Justin M. Broyles

A Critical Analysis of Rejection in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation: Clinical, Cellular and Molecular Aspects, Current Challenges, and Novel Concepts

Advances in microsurgical techniques and immunomodulatory protocols have contributed to the expansion of vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) with very encouraging immunological, functional, and cosmetic results. Rejection remains however a major hurdle that portends serious threats to recipients. Rejection features in VCA have been described in a number of studies, and an international consensus on the classification of rejection was established. Unfortunately, current available diagnostic methods carry many shortcomings that, in certain cases, pose a great diagnostic challenge to physicians especially in borderline rejection cases. In this review, we revisit the features of acute skin rejection in hand and face transplantation at the clinical, cellular, and molecular levels. The multiple challenges in diagnosing rejection and in defining chronic and antibody-mediated rejection in VCA are then presented, and we finish by analyzing current research directions and novel concepts aiming at improving available diagnostic measures.

Abdominally based free flap planning in breast reconstruction with computed tomographic angiography: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Computed tomographic angiography is often used for preoperative mapping. The authors aimed to systematically assess breast reconstruction outcomes after abdominally based free flaps planned with preoperative computed tomographic angiography versus Doppler ultrasonography. Methods: A search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases and an additional hand-search of relevant articles until June of 2012 rendered 442 English-language citations. Three authors independently reviewed these citations and included all the studies comparing preoperative computed tomographic angiography versus Doppler ultrasonography with regard to short-term postoperative outcomes and operative times. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the incidence of flap-related complications (seven studies), donor-site morbidity (four studies), and operative times (five studies) between preoperative computed tomographic angiography and Doppler ultrasonography. A pooled relative risk was calculated using a random-effect model to compare complication rates between the computed tomographic angiography and Doppler ultrasonography groups. Results: A total of 13 studies met inclusion criteria. Preoperative computed tomographic angiography was associated with significantly fewer flap-related complications (relative risk, 0.87; 95 percent CI, 0.78 to 0.97), reduced donor-site morbidity (relative risk, 0.84; 95 percent CI, 0.76 to 0.94), and shorter reconstruction operative time by 87.7 minutes (mean difference, 87.7 minutes; 95 percent CI, 78.3 to 97.1 minutes). Conclusions: The use of preoperative computed tomographic angiography reduces the operative time, postoperative flap-related complications, and donor-site morbidity compared with Doppler ultrasonography. Preoperative computed tomographic angiography has the potential to reduce operative cost and increase efficiency in the operating room. Thus, preoperative mapping by computed tomographic angiography should be strongly considered for abdominally based free flap breast reconstruction.

Liposuction devices: technology update

Since its introduction by Illouz and others over 30 years ago, suction-assisted lipectomy/liposuction/lipoplasty has evolved tremendously and has developed into one of the most popular procedures in aesthetic plastic surgery. Liposuction is an effective procedure employed to treat localized adipose deposits in patients not suffering from generalized obesity. These accumulations of subcutaneous fat often occur in predictable distributions in both men and women. A cannula connected to a suction-generating source allows for small incisions to be strategically placed and large volumes of fat to be removed. This fat removal leads to improved harmonious balance of a patient’s physique and improved body contour. Various surgical techniques are available and have evolved as technology has improved. Current technology for liposuction includes suction-assisted lipectomy, ultrasound-assisted, power-assisted, laser-assisted, and radiofrequency-assisted. The choice of technology and technique often depends on patient characteristics and surgeon preference. The objective of this review is to provide a thorough assessment of current technologies available to plastic surgeons performing liposuction.

Current concepts and systematic review of vascularized composite allotransplantation of the abdominal wall

Abdominal wall vascularized composite allotransplantation (AW‐VCA) is a rarely utilized technique for large composite abdominal wall defects. The goal of this article is to systematically review the literature and current concepts of AW‐VCA, outline the challenges ahead, and provide an outlook for the future.

Pyoderma Gangrenosum After Breast Surgery: Diagnostic Pearls and Treatment Recommendations Based on a Systematic Literature Review.

BackgroundPyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare cutaneous disorder that poses a diagnostic challenge in the postoperative period. A systematic literature review was performed to determine distinguishing characteristics of PG in the setting of breast surgery that can facilitate timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for articles with cases of PG occurring after breast surgery. Forty-three relevant articles, including 49 case reports, were identified. ResultsPG manifested bilaterally in 30 of 34 cases (88%) in which bilateral surgery was performed. Abdominal wounds were present in 6 of 7 cases in which an abdominal donor site was used for breast reconstruction. Nipples were spared from wound involvement in 33 of 37 cases (89%) in which nipples were present after surgery. Presence of fever was noted in 27 cases (55%) and leukocytosis in 21 cases (43%). A total of 33 patients (67%) underwent wound debridement. Successful medical treatment most commonly involved steroids (41 cases, 84%) and cyclosporine (10 cases, 20%). ConclusionsPertinent clinical features were identified that may aid in timely diagnosis and treatment of PG after breast surgery. Appearance of discrete wounds involving multiple surgical sites that surround but spare the nipples should raise suspicion for PG rather than infection or ischemia, even with concomitant fever and leukocytosis. Wound debridement should be minimized and skin grafting considered only after medical therapy is initiated. Cognizance of these features may enable prompt therapeutic intervention that minimizes morbidity and improves outcomes.

Characterization, prophylaxis, and treatment of infectious complications in craniomaxillofacial and upper extremity allotransplantation: a multicenter perspective.

Background: Vascularized composite allotransplants consist of heterogeneous tissues from different germ layers, which include skin, muscle, bone, fat, nerves, and lymph nodes. The antigenic diversity of these tissues, particularly of the highly immunogenic skin component, necessitates potent immunosuppressive regimens similar to that of some solid organ transplants. Indeed, the lifelong, high-dose, multidrug immunosuppressive protocols expose vascularized composite allotransplant recipients to considerable risk of infectious, metabolic, and neoplastic sequelae. In this article, the authors review the infectious risk to patients after vascularized composite allotransplantation, with special attention to the somewhat limited experience with the prophylaxis and treatment of infections after this innovative reconstructive surgery. Methods: A review of the literature was undertaken to elucidate the characterization, prophylaxis, and treatment of all documented infectious complications. Results: Infections in face and hand vascularized composite allotransplants follow a course similar to that of solid organ transplants. Several differences exist, including the unique flora of craniomaxillofacial transplants, the increased risk of donor-derived infections, and the alteration of the risk-to-benefit ratio for cytomegalovirus infections. Conclusions: The patient with a face or limb transplant has many of the same infectious risks as a lung transplant recipient, which include bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Because of the anatomy, mucosal exposure, and differing donor flora, however, the face or limb transplant is susceptible to invasive diseases from a variety of microbes.

Growth Hormone Therapy Accelerates Axonal Regeneration, Promotes Motor Reinnervation, and Reduces Muscle Atrophy following Peripheral Nerve Injury.

Background: Therapies to improve outcomes following peripheral nerve injury are lacking. Prolonged denervation of muscle and Schwann cells contributes to poor outcomes. In this study, the authors assess the effects of growth hormone therapy on axonal regeneration, Schwann cell and muscle maintenance, and end-organ reinnervation in rats. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent sciatic nerve transection and repair and femoral nerve transection without repair and received either daily subcutaneous growth hormone (0.4 mg/day) or no treatment (n = 8 per group). At 5 weeks, the authors assessed axonal regeneration within the sciatic nerve, muscle atrophy within the gastrocnemius muscle, motor endplate reinnervation within the soleus muscle, and Schwann cell proliferation within the denervated distal femoral nerve. Results: Growth hormone–treated animals demonstrated greater percentage increase in body mass (12.2 ± 1.8 versus 8.5 ± 1.5; p = 0.0044), greater number of regenerating myelinated axons (13,876 ± 2036 versus 8645 ± 3279; p = 0.0018) and g-ratio (0.64 ± 0.11 versus 0.51 ± 0.06; p = 0.01), greater percentage reinnervation of motor endplates (75.8 ± 8.7 versus 38.2 ± 22.6; p = 0.0008), and greater muscle myofibril cross-sectional area (731.8 ± 157 &mgr;m versus 545.2 ± 144.3 &mgr;m; p = 0.027). Conclusions: In male rats, growth hormone therapy accelerates axonal regeneration, reduces muscle atrophy, and promotes muscle reinnervation. Growth hormone therapy may also maintain proliferating Schwann cells in the setting of prolonged denervation. These findings suggest potential for improved outcomes with growth hormone therapy after peripheral nerve injuries.

The fusion of craniofacial reconstruction and microsurgery: a functional and aesthetic approach.

Background: Reconstruction of large, composite defects in the craniofacial region has evolved significantly over the past half century. During this time, there have been significant advances in craniofacial and microsurgical surgery. These contributions have often been in parallel; however, over the past 10 years, these two disciplines have begun to overlap more frequently, and the techniques of one have been used to advance the other. In the current review, the authors aim to describe the available options for free tissue reconstruction in craniofacial surgery. Methods: A review of microsurgical reconstructive options of aesthetic units within the craniofacial region was undertaken with attention directed toward surgeon flap preference. Results: Anatomical areas analyzed included scalp, calvaria, forehead, frontal sinus, nose, maxilla and midface, periorbita, mandible, lip, and tongue. Although certain flaps such as the ulnar forearm flap and lateral circumflex femoral artery–based flaps were used in multiple reconstructive sites, each anatomical location possesses a unique array of flaps to maximize outcomes. Conclusions: Craniofacial surgery, like plastic surgery, has made tremendous advancements in the past 40 years. With innovations in technology, flap design, and training, microsurgery has become safer, faster, and more commonplace than at any time in history. Reconstructive microsurgery allows the surgeon to be creative in this approach, and free tissue transfer has become a mainstay of modern craniofacial reconstruction.

Flap Coverage of Anterior Abdominal Wall Defects

Reconstruction of complex defects of the anterior abdomen is both challenging and technically demanding for reconstructive surgeons. Advancements in the use of pedicle and free tissue transfer along with the use of bioprosthetic and synthetic meshes have provided for novel approaches to these complex defects. Accordingly, detailed knowledge of abdominal wall and lower extremity anatomy in combination with insight into the design, implementation, and limitations of various flaps is essential to solve these complex clinical problems. Although these defects can be attributed to a myriad of etiologic factors, the objectives in abdominal wall reconstruction are consistent and include the restoration of abdominal wall integrity, protection of intraabdominal viscera, and the prevention of herniation. In this article, the authors review pertinent anatomy and the various local, regional, and distant flaps that can be utilized in the reconstruction of these complex clinical cases of the anterior abdomen.

Abdominal- versus thigh-based reconstruction of perineal defects in patients with cancer.

BACKGROUND: An abdominoperineal resection is an invasive procedure that leaves the patient with vast pelvic dead space. Traditionally, the vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap is used to reconstruct these defects. Oftentimes, this flap cannot be used because of multiple ostomy placements or previous abdominal surgery. The anterolateral thigh flap can be used; however, the efficacy of this flap has been questioned. OBJECTIVE: We report a single surgeon’s experience with perineal reconstruction in patients with cancer with the use of either the vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap or the anterolateral thigh flap to demonstrate acceptable outcomes with either repair modality. DESIGN: From 2010 to 2012, 19 consecutive patients with perineal defects secondary to cancer underwent flap reconstruction. A retrospective chart review of prospectively entered data was conducted to determine the frequency of short-term and long-term complications. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at an academic, tertiary-care cancer center. PATIENTS: Patients in the study were patients with cancer who were receiving perineal reconstruction. INTERVENTIONS: Interventions were surgical and included either abdomen- or thigh-based reconstruction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures included infection, flap failure, length of stay, and time to radiotherapy. RESULTS: Of the 19 patients included in our study, 10 underwent anterolateral thigh flaps and 9 underwent vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous flaps for reconstruction. There were no significant differences in demographics between groups (p > 0.05). Surgical outcomes and complications demonstrated no significant differences in the rate of infection, hematoma, bleeding, or necrosis. The mean length of stay after reconstruction was 9.7 ± 3.4 days (± SD) in the anterolateral thigh flap group and 13.4 ± 7.7 days in the vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap group (p > 0.05). LIMITATIONS: The limitations of this study include a relatively small sample size and retrospective evaluation. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the anterolateral thigh flap is an acceptable alternative to the vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap for perineal reconstruction (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/DCR/A134).