Reconstructive management of degloving trauma of male external genitalia using dermal regeneration template: A case report

Traumatic injuries of male external genitalia are rare and not usually life threatening; however, they can have psychological repercussions. The reconstructive management of these lesions is challenging and articulated. We report the case of a 38-year-old farmer suffering from a degloving wound on the external genitalia. The first reconstructive step used to treat the wound was the incorporation of a dermal regeneration template (Integra (R)) and accordingly partial-thickness skin grafts and local flaps. The follow-up 16 months after the first treatment was satisfying; sexual function had been restored. (C) 2013 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon

Acellular Dermal Matrices and Radiotherapy in Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Literature

The increasing use of commercially available acellular dermis matrices for postmastectomy breast reconstruction seems to have simplified the surgical procedure and enhanced the outcome. These materials, generally considered to be highly safe or with only minor contraindications due to the necessary manipulation in preparatory phases, allow an easier one-phase surgical procedure, in comparison with autologous flaps, offering a high patient satisfaction. Unfortunately, the claim for a higher rate of complications associated with irradiation at the implant site, especially when the radiation therapy was given before the reconstructive surgery, suggested a careful behaviour when this technique is preferred. However, this hypothesis was never submitted to a crucial test, and data supporting it are often discordant or incomplete. To provide a comprehensive analysis of the field, we searched and systematically reviewed papers published after year 2005 and registered clinical trials. On the basis of a meta-analysis of data, we conclude that the negative effect of the radiotherapy on the breast reconstruction seems to be evident even in the case of acellular dermis matrices aided surgery. However, more trials are needed to make solid conclusions and clarify the poor comprehension of all the factors negatively influencing outcome

Massive de-gloving thigh injury treated by vacuum therapy, dermal regeneration matrix and lipografting

Frequently lower limb injuries are caused by road and work accidents. The young age of those affected coupled with the anatomical and functional peculiarities of this part of the body with regards to social life during adolescence make the treatment of the leg wound complex and challenging. We present two cases of young girls, victims of serious road accidents who were treated initially with frequent wound washings, vacuum therapy to stimulate granulation tissue, then dermal regeneration matrix (INTEGRA ® ) and split-thickness skin grafts. After one year, both patients treated with lipofilling have shown improved cosmetic results allowing a new social life

Short-Term Effects of Radiotherapy Postquadrantectomy on Internal Mammary Artery and Vein

When a tumor local recurrence occurs a possible approach can be a mastectomy with simultaneous breast reconstruction with autologous tissue. The area involved by tangential radiation portals includes also the internal mammary artery and veins, considered by the most part of plastic surgeons to be the best recipient vessels for a free flap in breast reconstruction. Internal mammary vessels receives low but not necessary insignificant doses during whole breast irradiation; arteries and veins are traditionally considered quietly resistant to the irradiation but limited data on the flux in mammary vessels after radiotherapy are available. The goal of our study (37 patients from September 2011 to February 2012) was to evaluate modifications in vascular parameters of the flux at ultrasonography in the internal mammary chain after adjuvant radiotherapy that could influence the choice of the autologous surgical technique (free or pedicled flap) and the choice of the recipient vessels in breast reconstruction. Based on the results of our study, we would recommend avoiding an irradiated recipient site when no irradiated recipient vessels are available; a preoperative ultrasound evaluation is recommended in patients underwent whole breast irradiation

A case of post-traumatic cervicogenic headache treated by cervical cord stimulation.

The case of a 26-year-old woman suffering from cervical trauma with disc herniation presenting with arm and neck pain is presented. She underwent cervical discectomy with fusion because the pain did not improve with medical therapies; as the neck pain resumed after surgery, a cervical cord neurostimulator was implanted, with improvement for cervicogenic headache. This report underlines the presence of two pathologies and the relationship between C2 and trigeminal pathways

Treatment of Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis with Botulinum Toxin Type A: Our Experience in 50 Patients from 2007 to 2010

Background. Local injections of Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) are an effective and safe solution for primary bilateral axillary hyperhidrosis. Traditional treatments are often ineffective and difficult to tolerate. This study was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of Botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of these diseases and to evaluate the reliability of patient's subjective rating in the timing of repeat injections. Methods. From 2007 to 2008, we included in the study and treated a total of 50 patients, and we used the Minor's iodine test and the hyperhidrosis diseases severity scale as initial inclusion criteria and also for evaluating the followup, comparing to patient's subjective rating. We used also a specific questionnaire to evaluate the level of pain, the onset of the effect, any eventual adverse effect of the treatment, the onset of compensatory hyperhidrosis, and the global grade of satisfaction. The data were analyzed using standard statistical methods. Results. 88% of patients were totally satisfied and all patients repeated the treatment during all the study. The symptom-free interval was in median 6 months with an average improving of HDSS of 1.5 points. In 86%, there was a complete accordance between the subjective patient's demand of the repetition of the treatment and the positivity to Minor test and HDSS. No major side effects happened. Conclusion. Local injections of Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) result in an effective and safe solution for bilateral axillary primary hyperhidrosis for the absence of significant morbidity, side effects, and lack of efficacy or duration. The only defects are the need of repetition of the treatment and relative costs

A Novel Surgical Technique to Correct Intrareolar Polythelia

Polythelia is a rare congenital malformation that occurs in 1-2% of the population. Intra-areolar polythelia is the presence of one or more supernumerary nipples located within the areola. This is extremely rare. This article presents 3 cases of intra-areolar polythelia treated at our Department. These cases did not present other associated malformation. Surgical correction was performed for psychological and cosmetic reasons using advancement flaps. The aesthetic and functional results were satisfactory