Yvonne N. Pierpont

Obesity and Surgical Wound Healing: A Current Review

Objective. The correlation between obesity and deficient wound healing has long been established. This review examines the current literature on the mechanisms involved in obesity-related perioperative morbidity. Methods. A literature search was performed using Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Internet searches. Keywords used include obesity, wound healing, adipose healing, and bariatric and surgical complications. Results. Substantial evidence exists demonstrating that obesity is associated with a number of postoperative complications. Specifically in relation to wound healing, explanations include inherent anatomic features of adipose tissue, vascular insufficiencies, cellular and composition modifications, oxidative stress, alterations in immune mediators, and nutritional deficiencies. Most recently, advances made in the field of gene array have allowed researchers to determine a few plausible alterations and deficiencies in obese individuals that contribute to their increased risk of morbidity and mortality, especially wound complications. Conclusion. While the literature discusses how obesity may negatively affect health on various of medical fronts, there is yet to be a comprehensive study detailing all the mechanisms involved in obesity-related morbidities in their entirety. Improved knowledge and understanding of obesity-induced physiological, cellular, molecular, and chemical changes will facilitate better assessments of surgical risks and outcomes and create efficient treatment protocols for improved patient care of the obese patient population.

Amnion-derived cellular cytokine solution (ACCS) promotes migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts.

Amnion-derived Multipotent Progenitor cells appear to be useful as adjuvants in wound healing. Amnion-derived multipotent progenitor cells secrete a unique combination of cytokines and growth factors, known as amnion-derived cellular cytokine solution (ACCS). In the skin, a cytokine communication network between mesenchymal and epithelial cells tightly controls keratinocyte and fibroblast migration, proliferation and differentiation–key determinants of wound healing. To evaluate the influence of ACCS on the migratory behavior of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, cell migration was assayed quantitatively using a Boyden chamber. Chemotactic migration activity of fibroblasts or keratinocytes through the membrane determined the influence of ACCS. In the presence of ACCS, fibroblasts and keratinocytes demonstrated a statistically significant (P < 0.05) increase in migration when compared with controls. These cell types, critical to normal wound healing, may be influenced to accelerate migration in wounds, thus accelerating wound repair/healing.

An Algorithmic Approach to Breast Reconstruction Using Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flaps

BACKGROUND Innovative surgical techniques developed by surgical oncologists have changed the landscape of mastectomy defects. Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap-based breast reconstruction provides a reliable foundation for breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differential skin island designs with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap breast reconstruction, and to develop an algorithmic approach to breast reconstruction that is applicable to a broad spectrum of mastectomy defects. METHODS In this study, the authors retrospectively reviewed data of patients who underwent latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap reconstruction following unilateral or bilateral mastectomies between February of 2001 and April of 2005. Patients were selected to undergo reconstruction under the following circumstances: (1) previously irradiated tissue, (2) body mass index greater than 30, (3) current tobacco use, (4) previous abdominopelvic surgery, and (5) patient preference. Patients were divided into three groups based on defect present: intact inframammary fold with skin deficit, intact inframammary fold without skin deficit, and absent inframammary fold with or without skin deficit. Differential skin island design was customized to the presenting mastectomy defect to optimize results and minimize donor-site scaring. RESULTS Fifty-four patients underwent 64 latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap reconstructions. Aesthetic outcomes and donor-site scar placement differed between groups. CONCLUSIONS The authors have developed an algorithmic approach to latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap breast reconstruction. Through critical evaluation of mastectomy defects, reconstructive breast surgeons can tailor skin island orientation, minimize donor-site scarring, enhance cosmetic outcomes, and provide a durable and natural aesthetic outcome in breast reconstruction with the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap.

Comparison of Allergan, Mentor, and Sientra Contoured Cohesive Gel Breast Implants: A Single Surgeon's 10-Year Experience.

Background: Contoured cohesive gel breast implants have been recently approved in the United States. These implants have been available for premarket approval studies for selected surgeons. The purpose of this study was to assess a single surgeon’s outcomes in three specific clinical situations—breast augmentation, secondary augmentation, and breast reconstruction—using implants of all three contoured cohesive gel implant manufacturers (Allergan, Mentor, and Sientra) over a 10-year period. Methods: The authors performed a prospective study of contoured cohesive silicone gel breast implants. Demographic and outcomes data were recorded. Complication rates were compared among the three implant manufacturers. Results: From 2001 to 2013, 695 patients were included from U.S. Food and Drug Administration clinical trials. Mean age at implantation was 42.7 years (range, 18 to 82 years), and mean time enrolled was 5.3 years (range, <1 to 10 years). One hundred sixty-four patients (24 percent) received Allergan implants, 245 (35 percent) received Mentor implants, and 286 (41 percent) received Sientra implants. Three hundred eighty-four patients (55 percent) underwent primary augmentation, 198 (29 percent) underwent secondary augmentation, and 113 (16 percent) underwent breast reconstruction. The total complication rate was the lowest for primary augmentation of the Mentor group compared with the Allergan and Sientra groups (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in complication rates when used for secondary augmentation and reconstruction. There was no statistically significant difference between implant group reoperation, explantation, or capsular contracture rates. Overall implant rupture and rotation rates were low (0.7 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively). Patient and surgeon satisfaction was high. Conclusions: Contoured cohesive gel breast implants overall have low complication rates and high patient and surgeon satisfaction. The authors believe these implants to be safe and effective in breast augmentation and reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Amnion-derived cellular cytokine solution promotes macrophage activity.

Activated macrophages play a significant role in wound healing and infected tissue repair. In this study, we investigate the recruitment of macrophages into the wound, and the effects on the bactericidal/phagocyte activity after exposure to amnion-derived cellular cytokine solution (ACCS). To evaluate the influence of ACCS on the migratory behavior of macrophages, cell migration was assayed quantitatively using a Boyden chamber. Chemotactic migration activity of macrophages through the membrane determined the influence of ACCS. In the presence of ACCS, macrophages demonstrated a statistically significant (P < 0.05) increase in migration as compared with controls. Subsequently, groups of macrophages were exposed to different concentrations of ACCS solution. The killing and phagocytic activity of each group was compared with the control after exposure to Escherichia coli. Macrophage activity following activation by higher concentrations of ACCS demonstrated significantly increased phagocytosis as well as a trend correlation between percentage ACCS concentration and bactericidal activity. These cell types, critical to normal wound healing, may be influenced by ACCS to accelerate migration and enhance bactericidal/phagocytic activity in wounds.

Primary Breast Lymphoma After Mastectomy With Reconstruction

Primary breast lymphoma accounts for only 0.05%-1.1% of all breast malignancies, and less than 1% of all cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Although primary breast lymphoma may present clinical similarities to breast carcinoma, the majority of cases lack the typical features of breast malignancy or lymphoma. We describe a case of primary breast lymphoma in a reconstructed breast, 8 years after a mastectomy for breast cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case in the worldwide literature of primary breast lymphoma in a reconstructed breast. We will discuss the diagnostic and treatment strategies involved in the management of primary breast lymphoma, and the effect of breast reconstruction on the detection of recurrent breast cancer.

Comparative Evaluation of Agents on Dupuytrenʼs Contracture and Keloid Fibrosis

IntroductIon: Neoplasms are the result of abnormal cell proliferation. Dupuytren’s contracture and keloid scar are characterized by fibroblast hyperproliferation and collagen deposition resulting in abnormal scar tissue. This similarity has lead to investigation of antiproliferative/antimetabolite agents used in the treatment of neoplasms to control/alleviate Dupuytren’s contracture and keloid scar. While individual drug treatments show some decrease in contraction, there has not been a reported investigation comparing antiproliferative/ antimetabolite substances and their proposed mechanism of action. The purpose of this experimental series is to comparatively evaluate respective levels of TGF-β1 and -β2, the rate and extent of contraction of fibroblasts derived from keloid scar and Dupuytren’s contracture when treated with antiproliferative/antimetabolite agents.