Steinsträsser L

Limb Salvage in Malignant Tumors

Limb-sparing resection and reconstruction has become the treatment of choice in extremity malignancies, as amputation does not provide better long-term survival rates or functional advantages. R0 resection, the removal of the tumor in sano, remains the prerequisite and most important oncologic parameter to avoid local recurrence. Successful treatment requires the combination of surgical eradication and the patients specific functional and aesthetic rehabilitation. Our clinical rationale resulting from more than 2000 cases will be demonstrated. The problematic aspects of different tumor entities and the locoregional clearance of lymphatic pathways will be discussed. Differential diagnosis and multimodality treatment in high-volume tumor centers is likely to achieve superior oncologic statistics. Long-term survivors after microsurgical reconstructions and possible secondary malignancies will be addressed.

[Importance of specialized centers in diagnosis and treatment of extremity-soft tissue sarcomas. Review of 603 cases].

ZusammenfassungDie onkologiegerechte Therapie maligner Weichgewebstumoren setzt eine korrekte Diagnosestellung inklusive Angabe des Gradings voraus. Aufgrund der Seltenheit dieser Tumoren, einer Vielzahl verschiedener Subtypen, dem teilweise uneinheitlichen histologischen Erscheinungsbild und nicht repräsentativen Biopsiepräparaten ist diese Klassifikation oft erschwert.Sechshundertdrei konsekutive Patientenakten mit der Diagnose „maligner Weichgewebstumor“ der Extremitäten inklusive Schulter und Glutealbereich wurden im Hinblick auf Diagnoseabweichungen der Primär- und Referenzpathologie sowie deren Abhängigkeit von der Tumorentität, der Befundung aus Primär- oder Rezidivtumor und der beurteilenden pathologischen Einrichtung ausgewertet. Als referenzpathologische Institute dienten das auf Weichgewebstumoren spezialisierte Institut für Pathologie der Ruhr-Universität Bochum am BG-Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil in Kooperation mit dem Institut für Pathologie der Universität Jena.Liposarkome und pleomorphe („not otherwise specified“, NOS-)Sarkome stellten mit 24 und 22,6% die größten Gruppen. Von den acht am häufigsten diagnostizierten Sarkomen wurden maligne periphere Nervenscheidentumoren und Leiomyosarkome mit 78,4 und 74,2% der Fälle am häufigsten diskordant diagnostiziert. Die Quote lag für nicht spezialisierte Pathologiepraxen und Einrichtungen an Allgemein- und Universitätskrankenhäusern über 60%. Für eine individuelle, adäquate chirurgische und neo-/adjuvante Therapie ist die referenzpathologische Begutachtung sarkomverdächtiger Tumorproben zu fordern.AbstractCorrect histopathologic diagnosis is essential for adequate treatment of soft tissue sarcomas. Due to the disorder’s rarity, multitude of subgroups, sometimes varying histopathologic appearance, and occasionally inadequate biopsy specimens, diagnosis and grading are challenging. The records of 603 patients with soft tissue tumors of the extremities were reviewed concerning mismatches in primary and definite diagnoses relating to entity, evaluation of primary or recurrent tumor specimens, and the diagnosing pathology institution. For second opinions we referred to the Institute of Pathology of the Ruhr University at the Bergmannsheil Hospital in Bochum, Germany, and to the Pathology Institute of the University of Jena, also in Germany. Liposarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma were the most often diagnosed subgroups at 24% and 22.6%, respectively. In the eight most frequent sarcoma types, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors and leiomyosarcoma had the highest rates of false primary diagnosis, 78.4% and 74.2% of cases, respectively. The diagnostic error ratio for nonspecialized pathologists in practice, community hospital pathologists, and academic medical centers was over 60%. For optimal treatment of soft tissue sarcomas, we suggest obtaining expert second opinion to ensure adequate surgical therapy and precise indications for radiation and chemotherapy.Correct histopathologic diagnosis is essential for adequate treatment of soft tissue sarcomas. Due to the disorders rarity, multitude of subgroups, sometimes varying histopathologic appearance, and occasionally inadequate biopsy specimens, diagnosis and grading are challenging. The records of 603 patients with soft tissue tumors of the extremities were reviewed concerning mismatches in primary and definite diagnoses relating to entity, evaluation of primary or recurrent tumor specimens, and the diagnosing pathology institution. For second opinions we referred to the Institute of Pathology of the Ruhr University at the Bergmannsheil Hospital in Bochum, Germany, and to the Pathology Institute of the University of Jena, also in Germany. Liposarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma were the most often diagnosed subgroups at 24% and 22.6%, respectively. In the eight most frequent sarcoma types, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors and leiomyosarcoma had the highest rates of false primary diagnosis, 78.4% and 74.2% of cases, respectively. The diagnostic error ratio for nonspecialized pathologists in practice, community hospital pathologists, and academic medical centers was over 60%. For optimal treatment of soft tissue sarcomas, we suggest obtaining expert second opinion to ensure adequate surgical therapy and precise indications for radiation and chemotherapy.

Resektionsgrenzen bei Weichgewebssarkomen der Extremitäten

Negative surgical margins (R0 resection) play a key role in the prevention of local recurrences of soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities in the multimodal therapy concept. The prognostic relevance for long-term survival is still under dispute. Despite the fact that numerous recommendations and guidelines have existed for over 100 years, strong evidence-based data from prospective randomized studies are still not available today. These studies should include parameters like tumor localization, subtype and biological aggressiveness. Recommendations as to surgical therapy diverge considerably. They range from amputation and compartment resection to centimetre and millimetre surgical margins. The present article analyses currently available data and definitions and discusses the impact on functional restriction, lymph drainage, local recurrence and the perioperative irradiation field. In the absence of surgical standards, it is doubtful whether existing studies and multicenter trials currently underway are valid. Close co-operation between surgeon and pathologist is imperative to further substantiate the significance of histological examinations and resection margins.

[Soft tissue sarcoma : resection and plastic reconstruction].

Adequate surgical removal of soft tissue sarcomas of the trunk and extremities employing safety margins of 1-2 cm is the accepted basis of multidisciplinary treatment. In cases of high risk tumors (grades G2/G3) the tumor board decision should include radiochemotherapy under study conditions. Difficult peripheral locations or perioperative complications require additional techniques, such as hyperthermic perfusion with tumor necrosis factor alpha or the complete spectrum of reconstructive plastic procedures. Patients with soft tissue sarcoma of the trunk or of the extremities should always be referred to high volume centers.

Future treatment options for chronic wounds

ZusammenfassungDie Haut ist ein wesentliches Immunorgan des menschlichen Körpers und repräsentiert die wichtigste Barriere zwischen Körper und Umwelt. Ist sie durch eine chronische Wunde dauerhaft beschädigt, ist der betroffene Patient in seiner Lebensqualität deutlich eingeschränkt. Chronische Wunden können zu sozialer Isolierung und lang andauernder Arbeitsunfähigkeit führen und stellen somit ein großes gesellschaftliches Problem dar. Durch die Anwendung von neuen, evidenzbasierten Methoden zum richtigen Zeitpunkt kann die Wundheilung beschleunigt und die ambulante oder stationäre Therapiedauer sowie die resultierenden Kosten gesenkt werden. Dieser Artikel behandelt den aktuellen Stand im Bezug auf Wundvorbereitung, Therapie und Regeneration und gibt einen Ausblick auf zukünftige, schon jetzt vielversprechende Ansätze in der Therapie chronischer Wunden.AbstractThe skin plays an important role in the human immune system, working as a barrier to pathologic influences. A chronic wound breaks that barrier and eliminates that function. Affected patients can suffer from significant reductions in quality of life and become socially isolated. The inability to work may have serious economic consequences for the individual and the community. Treating these wounds with novel, evidence-based techniques can accelerate wound healing while reducing the length of in- and outpatient treatment and thereby the overall costs. This article discusses current and future treatment options in wound conditioning, therapy, and regeneration.The skin plays an important role in the human immune system, working as a barrier to pathologic influences. A chronic wound breaks that barrier and eliminates that function. Affected patients can suffer from significant reductions in quality of life and become socially isolated. The inability to work may have serious economic consequences for the individual and the community. Treating these wounds with novel, evidence-based techniques can accelerate wound healing while reducing the length of in- and outpatient treatment and thereby the overall costs. This article discusses current and future treatment options in wound conditioning, therapy, and regeneration.

Surgical margins in soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities

Negative surgical margins (R0 resection) play a key role in the prevention of local recurrences of soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities in the multimodal therapy concept. The prognostic relevance for long-term survival is still under dispute. Despite the fact that numerous recommendations and guidelines have existed for over 100 years, strong evidence-based data from prospective randomized studies are still not available today. These studies should include parameters like tumor localization, subtype and biological aggressiveness. Recommendations as to surgical therapy diverge considerably. They range from amputation and compartment resection to centimetre and millimetre surgical margins. The present article analyses currently available data and definitions and discusses the impact on functional restriction, lymph drainage, local recurrence and the perioperative irradiation field. In the absence of surgical standards, it is doubtful whether existing studies and multicenter trials currently underway are valid. Close co-operation between surgeon and pathologist is imperative to further substantiate the significance of histological examinations and resection margins.

Free anterolateral thigh flaps for upper extremity soft tissue reconstruction

Introduction: Limb-threatening wounds of the upper extremity pose a challenge to the micro vascular surgeon. The aim of this study is to analyze the outcome of free anterolateral thigh flaps for upper extremity soft tissue reconstruction. Methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing this procedure from 2005 to 2012 was performed. Case note analysis was performed to determine demographic and perioperative factors, and complications and outcomes. Results: Thirty-two patients with a mean age of 53 years (9–84 yrs) underwent upper extremity reconstruction with an anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. There were 24 (75%) males and 8 (25%) females. The etiology of the soft tissue defects was: infection (44.6%); post-tumor ablation (40%); and trauma (15.6%). The defect site was most commonly in the forearm (53.1%), followed by the elbow (12.5 %), arm (12.5%) and hand (21.9%). The mean timing of free flap transfer was 6.8 days after admission to our institution (minimum 1 days, maximum 9 days). Mean operative time of surgery was 4 h 39 min (minimum 3 h 2 min, maximum 6 h 20 min). The mean hospitalization was 24.8 days (minimum 5, maximum 85). The ALT success rate was at 92.3%. Partial flap necrosis was documented in five cases (15.6%). Complete flap loss occurred in two post-traumatic cases who both lost their limbs. Discussion: This flap, in the hands of experienced surgeons, provides reliable coverage of upper extremity defects.

Effector molecules of the innate immune system for treatment of wound infections

ZusammenfassungDie Haut ist ein wesentliches Immunorgan des menschlichen Körpers und repräsentiert die wichtigste Barriere zwischen Körper und Umwelt. Als vorderste Verteidigungslinie der Haut gilt das angeborene Immunsystem („innate immune system“), das im Gegensatz zum adaptiven Immunsystem sofort gegen eindringende pathogene Mikroben reagiert. Antimikrobielle Peptide stellen die Basis des phylogenetisch älteren Teils des Immunsystems dar. Neue Studien haben gezeigt, dass eine reduzierte lokale Expression antimikrobieller Peptide ursächlich an der supprimierten Immunantwort und den damit verbundenen höheren Infektionsraten bei Schwerbrandverletzten beteiligt ist. Das Oberflächenepithel besitzt eine wesentliche Funktion bei der Erkennung einer Kolonialisierung durch Mikroorganismen und bei der initialen antimikrobiellen Abwehr.AbstractSkin is a substantial immune organ and represents the most important barrier against the potentially hostile environment. Its first line of defense are effector molecules of the innate immune system, which in contrast to the adaptive immune system reacts immediately against penetrating pathogenic microbes. Antimicrobial peptides represent the basis of the phylogenetically oldest part of the immune system. New studies show that reduced local cutaneous expression of antimicrobial peptide in burned skin is involved in the higher incidence of wound infections. The epithelium has an essential function in recognizing colonies of micro-organisms and in initial antimicrobial defenses.

Resektionsgrenzen bei Weichgewebssarkomen der Extremitäten@@@Surgical margins in soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities

Negative surgical margins (R0 resection) play a key role in the prevention of local recurrences of soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities in the multimodal therapy concept. The prognostic relevance for long-term survival is still under dispute. Despite the fact that numerous recommendations and guidelines have existed for over 100 years, strong evidence-based data from prospective randomized studies are still not available today. These studies should include parameters like tumor localization, subtype and biological aggressiveness. Recommendations as to surgical therapy diverge considerably. They range from amputation and compartment resection to centimetre and millimetre surgical margins. The present article analyses currently available data and definitions and discusses the impact on functional restriction, lymph drainage, local recurrence and the perioperative irradiation field. In the absence of surgical standards, it is doubtful whether existing studies and multicenter trials currently underway are valid. Close co-operation between surgeon and pathologist is imperative to further substantiate the significance of histological examinations and resection margins.