Aleksandra Iljin

Clinicopathological analysis of recurrent basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid

Introduction Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm of the eyelids and surrounding structures, usually developing in the area of the lower lid and medial canthus. Invasive forms of BCC are connected with a high risk of recurrence, often due to incomplete excision of these lesions. Aim Clinical and pathological analysis of recurrent BCCs of the eyelids and surrounding structures. Material and methods We present clinical and pathological analysis including immunohistochemical reaction to Ki-67 antigen of 19 patients (11 women, 8 men) operated for recurrent BCCs of the eyelids in 2000–2012. Results In most cases, recurrences were present on the lower lid and in the medial canthus. In 15 patients the histopathological type did not change and in 4 cases it transformed into more invasive forms. The values of Ki-67 index for primary BCCs ranged between 1% and 20%, and for relapsing lesions between 11% and 48%. Conclusions Proper clinical and pathological evaluation to determine the risk of relapse in BCCs of the eyelids and surrounding structures should include the analysis of prognostic factors, in particular location and size, histopathological type and radicalness of surgical treatment of primary BCCs. Clinical and pathological analysis of patients with recurrent BCC of the eyelids and surrounding structures should be combined with the evaluation of proliferation index Ki-67, which is essential for prognosis and choice of the appropriate therapeutic method.

Evaluation of the Surgical Treatment for Congenital Blepharoptosis Using Mustarde's Modified Method.

UNLABELLEDnThe aim of the study was evaluation of the results of surgical treatment of congenital blepharoptosis (CBP) using Mustardes modified method.nnnMATERIAL AND METHODSnBetween 2005-2014 forty eight children with CBP underwent surgical correction of CBP by Mustardes modified method. Basing on the results of ophthalmic and orthoptic examination, and standard measurements, we estimated postoperative difference in the position and symmetry of the upper eyelids, and postoperative complications in our patients.nnnRESULTSnVery good results were obtained in all cases with mild, in 89.5% with moderate, and in 85.7% with severe unilateral CBP after correction by Mustardes modified method. Lagophthalmos was seen in 6.25%, and undercorrection in 12.5% of cases.nnnCONCLUSIONSn1. Mustardes modified method allows for obtaining very good functional and aesthetic results in CBP patients. 2. Mustardes modified method is a valuable supplemental surgical technique in CBP, and contributes to a low rate and small range of lagophthalmos.

Evaluation of the complex treatment for congenital blepharoptosis

Objective To evaluate the results of treatment of congenital blepharoptosis (CBP) using selected surgical methods; and to evaluate concomitant visual system disorders. Methods Between 2001 and 2010, 52 children with CBP underwent surgical correction of CBP using the modified method of Mustarde, the original Mustarde method or frontal suspension at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Medical University of Lodz (Poland). Based on the results of ophthalmic and orthoptic examination, and standard measurements, postoperative differences in the position and symmetry of the upper eyelids, complications, and visual system abnormalities were analyzed. Results Very good results were obtained in all patients with mild unilateral CBP. The results in patients with moderate and severe unilateral CBP, and in bilateral anomaly after correction using Mustardes method or the modified Mustardes method, were also very good. Complications included lagophthalmos (15.4%) and undercorrection (3.8%). Visual system disorders, mainly amblyopia, resulting from strabismus, astigmatism, anisometropia and CBP, were observed in 88.5% of patients Conclusions Complex ophthalmic examination and measurements in individuals with CBP enable correct diagnosis, selection of appropriate treatment method and timing of surgical intervention. Postoperative results in patients with CBP supported the efficacy of the methods that shortened the levator palpebrae superioris. Supplementing with Mustardes modified method contributed to an increase in the number of favourable postoperative results.

Results of auricular helical rim reconstruction with post-auricular tube flap.

UNLABELLEDnThe aim of the study was to present our experience with post-auricular tube flap (ptf) and clinical evaluation of the results following auricular helical rim reconstruction with this technique in patients after trauma.nnnMATERIAL AND METHODSnWe analyzed the results in 12 patients who underwent three-staged auricular helical rim reconstruction with ptf following trauma in the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery between 2005-2014. The patients were followed-up for at least 1 year. We evaluated early and long-term results after surgery including plastic surgeons and patients opinion.nnnRESULTSnPostoperative results were satisfactory (very good) in 10 cases, both in the opinion of the plastic surgeon and patients. Transient venous congestion of the helix occurred in two cases (16.6%). This complication did not have any influence on estimation of the results after surgery. Delayed wound healing in the poles of the reconstructed helical edge, as well as non-aesthetic helical scars with imperfections of helical rim, were seen in another two patients (16.6%).nnnCONCLUSIONSn1. Post-auricular tube flap reconstructions after helical rim trauma allowed for complete restoration of contour, size and orientation of the helix and the whole operated ear, which confirms the efficiency of the applied technique. 2. Reconstructive surgery with post-auricular tube flap in patients with auricular helical rim defects contributed to postoperative satisfaction in both patients and doctors estimations.

Personality Traits and Decision on Breast Reconstruction in Women after Mastectomy.

UNLABELLEDnThe aim of the study was evaluation of the correlation between selected personality traits in women after mastectomy and their decision on breast reconstruction.nnnMATERIAL AND METHODSnThe study was conducted between 2013‑2015, in the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, and Department of Oncological and Breast Surgery, CZMP. Comparative analysis comprised 40 patients, in whom mastectomy and breast reconstruction was done, and 40 women after breast amputation, who did not undergo reconstructive surgery. Basing on self-constructed questionnaire, five features of personality were evaluated in these women: pursue of success in life, ability to motivate others, openness to other people, impact of belonging to a social group on sense of security and the importance of opinion of others about the respondent. Apart from the questionnaire, in both groups of women a psychologic tool was used (SUPIN S30 and C30 tests) to determine the intensity of positive and negative emotions.nnnRESULTSnWomen who did not choose the reconstructive option were statistically significantly older at mastectomy than women who underwent breast reconstruction. There were statistically significant differences between both groups in response to question on being open to other people and value of other peoples opinion. The differences in responses to question on the impact of belonging to a social group on personal sense of safety were hardly statistically significant. In psychometric studies there were significant differences in responses to SUPIN C30 test for negative emotions and S-30 for positive emotions. The level of negative emotions - feature of group A was in 47.5% in the range of high scores and in 47.5% within low and low-average scores. Among women from group B 57.5% had high scores, while 37.5% low and average scores. There were significant differences in the results of positive emotions evaluation in S-30. Women who did not undergo breast reconstruction usually had high scores, while those who decided on reconstructive surgery usually had low scores and low-high scores.nnnCONCLUSIONSn1. The decision on breast reconstruction after mastectomy is connected with personality features of patients. Introvert women, who base their self-opinion on opinion of others and their sense of security on belonging to a social group, rarely choose to undergo breast reconstruction. 2. Younger patients after mastectomy more frequently choose the breast reconstructive option. 3. A special algorithm of medical and psychological care in patients after mastectomy should be created to improve their further quality of life.

Long-Term Results of Incisional Hernia Repair with Concomitant Abdominoplasty in Postbariatric Patients.

UNLABELLEDnThe aim of the study was evaluation of long-term results after simultaneous incisional hernia repair and abdominoplasty in patients following RYGB (Roux-en-Y Gastric By-pass) and estimation of quality of life before and after this complex operation.nnnMATERIAL AND METHODSnWe analyzed long-term results in 18 patients who underwent complex anterior abdominal wall surgery after massive weight loss, following previous RYGB. The patients were followed-up for at least 8 years. We compared the quality of life before and after hernia repair combined with abdominoplasty.nnnRESULTSnObserved wide postoperative scar in 4 persons, permanent dysesthesia in one, and flaccidity of the anterior abdominal wall in three cases. Estimation of the quality of life revealed significant improvement in functional, aesthetic and psychological aspects after complex surgery.nnnCONCLUSIONSn1. Simultaneous incisional hernia repair and abdominoplasty resulted in satisfactory long-term postoperative results, which confirms the efficiency of complex anterior abdominal wall surgery in patients following RYGB after massive weight loss. 2. Surgery in patients afflicted with disfigurements of the anterior abdominal wall contributed to significant improvement in their life quality in functional, aesthetic and psychological aspects, as compared with preoperative estimations. 3. All persons confirmed positive influence of abdominal wall surgery on their possibility to take challenges in life, and fulfill plans. 4. Surgery of the anterior abdominal wall deformities, if needed after massive weight loss, should become an integral part of complex multidisciplinary treatment in postbariatric individuals.

Results of Auricular Conchal Bowl Reconstructions Following Cancer Resections with Postauricular Island Flap

The aim of the study was to present our experience with the postauricular island flap (pif) and clinical evaluation of the results following auricular conchal bowl reconstructions with the pif in patients after carcinoma resections.nnnMATERIAL AND METHODSnWe analyzed results in 13 patients who underwent auricular conchal bowl reconstructions with pif following malignant tumor resection between 2000-2013. The patients were followed-up. We estimated early and long-term results after surgery including plastic surgeons and patients opinion.nnnRESULTSnThe malignancies were completely excised in all patients, and there were no recurrences within 2 years of follow-up. Observed complications of conchal bowl reconstructions were venous congestion in two cases (15.3 %), and pinning of the operated ear in two patients (15.3%). Postoperative result was very good in 11 cases (both in the opinion of plastic surgeon and patients), whereas in two patients with pinning of the operated ear was satisfied.nnnCONCLUSIONSn1. Postauricular island flap reconstructions after auricular conchal bowl resections allowed for complete removal of malignant tumors with no evidence of recurrence, and also preserved proper conchal shape in the reconstructed ear. 2. Reconstructions of auricular conchal bowl with the postauricular island flap resulted in very good postoperative results, which confirms the efficiency of the applied technique. 3. Reconstructive surgery with postauricular island flap of individuals with partial auricular conchal bowl defects contributed to postoperative satisfaction in both patients and doctors estimations.

Satisfaction with Life and Social Factors in Decision-Making Proces on Breast Reconstruction in Women after Mastectomy

The aim of the study was to analyse the correlation between satisfaction with life in women after mastectomy and motivation to undergo breast reconstruction, compared to women who after breast amputation did not decide to undergo reconstructive treatment.nnnMATERIAL AND METHODSnComparative analysis comprised patients after mastectomy, who decided on breast reconstruction (40) and those who did not undergo reconstructive surgery (40). The study was conducted in the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Lodz and Department of Oncological surgery and Breast Diseases ICZMP, Łódź, between 2013-2015. In the study the question whether higher satisfaction with life prompts decision on breast reconstruction was investigated. The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was used, as well as an original questionnaire. The correlations between statistical parameters were evaluated using the chi-square test.nnnRESULTSnWe have demonstrated differences between the level of satisfaction with life in patients who decided to undergo breast reconstruction and those who did not choose reconstructive surgery. The discrepancies may reflect differences in the system of values and level of satisfaction with life before reconstructive treatment and also point to potential effect of these factors on the decision to undergo surgery.nnnCONCLUSIONSn1. Differences in cognitive structures between Amazons determine the decision on reconstructive treatment. 2. Transfer of information between the therapeutic team and women after mastectomy is not satisfactory. 3. Higher level of satisfaction with life has a positive effect on the decision of breast reconstruction.

Long-Term Results of Partial Nasal Reconstructions with Indian Flap

UNLABELLEDnThe aim of the study was clinical evaluation of the results following reconstruction with the Indian flap in patients with partial nasal defects, and estimation of their postoperative life quality in functional and aesthetic aspects.nnnMATERIAL AND METHODSnWe analyzed results in 38 patients who underwent reconstructions with the Indian flap in the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery between years 2000‑2013. The patients were followed-up for at least 2 years. We estimated their life quality in aesthetic and functional aspects after surgery.nnnRESULTSnObserved complications of nasal reconstruction were alar asymmetry in 6 patients (15.8%), nasal obstruction in 6 persons (15.8%), wide postoperative scar in 4 (10.5%), and non-aesthetic appearance of the donor site in two cases (5.3%). Estimation of life quality post surgery in the examined group of patients revealed significant postoperative improvement in both functional and aesthetic aspects.nnnCONCLUSIONSn1. Reconstructions of nasal defects with the Indian flap resulted in satisfactory longterm postoperative results, which confirms the efficiency of the applied technique. 2. Reconstructive surgery with Indian flap of individuals with partial nasal defects contributed to significant postoperative improvement in both functional and aesthetic aspects and their life quality.

Surgical treatment of skin lesions in lupus erythematosus

Lipodystrophies are a wide group of diseases with various etiology, mainly genetic, metabolic or autoimmune. The treatment of these diseases is chronic and not always effective. Major concerns for patients with lipodystrophies are also esthetic defects, especially deformities in the face, neck and upper limbs. There are many surgical methods that can be used to improve patients appearance like fillers, autologous fat transfer and skin flaps. The aim of this paper is to present and discuss surgical techniques used for correction of lipoatrophy and other skin lesions present in lupus erythematosus. In the first presented patient, lipodermal grafts were performed in two stages (first – to both zygomatic areas, the second – to both nasolabial folds). Moreover, the patient was qualified for arm scar plasty. Deepithelialized skin in the affected area was covered with advanced local skin flaps. In the second patient, an extensive scarring lesion on the scalp was excised and the defect was closed with an expanded scalp flap. Patients with lipodystrophies may require aesthetic surgical procedures to improve their appearance. In patients with lupus erythematosus, autologous fat graft in the face area seems to be a safe and effective method of refilling the volume of atrophic tissues. On the basis of our experience, it is worth emphasizing that the process of fat graft resorption is typical. In patients with scalp scars, an effective method of their removal and hairline restoring is usage of the tissue expander.