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Introduction Monitoring buried flaps in reconstructive breast surgery is challenging, and the ideal technique is controversial. Established options include leaving an exterior ("buoy" or "sentinel") skin paddle versus invasive implantable devices to avoid removing the paddle later. Technical modifications and an algorithm for strategic skin paddle positioning to circumvent this while avoiding complex monitoring equipment are proposed. Patients and methods Patients in whom buoy skin paddles were utilized for breast flap monitoring by a single surgeon were reviewed. Indications, demographic details, precise monitoring paddle location, and flap outcomes were evaluated. An algorithm and classification system were then formulated. Results Thirteen buoy skin paddles were utilized in seven patients (mean age: 43.5 years; range: 31-65) to monitor reconstructive flaps performed for risk-reducing mastectomies (four patients and seven breasts), therapeutic mastectomy (one breast), and revision surgery (three patients and five breasts). The flaps comprised seven deep inferior epigastric artery perforators (DIEPs), four superficial inferior epigastric arteries (SIEAs), and two pedicled latissimus dorsi (LDs) (mean free flap weight: 809 g; average mastectomy weight (n = 10 breasts): 467 g; range: 248-864). The skin paddles were located horizontally along the inframammary crease or vertically inferior to the nipple-areola or both. All flap transfers were successful with no re-explorations. All patients declined the monitoring paddle excision, and none have requested breast mound revision for poor cosmesis or contour deformities. Conclusion Vertical and horizontal skin paddles proved reliable for buried flap monitoring without recourse to invasive and expensive equipment. When designed appropriately, they do not require revision surgery. An algorithmic classification of skin paddle location to enable this is proposed.
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Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) have ushered in a paradigm shift in prosthetic breast reconstruction; however, there has hitherto been no reported use of Braxon® ADM in aesthetic breast surgery. Here, we describe the case of a 42-year-old woman who presented for revision of her bilateral aesthetic augmentation-mastopexy following multiple revision surgeries. The predominant concerns were persistent pain, implant malposition and a wide intermammary distance. Her predicament was worsened by inability to tolerate monopolar diathermy owing to a spinal stimulator-the least invasive operation was sought and Braxon® ADM met this criterion. The procedure was a success, and she remains symptom-free, with soft breasts and stable implant positions. Braxon® ADM, with its preformed shape, total implant-wrapping design and easy suture fixation, lends itself to easy use in cosmetic breast surgery. Its role in cosmetic breast surgery has yet to be established, but this case marks the beginning of this endeavor.
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Although rare, clinicians must be alerted of Richter hernias in patients presenting with innocuous gastrointestinal obstruction symptoms, synchronous with an erythematous hernia. An incarcerated incisional hernia located in a previous laparoscopic insertion site further raises suspicion, while timely surgical management is essential to avoid bowel perforation or resection.
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INTRODUCTION: Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a highly debatable disorder regarding its surgical management, despite an assortment of surgical techniques described in the medical literature. The aim of this report is to provide an alternate semi-closed surgical method for treatment of PSD, with early recovery and a satisfactory cosmetic result. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 34 patients underwent surgical treatment for primary PSD; 32 male and 2 female. Patients were suffering from primary PSD, with the cyst located in the gluteal midline. Total excision of the cyst was performed, while the skin flaps were fixed on the postsacral fascia using absorbable sutures, leaving the wound semi-closed. RESULTS: Technical success was 100%, with an average operation time of 48.7 ± 3.8 min. No wound dehiscence or infections were recorded postoperatively. One reoperation was performed due to hemorrhage. All patients were discharged on the day after surgery, with a VAS pain score of 1.3 ± 1. Two incidents of late wound dehiscence were recorded at 4th and 6th postoperative day due to strenuous exercise. Patients resumed their work after the 5th postoperative day with no complications. The 6 month follow up was completed in 29 patients, with a VAS cosmetic score of 8.1 ± 0.9. No recurrences were observed during the follow up period. CONCLUSION: The presented semi-closed technique is a viable alternative for surgical management of PSD. It provides patients with a satisfying cosmetic result, while it allows for early and safe return to everyday activities with less pain experienced.
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INTRODUCTION: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrine disorder mostly associated to parathyroid adenomas. Although those tend to be small in size, rare cases of giant parathyroid adenomas may be present. CASE PRESENTATION: A 42year old female was admitted in our department due to weakness and vague abdominal pain for the past 8 months. Preoperative laboratory exams indicated primary hyperparathyroidism as a cause to her symptomatology, with elevated values of parathormone and normal values of serum calcium. Ultrasound scan and 99m Tc-MIBI of her cervical region uncovered a giant 3×2cm parathyroid adenoma, located in the lower left thyroid lobe. Despite its size, the gland was successfully removed through implementation of minimal invasive parathyroidectomy. She was uneventfully discharged on the 1st postoperative day. DISCUSSION: Although a common reason for developing hyperparathyroidism, parathyroid adenomas may rarely present with exaggerated dimensions and weight. Physical examination is usually unremarkable, while patients may present with symptomatology associated with elevated calcium levels. Treatment of this medical condition consists of surgical removal of the pathologic parathyroid gland either by bilateral neck exploration or through minimal invasive parathyroidectomy. Preoperative localization plays an important role in the second case, since the method focuses on resection of a pre-op marked hyperactive parathyroid gland, through a small incision. CONCLUSION: Clinicians must be alerted of hyperparathyroidism in patients presenting with calcium associated symptomatology. Diagnosis is straightforward through laboratory exams, while surgery offers the only permanent treatment option.
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INTRODUCTION: Substernal goiters are characterized by the protrusion of at least 50% of the thyroid mass below the level of the thoracic inlet. Still their definition is controversial. CASE PRESENTATION: The case refers to a 44year old male who presented to our department due to swelling and a feeling of 'heaviness' of his left upper extremity for the past 6 months. CT scan revealed a massive substernal goiter extending to the great vessels. Intraoperatively, a median sternotomy was performed due to the size of the gland and the close adhesion of the isthmus and lower left thyroid lobe to the brachiocephalic vein. Resection of the gland revealed the vein to have a cord-like shape, leading to reduced venous return and upper extremity symptoms. Recovery was uneventful for the patient who was discharged on the 7th postoperative day. DISCUSSION: While most substernal goiters can be surgically managed through a cervical incision, there are cases in which a median sternotomy is indicated. Those cases include excessive gland size, thoracic pain, ectopic thyroid tissue and the extent of the goiter to the aortic arch. Median sternotomy is associated with a number of intra and postoperative complications, although when performed by an experienced surgeon, mortality and morbidity rates along with long-term recovery are not affected. CONCLUSSION: The lack of a uniform definition and variety of indications, lead to a patient-tailored approach regarding the execution of sternotomy during surgical management of massive substernal goiters.
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INTRODUCTION: Inguinal hernias, although a common medical entity, can on rare occasions present as giant inguinoscrotal hernias, mostly because of the patient's rejection of timely surgical management. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 77year old patient, with a giant inguinoscrotal hernia history for more than 50 years, was advised to undergo surgical treatment due to recurrent urinary tract infections and vague abdominal pain. Physical examination showed a right sided giant inguinoscrotal hernia extending below the midpoint of the inner thigh. Preoperative CT examination confirmed a giant inguinoscrotal hernia containing the whole of the small bowel along with its mesentery. DISCUSSION: Giant inguinoscrotal hernias are classified into three types based on size, with each one posing a challenge to treat. There are a number of surgical options and recommendations available, depending on the type of hernia. They require close postoperative observation, because the sudden increase in the intra-abdominal pressure can account for a number of complications. Our case was classified as a type II hernia, having longevity of more than 50 years. Despite this, it was treated with forced reduction and no debulking through an extended inguinal and lower midline incision, forming a 'V shaped' incision. Patient recovery was uneventful and he was discharged on the 10th postoperative day. CONCLUSION: Preoperative management and the correct surgical plan depending on the case are key elements in the successful treatment of this rare surgical entity.