Orthotopic transfer of vascularized groin lymph node flap in the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema: Clinical results, lymphoscintigraphy findings, and proposed mechanism.

INTRODUCTION: Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) has become very popular in the treatment of secondary lymphedema. However, the mechanism has not been clearly elucidated. The purpose of this study was (1) to evaluate the outcome of vascularized groin lymph node (VGLN) transfer using axilla as a recipient site in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) and (2) to provide radiological evidence of lymphangiogenesis in VLNT. METHODS: Between August 2013 and June 2016, 30 consecutive patients with a mean age of 60 years underwent VGLN transfer for BCRL. A skinless VGLN flap nourished by the superficial circumflex iliac vessels was transferred to the axillary region of the lymphedematous limb. The outcomes were assessed clinically with limb circumference measurement and radiologically with lymphoscintigraphy. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 22.11 ± 7.83 months, 21 (70%) patients had reduction in limb circumference. The mean circumference reduction rate of the lymphedematous limb was 47.06% ± 27.92% (range, 0% to 100%). Eleven (37%) patients showed radiological improvement in postoperative lymphoscintigraphy that included 7 cases of faster contrast transport and 4 cases of visualization of transplanted lymph node. CONCLUSION: Patients with BCRL can benefit from orthotopic VGLN transfer. Lymphangiogenesis is supported by the appearance of transplanted lymph nodes in postoperative lymphoscintigraphy.

Extensive contact tracing and screening to control the spread of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium ST414 in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND: Proactive infection control management is crucial in preventing the introduction of multiple drug resistant organisms in the healthcare setting. In Hong Kong, where vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) endemicity is not yet established, contact tracing and screening, together with other infection control measures are essential in limiting intra- and inter-hospital transmission. The objective of this study was to illustrate the control measures used to eradicate a VRE outbreak in a hospital network in Hong Kong. METHODS: We described an outbreak of VRE in a healthcare region in Hong Kong, involving a University affiliated hospital and a convalescent hospital of 1600 and 550 beds respectively. Computer-assisted analysis was utilized to facilitate contact tracing, followed by VRE screening using chromogenic agar. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) was performed to assess the clonality of the VRE strains isolated. A case-control study was conducted to identify the risk factors for nosocomial acquisition of VRE. RESULTS: Between November 26 and December 17, 2011, 11 patients (1 exogenous case and 10 secondary cases) in two hospitals with VRE colonization were detected during our outbreak investigation and screening for 361 contact patients, resulting in a clinical attack rate of 2.8% (10/361). There were 8 males and 3 females with a median age of 78 years (range, 40 - 87 years). MLST confirmed sequence type ST414 in all isolates. Case-control analysis demonstrated that VRE positive cases had a significantly longer cumulative length of stay (P < 0.001), a higher proportion with chronic cerebral and cardiopulmonary conditions (P = 0.001), underlying malignancies (P < 0.001), and presence of urinary catheter (P < 0.001), wound or ulcer (P < 0.001), and a greater proportion of these patients were receiving ß-lactam/ß-lactamase inhibitors (P = 0.009), carbapenem group (P < 0.001), fluoroquinolones (P = 0.003), or vancomycin (P = 0.001) when compared with the controls. CONCLUSION: Extensive contact tracing and screening with a "search-and-confine" strategy was a successful tool for outbreak control in our healthcare region.

A simple technique for the retrieval of buried staples.

The use of staples for skin graft fixation is practiced in many burn centers worldwide. This application provides a fast and easy means of fixation. However, buried staples are frequently encountered if the staples are forgotten or removed too late. Apart from physical symptoms, buried staples can also lead to potential medico-legal consequences. In our center, we adopt a simple retrieval technique for the buried staples with the assistance of C-arm image intensifier. This method allows quick identification and removal of buried staples while minimizing tissue disruption. We describe this technique in the following article.

Reconstruction of circumferential pharyngeal defects after tumour resection: reference or preference.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of circumferential hypopharyngeal defects is often challenging. The aim of the study is to examine the result of our experience and to formulate improved management guidelines. METHOD: Between 1980 and 2009, all patients who have circumferential pharyngectomy were recruited. Data were recorded prospectively for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 202 patients were recruited. Majority had primary tumour in the hypopharynx (n=165), and the remaining patients had recurrent laryngeal carcinoma. Radiotherapy was given preoperatively in 72 patients and postoperatively in 108 patients. A pectoralis major (PM) flap was used in 92 (45.5%) patients, a free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap in 24 (11.9%) patients and a free jejunal flap in 86 (42.6%) patients. Early fistula rate was 23.9% in the PM flap group, 12.5% in the ALT group and 4.6% in the jejunum group. Late anastomotic stricture rate was 27.2% in the PM flap group, 12.5% in the free ALT group and 2.3% in the jejunum group. Early fistula formation significantly increased the risk of subsequent anastomotic stricture (p=0.023). In patients with no stricture, 61.9% of them in the jejunal group were able to resume solid diet, compared with 35.8% and 38.1% in the PM and ALT groups. After PM flap harvesting, 34.8% of the chest wall defects could not be closed primarily, which were best repaired using the lateral thoracic flap. The donor-site morbidity of ALT and jejunal flap was low. CONCLUSION: In suitable patients, free jejunal flap reconstruction of circumferential pharyngectomy defects achieves the best functional outcome with minimal donor-site morbidity.