Lymphoscintigraphy with single-photon emission computerized tomography/computed tomography for evaluating lymphatic leakage following pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy

Lymphatic ascites following pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy is a well-known complication. Surgical treatment and interventional radiology are required in a few cases. To determine the appropriate treatment strategy, it is important to preoperatively detect the presence and location of lymphatic leakage. However, the methods have yet to be established.We report a case in which lymphoscintigraphy with single-photon emission computerized tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) was performed to evaluate pelvic lymphorrhea that occurred following total hysterectomy with pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy for stage IIIA uterine sarcoma. Lymphoscintigraphy with SPECT/CT showed leakage of radioisotopes into the pelvic space, and intranodal lymphangiography was performed based on these findings. Following the procedure, the pelvic lymphorrhea improved, and no radioisotope leakage was confirmed by re-evaluation with lymphoscintigraphy with SPECT/CT.Our case indicates that lymphoscintigraphy with SPECT/CT may be useful for detecting the precise site of lymphatic leakage before interventional radiology or surgery

Hinge Flap with Triangular Extension for Reconstruction of Pharyngocutaneous and Laryngocutaneous Fistulas

Summary:. Hinge flaps are commonly used for closure of a pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) or laryngocutaneous fistula. These flaps are employed to augment the wall of the pharynx or larynx, but the junction between the reconstructed and native lumens can eventually become narrow and irregular after reconstruction with standard hinge flaps. We devised a method of adding a triangular extension to the end of either or both flaps and used it to treat 3 patients. In 1 patient who developed a PCF (4 × 10 cm) after laryngectomy followed by radiotherapy, the fistula was closed with 2 hinge flaps. One flap had a caudal triangular extension. The residual skin defect was covered by a pedicled latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. Another patient who developed a PCF (2.5 × 3 cm) after laryngectomy underwent 2-stage reconstruction using a buccal mucosal graft with a triangular extension, followed by 2 hinge flaps. A patient who developed an laryngocutaneous fistula (1 × 2 cm) after radiotherapy and subsequent partial laryngectomy underwent reconstruction using 2 hinge flaps, each of which had a triangular extension. The skin defect was covered by another flap. Postoperative CT or video fluoroscopic examination of swallowing showed a smooth lumen with no strictures in all 3 patients. The triangular extension of the hinge flap supplements the pharyngeal/laryngeal wall at the junction between the reconstructed and intact regions, thus avoiding postoperative stricture. Especially with PCF reconstruction, restoration of a smooth luminal surface minimizes dysphagia

Large Parosteal Lipoma without Periosteal Changes

Summary: Parosteal lipoma is a rare tumor, accounting for approximately 0.3% of all lipomas. Bony lesions are often found in patients with this tumor (59.2%), making the differential diagnosis of malignant tumors important. Our case was a 64-year-old male patient who complained of a 25 × 15-cm mass on his right thigh that had grown rapidly over a 2-month period. On magnetic resonance imaging, a high-intensity lesion was observed on the surface of the femur beneath the vastus medialis muscle on T1 and T2 images, with low intensity on a T1 fat suppression image. No significant bony changes were detected. During total tumor resection, the tumor was found on the femur with tight continuity, with tiny areas of spiculation palpable on the bone surface. The exact tumor size was 18 × 13 × 6 cm. The pathological diagnosis was lipoma, the same result as in the former open biopsy. This case was the largest parosteal lipoma of the femur reported without periosteal changes. In cases of deep parosteal lipomas, the detection of rapidly progressive and growing pseudotumors with ossification or chondromatous changes implies malignancy. A preoperative biopsy is mandatory and must be followed by careful planning and preparation for handling in malignant cases. Plastic surgeons should therefore keep the diagnosis of parosteal lipoma in mind to provide appropriate (not too much or too little) surgical treatment