Functional reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap following resection of an extensive basal cell carcinoma in the shoulder region: a case report

Large and ulcerating skin tumors have become a rarity in the modern Western world. However, these conditions can cause serious life-threatening complications. The case of a 60-year-old male Caucasian patient is reported, who had suffered from an extensive basal cell carcinoma in the right shoulder region for several years. The patient kept the lesion secret from his friends and family and delayed presentation to health care services. After an episode of tumor-related heavy bleeding, the patient was referred to our clinic and received a radical surgical tumor resection—followed by defect coverage with a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. An alternative treatment option that could be offered to the patient would have been a mutilating surgical procedure with an arm amputation. By using this plastic reconstructive surgical technique, the main function of the shoulder joint was conserved. The presented case demonstrates options for defect coverage of problematic wounds in anatomically complex body regions—like the shoulder—by using a functional reconstruction using myocutaneous flaps

Age, sex, body mass index, education, and social support influence functional results after total knee arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Patient-reported outcome after TKA is influenced by multiple patient-related factors. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate preoperative patientrelated factors and to compare the self-reported outcomes 1 year after TKA among groups differing by age, sex, body mass index (BMI), education, and social support level. Methods: 314 patients, who underwent TKA in Vilnius Republican University Hospital between the end of 2012 and the middle of 2014, were included in a study. The preoperative and 12-month follow-up measurements were obtained using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Short Form- 12 (SF-12). Differences between patient groups according to gender, age, BMI, level of education, and level of social support were analyzed. Results: At 12-month follow-up men demonstrated better results than women in WOMAC (P ¼ .003) and SF-12 both domains (P < .05). Patients with a higher social support demonstrated higher scores in physical function according to SF-12 (P ¼ .008). Better preoperative WOMAC and SF-12 scores were a predictor of better outcome 1 year after surgery. There was no difference in postoperative scores in different age, BMI, and education groups according to WOMAC and SF-12. Conclusion: There is no difference in self-reported functional outcome between patient groups differing in age, BMI, and education. Men and socially supported patients demonstrate better postoperative functional results 12 months after TKA. Better preoperative knee function and overall physical and mental function are predictors of better outcome 1 year after TKA. Age and obesity should not be limiting factors when considering who should receive this surgery

Risk factors for lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer patients: Report from Eastern Europe country– Lithuania

Abstract Background Current risk factors for lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer have been primarily determined in Asian countries; however their applicability to Western nations is under discussion. The aim of our study was to identify risk factors associated with lymph node metastasis in Western cohort patients from the Eastern European country - Lithuania. Methods A total of 218 patients who underwent open gastrectomy for early gastric cancer were included in this retrospective study. After histolopathological examination, risk factors for lymph node metastasis were evaluated. Overall survival was evaluated and factors associated with long-term outcomes were analyzed. Results Lymph node metastases were present in 19.7% of early gastric cancer cases. The rates were 5/99 (4.95%) for pT1a tumors and 38/119 (31.9%) for pT1b tumors. Submucosal tumor invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and high grade tumor differentiation were identified as independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis. Submucosal tumor invasion and lymphovascular invasion were also associated with worse 5-year survival results. Conclusion Our study established submucosal tumor invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and high grade tumor differentiation as risk factors for lymph node metastasis