Seasonal Impact on Free Flap Surgery in Terms of Flap Loss and Wound Healing Disorders: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 158 Free Flaps

(1) Background: Postoperative flap loss and wound healing disorders are severe complications after microsurgical free flap surgery. Despite multiple clinical observations, a possible influence of season and external temperature on outcome are largely missing. (2) Methods: Retrospectively, data were collected from 151 patients receiving microsurgical free flaps from March 2018 to August 2019. Patients were divided into two cohorts. The winter group includes all patients who underwent surgery from October 2018 to March 2019 and the summer group al those who underwent surgery from April 2018 to September 2018. Data included demographic information, pre-existing conditions, flap characteristics, and postoperative complications like flap losses and wound healing problems. External temperatures during the first 14 postoperative days were documented and the predictor of flap loss and wound healing disorders was detected. (3) Results: In the winter group (October-March; Ø 7.24 °C) 72 patients (46 female, 24 males; Ø 57.0 years) and in the summer group (April-September; Ø 18.79 °C) 81 patients (48 female, 33 males; Ø 56.0 years) received free flap surgery. There were no significant differences in demography (age: p = 0.593; gender: p = 0.419; BMI: p = 0.141). We found a significant increase in flap loss during summer (χ²(1) = 6.626; p = 0.010; V = 0.209) strengthened by logistic regression analysis (p = 0.037; Exp(B) = 9.655). Additionally higher average temperatures 14 days postoperatively represents another main driver (p = 0.023, Exp(B) = 1.161) for postoperative flap loss. (4) Conclusions: The data confirm a significantly higher postoperative flap loss in the summer group. This information may potentially contribute to optimization of perioperative management and planning of elective and semi-elective surgeries.

Das Lipödem in Abgrenzung zur Adipositas. Parallelen und Herausforderungen in der Praxis

Das Krankheitsbild Lipödem erfährt in den letzten Jahren vermehrte Aufmerksamkeit. Überschneidungen mit der Adipositas machen eine Abgrenzung mitunter schwierig. Diese ist aber für eine differenzierte zielgerichtete Therapie wichtig.

Definition und Klinik Beim Lipödem handelt es sich um eine schmerzhafte, anlagebedingte, übermäßige Fettgewebsvermehrung an den Extremitäten bei Frauen. Das führt zu einer Disproportion der Körpersilhuette. Erste Symptome manifestieren sich häufig in der Pubertät, der Verlauf ist meist progredient. Charakteristische Symptome sind Ruhe- und Druckschmerzen, Hämatomneigung, Spannungs- und Schwellungsgefühle, rasche Ermüdung der Muskulatur und Ödeme, die aber stadienabhängig inkonsistent sind. 25–88 % der Lipödem-Patientinnen leiden gleichzeitig an einer Adipositas.

Prävalenz Je nach Studie 5–9,7 %, entsprechend 2–4 Millionen Frauen in Deutschland.

Ätiologie Es besteht eine familiäre Disposition. Hormonelle Veränderungen sind Triggerfaktoren und lassen auf hormonelle Einflüsse schließen. Im Gewebe findet sich eine leichte chronische Entzündung (Silent Inflammation), welche die Symptomatik erklärt.

Diagnostik Die Diagnosestellung erfolgt klinisch und muss von anderen Fettverteilungsstörungen unterschieden werden. Der BMI ist nicht geeignet. Es sollte der Bauchumfang-Größen-Quotient (BCG = WHtR Waist to Height-Ratio) herangezogen werden.

Therapie interdisziplinärer Therapieansatz, der neben der konservativen Entstauungstherapie, der operativen Therapie mittels Liposuktion auch die Ernährungs-, Bewegungs- und Psychotherapie umfasst.

Das pelvine Stauungssyndrom – Wie kann die Patientenversorgung mit der wissenschaftlich technischen Entwicklung Schritt halten?

Unterleibsbeschwerden und atypische Varikose können Ausdruck eines pelvinen Stauungssyndroms sein. Die Erkrankung ist für Patientinnen häufig mit einer langwierigen Krankheitsgeschichte verbunden und stellt eine diagnostische und therapeutische Herausforderung für Phlebologen und Gefäßmediziner dar. Dabei stehen die technischen Möglichkeiten und auch die wissenschaftlichen Grundlagen eigentlich zur Verfügung.

Ursachen sind die allgemeine Unterbewertung der Störung im ärztlichen Ausbildungskanon und das Fehlen einer flächendeckenden Versorgungsstruktur. Der ambulanten Abklärung sind versorgungsrechtliche Grenzen gesetzt und nur wenige Krankenhäuser verfügen über die entsprechende Behandlungsexpertise. Um diesem Versorgungsengpass entgegenzuwirken, wurde in der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Phlebologie der Beschluss gefasst, eine Arbeitsgemeinschaft ins Leben zu rufen, die drei Ziele verfolgt: die bundesweite Vernetzung ambulant tätiger Gefäßmediziner und spezialisierter Krankenhäuser, die Sensibilisierung anderen Fachrichtungen wie Gynäkologie und Urologie sowie die Datenerhebung im Rahmen eines Registers zur wissenschaftlichen Auswertung.

Impact of a synchronous prophylactic treatment of the anterior accessory saphenous vein on the recurrent varicose vein rate in patients undergoing thermal ablation of an insufficient great saphenous vein (SYNCHRONOUS-Study): study protocol for a prospective, multicentre, controlled observational study

INTRODUCTION

To date, there are no prospective studies evaluating the prevention of recurrent veins by the simultaneous treatment of a sufficient anterior accessory saphenous vein (AASV) in patients undergoing endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of an insufficient great saphenous vein (GSV). This study will provide important information about the impact of the AASV on the development of recurrent veins after EVLA of the GSV. Additionally, it will be clarified whether patients benefit from a preventive ablation of a sufficient AASV.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a multicentre, prospective, controlled, exploratory clinical study in 1150 patients with a medical indication for EVLA of a refluxing great saphenous vein. Patients will be enrolled into two study groups: in half of the patients EVLA will be performed on the insufficient GSV only. In the other half of the patients EVLA will be performed on the insufficient GSV and additionally on the sufficient AASV. Within seven study visits, patients will be followed-up over a time period of 5 years. Primary study endpoint is the recurrence rate; secondary endpoints include inter alia, complication rate, postoperative pain intensity, quality of life and patient satisfaction.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Before initiation of the study, the protocol was presented and approved by the independent ethics committee of the medical faculty of the University of Heidelberg (Ethics approval number S-596/2018). This study was prospectively registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (https://www.germanctr.de/). Research findings will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and at relevant conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

German Clinical Trial Registry (DRKS00015486).

Free flap breast reconstruction using a novel robotic microscope

INTRODUCTION

Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) has evolved over the past decades. Currently, novel robotic systems for microsurgery are being launched onto the European market. This novel microscope (RoboticScope®, BHS, Innsbruck, Austria) is a high-definition camera system, connected to an augmented reality headset, projecting a clear image with high magnification in front of the surgeon's eyes. Motion tracking translates the surgeon's head movements onto the system via a multi-axis robotic arm. We report the first use of the robotic microscope for autologous breast reconstruction in humans.

METHODS

In May 2020, ten autologous breast reconstructions were performed by our Team. Five reconstructions (three PAP flaps, one bilateral DIEP flap) were conducted with the robotic microscope and matched to five reconstructions using a conventional microscope. We compared ischaemia times, times for arterial and venous anastomosis, and complications.

RESULTS

All procedures were performed successfully and safely. Overall time for anastomosis was 31 min (+/- 7 min) in the robotic group and 25 min (+/- 7 min, p = 0.30) in the control group. Flap ischaemia was 54 min (+/- 8 min) in the robotic group and 52 min (+/- 22 min, p = 0.87) in the control group. No intraoperative complications such as venous thrombosis or arterial embolism occurred.

CONCLUSION

Robotic microscopes provide the technology to combine flexibility to choose different angles during pedicle preparation and improve the stationary procedure of vessel anastomosis. Novel robotic systems tailored towards refinement in microsurgery hold great potential for implementation in Plastic Surgery procedures.

Chances and challenges-analysis of trends in breast reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

While breast reconstruction has become more and more important within the past decade, research focus areas as well as trends are in constant change.

METHOD

The publications from 2012 to 2021 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. CiteSpace visualization analysis software was used to analyze the institutions, countries, regions, categories, and keywords on breast reconstruction research.

RESULT

A total of 3092 articles were selected. The number of articles published in the last 10 years showed an upward trend year by year. The journal "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery" had the largest number of publications and citations, representing the core journal. The USA had the largest number of publications and the most extensive cooperation with other countries. The research highlights mainly focused on the improvement of surgical techniques, enhancing postoperative recovery, and oncological safety.

CONCLUSION

Over the past decade, research on breast reconstruction has developed steadily, and considerable achievements in the field of surgical techniques, postoperative recovery, and oncological safety were reached. Plastic surgeons should continue to strive for a higher level of evidence study designs, while also recognizing the importance of international and multiple-center cooperation.

Understanding Breast Implant Illness: Etiology is the Key

Because breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, the issue of implant-related complications has been widely debated ever since the FDA approved the use of implants in 1962. Although decades have passed, breast implant illness (BII) still represents a poorly defined and controversial complication. With ongoing nonscientific discussion in the mainstream media and on social media, revealing the etiology of BII is urgent because knowledge of this subject ultimately influences patients' decisions. Little or no scientific research is currently available on BII and no final conclusions regarding its etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, or treatment have been made. This review aims to give an overview of the hypotheses on the etiology of BII and seeks inspiration to improve the conditions of BII patients.

Volumetry in Breast Reconstruction: Always New, Always Better?

Although breast surgeries for aesthetic or reconstructive purposes are regularly performed, no focus has been laid on establishing an adequate and reliable volumetry method. While CT and MRI scan represent methods that are already in clinical use, the 3D scan  is a novel and promising tool, easy to use with the possibility to measure the anatomic breast volume in an upright position. Nevertheless, its reliability is broadly underinvestigated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V : This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Transgenic Epidermal Cultures for Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa - 5-Year Outcomes

Inherited junctional epidermolysis bullosa is a severe genetic skin disease that leads to epidermal loss caused by structural and mechanical fragility of the integuments. There is no established cure for junctional epidermolysis bullosa. We previously reported that genetically corrected autologous epidermal cultures regenerated almost an entire, fully functional epidermis on a child who had a devastating form of junctional epidermolysis bullosa. We now report long-term clinical outcomes in this patient. (Funded by POR FESR 2014-2020 - Regione Emilia-Romagna and others.).

A systematic review of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury

Objective: The main risk factors for cardiac events, and particularly for the development of atherosclerosis, are diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia and smoking. Patients with a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) may present with autonomic nervous system dysfunction depending on their level of spinal cord injury. Studies have found a rise in cardiovascular mortality. A systematic review was conducted that focused on this patient group's predisposition to vascular risk. Methods: We performed a PubMed and Cochrane database search. After applying specific search criteria, 42 articles were included in our analysis out of a total of 10,784 matches. The articles were selected with the aim of establishing cardiovascular risk factors in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury. Results: Patients with SCI are at an increased risk for peripheral artery disease even in the absence of cardiovascular risk factors. Major vascular changes to the arteries of patients with SCI include: a reduction in lumen size, increased vessel wall tension, higher vascular stiffness, an impaired reactive hyperemic response, and a lack of reduced vascular resistance. The findings for carotid atherosclerosis were inconclusive. This group of patients also has a higher disposition for diabetes mellitus, lipid metabolism disorders and coronary artery disease. Paraplegics are more likely to suffer from dyslipidemia, obesity and PAD, while tetraplegics are more likely to have diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: Patients with SCI are more likely to have cardiovascular risk factors and have cardiovascular disease compared to the normal population. Peripheral circulatory disorders are particularly common. Patients with SCI are now considered to be a new risk group for cardiovascular disease; however, large epidemiological studies are needed to verify in more detail the cardiovascular risk profile of this patient group.

Initial experience with the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap for extremity reconstruction in Caucasians

BACKGROUND

The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap has been established in Asia to provide an excellent option for soft tissue defect coverage. The main advantage of this delicate flap is its very thin design. However, the adoption of this technique in other parts of the world has been rarely reported.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we analyzed outcomes of 32 SCIP flaps in a Caucasian patient population. The procedures were performed at our institution between March 2019 and August 2020. We present patient characteristics, surgical technique, perioperative care, and flap applications as compared to the Asian approaches.

RESULTS

Patients' average BMI was 28.7. Flap anatomy and flap thickness at the superficial fascial plane differed significantly within our population. With 1.7 mm on average, the arterial diameter was higher than reported in the literature. Flaps were based on an axial perforator in 52% of cases. The SCIP flap was performed safely in the majority of cases. The surgical flap elevation approach was modified toward speedy perforator identification.

CONCLUSIONS

The SCIP flap offers superior opportunities for thin soft tissue defect coverage with excellent functional outcomes in Caucasian patients. Based on higher BMI and anatomical differences as compared to Asian patient populations, modifications of flap elevation were necessary to increase reliability. More outcome reports from outside Asia need to become available to advance SCIP flap application internationally.

Das postthrombotische Syndrom – Häufigkeit, Diagnosestellung, Probleme bei der Klassifikation

Die Phlebothrombose und ihr chronischer Folgezustand, das postthrombotische Syndrom, besetzen in der Gefäßmedizin eine zentrale Position. Die Erkrankungen sind für die Betroffenen mit erheblichen Konsequenzen verbunden, die sich in vielen Fällen auf das gesamte weitere Leben auswirken. Obwohl das postthrombotische Syndrom eine Vielzahl typischer Symptome auslösen kann, ist die klinische Diagnosestellung nicht immer eindeutig und erfordert häufig zusätzliche technische Untersuchungsmethoden.

Die immer tiefergehenden Erkenntnisse über die Pathophysiologie einerseits und die Weiterentwicklung diagnostischer und therapeutischer Verfahren andererseits haben gerade in den letzten 20 Jahren zu einer erheblich stärkeren Sensitivität gegenüber der Erkrankung geführt und die Etablierung neuer Methoden vorangetrieben. So hat die Duplexsonografie die Phlebografie als Goldstandard in der Bildgebung abgelöst und Katheter-Verfahren haben einen festen Stellenwert neben oder sogar anstelle der offenen Chirurgie eingenommen. Auch das Wissen über die seit Jahrzehnten etablierte Kompressionstherapie hat sich weiter vermehrt, sodass auch die konservativen Behandlungsstrategien einen Wandel erfahren haben.

Während für die Diagnostik und Therapie der Venenthrombose und Lungenembolie Leitlinien vorliegen, existieren keine aktuellen Empfehlungen, die die modernen Entwicklungen für das postthrombotische Syndrom berücksichtigen.

Der Übersichtsartikel befasst sich mit dem diagnostischen Vorgehen unter der besonderen Berücksichtigung der Duplexsonografie und ordnet die weiteren zur Verfügung stehenden bildgebenden und funktionsdiagnostischen Methoden ein.

[The influence of harvesting and processing on the regenerative potential in fat grafting]

The autologous lipotransfer represents an established method in the field of Plastic Surgery. As a reliable and safe method for breast reconstruction and breast augmentation it offers an alternative to established methods such as implants and flap surgery.Survival rate of adipose derived stromal cells limits success or failure of fat grafting. Slight changes in the fat grafting process can lead to huge changes in ADSC-survival rate.This review wants to optimize the fat-grafting process to ensure best outcomes.

Die Anatomie des retroperitonealen und pelvinen Venensystems

Venenleiden sind nicht auf die Extremitäten beschränkt. Einerseits können Erkrankungen der Beinvenen wie Varikose und Phlebothrombose auch die Venen der Beckenorgane und des Retroperitoneums mit betreffen, andererseits sind pelvine und abdominelle Symptome mitunter auch phlebogen erklärbar. Als Pendant zur chronischen venösen Insuffizienz der Beinvenen hat sich der Begriff des chronischen pelvinen Stauungssyndroms etabliert, der die Komplexität der Störung weder anatomisch noch funktionell adäquat erfasst.

Die klinische Diagnostik und die Bildgebung, insbesondere die Duplexsonografie der retroperitonealen Venen, sind erheblich schwieriger als die der Beinvenen. Darüber hinaus sind die Gefäße sehr variantenreich. Die fundierte Kenntnis der Anatomie der pelvinen und retroperitonealen Gefäße ist unersetzlich, um die möglichen Befunde deuten zu können. Das Wissen um die wichtigsten embryologischen Entwicklungsschritte erleichtert das Verständnis pathophysiologischer Mechanismen.

[Registry Research Funding of the German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (DGPRÄC) and Research Funding Report 2019/2020]

BACKGROUND

 Since 2015/16 the DGPRÄC collects, evaluates and publishes the research activities of academic sections, departments and clinics for plastic surgery at university hospitals in Germany, in order to raise the awareness of plastic surgical research performance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 The directors of plastic surgical academic institutions were contacted via the DGPRÄC and asked to report any requested/approved and rejected research applications to public, non-public and industrial funding organizations. Data was collected in our previously established online database: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6F5xmTyw-k7VKJx_2jkPA4LBXsA0sgBGMrC3rx_4bHj6uzQ/viewform?usp=sf_link. In addition, applications were identified via the DFG's public database GEPRIS.

RESULTS

 A total of 41 funding applications to the public funding institutes DFG, BMBF, BMWi, BMG and EU were identified. 75.6 % (31/41) of the applications had already been approved at the time of data collection, of which 77.4 % (24/31) were DFG, 9.7 % (3/31) were BMWi, 6.5 % (2/31) were EU and 3.2 % (1/31) were BMBF or BMG applications. The average funding amounted to 358 301 Euro. In 50.0 % (12/24) of the cases, the approved DFG proposals were assigned to the subject review board 205-27 Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery, Reconstructive Surgery.

CONCLUSION

 The continuous publication of plastic surgical research funding reports submitted by the convention of university plastic surgeons of the DGPRÄC portraits the excellent, collaborative research activity in the field of plastic surgery.

Pelvines Stauungssyndrom: Wie wird die Diagnose gesichert, wer muss behandelt werden?

Unterleibsbeschwerden waren lange Zeit die Domäne von Gynäkologen, Internisten und Urologen. Die Erkenntnis, dass auch eine venöse Abstrombehinderung im kleinen Becken bzw. im Abdomen ähnliche Beschwerden hervorrufen kann, hat dazu geführt, dass in den letzten Jahren auch Gefäßmediziner in die Diagnostik und Behandlung einbezogen werden.

Das pelvine Stauungssyndrom kann eine Vielzahl von auch nichtspezifischen Beschwerden verursachen. Die differenzialdiagnostische Abgrenzung zu gynäkologischen, internistischen oder auch orthopädischen Störungen stellt damit eine Herausforderung dar. Die akribische Anamneseerhebung und Symptombeschreibung sind von übergeordneter Bedeutung. In der weiteren Diagnostik kommt der Sonografie die wichtigste Bedeutung zu, die durch radiologische Schichtbildverfahren ergänzt werden kann. Wird vor allem eine Varikose im Genitalbereich beklagt, ist zu klären, ob es sich um eine venöse Insuffizienz im Bereich der Vena iliaca interna bzw. der Vena ovarica handelt oder ob postthrombotische Veränderungen eine Rolle spielen. Bei pelvinen und abdominellen Schmerzzuständen müssen zusätzlich die Nierenvenen und die untere Hohlvene beurteilt werden.

Nur wenn die Störung differenzialdiagnostisch sicher abgegrenzt werden kann, ist eine invasive Behandlung durch Katheterverfahren und/oder Schaumsklerotherapie angezeigt.

A chronic rejection model and potential biomarkers for vascularized composite allotransplantation

BACKGROUND

Chronic rejection remains the Achilles heel in vascularized composite allotransplantation. Animal models to specifically study chronic rejection in vascularized composite allotransplantation do not exist so far. However, there are established rat models to study chronic rejection in solid organ transplantation such as allogeneic transplantation between the rat strains Lewis and Fischer344. Thus, we initiated this study to investigate the applicability of hindlimb transplantation between these strains to imitate chronic rejection in vascularized composite allotransplantation and identify potential markers.

METHODS

Allogeneic hindlimb transplantation were performed between Lewis (recipient) and Fischer344 (donor) rats with either constant immunosuppression or a high dose immunosuppressive bolus only in case of acute skin rejections. Histology, immunohistochemistry, microarray and qPCR analysis were used to detect changes in skin and muscle at postoperative day 100.

RESULTS

We were able to demonstrate significant intimal proliferation, infiltration of CD68 and CD4 positive cells, up-regulation of inflammatory cytokines and initiation of muscular fibrosis in the chronic rejection group. Microarray analysis and subsequent qPCR identified CXC ligands 9-11 as potential markers of chronic rejection.

CONCLUSIONS

The Fischer344 to Lewis hindlimb transplantation model may represent a new option to study chronic rejection in vascularized composite allotransplantation in an experimental setting. CXC ligands 9-11 deserve further research to investigate their role as chronic rejection markers.