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Neoumbilicoplasty aims to reconstruct an aesthetically pleasing new umbilicus following agenesis, malignancy, anatomical distortion, or umbilicus loss. Despite the wide variety of surgical techniques described, literature is scarce when it comes to standardized categorization of these as well as the clear definition of patients' selections, specific indications, final outcomes, and possible complications. According to available literature, this work aims to evaluate different surgical approaches, and correlate them to specific surgical needs, to simplify the surgical choice and patient management. A systematic review was performed in December 2020 in PubMed, Web of Science, and MedLine Ovid databases according to the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 41 studies and 588 patients were finally included. On the basis of the evidence of the literature collected, we divided the studies into four groups according to the neoumbilicoplasty techniques: single suture or purse-string suture, single flap, multiple flap, and skin graft. Patients' surgical comorbidities, neoumbilicoplasty indications, and aesthetic and surgical outcomes were investigated. Direct suture and single and multiple flap techniques assured overall, satisfactory cosmetic outcomes with a low rate of surgical complications. Whereas suture-only techniques were chosen mostly by general surgeons/urologists in laparoscopic surgery, the single flap was the preferred method to reconstruct the umbilicus in open abdominal surgery or combined abdominoplasty with herniorrhaphy. Multiple flap and skin grafts were adopted in abdominoplasty-related umbilicus reconstruction, although the latter option showed impactful aesthetic and surgical complications. Umbilicoplasty can assure generally pleasant aesthetic outcomes with relatively low complication rates. Indications for specific techniques correspond to different patient populations and surgical scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background Little attention has been given to the segmental free gracilis muscle flap supplied by secondary proximal pedicles. We introduce a technical refinement for small-sized three-dimensional defect reconstruction on the foot. Methods Between November 2013 and August 2016, three patients with a mean age of 66 years (range 47–70 years) were included. A segmental gracilis free flap supplied by the most proximal secondary pedicle was harvested according to a modified “nugget design” to treat small-sized defects on the lower extremity requiring dead space reconstruction. Minor and major complications, sensitivity with Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, soft tissue stability and patient satisfaction at final follow-up were recorded. Results In one case, a segmental gracilis muscle was used for dorsal foot reconstruction after debridement of metatarsal phalanx I with osteomyelitis. In two cases, the segmental gracilis free muscle was harvested for defect reconstruction on the right plantar foot after excision of a melanoma. The first patient required revision after partial failure of the initial segmental gracilis free muscle flap. Overall, good results in foot function and a high degree of patient satisfaction was achieved (Likert scale 9.7, range 9–10) after a mean follow-up of 13 months (range 3–24 months). Conclusions Taken from the very proximal dorsal part of the gracilis muscle supplied by the most proximal secondary pedicle and leaving the vast majority of the muscle intact preserves the option to harvest a normal gracilis flap. This technique is especially suitable for small, three-dimensional defects on the lower extremity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Defect reconstruction over the olecranon should be reliable, quick, relatively simple and with minimal complications. More recently, perforator flaps have been described with the benefit of minimal donor site morbidity when compared with muscle flaps or flaps relying on the major arteries of the upper extremity. So far, most of these flaps were harvested on the upper arm and rotated 180° into the defect. The aim of the present study was to analyse the results with the proximally based, distally extended lateral arm flap for soft-tissue reconstruction over the olecranon. The subcutaneous tissue layer in this area is thinner than in the upper arm, and less rotation of the pedicle is necessary. The location of the perforator just proximal to the lateral epicondyle and the precise territory of the flap are well known. Nine consecutive male patients with a mean age of 57 ± 27 years presenting with soft-tissue defects after surgical treatment of bursitis (eight cases) or a pressure sore (one case) were operated on. The mean operation time was 60 ± 15 min. In eight of the nine cases, the flap healed uneventfully or with a minor complication (fistula). One patient underwent revision surgery due to marginal flap necrosis. The defect was closed with a local advancement flap. In conclusion, the flap was reliable, relatively simple and quick to harvest, and yielded acceptable aesthetic results with minimal bulging over the olecranon. Postoperative recovery was relatively painless and short. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Sternal osteomyelitis after median sternotomy is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Combined with radical debridement, muscle and less frequently omentum flaps are used to reconstruct the resulting defects. In this study, we present our experience with the fasciocutaneous superior epigastric artery perforator (SEAP) flap for defect closure. After resection of the entire sternum, including the costochondral arches and the sternoclavicular joints, the repair of the defect was performed with the perforator flap without any re-stabilisation of the thoracic wall. A consecutive series of nine patients with a mean age of 69 ± 6 years were reconstructed with the SEAP flap. The mortality rate was zero. One patient developed a mediastinal haematoma and required five re-interventions by the cardiothoracic surgeons and thereafter a revision to close a small-wound dehiscence at the tip of the flap. Another two patients developed partial necrosis of the flap that could be managed conservatively. One patient had a revision for a seroma on the donor site, resulting in a 100% closure rate of the defect; there were revisions in two out of nine patients. The underlying infection was controlled by debridement, antibiotic therapy and flap closure in all cases. The overall success of the procedure was satisfactory; however, the local complication rate was relatively high with three out of nine patients on the flap side and one of nine on the donor site. Major advantages of the perforator flap in this highly morbid patient cohort are that the operation is relatively quick, muscle tissue is spared and re-education facilitated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: The classical treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is surgical removal. Recent scientific interest has shifted towards alternative, non-surgical interventions in order to decrease the morbidity associated with surgical excision. Aim: This study aims to evaluate a novel approach that combines surgical excision with perilesional interferon injection in a pilot study. Method: A total of 23 patients with facial nodular/solid BCC were enrolled and randomised to receive surgical removal with frozen-section control followed by a single perilesional infiltration of either interferon-α or Ringer's lactate. Patients were evaluated for signs of local complications and recurrence after a minimal follow-up of 1 year. Results and conclusion: No major complications occurred after infiltration of interferon. One patient required oral antibiotics in the interferon group and two patients showed a small wound dehiscence. At the 1-year follow-up, one patient suffered from a recurrence in the control group. No recurrence was observed in the interferon group. A single perilesional infiltration of interferon-α was safe and did not increase the local complication rate. No recurrence was observed. A larger study is required to analyse the potential of this combination approach in order to minimise the safety margin and thereby decrease the morbidity associated with surgery while improving the cure rate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Although autologous nerve graft is still the first choice strategy in nerve reconstruction, it has the severe disadvantage of the sacrifice of a functional nerve. Cell transplantation in a bioartificial conduit is an alternative strategy to improve nerve regeneration. Nerve fibrin conduits were seeded with various cell types: primary Schwann cells (SC), SC-like differentiated bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (dMSC), SC-like differentiated adipose-derived stem cells (dASC). Two further control groups were fibrin conduits without cells and autografts. Conduits were used to bridge a 1 cm rat sciatic nerve gap in a long term experiment (16 weeks). Functional and morphological properties of regenerated nerves were investigated. A reduction in muscle atrophy was observed in the autograft and in all cell-seeded groups, when compared with the empty fibrin conduits. SC showed significant improvement in axon myelination and average fiber diameter of the regenerated nerves. dASC were the most effective cell population in terms of improvement of axonal and fiber diameter, evoked potentials at the level of the gastrocnemius muscle and regeneration of motoneurons, similar to the autografts. Given these results and other advantages of adipose derived stem cells such as ease of harvest and relative abundance, dASC could be a clinically translatable route towards new methods to enhance peripheral nerve repair. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Traumatic injuries resulting in peripheral nerve lesions often require a graft to bridge the gap. Although autologous nerve auto-graft is still the first-choice strategy in reconstructions, it has the severe disadvantage of the sacrifice of a functional nerve. Cell transplantation in a bioartificial conduit is an alternative strategy to create a favourable environment for nerve regeneration. We decided to test new fibrin nerve conduits seeded with various cell types (primary Schwann cells and adult stem cells differentiated to a Schwann cell-like phenotype) for repair of sciatic nerve injury. Two weeks after implantation, the conduits were removed and examined by immunohistochemistry for axonal regeneration (evaluated by PGP 9.5 expression) and Schwann cell presence (detected by S100 expression). The results show a significant increase in axonal regeneration in the group of fibrin seeded with Schwann cells compared with the empty fibrin conduit. Differentiated adipose-derived stem cells also enhanced regeneration distance in a similar manner to differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. These observations suggest that adipose-derived stem cells may provide an effective cell population, without the limitations of the donor-site morbidity associated with isolation of Schwann cells, and could be a clinically translatable route towards new methods to enhance peripheral nerve repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The radicality of wound debridement is an important feature of the surgical treatment of pressure sores. Several methods such as injection of methylene blue or hydrogen peroxide have been proposed to facilitate and optimise the surgical debridement technique, but none of them proved to be sufficient. We present an innovative modification of the pseudo-tumour technique consisting in the injection of fluid silicone. Vulcanisation of the silicone leads to pressure-sore moulding, permitting a more radical and sterile excision. In a series of 10 paraplegic patients presenting with ischial pressure sores, silicone moulding was used to facilitate debridement. Radical en bloc debridement was achieved in all patients. After a minimal follow-up of 2 years, no complications and recurrences occurred. A three-dimensional (3D) analysis of the silicone prints objectified the pyramidal shape of ischial pressure sores. Our study showed that complete resection without capsular lesion can be easily achieved. Further, it allows the surgeon to analyse the shape and size of the resected defect, which might be helpful to select the appropriate defect coverage technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Neurocutaneous flaps have been demonstrated to be a reliable option in different groups of patients but it remains unclear if distally-based sural flaps can be safely used in paraplegic patients because they suffer from significant nervous system alterations. The aim of this proof-of-concept study is to demonstrate that these flaps are reliable in paraplegic patients. We prospectively analysed a group (n =6) of paraplegic patients who underwent reversed sural flap surgery for ulcers on the lateral malleolus. Measurement of area and photographic documentation techniques have been employed to quantify the defect area. Sural nerve biopsies have been analysed histologically with several different staining techniques to assess the neurovascular network and the myelinisation of the nerve. The patients showed uneventful wound healing, except one case that suffered a partial flap necrosis that healed by secondary intention. Histologic analysis revealed an intact neurovascular network and myelinated nerve fibres. In this small series of paraplegic patients that underwent a distally-based sural flap, the complication rate was low, with only one case of superficial partial necrosis demonstrating the reliability and safety of the flap in this subset of patients. Histologic evaluation of sural nerve biopsies revealed an almost normal morphology. A possible explanation of this phenomenon is that the dorsal root ganglia remain intact in paraplegic patients and can preserve neural characteristics in the peripheral sensory nerve system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Peripheral nerve injury presents with specific problems of neuronal reconstructions, and from a clinical viewpoint a tissue engineering approach would facilitate the process of repair and regeneration. We have previously used artificial nerve conduits made from bioresorbable poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) in order to refine the ways in which peripheral nerves are repaired and reconnected to the target muscles and skin. The addition of Schwann cells (SC) or differentiated mesenchymal stem cells (dMSC) to the conduits enhances regeneration. In this study, we have used a matrix based on fibrin (Tisseel®) to fill optimally the nerve-conduits with cells. In vitro analysis showed that both SC and MSC adhered significantly better to PHB in the presence of fibrin and cells continued to maintain their differentiated state. Cells were more optimally distributed throughout the conduit when seeded in fibrin than by delivery in growth medium alone. Transplantation of the nerve conduits in vivo showed that cells in combination with fibrin matrix significantly increased nerve regeneration distance (using PGP9.5 and S100 distal and proximal immunohistochemistry) when compared with empty PHB conduits. This study shows the beneficial combinatory effect of an optimised matrix, cells and conduit material as a step towards bridging nerve gaps which should ultimately lead to improved functional recovery following nerve injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Permanent tattooing due to blast injuries is a rare condition. Treatment with various different methods often yields unsatisfactory results. An innovative way to remove permanent traumatic tattoos is presented. A normal curettage blade is simply compressed with a pincer in order to create the new device. This V-shaped blade was used for surgical excision of the particles. No suture material or special dressing was used. Four patients with multiple explosive tattoos on the face were treated with the V-shaped knife. Due to the ease and speed of this method up to 300 particles were removed in one session. Histological analysis of the tissue samples showed deep dermal and subcutaneous particle location. At follow-up transient hypopigmentation but only minimal scarring was seen. Patients suffered less from itching, a chief complaint preoperatively, and aesthetic appearance of the facial skin was improved. In conclusion, treatment of traumatic tattoos with the V-shaped knife is effective, results in minimal scaring and restores the natural colour of the skin because the particle is completely removed. It is a promising method for treating multiple deep skin inclusions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A case of cavernous haemangioma arising from the superficial palmar arch is described. The initial symptoms were those of a subacute tenosynovitis. Surgical exploration showed that the tumor was not affecting the flexor tendons. It was completely resected and the patient had full recovery of hand function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have shown potential for the treatment of nerve injuries. Most previous efforts have aimed at stimulating regeneration by using neural-differentiation protocols, but the potential of undifferentiated ADSCs to enhance axonal growth as well as their ability to transdifferentiate in situ have been poorly investigated. In this study, using a rat sciatic nerve model we show that ADSCs, transplanted in an artificial nerve conduit, stimulate axonal outgrowth from the proximal nerve stump and evoke greater Schwann cell (SC) proliferation/intrusion in the distal stump. To track the fate of the transplanted cells, we used green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labelling and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of the sex determining region Y (SRY) gene in the donor male cells. Both methods indicated a lack of significant quantities of viable cells 14 days after transplantation. These results suggest that any regenerative effect of transplanted ADSCs is more likely to be mediated by an initial boost of released growth factors and/or by an indirect effect on endogenous SCs activity. Future studies need to address long-term cell survival in tissue-engineered nerve conduits to improve the neuroregenerative potential of ADSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The authors report an atypical late onset of a big axillary lymphatic malformation in a 41-year-old male. Considering the patient''s history and clinical findings at first presentation, the swelling was highly suspicious for malignancy or cystic echinococcosis. A consequent CT showed non infiltrative growth with inhomogeneous density but remained non conclusive regarding diagnosis. Subsequently incision biopsy revealed lymphatic tissue and raised suspicion for lymphatic malformation. The tumour was excised completely and showed no recurrence in a 1-year follow up. Late onset lymphatic malformations can mimic malignant tumours or other rare conditions such as echinococcosis which has to be taken into consideration as differential diagnosis especially in known areas of hydatid diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]