M. Diya Sabbagh

Complex Microsurgical Reconstruction After Tumor Resection in the Trunk and Extremities

Reconstruction of soft tissue defects following tumor ablation procedures in the trunk and extremities can challenge the microsurgeon. The goal is not just to provide adequate soft tissue coverage but also to restore form and function and minimize donor site morbidity. Although the principles of the reconstructive ladder still apply in the trunk and extremities, free tissue transfer is used in many cases to optimally restore form and function. Microsurgery has changed the practice in soft tissue tumors, and amputation is less frequently necessary.

Virtual surgical planning and three-dimensional printing in multidisciplinary oncologic chest wall resection and reconstruction: A case report

Highlights • Virtual surgical planning (VSP) and rapid prototyping in complex chest wall resection and reconstruction are valuable tools to the surgical team.• VSP and 3D printing allow for rehearsal of the surgical plan with emphasis on technical details that are paramount to the success of the reconstruction.• Accessibility and cost remain the key limiting factors in the clinical use of this technology. Outcome-based studies and cost-analysis are needed to validate the efficacy of 3D printing in complex surgical care.

Does Low-Dose Heparin Have a Significant Role in Free Flap Surgery?

Background It is controversial issue that heparin decreases thrombosis for microsurgical anastomosis, and its effective role is under discussion. This study is for proving whether low-dose heparin is preventing thrombosis in free flap reconstruction. Methods Through chart reviews of 134 patients, using low-dose heparin for free tissue transfer from 2011 to 2016, retrospective analysis was performed. 33 patients received low-dose heparin therapy after surgery. And 101 patients received no-heparin therapy. Complications included flap necrosis, hematoma formation, dehiscence and infection. Results In no-heparin therapy group, comparing the flap necrosis revealed 16 cases (15.84%). And, flap necrosis was 6 cases (18.18%) in low-dose heparin therapy group. The statistical analysis of flap necrosis rate showed no significant difference (p=0.75). The results showed that there was no significant difference of flap necrosis rate between two groups. Conclusion In this study, patients in the low-dose heparin group had no significantly lower rates of flap failure compared with no-heparin group. This suggests that low-dose heparin may not prevent thrombosis and subsequent flap failure to a significant extent.

Advances in peripheral nerve regeneration as it relates to VCA

ABSTRACT Vascularized composite allotransplant (VCA) offers functional, social, and quality of life improvements for patients who have exhausted traditional reconstructive options. Unlike solid organ transplant, VCA success is not only based upon the quality of perfusion and level of immunosuppression, but also on the success of nerve regeneration within the transplanted part. This paper will summarize the present state of peripheral nerve regeneration in the context of VCA and will explore the latest research advances that will affect the future of the field. These advances offer promising future strategies to improve patient outcomes in VCA.