Z-Hye Lee

Nipple-sparing mastectomy in patients with prior breast irradiation: are patients at higher risk for reconstructive complications?

Background: Reconstruction in the setting of prior breast irradiation is conventionally considered a higher-risk procedure. Limited data exist regarding nipple-sparing mastectomy in irradiated breasts, a higher-risk procedure in higher-risk patients. Methods: The authors identified and reviewed the records of 501 nipple-sparing mastectomy breasts at their institution from 2006 to 2013. Results: Of 501 nipple-sparing mastectomy breasts, 26 were irradiated. The average time between radiation and mastectomy was 12 years. Reconstruction methods in the 26 breasts included tissue expander (n = 14), microvascular free flap (n = 8), direct implant (n = 2), latissimus dorsi flap with implant (n = 1), and rotational perforator flap (n = 1). Rate of return to the operating room for mastectomy flap necrosis was 11.5 percent (three of 26). Nipple-areola complex complications included one complete necrosis (3.8 percent) and one partial necrosis (3.8 percent). Complications were compared between this subset of previously irradiated patients and the larger nipple-sparing mastectomy cohort. There was no significant difference in body mass index, but the irradiated group was significantly older (51 years versus 47.2 years; p = 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference with regard to mastectomy flap necrosis (p = 0.46), partial nipple-areola complex necrosis (p = 1.00), complete nipple-areola complex necrosis (p = 0.47), implant explantation (p = 0.06), hematoma (p = 1.00), seroma (p = 1.00), or capsular contracture (p = 1.00). Conclusion: In the largest study to date of nipple-sparing mastectomy in irradiated breasts, the authors demonstrate that implant-based and autologous reconstruction can be performed with complications comparable to those of the rest of their nipple-sparing mastectomy patients.

The Profunda Artery Perforator Flap Experience for Breast Reconstruction

Background: The profunda artery perforator flap was first introduced for breast reconstruction in 2010. In this article, the authors analyze the results of all profunda artery perforator flaps performed by their group to date. Methods: A retrospective review was completed of consecutive profunda artery perforator flaps performed by the senior author (R.J.A.) from 2010 to 2014. Patient demographics, indications, operative techniques, flap specifics, complications, and number of operations were recorded. Results: Ninety-six patients have undergone 164 profunda artery perforator flap operations for breast reconstruction since 2010. Reconstructions were performed following breast cancer management (59.5 percent), following prophylactic mastectomy for cancer risk reduction (35.7 percent), and for congenital breast deformity (4.8 percent). The average age of the patients was 48 years (range, 24 to 64 years) and their average body mass index was 22.5 kg/m2. Average flap weight was 367.4 g and average pedicle length was found to be 10.2 cm. The success rate of the profunda artery perforator flap was greater than 99 percent, with a 3 percent take-back rate and only one flap loss recorded. Complications included hematoma (1.9 percent), seroma (6 percent), fat necrosis (7 percent), and donor-site infection (1.9 percent). Conclusions: The profunda artery perforator flap is an excellent option for breast reconstruction. Advantages include a reliable blood supply, long pedicle, thick donor tissue, and a favorable donor site. Currently, the profunda artery perforator flap is second only to the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator among flaps used by the authors for breast reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Adipose stem cell therapy in cancer reconstruction: a critical review.

AbstractFound in most mesenchymally derived organs, mesenchymal stem cells are undifferentiated cells capable of developing into many cell types. Adipose stem cells are a type of mesenchymal stem cell easily extracted from lipoaspirate, often readily available, and are conformable to the tissue defect. Their ability for self-renewal, unlimited proliferation and proangiogenic, and immunomodulatory properties have made them attractive adjuncts in plastic surgery. Since the discovery of pluripotent cells in adipose tissue, plastic surgeons have applied the technology toward improving wound healing, soft tissue augmentation, and tissue engineering. More recently, some surgeons have used adipose stem cells in cancer reconstruction. By mixing lipoaspirate with concentrated fractions of adipose stem cells through a technique termed cell-assisted lipotransfer, plastic surgeons have claimed improved aesthetic results. Promising early results have been tempered by in vitro and animal studies demonstrating increased tumor proliferation and metastasis rates with the use of adipose and other mesenchymal stem cells. This review provides a succinct yet comprehensive overview of the current literature evaluating the oncologic risks associated with adipose stem cell use in cancer.

Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy in Rhinoplasty: Systematic Review of Surgical Techniques

Background: Inferior turbinate hypertrophy is often encountered by plastic surgeons who perform rhinoplasty. Many treatment options are available to treat the inferior turbinate. The objective of this study was to systematically review outcomes of available techniques and provide guidance to surgical turbinate management. Methods: A MEDLINE search was performed for means of treating inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Studies selected focused on treatment of the inferior turbinate in isolation and excluding patients with refractory allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, or hypertrophic rhinitis. Results: Fifty-eight articles were identified, collectively including the following surgical treatments of inferior turbinate hypertrophy: total turbinectomy, partial turbinectomy, submucosal resection, laser surgery, cryotherapy, electrocautery, radiofrequency ablation, and turbinate outfracture. Outcomes and complications were collected from all studies. Procedures such as turbinectomy (partial/total) and submucosal resection showed crusting and epistaxis at comparatively higher rates, whereas more conservative treatments such as cryotherapy and submucous diathermy failed to provide long-term results. Submucosal resection and radiofrequency ablation were shown to decrease nasal resistance and preserve mucosal function. No literature exists to support the belief that turbinate outfracture alone is an effective treatment for turbinate hypertrophy. Conclusions: Treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy is best accomplished with modalities that provide long-lasting results, preservation of turbinate function, and low complication rates. Submucosal resection and radiofrequency ablation appear to best fulfill these criteria. Turbinate outfracture should only be considered in combination with tissue-reduction procedures.

Optimizing venous outflow in reconstruction of Gustilo IIIB lower extremity traumas with soft tissue free flap coverage: Are two veins better than one?

The dependent nature of the lower extremity predisposes to venous congestion, especially following significant trauma. The benefit of a second venous anastomosis, however, remains unclear in lower extremity trauma free flap reconstruction. This study investigated the effect of an additional venous anastomosis on flap outcomes in lower extremity trauma reconstruction.

Parental Perceptions of Neurodevelopment in Toddlers Following Craniosynostosis Repair.

Introduction:The relationship between nonsyndromic craniosynostosis and neurodevelopment remains controversial. Beyond standardized testing, little data exist about parental perceptions of their childs development. Methods:Parents of children who underwent cranial vault remodeling for nonsyndromic craniosynostosis from 2011 to 2015 were asked to complete an anonymous survey. Results:Twenty-two parents (31%) completed the survey. Patients included 52.4% males and 47.6% females with a mean age at surgery of 9.2 months and mean follow-up time of 19.8 months. Craniosynostosis types were primarily metopic (45%) and coronal (35%).The mean score for overall satisfaction with head shape with a maximum score of 10 was 9.2 (range 5–10). When answering whether their child is different for the better other than appearance with a 5 rating as “strongly agree,” the mean score was 3.8 (range 1–5). When asked whether their childs motor, speech and behavior, or attention were different following surgery, the majority responded “No” (74%, 83%, and 67%, respectively).All parents would have their child undergo surgery again or recommend surgery to another family. There were no statistically significant differences when stratifying by age at surgery or length of follow-up. When stratifying by sex, parents of males gave higher ratings for whether their children were better other than appearance compared with females, 4.8 versus 3.1 (P = 0.031). Discussion:Parents rated their childs neurodevelopment as largely age-appropriate following cranial vault remodeling. These findings are concordant with the majority of formal, standardized testing for this age group. Assessing parental perceptions once children enter school age may reveal increased developmental delays.

Indications for Plain Radiographs in Uncomplicated Lower Extremity Cellulitis

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Cellulitis is a common cause for emergency department (ED) presentation and subsequent hospital admission. Underlying fracture, osteomyelitis, or foreign body is often considered in the clinical evaluation of these patients. Accordingly, plain radiographs (XRs) of the affected extremity are often ordered during the initial work-up. The utility of these imaging studies in the treatment of uncomplicated lower-extremity cellulitis, however, remains unclear. In an effort to treat this common problem more efficiently, we evaluated our imaging practices and results in a cohort of consecutive patients admitted to a large public city hospital for treatment of uncomplicated lower-extremity cellulitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective cohort study of 288 consecutive ED admissions for treatment of uncomplicated cellulitis, of which 214 met the inclusion criteria for this study. Patient demographics, history, vitals, laboratory values, and test results were evaluated with univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. RESULTS XRs of the affected lower extremity were obtained in 158 patients (73.8%). Positive XR findings were present in 19 patients (12.0%) and positively correlated with a history of acute trauma to the extremity (P < .001) or the presence of a chronic wound (P < .01). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed a history of trauma (P < .001) or the presence of a chronic wound (P < .05) to be independent predictors of positive XR findings with relative risks of 6.24 and 2.98, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The establishment of evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of lower-extremity cellulitis has potential to significantly improve clinical efficiency and reduce cost by eliminating unnecessary testing. Based on our results, patients without a recent history of trauma to the affected extremity or the presence of a chronic wound do not appear to warrant XRs. When applied to our cohort, only 48 of 158 patients had a history of trauma or chronic wound. This means that 110 patients unnecessarily had plain films taken as part of their initial work-up. In a largely uninsured inner city patient population such as this cohort, that extra cost falls on the public hospital system.

Autologous fat grafting for treatment of facial atrophy in Behcet's disease: A case report

Behcets disease (BD) is an autoimmune & autoinflammatory disease of unclear etiology characterized by recurrent oral & genital ulcers as well as other systemic manifestations. A key pathogenesis is excessive inflammatory wound healing response. While descriptions of the cutaneous manifestations of disease are limited to short-term consequences such as extensive pustule and papule formation in response to minor tissue injury, the long-term consequences are significant fibrosis and scarring of epithelial tissue. We describe the case of a patient with Behcets disease who presented with unilateral facial atrophy secondary to minor trauma to the oral mucosa. She was treated with autologous fat grafting. Though a rare disease, plastic surgeons should be aware of the entity of Behcets disease and its complications of tissue atrophy that may require reconstructive surgery.

Abstract QS10: Comparing Reconstructive Outcomes in Patients with Gustillo Type IIIB Fractures and Concomitant Arterial Injuries

PURPOSE: Despite advances in microsurgery, higher complication rates have persisted among lower extremity free tissue transfers. Historically, the Gustillo Classification has been utilized as a proxy for injury severity, but recent studies have shown that the rate of complications, notably flap failure, directly increase as arterial runoff decreases. When injured arteries are identified in patients requiring lower extremity free tissue transfer, a wide array of treatment options are possible: end-to-end or end-to-side anastomosis can be performed on either the injured vessel in question or on uninjured adjacent vessels. This study aims to compare the outcomes of these different treatment methods based on the number of injured vessels identified.

Limb-sparing sarcoma reconstruction with functional composite thigh flaps

Innervated muscle transfer can improve functional outcomes after extensive limb‐sparing sarcoma resections. We report our experience using composite thigh flaps for functional reconstruction of large oncologic extremity defects.