Extended orbital exenteration in the treatment of advanced periocular skin cancer with primary reconstruction with a galeacutaneous flap.

Extended orbital exenteration includes the removal of orbital contents together with the surrounding orbital wall(s). Skin cancers (basal cell cancer and squamous cell skin cancer) arising in the periorbital region could present as invasive tumours infiltrating the orbit and orbital walls. We describe the treatment of advanced invasive skin cancers of the periorbital region by extended orbital exenteration. A retrospective consecutive series over a nine-year period, included 21 extended orbital exenterations treated in a tertiary referral centre. The margins of excision were clear in 18. Twenty postoperative defects were reconstructed using galea-skin flaps, and one defect was left to heal by secondary intention. Two patients died of their disease during the three-year follow up. The reconstruction with frontal or frontoparietal galea-skin flap is a suitable option. The technique is versatile and simple, and gives acceptable aesthetic results. The operating time is shorter than that required for microvascular reconstructions, and the complication rate is low. The secondary defect can be closed primarily or by skin grafting. Extended orbital exenteration offers the best chances of cure in the treatment of non-melanotic skin cancers that have infiltrated the orbit and orbital walls.

Single centre experience of the upper limb replantation and revascularisation.

Replantation is defined as reattachment of the amputated limb using the neurovascular and musculoskeletal structures in order to obtain the recovery of the limb. Fortunately, injuries causing limb amputation are rare. Adequate treatment within the optimal time scale can provide successful rehabilitation of the shape and function of the replanted part. We report the experience of our Clinical Centre (regional replantation centre) in the replantation of five forearms/hands and revascularisation of six hands between 1997 and 2001. The most frequent site of injury was the distal part of the forearm, while the major cause of injuries was a wood processing machine. The surgical procedures were performed under general anaesthesia within 2-6 hours after injury. Vascular anastomoses, nerve repair and muscle repair were performed following the external bone fixation. All patients were given anticoagulation treatment postoperatively. Thrombosis in the anastomotic site developed as an early complication in two patients who underwent thrombectomy; one of these patients developed gangrene and underwent amputation. Late postoperative results were good in 10 patients. One patient developed acral epidermolysis. Postoperative results after revascularisation were good in all patients.