuated but did not completely block the effects of intravenous or subcutaneous CRF.

Amniotic band syndrome in fetal lambs. I: Fetoscopic release and morphometric outcome.

A fetal lamb model of amniotic band syndrome (ABS) was developed to study the pathophysiology of banded extremities and evaluate the possibility of in utero treatment with the potential for functional recovery. Eight fetal lambs underwent banding of their extremities with umbilical tape at 100 days' gestation. Two lambs aborted after the open fetal surgery. The limbs of two unoperated newborn lambs served as controls in addition to five sham-operated control limbs that had no bands applied. Nine limbs were banded without reducing blood flow assessed by laser doppler (group 1), and 6 limbs were similarly banded and released fetoscopically at 125 days' gestation. Four limbs were banded, with a mean reduction in blood flow to the limb of 18.7% (group 2) by laser doppler flowmeter. Shortly after birth the lambs were killed, and segmental limb length, circumference, joint range of motion, and histology were evaluated. At birth, banded limbs showed marked brawny edema and absence of wool distal to the band. Segmental limb measurements showed shorter distal forelimbs in banded limbs compared with controls (10.97 +/- 0.59 versus 12.98 +/- 0.69, P < .05). Banded limbs were associated with progressive increase in hoof circumference (P < .03) and a decrease in joint range of motion (P < .003). In sharp contrast, there were no differences between fetoscopically released limbs and control limbs in any of the parameters measured. Histology of banded extremities showed edema, venous and lymphatic congestion, and fibrosis compared with controls. This model of ABS in fetal lambs is simple, reproducible, and replicates all the clinical features of extremity ABS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in Secretan's disease.

Secretan's disease is defined as hyperplastic, recurring hard edema of the dorsal aspect of the hand. Its etiology, pathology and treatment are unclear. Magnetic resonance images and surgical findings are presented in three patients who fit the clinical findings of Secretan's disease. Magnetic resonance imaging scans with both T-1 weighted and T-2 weighted images showed soft tissue and tendon edema in combination with diffuse peritendonous fibrosis extending to the fascia of the dorsal interosseous muscles.

Gastrocnemius muscle transposition to the femur: how high can you go?

The gastrocnemius muscle flap has gained wide acceptance as a reconstructive technique for management of wounds of the knee and proximal tibia. The use of the muscle as a pedicle flap to the distal and middle femur has not been well quantified, and the proximal rotation arc has been underestimated. We report the use of the island gastrocnemius pedicle flap to reach two femur defects 21 and 26 cm above the joint line, achieved by taking advantage of the favorable location of the vascular pedicle above the joint line and the individual length of the medial gastrocnemius muscle belly. Evaluation of standard arteriograms suggests the location of the medial sural artery pedicle is an average of 32 +/- 14.5 (SD) mm above the inferior border of the femur. All vessel origins were found above the joint line by radiograph. A common sural artery origin was noted in 32% of patients at a mean distance of 35 mm proximal to the joint line. Despite a wide range, 62% of sural artery origins were within 1 cm of an axis drawn through the widest point of the femoral condyles.

Emergent abdominal surgery in AIDS: experience in San Francisco.

Several recent reviews have suggested that aggressive surgical intervention can reduce morbidity and mortality associated with intra-abdominal crises in AIDS patients. We reviewed our experience with 57 AIDS patients with 63 emergent laparotomies performed at 4 hospitals affiliated with the University of California in San Francisco. Fifty-five patients (96%) were homosexual men. Thirty-nine (68%) had been treated for an opportunistic infection. Indications for exploration included right lower quadrant pain consistent with appendicitis in 24 patients (38%), visceral perforation or obstruction in 11 (17%), right upper quadrant pain in 9 (14%), diffuse peritonitis in 8 (13%), and uncontrollable hemorrhage in 8 (13%). Perioperative mortality was 12% (7/57). Fifteen patients (26%) suffered major complications including pneumonia, sepsis, multi-organ failure, and intra-abdominal abscess. Forty-five of 50 survivors (90%) were receiving some type of chronic antimicrobial or antineoplastic chemotherapy, compared to only 2 of the 7 patients who died (28.6%) (P < 0.001). Lack of ongoing prophylactic treatment for AIDS-related disease, active opportunistic infections, Walter Reed VI classification, and ongoing sepsis at the time of exploration were noted to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

Combined tissue expansion and free tissue transfer for reconstruction of the hand in epidermolysis bullosa-associated malignancy.

The recessive form of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is associated with severe hand deformities characterized by cocooning pseudopolysyndactyly, recurrent ulceration, fibrosis, and adduction contracture of the thumb. In addition, RDEB is associated with an aggressive form of squamous carcinoma, notable for rapid metastases, appearance at an early age, and a relative resistance to radiation or chemotherapy. To date, reported reconstructive treatment has been limited to excision with skin grafting or amputation. We report the successful combined use of tissue expansion and microsurgical free tissue transplantation to reconstruct a patient with RDEB found to have malignancy of the hand. Donor skin was found to expand without blistering, and use of the expander allowed primary donor site closure after microsurgical transplantation of a scapular flap. We recommend wide tumor resection and the aggressive use of contemporary reconstructive methods to maintain hand function and associated quality of life in patients with RDEB who develop malignancy.

Fabrication and magnetic properties of arrays of metallic nanowires.

Arrays of ferromagnetic nickel and cobalt nanowires have been fabricated by electrochemical deposition of the metals into templates with nanometer-sized pores prepared by nuclear track etching. These systems display distinctive characteristics because of their one-dimensional microstructure. The preferred magnetization direction is perpendicular to the film plane. Enhanced coercivities as high as 680 oersteds and remnant magnetization up to 90 percent have also been observed.

Appendicitis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Reports in the surgical literature are few regarding common intra-abdominal disease processes, such as gallstone disease or appendicitis, in patients with AIDS and instead have focused on AIDS-related intra-abdominal diseases that infrequently require surgical intervention unless complicated by bleeding, obstruction, or perforation. A literature review for appendicitis in AIDS patients revealed only 30 well-documented cases drawn from 13 studies, with a 40% perforation rate and frequent delays and errors in diagnosis. A 7-year experience with 28 patients with appendicitis and AIDS from 4 urban San Francisco hospitals is reviewed. There were no perioperative deaths and an 18% postoperative complication rate. Five patients (18%) were found to have normal appendices with other intra-abdominal pathology, and an AIDS-related etiology for appendicitis was discovered in 7 of 23 patients with appendicitis (30%). With the exception of diffuse versus localized abdominal pain, no preoperative symptom or sign was useful in differentiating AIDS-related and non-AIDS-related disease. Aggressive use of ultrasound and abdominal computed tomographic scanning, along with early surgical intervention, is recommended.

Postprandial Aeromonas hydrophila cultures and antibiotic levels of enteric aspirates from medicinal leeches applied to patients receiving antibiotics.

Increasing use of medicinal leeches has been accompanied by increasing numbers of reports of Aeromonas hydrophila infections after leech application on or near damaged tissue. We examined the enteric contents of postprandial leeches after their application to patients receiving antibiotics. We found measurable levels of antibiotic in the leech enteric contents, and in leeches applied to patients receiving an antibiotic effective against Aeromonas hydrophila, there was a significant decrease in positive Aeromonas enteric cultures. Suppression of leech enteric bacteria by antibiotic administration to the patient may be an effective strategy to prevent invasive infection by Aeromonas hydrophila as well as bacterial colonization of devitalized tissue that could be the source of late infection. Clinical studies will be required to clarify whether suppression of leech enteric flora results in a decrease in infections associated with leech use.

Improved salvage of complicated microvascular transplants monitored with quantitative fluorometry.

Quantitative fluorometry has been used to monitor circulation in transplanted toes and cutaneous flaps in our unit since 1982. Analysis of 177 uncomplicated transplants monitored by quantitative fluorometry shows that this technique has low false indication rates for arterial occlusion (0.6 percent of patients) and venous occlusion (6.2 percent of patients). None of these patients was reexplored because of a false monitor reading, and except for single abnormal sequences, monitoring appropriately indicated intact circulation throughout the postoperative period. Quantitative fluorometry has correctly indicated vascular complications in 21 (91.3 percent) of 23 transplants over an 8-year period. The salvage rate (85.7 percent) of the fluorescein-monitored reexplored transplants was significantly higher than the salvage rates of similar reexplored transplants not monitored with fluorescein and of reexplored muscle flaps (which cannot be monitored with the fluorometer used at this unit). These clinical data indicate that quantitative fluorometry is a valid and useful postoperative monitor for transplanted toes and cutaneous flaps.

Microvascular tissue transfer in paediatric patients: analysis of 106 cases.

We report a series of 106 microvascular transplants performed in paediatric patients between 1973 and 1989. Eighty-eight percent of these flaps were successful. Two of the 13 failed flaps (1.9%) in this series were lost because of small vessel size. Otherwise, success rates (93% in the last 5 years) and complications were comparable to our adult cases. No growth-related complications were noted either in recipient or donor sites. We conclude that microvascular transplantation is a reliable procedure in children.

Sequential multiple free flap transfers for reconstruction of devastating hand injuries.

Restoring function to a severely damaged hand can require complex reconstructions using multiple tissue transfers to replace skeletal, soft tissue, and nerve components. We present 2 patients with severe hand trauma treated with serial multiple flap transfers, an operative sequence not previously reported in detail. One patient underwent five flap transfers in three operations, whereas the second patient underwent four flap transfers in two operations. All the flaps survived. Total anesthesia time for these patients was 43.5 and 34.5 hours, respectively. Both patients obtained measurable functional restoration, and suffered no significant perioperative morbidity. These patients illustrate the clinical feasibility of serial multiple microvascular transplantations for complicated reconstructions.

The serratus anterior free-muscle flap: experience with 100 consecutive cases.

We report free serratus transplantation in 100 consecutive patients, 10 in combination with the latissimus muscle and 2 with rib. Transplantation was performed for extremity soft-tissue coverage, contour correction, and facial reanimation. Twenty-two patients received serratus transplantation as part of complex reconstruction requiring multiple microvascular transplants. Overall success was 99 percent, with a single flap failure. Four patients suffered partial flap loss. Emergent reexploration for suspected vascular occlusion was infrequent, required in six flaps (6.0 percent), with an 83 percent salvage rate. Significant complications occurred in 18 percent of recipient sites and 12 percent of donor sites, with eight patients developing seroma/hematoma. No scapular winging was noted, and all patients retained full shoulder range of motion. The serratus muscle flap is a highly reliable flap characterized by a consistently long pedicle, excellent malleability, and multipennate anatomy permitting coverage of complex three-dimensional wounds and consistent performance as a functional transplant. Underlying rib can be included as a myo-osseous flap to expand the versatility of this flap.

Sensitivities of Aeromonas hydrophila cultured from medicinal leeches to oral antibiotics.

Infections associated with medicinal leech application are caused by Aeromonas hydrophila, an organism that resides in the leech gut. We cultured the intestinal tracts of 25 leeches and evaluated the efficacy of oral antibiotics against Aeromonas hydrophila. Cultures of this organism showed no sensitivity to ampicillin and inconsistent sensitivity to cephalothin (equivalent to cephalexin). The Aeromonas hydrophila cultures did show consistent sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxasole. These three antibiotics should be considered if oral antibiotic coverage is used in association with leech application.

Clinical results of bony fixation methods in digital replantation.

Clinical results comparing different techniques of fixation in replanted digits have not been described in detail, and bony deformities after replantation have been documented only in limited series. We retrospectively analyzed our population of phalangeal replants over a 5-year period to assess the outcome of different fixation methods with regard to frequency of angulation, fracture instability, nonunion, and need for corrective osteotomy. Techniques evaluated included: single and crossed Kirschner wires, intraosseous wires with and without Kirschner wire support, and the tetrahedral (Cassel) wire. Initial results show similar early angulation deformities in all groups. Intraosseous wires alone were found to have the lowest nonunion and complication rate. The Cassel wire was found to have the highest number of digits with fixation problems. Overall, bony problems were seen in nearly 50% of replants in our series.

Reconstruction of the upper extremity with multiple microvascular transplants: analysis of method, cost, and complications.

During an 8-year period, 131 multiple microvascular transplants were performed on 62 patients for upper extremity reconstruction of complex wounds. Patients were classified into two groups: In group I 35 patients received paired simultaneous transplantation of 70 flaps performed in 35 operations. Group II consisted of 27 patients who underwent reconstruction with 61 sequentially transferred flaps; each procedure consisted of a single transplant. No statistical differences in flap failure or complications were seen between groups, except that group I required emergency reexploration more frequently. Patients receiving sequential reconstruction required rehospitalization, leading to significantly elevated costs. In our experience, simultaneous multiple microvascular transplants, particularly in patients admitted with acute injuries, result in reduction of costs, total number of procedures, and duration of hospitalization without increased complications.

Multiple microvascular transplants: a preliminary report of simultaneous versus sequential reconstruction.

We review a 10-year experience with multiple microvascular transplants (MMTs) performed on 94 patients undergoing reconstruction of complex extremity and head and neck wounds. One hundred ninety-eight flaps were performed with an overall success rate of 95%. Patients were classified into two groups: Group I comprised 38 patients who received simultaneous MMTs (76 total flaps); two flaps were transplanted in the initial operative procedure. Group II consisted of 56 patients undergoing reconstruction with sequentially transplanted MMTs (122 total flaps). The success rates of the two groups were not statistically different (97% vs. 93.4%). Complications were similar in both groups, although sequential reconstruction of lower extremity wounds had a higher frequency of complications and flap failures than the simultaneous method. Patients receiving simultaneous MMTs required more emergent reexplorations, but salvage rates were high (87.5%), particularly in upper extremity reconstructions. We suggest that simultaneous MMTs are a reliable, cost-effective method of reconstructing complex injuries. They reduce patient morbidity by eliminating second hospitalizations and reoperations without increased complications or flap failure.