Yoav Barnea

Free fibula long bone reconstruction in orthopedic oncology: a surgical algorithm for reconstructive options.

The fibula free flap became popular in orthopedic oncology for limb-sparing long bone tumor resection. It is particularly suitable for intercalary or resection arthrodesis options. In the present series, a surgical reconstruction algorithm was used, enabling each patient to receive a personalized technique. During the years 1998 to 2002, 30 patients underwent limb-sparing surgery for long bone sarcoma. There were 18 males and 12 females. Their mean age was 23 years (range, 9 to 70 years). The diagnoses were Ewings sarcoma (11 patients), osteogenic sarcoma (eight patients), chondrosarcoma (five patients), giant cell tumor of bone (three patients), high-grade soft-tissue sarcoma (two patients), and leiomyosarcoma of bone (one patient). The majority of tumors where located in the lower extremity (23 patients), mostly in the femur (15 patients with four tumors in the proximal femoral shaft, five tumors in the distal femoral shaft, five tumors in the whole femoral shaft, and one tumor in the proximal femoral head). In seven patients, the upper extremity was involved; in six patients, the radius was involved; and in one patient, the humerus was involved. The free fibula flap was used in three types of approaches: vascularized fibula as an osseous flap only (18 patients), a combination of a vascularized fibula flap in conjunction with an allo-graft (Capannas technique; 10 patients), and a free double-barreled fibula (two patients). All flaps survived. Postoperatively, all patients were monitored clinically, radiologically, and by radioisotope bone scan studies. Callus formation and union were shown 2.6 to 8 months postoperatively. Patients who underwent lower extremity reconstruction were nonweightbearing for 3 to 9 months, with a transition period in which they used a brace and gradually increased weightbearing until full weightbearing was achieved. Eight patients had 11 recipient-site complications. Two patients (6.7 percent) had hematomas, and three patients (10 percent) had infection and dehiscence of the surgical wound with bone exposure in one patient; all complications resolved with conservative treatment only. Failure of the hardware fixation system occurred in two patients, mandating surgical correction. No fibula donor-site complications were recorded. In intercalary resections, the use of the vascularized fibula flap as an isolated osseous flap might be insufficient. Different body sites have different stress loads to carry, depending on the age of the patient and on his individual physical status. To achieve initial strength in the early period, the authors combined the free fibula flap with an allograft (Capannas method) or augmented it as a double-barreled fibula. They propose a surgical algorithm to assist the surgeon with the preferred method for reconstruction of various long bone defects in different body locations at childhood or adulthood. Long bone reconstruction using a vascularized fibula flap, alone or in combination with an allograft, autogenous bone graft, or double-barreled fibula for limb-sparing surgery, is a safe and reliable method with a predictable bony union, good functional outcome, and a low complication rate.

Clinical comparative study of Aquacel and paraffin gauze dressing for split-skin donor site treatment

The management of split-thickness skin graft donor sites is targeted towards promoting the healing process, while minimizing adverse effects and complications. The aim of this study was to compare donor site treatment outcome between Aquacel, a carboxymethylcellulose-based hydrofiber dressing, and the standard mesh paraffin gauze dressing. The study included 23 adult patients. Half of the skin graft donor site in the proximal thigh was dressed with paraffin gauze and the rest with Aquacel. The results indicated that patients treated with Aquacel experienced significantly less pain and a more rapid rate of epithelialization compared with patients treated with mesh paraffin gauze dressing. Final scarring (ie, after the 1-year follow-up) was significantly better with the Aquacel dressing. We conclude that Aquacel dressing is superior to the standard mesh paraffin gauze dressing for split-thickness donor site area in pain relief, ease of treatment, promotion of epithelialization, and the quality of scarring.

Microvascular surgery in the previously operated and irradiated neck

Microvascular reconstruction of head and neck defects can be extremely challenging in patients with a history of prior neck dissection and/or irradiation. We reviewed of 261 head and neck free flaps performed between 2004 and 2007 at a tertiary cancer center. One hundred twenty‐four (52%) free flaps were performed in patients with a history of prior neck dissection and/or irradiation. The ipsilateral external carotid artery or one of its branches was not available in 43 (19%) cases: 13 with no history of prior neck dissection or irradiation, and 30 with a history of prior neck dissection and/or irradiation (P = 0.03). The ipsilateral internal/external jugular veins (IJ/EJ) were not available in 37 (16%) cases: 11 with no history of prior neck dissection or irradiation, and 26 with a history of prior neck dissection and/or irradiation (P = 0.002). Strategies for dealing with lack of a recipient vessels included anastomosis to contralateral neck vessels, transverse cervical vessels, internal mammary vessels, the cephalic vein, and the pedicle of another free flap. We propose an algorithm for locating recipient vessels adequate for microvascular anastomosis should the ipsilateral external carotid arterial and/or the internal/external jugular venous systems not be available, such as in the setting of prior neck dissection or irradiation.

Effects of an autologous flap combined with an implant for breast reconstruction: An evaluation of 1000 consecutive reconstructions of previously irradiated breasts

Background: The goal of the authors’ study was to determine whether an autologous tissue flap, when combined with an implant for breast reconstruction, reduces the incidence of implant-related complications in previously irradiated breasts. Methods: The authors reviewed 1000 consecutive cases of implant-based breast reconstructions performed in 706 patients at the authors’ institution. The median age was 49.5 years, and mean follow-up was 22.2 months. Eighty-six patients (8.6 percent) received preoperative radiation therapy and 43 patients (4.3 percent) received postoperative radiation therapy to the reconstructed breast. Breast reconstructions were performed using an expander/implant alone in 776 cases, a latissimus dorsi flap/implant in 146 cases, and a free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap/implant in 78 cases. Implant-based reconstructions were considered to have failed if an implant was lost because of extrusion, infection, or rupture or if implant exchange was required because of a severe capsular contracture. Results: In patients who had undergone preoperative irradiation, patients with free TRAM flap/implant reconstructions had a significantly lower implant loss rate than patients with expander/implant-only reconstructions (5.0 percent versus 30.3 percent, p < 0.04). Also, significantly fewer reconstructions failed in patients with latissimus dorsi flap/implant reconstructions or TRAM flap/implant reconstructions than in patients with expander/implant-only reconstructions (15.2 percent or 10.0 percent versus 42.2 percent, p < 0.03). Conclusion: An autologous flap, when combined with an implant for breast reconstruction, appears to reduce the incidence of implant-related complications in previously irradiated breasts.

A review of the applications of the hydrofiber dressing with silver (Aquacel Ag®) in wound care

Aquacel Ag((R)) (ConvaTec, Princeton, NJ, USA) is a new hydrofiber wound dressing consisting of soft non-woven sodium carboxymethylcellulose fibers integrated with ionic silver. It is a moisture-retention dressing, which forms a gel on contact with wound fluid and has antimicrobial properties of ionic silver. We present a current literature review on Aquacel Ag((R)), of both in vitro and in vivo efficacy and clinical applications. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the wide antimicrobial properties of Aquacel Ag((R)), and additionally demonstrated the cytotoxicity of ionic silver to keratinocytes and fibroblasts that cause delay in wound re-epithelialization. Clinical studies confirmed that Aquacel Ag((R)) is an effective and safe dressing for a variety of wound types, both acute and chronic. Incorporation of ionic silver into the hydrofibers does not cause undue alteration in the performance properties of the base dressing, which continues to provide favorable wound moisture and exudate management. The addition of ionic silver reduces local pain and dressing changes, and provides significant broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, with no delay in wound healing.

Therapy with anti-flagellin A monoclonal antibody limits Pseudomonas aeruginosa invasiveness in a mouse burn wound sepsis model

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an anti-flagellin sub-type monoclonal antibody (anti-fla-a) on Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in a mouse burn model and to assay bacterial dissemination and invasiveness. METHODS After immediate post-burn infection with P. aeruginosa, mortality and morbidity (daily weight changes) were monitored in mice treated with anti-fla-a as compared to untreated mice. Bacterial dissemination and invasiveness were monitored by bacterial counts at the burn site and spleen. Three different timing regimens for anti-fla-a treatment were studied: (a) prophylaxis (pre-infection), (b) therapeutic (post-infection), and (c) combined mode. RESULTS Combined regimen of anti-fla-a markedly improved survival of mice infected with P. aeruginosa from 6% to 96% (p<0.0001), similar to treatment with Imipenem. Furthermore, a significant improvement in survival was obtained when anti-fla-a was given prior to (75% survival) or post-infection (50% survival). It reduced bacterial load in the spleen (p=0.01), preventing bacterial sepsis. CONCLUSION Anti-fla-a is effective in reducing mortality and morbidity in murine P. aeruginosa-infected burn model.

Retinal Lesions in Septicemia

We explored the association between septicemia and specific retinal lesions in a prospective controlled study. Hemorrhages, cotton-wool spots, or Roths spots were found in 24 of 101 septicemic patients (24%), compared to four of 99 age- and gender-matched control patients (4%) (P = .0002). There was no significant association between types of organisms or focus of infection and the presence of specific lesions. Histologic examination of affected eyes disclosed cytoid bodies in the nerve fiber layer without inflammation. A definite association between septicemia and retinal lesions was found and indicates the need for routine ophthalmoscopy in septicemic patients.

Treatment of earlobe keloids by extralesional excision combined with preoperative and postoperative "sandwich" radiotherapy.

Background: Earlobe keloids can form after cosmetic ear piercing, trauma, infection, or burns, or spontaneously. These keloids are highly resistant for treatment and are followed by severe cosmetic implications. There are various surgical and nonsurgical treatment modalities for earlobe keloids, with no universally accepted treatment policy and a wide range of reported recurrence rates. The authors present their experience of treating earlobe keloids using the “sandwich” technique protocol; extralesional excision and external-beam radiotherapy are given a day before and a day after the operation. Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed all patients with earlobe keloids treated by the “sandwich” technique between the years 1996 and 2005. Patients were categorized into two groups: a high-risk group for previously treated patients and patients with a tendency for hypertrophic scars and keloids, and a low-risk group for the others. All patients underwent extralesional excision of the keloid and local radiotherapy before the excision and following it. Follow-up was a minimum of half a year and included a patient satisfaction questionnaire and documentation of keloid recurrence or cure. Results: A total of 23 patients were treated by this protocol; 57 percent were male. Patients had an average age of 24 years. The most common keloid etiology was earlobe piercing. Recurrence rates for the low-risk and high-risk groups were 25 and 27 percent [percent of the patients], respectively. Overall patient satisfaction was high. Conclusion: The combined excision and “sandwich” radiotherapy technique is a simple and effective method for treating earlobe keloids, with high patient satisfaction and low recurrence and complication rates.

Our experience with Wisebands: a new skin and soft-tissue stretch device.

Complex wounds that involve skin and soft-tissue defects that are unsuitable for primary closure by conventional suturing are common in the field of surgery. Among the many surgical options available to overcome these problems are various mechanical devices that have recently been proposed for delayed primary closure of such wounds. The authors present their experience with a new complex wound closure device, Wisebands, a device uniquely designed for skin and soft-tissue stretching. During the last 2 years, the authors have treated 20 patients with 22 skin and soft-tissue wounds for which primary closure was not feasible. The Wisebands devices were applied to the wounds, stretching the skin and underlying soft tissue, gradually closing the defects until the edges were sufficiently approximated for primary closure. Successful wound closure was achieved in 18 patients (90 percent). The Wisebands devices were removed in two patients (10 percent) because of major wound complications. In two other patients (10 percent), minor wound complications had occurred that did not necessitate removal of the device. At a mean follow-up of 1 year (range, 10 months to 2 years), stable scarring with no functional or significant aesthetic deficit was achieved. The authors conclude that the Wisebands device facilitates closure of complex skin and soft-tissue wounds, with low morbidity and complication rates, and can provide the surgeon with another important tool for closing complex wounds. Nevertheless, appropriate patient selection, intraoperative judgment, and close postoperative care are essential to ensure closure and avoid undue complications.

Malignant melanoma and pregnancy: second thoughts.

Malignant melanoma (MM) was considered a hormone-sensitive tumour, and pregnancy was thought to increase its risk and cause faster progression and earlier metastasis. Several controlled studies demonstrated similar survival rates between pregnant and non-pregnant patients and concluded that early reports of advanced MM of pregnancy were probably due to late diagnosis. We retrieved information from our database between 1997 and 2006 on all patients diagnosed as having MM during and up to 6 months after pregnancy (n=11) and compared them to age-matched, non-pregnant, MM patients (n=65, controls) treated by us during that period. The mean Breslow thickness was 4.28mm for the pregnant patients and 1.69mm for the controls (p=0.15). The sentinel nodes were metastatic in five pregnant patients compared to four controls (p<0.0001). Two patients in the pregnancy group and one control died of MM (p=0.0532). Our results indicate a negative effect of pregnancy on the course of MM.