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BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is directly related to better prognosis and higher survival rate. Missed gynecologist follow-up, some cultural traditions and refrain from facing with a problem that involves intimacy and sexual sphere can be the cause of delayed diagnosis and treatment. Radical surgery still represents the gold standard, but narrow excision margins can progressively lead to local recurrence, even after years. CASE REPORT: The case we present is a rare case of misdiagnosed metastatic SCC of the vulva after radical excision and groin dissection 2 years before. After a full-through discussion with patient on treatment options and prognosis, a multidisciplinary surgical approach was planned, consisting in wide surgical resection of groin, part of mons pubis and right pelvic iliac-obturator lymphadenectomy. Femoral artery excision was performed due to absence of a clear margin, and reconstruction was accomplished with interposed great saphenous vein graft. The plastic reconstruction consisted in harvest of transverse rectus abdominal flap (TRAM), that was transposed inferiorly to repair right groin. Pathologist confirmed free margins of excision and pelvic lymph nodes resulted negative (pT1b, N3, M0 – stage IV A). DISCUSSION: When deep structures of the groin - such as femoral vessels - are involved by relapse, the condition is potentially life-threatening. A multidisciplinary approach consents to perform a radical surgery with free margins and likewise to achieve a satisfying functional reconstruction. CONCLUSION: This case should emphasize that skin ulceration on a non-weight-bearing surface is always suspicious for skin malignancy, an incisional biopsy is easy to perform and consents a rapid diagnosis. A history of recurrent vulvar SCC should always warn about the risk of late lymph node metastasis even years after a radical excision of the primary tumor and concomitant lymphadenectomy.

We are sitting on the cusp of the bioengineered breast era, in which implant-based breast reconstruction is seeing a growing trend and biotechnology research progressively empowers clinical practice. As never before, the choice of biomaterials has acquired great importance for achieving reconstructive outcomes, and the increase in the use of acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) in the field of senology tells us a story of profound upheaval and progress. With the advent of prepectoral breast reconstruction (PPBR), plenty of devices have been proposed to wrap the silicone prosthesis, either completely or partially. However, this has caused a great deal of confusion and dissent with regard to the adoption of feasible reconstructive strategies as well as the original scientific rationale underlying the prepectoral approach. Braxon

Summary Background Dermoscopy improves sensitivity and specificity and helps in the early detection of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC). Because of the multidisciplinary approach to melanoma, plastic surgeons may be required to perform dermoscopy evaluation. For this reason, in some university hospitals, plastic surgeons in training might perform these evaluations. To assess the validity of digital dermoscopy conducted by plastic surgery registrars, the authors collected the diagnoses of excised lesions from a dermoscopy outpatient clinic, comparing results with literature. Methods A total of 1094 consecutive dermoscopy evaluations performed at Padova University Hospital between 2015 and 2018 were included in the study. All examinations were carried out by 3 plastic surgery registrars who received comparable training on dermoscopy. Excised lesions were classified according to pathological reports. Results Four hundred sixty-six lesions were excised, and of them, 224 (48%) were considered pathological or atypical lesions: 34 melanomas (15%), 83 dysplastic or uncertain significance nevi (37%), and 107 NMSC and their precursors (48%). Considering only the 347 pigmented lesions, 34% were malignant or dysplastic lesions. The number needed to treat (NNT) was 10. The nevi-to-melanoma ratio (NMR) was 8, and the malignant melanoma-to-melanoma in situ ratio (MM:MMIS ratio) was 0.36. Conclusions This retrospective study tested the performance of specifically trained plastic surgery registrars in the detection of malignant skin lesions. Compared to literature, the analysis reflects a good sensibility for melanoma, especially in early curable stages. Moreover, our study underlines quite a high number of total excisions, which could be explained by the “surgical imprinting” of plastic surgery registrars.

An advanced cancer or an infection process localized on chest wall often require large full thickness resection to obtain free margins and site sterilization. Superior skills and expertise can be provided by a multidisciplinary surgical team, overcoming technical difficulties otherwise insurmountable for a single specialist. Only a multidisciplinary approach, providing both skeletal reconstruction and soft tissue coverage, allows to restore chest wall functions and stable coverage of lung and viscera. Furthermore, in case of lung exposition, immediate reconstructive procedure is demanded for stable coverage. We present 3 complex clinical cases, in which an immediate plastic reconstruction followed a wide resection of thoracic wall, performed by combining synthetic or biologic mesh with large myocutaneous flaps. Meticulous pre-op planning of every step, integration of reconstructive modalities proper of different specialties, and full cooperation among surgical teams are the backbone of such complex surgery. The goals consist in reaching margins free of disease and fast healing, so reducing recovery time and promoting an immediate respiratory rehabilitation. The clinical results of this report supports the importance of multidisciplinary approach in wide chest wall resections. KEY WORDS: Basal cell carcinoma, Biologic mesh, Chest wall reconstruction, Oncoplastic, Osteomyelitis, Squamous cell carcinoma.Un tumore localmente avanzato, o un processo infettivo come l’osteomielite, localizzato sulla parete toracica, spesso richiede un’ampia resezione chirurgica a tutto spessore per ottenere margini liberi e bonifica del sito. Un’equipe chirurgica multidisciplinare pu fornire abilit superiori e maggiori competenze, superando difficolt tecniche altrimenti insormontabili per un singolo specialista. Solo un approccio multidisciplinare, ottenendo sia la ricostruzione scheletrica che la copertura dei tessuti molli, consente di ripristinare le funzioni della parete toracica e una copertura stabile di polmone e visceri. Inoltre, in caso di esposizione di pleura o parenchima polmonare, richiesta una procedura ricostruttiva immediata al fine di ottenere una copertura stabile. Presentiamo 3 casi clinici complessi, in cui un intervento immediato di chirurgia plastica ricostruttiva ha seguito un’ampia resezione della parete toracica, eseguita combinando reti sintetiche o biologiche con grandi lembi miocutanei. Una meticolosa pianificazione preoperatoria di ogni fase chirurgica, l’integrazione delle modalit ricostruttive proprie delle diverse specialit e la piena collaborazione tra le quipe chirurgiche rappresentano la spina dorsale di un intervento cos complesso. I target da conseguire consistono nel raggiungere margini liberi da malattia e una guarigione rapida, riducendo i tempi di recupero e favorendo un’immediata riabilitazione respiratoria. I risultati clinici di questo report supportano l’importanza dell’approccio multidisciplinare nelle resezioni della parete toracica ampia.

Background Capsular contracture (CC) represents one of the most common complications in breast reconstruction surgery, impairing final result and patients’ well-being. The role of acellular dermal matrixes (ADM) has been widely described for the treatment and prevention of contracture. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of complete implant coverage with porcine-derived ADM in preventing CC limiting complications. In addition, patients’ reported outcomes were evaluated in order to define the role of ADM in improving sexual, physical and psychosocial well-being and satisfaction. Methods 42 patients who underwent surgical treatment of 46 contracted reconstructed breasts from May 2018th to May 2019th were collected in the two groups (ADM group vs. Control group). Results The ADM group showed lower rate of CC recurrence and a higher rate of implant losses and minor complications. A significant difference was observed in red breast syndrome (27.3% in the ADM group vs. absent in control the group) and skin ulceration rates (18.2% in the ADM group vs. 4.18% in the control group). As for patients’ perceived outcomes, the ADM group showed a statistically significant higher postoperative Satisfaction of Breast Scale score compared to the control group. In addition, a significant difference was observed in the improvement of Physical Well-Being of the Chest Scale and the Satisfaction of Breast Scale after surgery, in favor to the ADM group. Conclusion Complete implant coverage with ADM may reduce the risk of CC recurrence in breast reconstruction. An accurate patient selection allows minimizing complications improving patient well-being and satisfaction. Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

The Persistent Sciatic Artery (PSA) is a rare congenital anomaly due to missed involution of embryo-fetal sciatic artery, which is the main blood supply to lower limb during embryonic development until superficial femoral artery (SFA) is formed. The PSA is frequently related to complications in adults like aneurysm and embolism. Here we present a case in which the discovery of a complete PSA resulted limb saving. In case of oncologic or trauma surgery, when no other options are available, the PSA can help in management of reconstructive surgery.A case of PSA was discovered during management of a patient affected by a soft tissue sarcoma of the lower limb. Tumor resection needed the femoral neurovascular bundle demolition to ensure radical surgery and subsequent vascular reconstruction, which failed due to complications.Despite failure reconstruction, a misdiagnosed type IIa PSA, replacing the role of the SFA, saved the lower limb from ischemia and subsequent amputation. Functional reconstruction was thus achieved with almost total recovery of lower limb function.In oncological and trauma surgery we recommend investigate the whole lower limb vascularization, from the pelvis to the foot, suspecting the PSA existence. Indeed, although it is always preferable to reconstruct the SFA system despite a complete PSA is present, due to its frequent complications, the PSA can represent a limb saving option.Computerized tomography angiography, Persistent sciatic artery, PSA, Superficial femoral artery, SFA fibromyxoid sarcoma.L’arteria ischiatica persistente (PSA) è una rara anomalia congenita causata dalla mancata involuzione dell’arteria ischiatica embrio-fetale, che rappresenta la principale fonte di apporto ematico all’arto inferiore durante lo sviluppo embrionale fino a quando l’arteria femorale superficiale (SFA) si sviluppa. La PSA è frequentemente associata allo sviluppo di complicanze negli adulti come aneurismi ed embolie. Presentiamo un caso in cui la scoperta di una PSA completa è risultata cruciale nel salvataggio di un arto. In caso di chirurgia oncologica o traumatologica, quando non sono disponibili altre opzioni, la PSA può essere d’aiuto nella gestione della chirurgia ricostruttiva. Un caso di PSA è stato scoperto durante la gestione di un paziente affetto da un sarcoma dei tessuti molli dell’arto inferiore. La resezione tumorale ha necessitato la demolizione del compartimento vascolonervoso femorale per assicurare la radicalità chirurgica e la successiva ricostruzione vascolare, che tuttavia è fallita per via di complicazioni. Nonostante il fallimento della ricostruzione, una PSA di tipo IIa non diagnosticata, vicariante il ruolo della SFA nella vascolarizzazione dell’arto inferiore, è stata in grado di salvarlo dall’ischemia e dall’amputazione. La ricostruzione funzionale è stata comunque ottenuta con un recupero quasi totale della funzione dell’arto inferiore. Nella chirurgia oncologica e traumatologica raccomandiamo l’esecuzione di accurato esame diagnostico di imaging per lo studio della vascolarizzazione dell’intero arto inferiore, dalla pelvi al piede, nel sospetto dell’esistenza di una PSA. Infatti, nonostante sia sempre preferibile ricostruire il sistema della SFA anche in presenza di una PSA completa, per via delle sue frequenti complicazioni, la PSA può comunque rappresentare un’opzione di salvataggio dell’arto.

To improve the current knowledge of rectus abdominis innervation, so as to identify a safe area where the vascular pedicle should be dissected to reduce the risk of nerve damage during deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap harvesting. Ten abdominal wall dissections were performed. Perforating arteries were identified and classified into nerve-related perforators and non-nerve-related perforators depending on the presence of nerve branches crossing vessels. The width of rectus abdominis and the distance between perforators and lateral edge of rectus abdominis muscle were measured. In contralateral hemi-abdomen, full-thickness specimens were sampled for microscopical analysis. Nerves enter the rectus sheath piercing the lateral edge (60% of cases) or the posterolateral surface of the sheath (40% of cases). They enter the rectus abdominis muscle at a mean distance of 4.3 cm from the lateral margin of the sheath. Within rectus abdominis, nerves have a mean thickness of 200.3 µm and split into 2–4 sensitive and 2–4 muscular branches. Close relationship between muscular branches and deep inferior epigastric artery perforators were shown. The mean distance between nerve-related perforators and the lateral edge of the rectus abdominis was of 3.26 ± 0.88 cm. The mean distance between non-nerve-related perforators and the lateral edge of the rectus abdominis was of 6.26 ± 0.90 cm. To spare nerves and reduce donor-site complications, a perforator located beyond an imaginary line of 3.26 ± 0.88 cm far from the lateral edge of rectus abdominis muscle should be included in the DIEP flap.