The deep inferior epigastric perforator flap for breast reconstruction, the learning curve explored.

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap has been used as the principle tool for secondary breast reconstruction in our department. This article details our experience in learning and improving the technique with the help of an external team of experienced surgeons. In our initial 65 DIEP flap breast reconstructions our total flap loss rate was reduced from 9.5 to 0%, partial flap loss rate from 31 to 0%, and fat necrosis rate from 17 to 4.3%. We illustrate how a surgical team, which might initially have considered the complication rate from DIEP flap breast reconstruction too high, can benefit from a staged approach to this complex, but useful, reconstruction technique.

Surgical treatment of liver echinococcosis--the role of laparoscopy.

BACKGROUND: The surgical approach to liver echinococcosis is still a controversial issue. This study shows our results of surgical treatment of liver hydatid cysts during a 5-year period. METHODS: A prospective study of 21 patients operated on in a 5-year period (1999-2003), in Dubrava University Hospital in Zagreb, Croatia, with hepatic hydatid cyst. All patients were pre-operatively treated with albendazole. In 12 patients, total pericystectomy without opening the cyst cavity was performed, 9 open and 3 laparoscopic. In the other 9 patients, partial pericystectomy was done, 6 open and 3 laparoscopic. RESULTS: There was no mortality after 5-65 months follow-up, but in 1 patient, in the open partial pericystectomy group, recurrence of the disease occurred after 3 years. When a laparoscopic procedure was done, there were no complications or recurrence. The median operative duration for open surgery was 100.0 min (range 60.0-210.0), and for laparoscopic surgery 67.5 min (range 60.0-120.0). The median length of hospitalisation for open surgery was 8.0 days (range 7.0-14.0), and for laparoscopic surgery 5.0 days (range 4.0-7.0). CONCLUSION: Total pericystectomy without opening the cyst cavity, preceded by pre-operative albendazole therapy is the method of choice for hepatic hydatid cyst treatment. Despite the small group of patients, our first results show laparoscopic total pericystectomy without opening the cyst cavity, in the treatment of hepatic hydatid cyst, as a good alternative to open surgery in selected patients.