Treatment of Breast Animation Deformity in Implant-Based Reconstruction with Selective Nerve Ablation.

Breast animation deformity is a known complication of subpectoral implant placement that is usually corrected by repositioning the implant to the prepectoral position. Other less common treatment options include performing the muscle splitting biplanar technique, triple plane technique, neuromodulator injections, and secondary neurotomies via transection of the pectoral muscle. We report a patient with animation deformity successfully treated with direct identification and ablation of the medial and lateral pectoral nerves using selective bipolar electrocautery. The patient is a woman with a history of invasive ductal carcinoma who underwent bilateral mastectomy and breast reconstruction with subpectoral implant placement and autologous fat grafting. Within 1 year of her breast reconstruction, she developed hyperactive pectoralis muscle contraction with resulting distortion of both breasts. Given the disadvantages of repositioning the implant to the prepectoral position and transecting the pectoralis muscles via secondary neurotomy, we chose to directly identify and selectively ablate distal branches of the medial and lateral pectoral nerves. This offers a novel technique for correcting breast animation deformity without transecting the pectoralis muscles, causing muscle atrophy, and preserving the subpectoral implant position.Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the table of contents or the online instructions to authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Perioperative Glycemic Control in Plastic Surgery: Review and Discussion of an Institutional Protocol.

Perioperative hyperglycemia is a well-known risk factor for surgical morbidity such as wound healing, infection, and prolonged hospitalization. This association has been reported for a number of surgical subspecialties, including plastic surgery. Specialty-specific guidelines have become increasingly available in the literature. Currently, glucose management guidelines for plastic surgery are lacking. Recognizing that multiple approaches exist for perioperative glucose, protocol-based models provide the necessary structure and guidance for approaching glycemic control. In this article, we review the influence of diabetes on outcomes in plastic surgery patients and propose a practical approach to perioperative blood glucose management based on current Endocrine Society and Mayo Clinic institutional guidelines.

Effects of immediate reconstruction on adjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy have a higher rate of complications relative to patients undergoing mastectomy alone. Conflicting data exist on how these complications impact adjuvant treatment. We sought to quantify the additional risk associated with immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy and determine how these risks influence adjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: A retrospective review of women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer and immediate breast reconstruction between January 2007 and December 2012 was conducted. We abstracted clinicopathological variables and stratified women according to the type of reconstruction and presence of surgical complications. Additionally, time to adjuvant chemotherapy was assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 56 of 199 (28%) women suffered 70 complications, of which hematoma, skin necrosis, cellulitis, or seroma accounted for 53 (76%) of the complications. The start date of adjuvant therapy was known in 116 (58%) of the women with invasive cancer. Overall, patients that underwent immediate breast reconstruction did not have delay in adjuvant treatment when compared to patients with no reconstruction (41 days vs 42 days, P = 0.61). Women with a complication did have a significantly longer interval to adjuvant chemotherapy when compared to those with no complications (47 days vs 41 days, P = 0.027). When further stratified by type of reconstruction, although there were differences in time to adjuvant chemotherapy, none of these reached significance (tissue expanders: 45 days vs 41 days, P = 0.063; flap reconstruction: 72 days vs 49 days, P = 0.25). CONCLUSIONS: Immediate reconstruction after mastectomy does not delay additional cancer treatment. Overall, when complications do occur, adjuvant therapy is significantly delayed, though the median delay was only 6 days.

A prospective randomized controlled trial comparing N-butyl-2 cyanoacrylate (Histoacryl), octyl cyanoacrylate (Dermabond), and subcuticular suture for closure of surgical incisions.

INTRODUCTION: The use of tissue adhesives for the closure of surgical incisions is increasing. Few studies directly compare tissue adhesives to one another or focus on the difference in wound closure time between tissue adhesives. We compared the use of N-butyl-2 cyanoacrylate (Histoacryl), octyl cyanoacrylate (Dermabond), or subcuticular suture in incisions resulting from reduction mammoplasty, mastopexy, panniculectomy, and abdominoplasty. METHODS: A 2-armed prospective randomized controlled trial was performed. Part 1 compared closure of surgical incisions with N-butyl-2 cyanoacrylate and octyl cyanoacrylate. Part 2 compared the closure of surgical incisions with N-butyl-2 cyanoacrylate and subcuticular suture. End points were closure time, scar width, and satisfaction ratings. RESULTS: Both study arms revealed significantly faster closer times with N-butyl-2 cyanoacrylate [9/10 in part 1 (P = 0.022) and 10/10 in part 2 (P = 0.002)]. Scar width difference did not reach statistical significance, and there was no difference in surgeon, independent reviewer, or patient satisfaction among the materials. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate a decreased time required for wound closure using N-butyl-2 cyanoacrylate compared to both suture and octyl cyanoacrylate regardless of incision type with no significant difference in scar width or satisfaction ratings.

Management of cervical thoracic duct cyst with cyst-venous anastomosis.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical thoracic duct cyst (CTDC) is a rare cause of lateral neck mass. Surgical excision with ligation of the cervical thoracic duct is the current standard for definitive management with symptomatic patients. We report the first case of an alternative method of management performing a cyst venous anastomosis for decompression. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 77 year old female presented with a six month history of left arm pain, swelling and a left-sided cystic neck mass. She was treated with cyst-venous anastomosis between the cyst wall and the left internal jugular vein. At two year follow-up, she has had resolution of pain and no recurrence of the mass. DISCUSSION: Many potential etiologies have been proposed for CTDC, though surgical management of this rare problem has consistently required cyst excision and thoracic duct ligation. Few innovative modes of therapy have been developed to address this problem in a less invasive manor. Maintaining a more natural thoracic duct anatomy decreases the likely of complications associated with duct ligation. CONCLUSION: Cyst-venous anastomosis for the management of CTDC provides an effective, novel form of treatment which maintains the integrity of the thoracic duct and avoids potential complications associated with duct ligation.

Intussusception of a small bowel large B-cell lymphoma.

Gastrointestinal tumors can rarely cause intestinal intussusception. Herein, we describe a 74 year-old male with a presumed diagnosis of Crohn's disease who presented with persistent symptoms refractory to medical management. Radiography demonstrated small bowel intussusception into the cecum. Lower endoscopy with biopsy diagnosed small bowel large Bcell lymphoma. Management included laparoscopic ileocecectomy and adjuvant R-CHOP chemotherapy. Long term outcomes of small bowel large B-cell lymphoma are related to disease stage at diagnosis, and average close to 75 %.

Incremental risk associated with contralateral prophylactic mastectomy and the effect on adjuvant therapy.

BACKGROUND: Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) is expected to add surgical morbidity but this incremental risk has not yet been defined. We sought to quantify the additional risks associated with CPM and determine how these risks influence the time to adjuvant therapy. METHODS: We identified women undergoing mastectomy for unilateral breast cancer and stratified them according to the use of CPM and the presence and laterality of surgical complications. We measured time to adjuvant therapy. RESULTS: Of 352 patients, 205 (58 %) underwent unilateral mastectomy (UM) and 147 (42 %) underwent bilateral mastectomy (BM) [BM = UM + CPM]. Overall, 94/352 (27 %) women suffered 112 complications (BM: 46/147 [31 %] vs. UM: 48/205 [23 %]; p = 0.11), of which hematoma, skin necrosis, cellulitis, or seroma accounted for 94/112 (84 %) complications. Reoperation was required in 37/352 (10 %) women. Among those undergoing BM, morbidity occurred only in the prophylactic breast in 19/147 (13 %) women and risk did not differ with immediate reconstruction (13/108 [12 %]) or without (6/39 [15 %]). Of these 19 patients, 10 (53 %) required reoperation. Women with any complication had a longer interval to adjuvant therapy when compared with those without (49 days vs. 40 days; p < 0.001). When stratified according to side, complications in the prophylactic breast were not associated with a delay in treatment (UM: 58 days vs. BM: prophylactic side; 41 days vs. BM: cancer side: 50 days; p = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: CPM confers additional morbidity in one in eight women, of whom half require reoperation. Despite this, in our series CPM did not delay adjuvant therapy. Given the rising incidence of patients seeking CPM, they should be informed of this risk.

Evaluation of options for large scalp defect reconstruction: a 12-year experience.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple options for reconstruction of scalp defects exist with local tissue advancement and free tissue transfer the mainstay of reconstruction. Over the last 12 years, our tertiary referral hospital has performed more than 150 scalp reconstructions. We reviewed our experience with large scalp defects and evaluated whether free tissue transfer is a viable first option for reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all scalp reconstructions from January 1, 1999, to December 31, 2011. A cohort of patients with defects greater than 50 cm(2) were identified for a total of 64 operations; 10 free flaps, 28 local advancement flaps, and 26 skin grafts. Reoperation rates and complications were compared between groups. RESULTS: Reoperation rate in the free flap group was 20% (2/10). Both reoperations were within the immediate postoperative period, one for microvascular thrombotic occlusion and the other for postoperative hematoma. The local tissue transfer group had a 14% reoperation rate (4/28), all for debridement of partial flap loss. The skin graft cohort had a 12% reoperation rate (3/26) for 1 complete and 2 partial skin graft failures; all required repeat grafting. Reoperation for free-flap complications did not require rehospitalization. In contrast, the skin graft and non-free flap reoperations frequently required rehospitalization. CONCLUSION: Though free tissue transfer has a higher occurrence of reoperation within the immediate postoperative period, completion of reconstruction usually occurs within a single hospitalization. Free tissue transfer is a feasible option, and we advocate for its use as a primary method for repairing large scalp defects.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with HeartMate II left ventricular assist devices.

INTRODUCTION: With an expanding population of patients requiring ventricular assist devices, it is inevitable that these patients will require noncardiac surgery. Ventricular assist devices provide mechanical support for a failing heart either as a bridge to transplant or now as a long-term support if transplant is not available, so-called destination therapy. These devices can add significant technical challenges to abdominal surgery, in that the power supply and drivelines crossing the abdomen can potentially be damaged. The use of preoperative or intraoperative imaging may aid in locating these devices and increase patient safety. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We describe a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in two patients supported with HeartMate(®) II (Thoratec Corp., Pleasanton, CA) left ventricular assist devices. Our use of fluoroscopic guidance in port placement is also described. A literature review was performed to assess the frequency of laparoscopic procedures performed on patients with similar ventricular assist devices and of complications associated with the device and other comorbidities. RESULTS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed without significant intraoperative hemodynamic changes. The use of imaging, such as fluoroscopy, can identify the location of the ventricular assist device and its associated drive wires to assure they are not damaged intraoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely on patients with ventricular assist devices. Complications due to damage to the device can be avoided with the assistance of fluoroscopy to identify the implanted abdominal portions of the ventricular assist device. Each laparoscopic procedure performed on these patients presents the surgeon with unique obstacles in which careful operative planning and intraoperative monitoring are essential.

Breast cancer recurrence in patients receiving epidural and paravertebral anesthesia: a retrospective, case-control study.

PURPOSE: Studies have suggested an association between the use of regional paravertebral or epidural anesthesia and a reduction in tumor recurrence following breast cancer surgery. To examine this relationship we performed a retrospective case-control study of patients undergoing breast cancer surgery receiving regional, regional and general, or general anesthesia. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of patients undergoing surgery for stage 0 to III breast cancer. Patients identified as receiving regional anesthesia were then matched for age, stage, estrogen receptor (ER) status, progesterone receptor status, and HER-2 expression with patients who received no regional anesthesia. Univariate (Pearson's χ2 test and odds ratio) and multivariate logistic analyses with backward stepwise regression were performed to determine factors associated with cancer recurrence. RESULTS: Between 1998 and 2007, 816 women underwent surgery for stage 0-III breast cancer at our institution. Forty-five patients developed tumors. Univariate analysis showed the use of regional anesthesia trended towards reduced cancer recurrence, but it did not achieve statistical significance (p = 0.06). Higher recurrence rates were associated with ER positive status (p = 0.003) and higher tumor stage (p < 0.0001). Age and HER-2 status were not associated with increased cancer recurrence (both p > 0.11). Multivariate analysis confirmed ER status and stage as independently influential (p = 0.002 and p < 0.0001 respectively). CONCLUSION: Although we found a trend towards reduced breast cancer recurrence with the use of regional anesthesia, univariate analysis did not reach statistical significance.

Direct long bone invasion by Basal cell carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Basal cell carcinoma is the most prevalent form of cancer worldwide, usually arising in the head and neck region, which is cured by surgical excision and rarely invades or metastasizes. Many reports exist of bony invasion in the head and neck but very rarely into long bones. METHODS: We report an unusual case of basal cell carcinoma that despite surgical excision, directly invaded the left humerus. This article also includes a literature review with possible explanations for the occasionally aggressive behavior of basal cell carcinoma. RESULTS: This 68-year-old patient underwent wide resection of the affected left upper arm skin, tissue, and diaphyseal segment with clear margins. The defect was reconstructed with a vascularized free fibula bone graft, pedicled latissimus muscle flap, and split-thickness skin graft. CONCLUSIONS: Long bone invasion by BCC is extremely rare and not well reported. There are more biologic explanations for overtly aggressive behavior that BCC may exhibit such as in this case.

Breast surgery outcomes as quality measures according to the NSQIP database.

BACKGROUND: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) is a risk-adjusted database designed to benchmark quality initiatives. NSQIP captures uniform morbidity variables for all operations and calculates expected morbidity probabilities. Given the frequent need for reoperation following breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and mastectomy, we hypothesized that NSQIP may inaccurately reflect surgical morbidity after breast cancer operations. METHODS: Using the 2008 NSQIP database, we identified 24,447 breast surgery patients. We calculated the observed versus expected (O/E) morbidity ratios, compared them to other general surgery procedures, and analyzed the O/E morbidity ratios among benign and malignant breast diagnoses. RESULTS: The NSQIP database shows that breast surgery has an O/E morbidity ratio of 3.11, which is higher than other general surgery procedures. Additionally, breast operations for malignancy have higher O/E morbidity ratios (3.22) than those performed for benign disease (2.59). Analysis of malignant patients by CPT code revealed that BCS patients had an O/E morbidity ratio of 7.75 and attributed 89 % of morbidity to reoperation, whereas mastectomy patients had an O/E morbidity ratio of only 1.7. Elimination of the reoperation variable from morbidity calculations in breast surgery reduces the O/E morbidity ratio to less than expected in all breast procedures. DISCUSSION: Breast surgery has a higher O/E morbidity ratio than other general surgery procedures. Reoperations are expected in BCS for positive margins and in mastectomy for completion ALND. Breast surgeons should advocate for benchmarking by surgical site-specific metrics, because current NSQIP criteria may negatively affect the quality assessment of high-volume breast centers.

Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for breast reconstruction: bad rap or good flap?

OBJECTIVE: This article serves to review latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap as an option for breast reconstruction postmastectomy. Since the introduction of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in the late 1970s, its use has always been as a secondary technique, particularly after the development of the transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap in the 1980s. METHODS: A literature review of the history of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap utilized for breast reconstruction as well as a review of our institution's experience with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and tissue expander placement was performed. RESULTS: There remains a paucity of published studies investigating latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for breast reconstruction. Most studies have small numbers and do not utilize tissue expanders. More recently several small studies have been published that show acceptably low complication rates with aesthetically pleasing outcomes when latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is employed with a tissue expander. At our institution, we have employed latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap with tissue expander placement for both delayed and immediate reconstruction with subsequent replacement with a permanent implant with a capsular contraction rate of 10.5%. Our data and others more recently published demonstrate very acceptable capsular contracture rates and aesthetic outcomes, particularly when an expander is utilized. CONCLUSION: The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap remains an excellent choice for breast reconstruction with a low risk of complications.