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Background: The plasmakinetic cautery is a surgical dissection instrument that combines scalpel-like cutting precision with electrocautery-like haemostasis properties, and operates at lower temperatures (40–170 °C) than conventional electrocautery (200–350 °C). The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical benefits of using plasmakinetic cautery in abdominal free flap dissection for breast reconstruction. Methods: Forty women undergoing abdominal-based microsurgical breast reconstruction (DIEP/MS-TRAM) were randomized to plasmakinetic cautery (n=20) or conventional electrocautery (n=20) for dissection of the abdominal free flap. Total abdominal wound drainage volume/duration, operation time and complications such as seroma and haematoma were examined. Results: Age, body mass index, type of reconstruction and abdominal flap weight were similar in both groups. Mean abdominal drainage volume was (279±262) mL in conventional electrocautery group and (294±265) mL in plasmakinetic cautery group (P=0.853). Plasmakinetic cautery group mean drainage duration (4.3±2.2 days) was no difference compared to conventional diathermy group (3.8±2.0 days, P=0.501). Mean operation time in the conventional electrocautery group and plasmakinetic cautery group was 157±50 vs . 174±70 min respectively (P=0.195). There was more seroma detected in the conventional electrocautery group compared to plasmakinetic cautery group at days 7, 14 and 42 post-operation, but this was not statically significant. 2 haematomas in conventional diathermy group and 1 haematoms in the plasmakinetic cautery group required evacuation. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that there are no significant differences between the use of plasmakinetic cautery and conventional electrocautery for abdominal free flap dissection.

BACKGROUND Portable high-frequency ultrasound is a useful adjunct to a plastic surgeon's practice. With a short learning curve, this patient-friendly imaging modality has a variety of uses that aid patient management/treatment plans. The authors describe clinical cases and review the literature regarding ultrasound performed by the surgeon. METHODS The Sonosite S-Nerve machine with the L25X transducer was used (depth, 4.3 cm). Clinical cases that ordinarily would have been referred to the radiology department were taken from the day-to-day practice of the senior author (M.G.). The clinical scenarios ranged from acute presentations to planned elective settings. RESULTS Ultrasound was a useful adjunct in a variety of applications, ranging from acute hand trauma visualizing neurovascular bundles and tendons, to elements of reconstructive breast surgery such as fat grafting over an implant and scar release. The ultrasound machine was also used for determination of the depth and size of collections such as seromas to facilitate drainage, for identification of lymph nodes before transfer, and for acute presentations of conditions ranging from undiagnosed swelling to foreign body localization. CONCLUSIONS The portable ultrasound machine has become an invaluable tool in the senior author's practice. In a short time and with a short learning curve, the authors' unit identified numerous applications for its use. From a patient perspective, it is noninvasive/nonpainful and has no deleterious radiation effects, and treatment plans can be enacted without delay. It is highly recommended that surgeons become familiar with this imaging modality and assimilate it into their daily practice. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, V.

Background Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) and chest wall osteoradionecrosis (ORN) often require extensive and composite tissue resection, including muscles, ribs, pleura, and lung parenchyma. As such, these cases necessitate complex reconstructive procedures for skeletal chest wall reconstruction and soft tissue resurfacing of extensive defects. Traditional local and regional flaps are often inadequate, and many such cases are prospectively labeled “unresectable.” Methods We report a single-center experience with the microsurgical reconstruction of such defects over a 5-year period. Between 2007 and 2011, 1,077 microvascular reconstructive cases following breast cancer resection were performed, of which 26 cases comprised LABC or ORN requiring reconstruction. Surgical indications, defect parameters, choice of reconstruction, and outcomes were assessed. Results Thirty free flap microsurgical reconstructions were undertaken in 26 cases, with a 96.2% flap survival rate. Complications were low, and mean hospital stay was 8.7 days. An algorithmic approach to management is presented. Conclusion Wide resection and microvascular free tissue transfer provide versatile solutions for the reconstruction of extensive chest wall defects. With good reported perioperative outcomes even in advanced cases, surgical resection of LABC may offer a useful approach in difficult and/or palliative cases.

Introduction: In recent decades, abdominal based free tissue transfer has become increasingly popular for breast reconstruction, and technical advancements in this type of surgery have significantly reduced flap failure rate. However, undiagnosed hematological disorders including hypercoagulopathies and hemophilia can result in complications such as anastomotic thrombosis, excessive bleeding, and hematoma formation. These complications may lead to significant consequences such as re-operation or flap failure. The aim of this audit was to determine whether coagulation screen blood tests were routinely performed prior to surgery and to investigate the prevalence of abnormal findings in these tests. Methodology and Material: All patients who underwent abdominal-based free tissue breast reconstruction in our unit from July 2012 to Sept 2013 were identified. Pre-operation coagulation blood test results were recorded (PT, INR, APTT, APTR, platelets, hemoglobin). Results: 180 patients were identified. Mean age was 51.2. No patients had pre-existing known coagulopathies. 36% (64 out of 180) did not have coagulation screening blood test pre-operatively. 6% (10 out of 180) patients had abnormal clotting results. Of those, 2 patients required return to theater; one for evacuation of breast hematoma and one for re-do thrombosed anastomosis. Conclusions: Our results suggest that a large number of patients did not have a coagulation screen test prior to their abdominal based free flap surgery, as it is not part of our departmental protocol. However these screening blood tests can pick up abnormalities which may have been previously undiagnosed. As surgical complications arising as a result of coagulopathies may have detrimental consequences, the findings of this audit highlights the importance of routine screening for clotting abnormalities prior to abdominal free flap breast reconstruction surgery, which we recommend to include in management protocols.

Malignant eccrine spiradenoma (MES) is an extremely rare but aggressive tumour, resulting in high mortality. We report the first case in the UK of metastatic MES on the scalp of a 37-year-old man who initially presented with a raised nodular mass which had grown rapidly over a few months. Excision biopsy of the lesion was performed and histology confirmed MES with evidence of cytological atypia and necrosis. A further wide local excision of the lesion with a 1 cm surgical margin was performed and full clearance was achieved. At 10-month follow-up another similar lesion had developed close to the previously excised area. A CT scan demonstrated metastatic lesions in the lungs, liver and pelvis, and subsequently chemotherapy was initiated. Although MES is uncommon, it has a high propensity to metastasise, therefore prompt identification, treatment and close follow-up of these tumours is essential.