Remission of Merkel cell tumor after somatostatin analog treatment.

We recently treated one patient presenting with a disseminated non-operable Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) by lanreotide (somatostatin analog), with a complete remission of the disease and a follow up of 17 months. We present in this paper a case report with a review of the utilization of somatostatin analogues in the treatment of MCC.

[Retrospective study of complications and imperfections in superior pedicle breast reduction: 100 cases]. / Etude rétrospective des complications et imperfections : à propos de 100 cas de mammoplastie de réduction à pédicule supérieur.

A retrospective study was made to assess complications of superior pedicle breast reduction, in the Besançon hospital plastic surgery ward. One hundred patients operated between 2003 and 2007 were reexamined. In every case, the intervention was performed by the same operator (Pr Tropet) using the same technique. The average postoperation time range was 2 years (from 8 months to 5 years). The interview's minutes were formalized via a revisions sheet, including medical files, photos, and pre- and postoperative measures. Complications (hematoma, infection, necrosis, suture disunion, thromboembolic disease) were reported in 16 % of the cases. These lead to three emergency reoperations for drainage, and six delayed reoperations. Result imperfections were related to areola and nipple, and to scars. Two patients requested a scar revision. The results match reported data. Technical modifications are suggested to reduce complications or imperfections.

[Large breast hypertrophy and gigantomastia management by postero-inferior pedicle reduction technique. About 20 cases]. / Traitement des hypertrophies mammaires très importantes et des gigantomasties par la technique de réduction dite à pédicule postéro-inférieur. A propos de 20 cas.

The authors present a retrospective study about 20 patients operated for important breast hypertrophy and gigantomastia by the postero-inferior reduction technique. They compare the results obtained by this technique on the breast (projection, breast-feeding) and on the nipple-areola complex (sensibility, pigmentation, nipple projection), with those obtained by the Thorek technique (free nipple grafting). The authors show that this technique is reliable for such breasts hypertrophies, with good esthetics results, and avoid free nipple grafting.