Reconstruction of soft-tissue defects at the foot and ankle after oncological resection

$\textbf {Introduction:}$ Solid malignancies at the foot and ankle region are rare and include mainly soft-tissue sarcomas, bone sarcomas, and skin malignancies. Complete surgical resection with clear margins still remains the mainstay of therapy in these malignancies. However, attainment of negative surgical margins in patients with locally advanced tumors of the foot and ankle region may require extensive surgery and could result in loss of extremity function. In these circumstances, plastic surgical techniques can frequently reduce functional impairment and cover soft-tissue defects, particularly in cases of large tumor size or localization adjacent to critical anatomic structures, thereby improving the quality of life for these patients. The aim of this article is to illustrate the various treatment options of plastic surgery in the multimodal therapy of patients with malignant tumors of the foot and ankle region. $\textbf {Materials and methods:}$ This article is based on the review of the current literature and the evaluation of the author’s own patient database. $\textbf {Results:}$ The local treatment of malignant extremity tumors has undergone major changes over the last few decades. Primary amputations have been increasingly replaced by limb-sparing techniques, preserving extremity function as much as possible. Although defect coverage at the foot and ankle region is demanding due to complex anatomical features and functional requirements, several plastic surgical treatment options can be implemented in the curative treatment of patients with malignant solid tumors in this area. Soft-tissue defects after tumor resection can be covered by a variety of local flaps. If local flaps are not applicable, free flap transfer, such as the anterolateral thigh flap, parascapular flap, or latissimus dorsi flap, can be utilized to cover nearly all kinds of defects in the foot and ankle region. $\textbf {Conclusion:}$ Soft-tissue reconstruction in the foot and ankle region is a vital component of limb-sparing surgery. It enables complete resection of locally advanced tumors and subsequent adjuvant radiotherapy. Modern plastic surgical techniques should, therefore, be integrated in the multimodal treatment concept of malignancies in the foot and ankle region

Reconstructive options for oncologic posterior trunk defects

After oncological tumor resections at the back, large defects can remain that depending on the size and location may represent reconstructive challenges to plastic surgeons. Flap selection includes the entire armamentarium of coverage, including transposition flaps, perforator flaps, pedicled muscle flaps, and free flaps. Most defects can be closed and reconstructed with local or pedicled muscle flaps. In our hands, sufficient closure could be obtained with all techniques, except the latissimus dorsi turn-over flap. Thereupon, an algorithm for closure of posterior trunk defects related to the anatomical region is proposed

Thoracic wall reconstruction after tumor resection

$\textbf {Introduction:}$ Surgical treatment of malignant thoracic wall tumors represents a formidable challenge. In particular, locally advanced tumors that have already infiltrated critical anatomic structures are associated with a high surgical morbidity and can result in full-thickness defects of the thoracic wall. Plastic surgery can reduce this surgical morbidity by reconstructing the thoracic wall through various tissue transfer techniques. Sufficient soft-tissue reconstruction of the thoracic wall improves quality of life and mitigates functional impairment after extensive resection. The aim of this article is to illustrate the various plastic surgery treatment options in the multimodal therapy of patients with malignant thoracic wall tumors. $\textbf {Materials and methods:}$ This article is based on a review of the current literature and the evaluation of a patient database. $\textbf {Results:}$ Several plastic surgical treatment options can be implemented in the curative and palliative therapy of patients with malignant solid tumors of the chest wall. Large soft-tissue defects after tumor resection can be covered by local, pedicled, or free flaps. In cases of large full-thickness defects, flaps can be combined with polypropylene mesh to improve chest wall stability and to maintain pulmonary function. The success of modern medicine has resulted in an increasing number of patients with prolonged survival suffering from locally advanced tumors that can be painful, malodorous, or prone to bleeding. Resection of these tumors followed by thoracic wall reconstruction with viable tissue can substantially enhance the quality of life of these patients. $\textbf {Discussion:}$ In curative treatment regimens, chest wall reconstruction enables complete resection of locally advanced tumors and subsequent adjuvant radiotherapy. In palliative disease treatment, plastic surgical techniques of thoracic wall reconstruction provide palliation of tumor-associated morbidity and can therefore improve patients’ quality of life

Negative impact of wound complications on oncologic outcome of soft tissue sarcomas of the chest wall

A link of complications with worse oncologic prognosis has been established for multiple malignancies, while the limited literature on soft-tissue sarcomas is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to examine risk factors and the oncologic impact of wound complications after curative resection of primary soft-tissue sarcomas of the chest wall. Patients with primary soft tissue sarcomas of the chest wall were identified. Groups with and without wound complications were compared by using univariate and multivariate analysis to identify risk factors. For patients with clear surgical margins (R0), univariate and multivariate analysis of factors associated with 5-year local recurrence free survival (LRFS), metastasis free survival (MFS), and disease specific survival (DSS) were performed. A total of 102 patients were included in the study. Wound complications occurred in 11 patients (10.8%) within 90 days. Cardiovascular morbidity and operation time represented independent risk factors for wound complications. In 94 patients with clear surgical margins, those with wound complications had an estimated 5-year LRFS of 30% versus 72.6% and a 5-year DSS of 58.3% versus 82.1%. Wound complications could be identified as an independent predictor for worse LRFS and DSS. Patients with a high risk of wound complications should be identified and strategies implemented to reduce surgical complications and possibly improve oncologic prognosis

Autologous vs. implant-based breast reconstruction after skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomy

$\bf Introduction:$ Autologous (ABR) and implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) represent the most common procedures after skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomy. This cross-sectional study is a comprehensive analysis of ABR and IBR considering surgical and patient-reported outcomes. $\textbf {Patients and methods:}$ Eligible patients underwent breast reconstruction (ABR and IBR) after skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomy between January 2014 and December 2020. Outcome parameters included quality of life (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer - EORTC - QLQ30, BR23, Breast-Q, CES-D), complication rates, aesthetic result, and breast sensitivity. $\bf Results:$ 108 patients participated in the study (IBR: $\it n$ = 72, age 48.9 $\pm$ 9.9 years; ABR: $\it n$ = 36, age: 46.6 $\pm$ 7.3 years). Mean follow-up was 27.1 $\pm$ 9.3 (IBR) and 34.9 $\pm$ 20.5 (ABR), respectively. IBR patients suffered significantly more often from major complications (30.6% vs. 8.3%; $\it p$ = 0.01), while ABR patients underwent secondary procedures significantly more often to improve the aesthetic result (55.6% vs. 29.2%, $\it p$ = 0.004). Unilateral reconstructions revealed superior aesthetic results in ABR (n.s.), while in bilateral reconstruction IBR tended to score higher (n.s.). Scar evaluation resulted in a better result of IBR in both categories ($\it p$ < 0.01). Breast sensitivity was severely impaired in both groups. The Breast-Q revealed a significantly higher "patient satisfaction with breast" after ABR ($\it p$ = 0.033), while the other QoL-tests and subscales showed no significant differences between the two procedures. $\bf Conclusion:$ ABR is associated with a higher patient satisfaction despite the high probability of secondary procedures to improve the aesthetic outcome, whereas IBR-patients suffer more often from major complications. Furthermore, the laterality of reconstruction should be included in the individual decision-making process

Antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of wound infections after soft tissue sarcoma resection

Background and Objectives The use of antibiotic prophylaxis for soft tissue sarcoma resection varies widely while little evidence on this topic exists. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of antibiotic prophylaxis on the occurrence of wound infections. Methods A single institutional retrospective cohort study was performed on patients who underwent truncal or extremity soft tissue sarcoma resection. The use of antibiotic prophylaxis was assessed and univariate and multivariate analysis of predictors of wound infections was performed. Results Nine hundred and fifty-eight patients could be included. Thirty-two percent of patients had no antibiotic prophylaxis, 44% of patients received single-shot prophylaxis, and 24% of patients received single-shot plus continued antibiotic treatment. Wound infections occurred in 140 patients (15%). Independent risk factors for wound infections upon multivariate analysis were obesity, high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status, high tumor size and grade, operation time over 120 minutes, and other complications. Antibiotic prophylaxis could not be identified as a protective factor in univariate or multivariate analysis. Conclusions A favorable effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on the occurrence of wound infections could not be observed. Although more studies on this subject are needed, our data do not support the general use of antibiotic prophylaxis for soft tissue sarcoma resection

The impact of surgical margins and adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas of the extremities

$\textit {Background:}$ Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas are a frequent subtype within the heterogeneous group of soft tissue sarcomas. As the attainment of negative margins can be complicated at the extremities, we determined the prognostic significance of surgical margins in our patient population. $\textit {Methods:}$ We retrospectively determined the relationship between local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), overall survival (OS), and potential prognostic factors in 192 patients with UPS of the extremities who were suitable for surgical treatment in curative intent. The median follow-up time was 5.1 years. $\textit {Results:}$ The rates of LRFS and OS after 2 years were 75.7% and 87.2% in patients with R0-resected primary tumors and 49.1% and 81.8% in patients with R1/R2-status (LRFS: $\it p$ = 0.013; OS: $\it p$ = 0.001). Adjuvant radiotherapy significantly improved LRFS (5-year: 67.6% vs. 48.4%; $\it p$ < 0.001) and OS (5-year: 82.8 vs. 61.8; $\it p$ = 0.016). Both, negative margins and adjuvant radiotherapy were found to be independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis. $\textit {Conclusions:}$ The data from this study could underscore the beneficial prognostic impact of negative margins on LRFS and OS. However, the width of negative margins seemed to be not relevant. Notably, adjuvant radiotherapy was not only able to decrease the risk of local failure but also improved OS in a significant manner

Superior enhancement of cutaneous microcirculation due to "cyclic" application of a negative pressure wound therapy device in humans

$\bf Objectives:$ Despite a common utilization of "Negative Pressure Wound Therapy" (NPWT) Devices in a wide range of specialties, some of the basic mechanisms of action of the techniques are still on debate. Conflicting results from prior studies demonstrate our lack of understanding how wound-bed perfusion or cutaneous microcirculation is affected by NPWT. $\bf Methods:$ We conducted a prospective randomized study which included 45 healthy subjects to further investigate the acute effects of NPWT on cutaneous microcirculation underneath the applied dressing. Three modes of application, namely, continuous, intermittent, cyclic, were tested. Amongst others, measurements of elicited surface pressure and a comprehensive microcirculatory analysis were carried out by utilizing an O2C-device. For the detection of (systemic) remote effects, perfusion changes of the contra-lateral thigh were evaluated. $\bf Results:$ All three tested modes of application led to a significant ($\it p$ < 0.05) improvement in local tissue perfusion with an increased blood flow of max +151% and tissue oxygen saturation of +28.2% compared to baseline values. Surface pressure under the dressing significantly increased up to 29.29 mmHg due to the activation of the NPWT device. Continuous, intermittent, and cyclic application of negative pressure were accurately sensed by participants, resulting in reported pain values that mirrored the different levels of applied suction. Although the cyclic application mode showed the most pronounced effects regarding microcirculatory changes, no statistical significance between groups was observed. $\bf Conclusion:$ We could demonstrate a significant improvement of cutaneous microcirculation under an applied NPWT dressing with favorable effects due to cyclic mode of application. An increased surface pressure leads to a better venous drainage of the tissue, which was shown to increase arterial inflow with a consecutive improvement of oxygen supply. Further research is warranted to evaluate our findings regarding wound bed perfusion in the clinical field with respect to formation of granulation tissue and wound healing

Inhibition of GDF8 (Myostatin) accelerates bone regeneration in diabetes mellitus type 2

Metabolic diseases like diabetes mellitus cause bone healing deficiencies. We found significant impairment of bone regeneration, osteogenic differentiation and proliferation in diabetic bone. Moreover recent studies suggest a highly underestimated importance of GDF8 (Myostatin) in bone metabolism. Our goal was to analyze the role of GDF8 as a regulator of osteogenic differentiation, proliferation and bone regeneration. We used a murine tibial defect model in diabetic ($Lepr^{db-/-}$) mice. Myostatin-Inhibitor Follistatin was administered in tibial bony defects of diabetic mice. By means of histology, immunohistochemistry and QRT-PC osteogenesis, differentiation and proliferation were analyzed. Application of Myostatin-inhibitor showed a significant improvement in diabetic bone regeneration compared to the control group (6.5 fold, p < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry revealed a significantly higher proliferation (7.7 fold, p = 0.009), osteogenic differentiation (Runx-2: 3.7 fold, p = 0.011, ALP: 9.3 fold, p < 0.001) and calcification (4.9 fold, p = 0.024) in Follistatin treated diabetic animals. Therapeutical application of Follistatin, known for the importance in muscle diseases, plays an important role in bone metabolism. Diabetic bone revealed an overexpression of the catabolic protein Myostatin. Antagonization of Myostatin in diabetic animals leads to a restoration of the impaired bone regeneration and represents a promising therapeutic option

Surgical debridement Is superior to sole antibiotic therapy in a novel murine posttraumatic osteomyelitis model

$\bf{Introduction}$ Bone infections after trauma, $\textit{i.e.}$ posttraumatic osteomyelitis, pose one of the biggest problems of orthopedic surgery. Even after sufficient clinical therapy including vast debridement of infected bone and antibiotic treatment, regeneration of postinfectious bone seems to be restricted. One explanation includes the large sized defects resulting from sufficient debridement. Furthermore, it remains unclear if inflammatory processes after bone infection do affect bone regeneration. For continuing studies in this field, an animal model is needed where bone regeneration after sufficient treatment can be studied in detail. $\bf{Methods}$ For this purpose we created a stable infection in murine tibiae by $\textit{Staphylococcus aureus}$ inoculation. Thereafter, osteomyelitic bones were debrided thoroughly and animals were subsequently treated with antibiotics. Controls included debrided, non-infected, as well as infected animals exclusively treated with antibiotics. To verify sufficient treatment of infected bone, different assessments detecting $\textit{S. aureus}$ were utilized: agar plates, histology and RT-qPCR. $\bf{Results}$ All three detection methods revealed massive reduction or eradication of $\textit{S.aureus}$ within debrided bones 1 and 2 weeks postoperatively, whereas sole antibiotic therapy could not provide sufficient treatment of osteomyelitic bones. Debrided, previously infected bones showed significantly decreased bone formation, compared to debrided, non-infected controls. $\bf{Discussion}$ Thus, the animal model presented herein provides a reliable and fascinating tool to study posttraumatic osteomyelitis for clinical therapies