Osteoradionecrosis of the mandible after oromandibular cancer surgery

Although postoperative radiotherapy has proved effective in improving local control and survival in patients with head and neck cancers, its complications, especially mandibular osteoradionecrosis, reduce the quality of life. Mandibular surgery before the radiotherapy adds an additional risk factor for osteoradionecrosis. This study reviews patients in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, over a 10-year period, who underwent intraoral cancer resection followed by postoperative radiotherapy and thereafter developed osteoradionecrosis of the mandible. A total of 24 men and three women with a mean age of 49.9 years were identified and included in the study. In 10 cases, tumor resection was performed with a marginal mandibulectomy; in eight cases, tumor resection was performed after mandibular osteotomy; and in three cases, a segmental mandibulectomy was performed, and the defect was reconstructed with a fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap. In six cases, tumor excisions were performed without interfering with the mandibular continuity. Patients received postoperative external beam radiotherapy into the primary site and the neck, with a mean dose (+/-SD) of 5900 +/- 1300 cGy in an average of 35 fractions during an average of 6.5 weeks. The average elapsed time between the end of radiation therapy and clinical diagnosis of osteoradionecrosis of the mandible was 11.2 months (range, 2 to 36 months). The time elapse between the end of the radiation therapy and the diagnosis of osteoradionecrosis was influenced by initial treatment (Kruskal-Wallis test: n = 27, chi-square = 12.884, p < 0.005), and this period was shorter if the mandibular osteotomy or marginal mandibulectomy was performed (the two lowest mean ranks in the test). However, if the initial surgery resulted in a segmental mandibulectomy reconstructed with a fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap, onset of the osteoradionecrosis was relatively late (Kruskal-Wallis test: n = 21, chi-square = 7.731, p = 0.052). After resection of osteoradionecrotic bone and surrounding soft tissue, 22 patients underwent reconstructive procedures with a fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap, and five patients underwent reconstructive procedures with an inferior genicular artery osteoperiosteal cutaneous flap. One fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap showed total failure and another showed a 25 percent skin loss; both were revised with pedicled flaps. The skin paddle of an inferior genicular artery flap was replaced with an anterolateral thigh flap because of anatomic variation of the skin vessel. Once the diagnosis of osteoradionecrosis is established, replacement of the dead bone and surrounding tissue with a vascularized free bone flap is inevitable, and a composite osteocutaneous free flap is a good option.     

A life-threatening multilocalized hidradenitis suppurativa case

The patient was a 38-year-old man. He had been suffering from hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) for approximately 20 years. He had active lesions at both axillas, hip, scrotum, and perineum, and inactive lesions located behind the ears, lower abdomen, and posterior neck. He was monitored and treated at different branches; he continuously used antibiotics and was given steroids at times. Antibiotic resistance developed subsequently. His general situation was bad; vital signs were poor; and he was in a state of sepsis and preshock, so this case was regarded as life-threatening. Total excision was performed first on the lesion at the right axilla, then on the lesion at the left axilla, and the parascapular fasciocutaneous flap was reversed. A skin graft was applied to the triangular defect on the scapula. No relapse occurred. Then the lesions at the hip were managed. Broad excision was used twice with the patient under general anesthesia; because the lesions spread to the retrococcygeal and gluteal muscles, coccyx resection and partial gluteal muscle resection were implemented. The defect was eliminated with a progressive flap. At the intergluteal sulcus, small lesions emerging at the median line were debrided with the patient under local anesthesia, and together with secondary recovery, the disease was completely managed. Lesions at the perineum and scrotum and at both inguinal areas were broadly excised and grafted. No lesion has relapsed so far. One year later, Hodgkin's lymphoma was diagnosed, and the patient was treated with chemoradiotherapy easily, because there was no infective focus. The disease is in remission now. The patient weighs 110 kg, is healthy, and is working again.     

单鼻孔-蝶窦入路垂体瘤切除术的体会

目的：探讨经单鼻孔-蝶窦入路垂体瘤切除手术的效果。方法：应用单鼻孔-蝶窦入路切除22例垂体瘤患者。结果：22例患者手术均顺利进行并于术后3月均获随访,全切除14例,次全切除5例,部分切除3例。结论：经单鼻孔-蝶窦入路显微切除垂体瘤属于微侵袭及功能保护性手术,符合现代神经外科的发展方向,严格把握适应症及禁忌症,完善手术技巧是提高手术效果的关键。     

单鼻孔- 蝶窦入路垂体瘤切除术的体会

目的:探讨经单鼻孔-蝶窦入路垂体瘤切除手术的效果。方法:应用单鼻孔-蝶窦入路切除22例垂体瘤患者。结果:22例患者手术均顺利进行并于术后3月均获随访,全切除14例,次全切除5例,部分切除3例。结论:经单鼻孔-蝶窦入路显微切除垂体瘤属于微侵袭及功能保护性手术,符合现代神经外科的发展方向,严格把握适应症及禁忌症,完善手术技巧是提高手术效果的关键。     

Pilonidal sinus of the penis

A pilonidal sinus is a subcutaneous sinus containing hair. It is most commonly found in the natal cleft of hirsute men. Here we describe the unusual finding of a pilonidal sinus arising on the male foreskin.     

Intraarterial chemotherapy: the effects on free-tissue transfer

Multimodal therapy including intraarterial chemotherapy is recognized as state-of-the art therapy for soft-tissue cancer. Multimodal therapy often involves regional limb perfusion followed by sarcoma surgery with reconstruction of the resulting defect. This study was performed in an effort to evaluate the potential of free flap reconstruction after intraarterial therapy. A retrospective chart review of 52 patients who had undergone limb perfusion between 1988 and 1998 at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and the Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Bochum, Germany, identified 16 patients who had undergone intraarterial limb perfusion that was then followed by surgical resection and free flap reconstruction. There were seven women and nine men, with an average age of 37.9 years. All sixteen patients had received preoperative adjuvant systemic chemotherapy. Reconstruction of the lower extremity was performed most commonly with rectus abdominis and latissimus dorsi free flaps. All vessels used for donor recipient anastomosis had been previously perfused. A vein graft was used in one case. Split-thickness skin grafting over the free flaps was used in four cases. The average length of hospitalization was 21.75 days, with an average follow-up of 20 months. No flap loss or infection was observed. Two flaps demonstrated partial edge necrosis. Three patients developed partial split-thickness skin graft loss and one developed a seroma that required no treatment. A draining sinus tract required resection in one patient. The overall flap success rate was 100 percent, with no flap failures. The overall surgical outcome was considered to be good in 12 patients on the basis of improved function and ambulation, and fair in four who had limitations in function and/or ambulation on the basis of both the patient self-evaluation and the physical therapy evaluation. Seven patients had recurrence of their disease. The overall mean survival time after surgery was 20.6 months. Currently, 10 patients are alive and six have died from their disease. The results of this study indicate that preoperative intraarterial chemotherapy does not significantly increase the risk of immediate free flap complications. Although our numbers are small, we believe that there is no clinical evidence justifying hesitation or refusal of free flap reconstruction after limb perfusion and intraarterial chemotherapy. Routine care in vessel selection and microsurgical technique should be performed to maximize favorable outcomes. Vessels should be inspected for their suitability before undertaking any free flap reconstruction.     

PKDL—A Silent Parasite Pool for Transmission of Leishmaniasis in Kala-azar Endemic Areas of Malda District,West Bengal,India

Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a chronic but not life-threatening disease; patients generally do not demand treatment, deserve much more attention because PKDL is highly relevant in the context of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) elimination. There is no standard guideline for diagnosis and treatment for PKDL. A species-specific PCR on slit skin smear demonstrated a sensitivity of 93.8%, but it has not been applied for routine diagnostic purpose. The study was conducted to determine the actual disease burden in an endemic area of Malda district, West Bengal, comparison of the three diagnostic tools for PKDL case detection and pattern of lesion regression after treatment. The prevalence of PKDL was determined by active surveillance and confirmed by PCR based diagnosis. Patients were treated with either sodium stibogluconate (SSG) or oral miltefosine and followed up for two years to observe lesion regression period. Twenty six PKDL cases were detected with a prevalence rate of 27.5% among the antileishmanial antibody positive cases. Among three diagnostic methods used, PCR is highly sensitive (88.46%) for case confirmation. In majority of the cases skin lesions persisted after treatment completion which gradually disappeared during 6–12 months post treatment period. Reappearance of lesions noted in two cases after 1.5 years of miltefosine treatment. A significant number of PKDL patients would remain undiagnosed without active mass surveys. Such surveys are required in other endemic areas to attain the ultimate goal of eliminating Kala-azar. PCR-based method is helpful in confirming diagnosis of PKDL, referral laboratory at district or state level can achieve it. So a well-designed study with higher number of samples is essential to establish when/whether PKDL patients are free from parasite after treatment and to determine which PKDL patients need treatment for longer period.     

伊曲康唑联合全厚皮片移植术治愈着色芽生菌病1例

患者男,47岁.颈部皮损5a,皮损直接镜检可见多个棕色硬壳小体,皮损组织真菌培养为卡氏枝孢瓶霉,皮损组织病理PAS染色可见棕色厚壁孢子.诊断为着色芽生菌病,给予患者口服伊曲康唑胶囊治疗8个月,皮损形成瘢痕,之后采取全厚皮片移植术切除瘢痕,术后继续口服伊曲康唑治疗2个月,皮损痊愈.     

Lower eyelid reconstruction with a cheek flap supported by fascia lata.

The use of a cheek rotation flap is a well-known method for reconstruction of a large defect of the lower eyelid. In this technique, a separate lining tissue supporting the cheek flap is required for full-thickness reconstruction. Previously, a chondromucosal graft or conchal cartilage has been used to support this flap. Recently, we have used a homologous or autologous fascia lata as support for the cheek flap instead of rigid tissues like cartilages. A fascia lata strip is fixed with tolerable tension to the medial canthal tendon and lateral orbital rim. The inner surface of the fascia and the cheek flap is lined with a buccal mucosa graft to decrease irritation of the conjunctiva and cornea. We present here seven patients in whom this procedure was used for lower eyelid reconstruction following resection of a malignant skin tumor. Based on follow-ups of 7 to 22 months, the functional and aesthetic results have been good in all cases. This procedure may be applicable for total or subtotal reconstruction of the lower eyelid.     

超声引导下Mammotome微创旋切术治疗乳腺良性肿块

目的:研究超声引导下Mammotome微创旋切术对乳腺良性肿块的治疗价值。方法:回顾性分析2014年9月至2016年9月在本院就诊的BI-RADS分级为2~3级的387例乳腺良性肿块患者,运用Mammotome对729处乳腺病灶行微创旋切术,分析术后病理、并发症、随访半年后的治疗结果。结果:387例患者的729处乳腺病灶均获一次性成功切除。病理示均为良性病灶,其中32个合并不典型增生。术后出现局部血肿共11例(2.8%),皮下瘀斑共16例(4.1%),所有患者均未发生感染及气胸等严重并发症。术后6个月18个在病灶原部位发现肿块;手术无残留率为97.5%。结论:应用超声引导下Mammotome微创旋切术治疗乳腺良性肿块临床可行。     

The use of free revascularized grafts in the amelioration of hemifacial atrophy

Nine female and three male patients, 5 to 47 years old, were treated by free revascularized grafts for Romberg's disease. Greater omentum was transferred in nine, de-epithelialized skin flaps in three. Follow-up ranges from several months to 7 years. Microvascular failures or donor site complications did not occur. To further trim transferred tissue, overcome gravitational sag, or both, all but one patient required a secondary procedure. The only facial complication included partial loss of the transferred omentum and spotty necrosis of the overlying skin. The choice of omentum or de-epithelialized skin and subcutaneous fat is dictated by the extent of the facial defect. Generalized defects are corrected with omentum and localized segmental defects with de-epithelialized flaps. Because of observed late complications, including chronic inflammation, induration, and sinus tracts, we no longer recommend medical-grade liquid silicone as a therapeutic option in the palliation of Romberg's disease.     

Exophytic growth of a neglected giant subcutaneous Leiomyosarcoma of the lower extremity. A case report

Background

Superficial leiomyosarcoma is an exceedingly uncommon malignant tumor which could be located either to cutaneous or subcutaneous tissues. Increased mass size and depth, advanced tumor staging and inadequate surgical excision are the main prognostic factors for poor result.

Case presentation

We report a rare case of a 71-year-old man with an extensive exophytic lesion (12 × 10 cm) in the anterior-medial side of the proximal right tibia. The lesion was painless and consistently neglected by the patient until a skin trauma caused ulceration of the affected area. Magnetic Resonance Imaging revealed a soft-tissue mass which was well defined from the surrounding bone and muscles. As initial biopsy in another hospital hadn't clarified the true nature of the lesion, new samples were taken and the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma was established. Laboratory examination showed no distant metastasis and wide excision of the neoplasm was decided. After tumor resection, the remaining soft tissue and skin defect was covered with a gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap. The postoperative period was uneventful and wound healing was followed by local radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy. At 3 years follow up, no recurrence or metastasis was identified and the patient was able to walk and stand without impairment of his ambulatory status.

Conclusion

Proper surgical management of soft tissue leiomyosarcoma continues to remain the cornerstone of treatment efficacy and the most important prognostic factor for patients' survival. Reconstruction of the remaining soft tissue defect should be always performed at the same operative time when removal of giant size tumors leaves an uncovered cavity with an inadequate sleeve of muscular and skin tissues.

     

Zinc, Copper, and Selenium Tissue Levels and Their Relation to Subcutaneous Abscess, Minor Surgery, and Wound Healing in Humans

Trace element involvement in wounds left to heal by secondary intention needs clarification. We have previously reported faster healing of wounds following acute surgery compared with elective excision of pilonidal sinus disease. The effect of topical zinc on the closure of the excisional wounds was mediocre compared with placebo. In contrast, parenteral zinc, copper, and selenium combined appear effective for wound healing in humans. We have investigated zinc, copper, and selenium with respect to (a) impact of acute versus chronic pilonidal sinus and (b) regional concentrations within granulating wounds treated topically with placebo or zinc in 42 (33 males) pilonidal disease patients. Baseline serum and skin concentrations of copper correlated (r _S?=?0.351, p?=?0.033, n?=?37), but not of zinc or selenium. Patients with abscesses had elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and copper levels (+29 %; p?<?0.001) compared with the elective patients consistent with the strong correlation between serum copper and CRP (r _S?=?0.715, p?<?0.0005, n?=?41). Seven days after elective surgery, serum CRP and copper levels were elevated (p?=?0.010) versus preoperative values. The copper concentration in wound edges was higher than in periwound skin (p?<?0.0005) and wound base (p?=?0.010). Selenium levels were increased in wound edge compared to wound base (p?=?0.003). Topical zinc oxide treatment doubled (p?<?0.050) zinc concentrations in the three tissue localizations without concomitant significant changes of copper or selenium levels. In conclusion, copper and selenium are mobilized to injured sites possibly to enhance host defense and early wound healing mechanisms that are complementary to the necessity of zinc for matrix metalloproteinase activity.     

Micosis cutánea por Curvularia pallescens en un paciente trasplantado pulmonar: primer caso descrito en España

BackgroundCurvularia is a filamentous dematiaceous fungus increasingly recognized as a pathogen in immunocompromised patients. The most common clinical entities associated with this fungus are allergic sinusitis, cutaneous infection and keratitis. In this article, a report on the first clinical case of Curvularia pallescens cutaneous infection in Spain and its treatment is described.Case reportA 68 year-old man with a history of lung transplantation presented to Dermatology Unit due to a skin lesion in the knee that had been evolving for 6 months. A skin biopsy was performed for its study. In the histopathological study, an intense and non-specific inflammatory reaction in the dermis was observed, and with Grocott stain and periodic acid Schiff abundant septate hyphae and spores were found in the dermis. The culture of the sample revealed a filamentous fungus whose microscopic examination allowed to identify the genus as Curvularia. Using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and molecular identification, the fungus was finally identified as Curvularia pallescens. The patient underwent surgical resection of the lesion and was treated with posaconazole, evolving favorably.ConclusionsThe species of Curvularia should be considered causal agents of fungal skin infections in immunosuppressed patients. This clinical case, which showed good clinical response after surgical resection and treatment with posaconazole, is the first described in Spain due to this species.     

Further observations on clinical, histopathological, and immunological features of borderline disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis

Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis has for some time been considered as the causative agent of two distinct forms of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL): localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL), and anergic diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (ADCL). Recently, a new intermediate form of disease, borderline disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis (BDCL), was introduced into the clinical spectrum of ACL caused by this parasite, and in this paper we record the clinical, histopathological, and immunological features of eight more BDCL patients from Brazilian Amazonia, who acquired the disease in the Pará state, North Brazil. Seven of them had infections of one to two years' evolution and presented with primary skin lesions and the occurrence of metastases at periods varying from six to 12 months following appearance of the first lesion. Primary skin lesions ranged from 1-3 in number, and all had the aspect of an erythematous, infiltrated plaque, variously located on the head, arms or legs. There was lymphatic dissemination of infection, with lymph node enlargement in seven of the cases, and the delayed hypersensitivity skin-test (DTH) was negative in all eight patients prior to their treatment. After that, there was a conversion of DTH to positive in five cases re-examined. The major histopathological feature was a dermal mononuclear infiltration, with a predominance of heavily parasitized and vacuolated macrophages, together with lymphocytes and plasma cells. In one case, with similar histopathology, the patient had acquired his infection seven years previously and he presented with the largest number of disseminated cutaneous lesions. BDCL shows clinical and histopathological features which are different from those of both LCL and ADCL, and there is a good prognosis of cure which is generally not so in the case of frank ADCL.     

Cytology of primary cutaneous Langerhans cell histiocytosis with a malignant phenotype. A case report

BACKGROUND: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a proliferative disorder of Langerhans cells, but the nature of LCH, whether reactive, benign, or malignant and neoplastic, is controversial. We encountered a case of LCH showing a malignant phenotype initially localized in the skin of an elderly woman. Since there is no other report on the cytologic appearance of primary cutaneous LCH or on LCH with a malignant phenotype, we compared the cytologic features of this case with those of benign cases at other sites reported in the literature. CASE: A 74-year-old woman presented with a gradually enlarging and partially ulcerated skin lesion expanding both sides of her right hand. On histologic and ultrastructural analyses of surgically resected tissue, we diagnosed the lesion as Langerhans cell histiocytosis originating in the skin. Although the patient had no recurrence or metastases for six months after surgical resection of the primary skin lesion and radiation therapy, the tumor extended multisystemically, and the patient died of multiple organ failure 14 months after the initial diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Imprint and scrape cytology of multiple skin lesions six months after surgery was useful in immediately diagnosing the recurrent LCH. The tumor cells had indented, twisted or grooved nuclei, and some had intranuclear inclusions. Immunocytochemically the cells were positive for CD1a and S-100 protein. Numerous eosinophils were seen in the background.     

Ruptured aneurysms of sinuses of Valsalva

At least one additional cardiac lesion was present in 18 consecutive patients with ruptured aneurysms of the sinuses of Valsalva who were investigated between 1956 and 1973 at the University of Alberta Hospital. Clinical diagnosis was made in 78% (14/18) of the patients. Confirmation at cardiac catheterization, operation or autopsy was obtained in all but one. The main sites of rupture were the right ventricle (seven cases), right atrium (five) and left ventricle (five). Fifty percent (9/18) are alive and well following prompt operative repair, an average of 8.2 years later (range, six months to 15 years). Replacement of the aortic valve was associated with a high mortality (50% early, 13% late, total 63%) which could be explained by the higher operative risk in this group of very ill patients. Eight patients (44.4%) had had bacterial endocarditis prior to presentation and this may have played a significant role in the rupture of the sinus of Valsalva aneurysm.     

The Clinical Study of Stereotactic Microsurgery

The objective of this study is to investigate the operative methods and therapeutic effects of stereotactic-guided microsurgical resection of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage lesions in functional region. 18 cases of intracranial lesions (diameter 1.5–3 cm) were studied using a Leksell-G stereotactic system. Guided by the CT or MR, a small incision was made and the skull was opened with an annular drill. Electrophysiological stimulation was applied along the non-functional areas. 100 patients with cerebral hemorrhage were randomized into two groups of 50 cases each. One of the groups was treated using microsurgery, while the other group was treated using stereotactic technique. A comparative study was carried out between the two treatment methods for hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage using the recent (1 month) and long-term (6 months) treatment. Using a Leksell-G system for precise positioning of microsurgery, 100 % of the lesion was fully removed. Neurological function was well protected without mortality or neurological deficiency. The use of stereotactic microsurgery for hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage is successful compared with traditional methods. There is a significant clinical effect on the recovery of neurological function in patients. Stereotactic microsurgical resection of the lesion along with Ribbon treatment of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage is an accurate, minimally invasive, safe, and effective surgical method.     

Silicone foam sponge for pilonidal sinus: a new technique for dressing open granulating wounds.

A silicone foam sponge has been used to replace the daily packing of deep granulating wounds with moist sterile gauze. In the treatment of pilonidal sinus use of the sponge demands less nursing time and is more comfortable for the patient than the excision and open granulation technique. Patients can usually return to work soon after operation. The method has many applications in surgery, and widespread application of the technique to the management of granulating wounds could result in considerable savings to the NHS in money and skilled nursing time.     

带腓肠腱膜的腓肠神经营养皮瓣修复KuwadeⅣ型跟腱缺损

目的:回顾性分析带腓肠肌腱膜的腓肠神经营养皮瓣修复KuwadeⅣ型跟腱缺损的临床病例,探讨其手术注意事项及治疗经验。方法:总结2008年5月-2013年8月收治的KuwadeⅣ型跟腱缺损19例,应用带腓肠肌腱膜的腓肠神经营养皮瓣进行一期修复。7例为新鲜损伤,12例为陈旧性缺损。19例跟腱缺损均伴有皮肤及软组织坏死,皮肤缺损范围为4.0 cm×6.0 cm-6.0cm×12.0 cm,跟腱缺损长度为5-9 cm,术中皮瓣切取范围为6.0 cm×5.5 cm-12.0 cm×8.0cm,腓肠腱膜切取范围5.5 cm×6.0cm-10.0 cm×6.0 cm;供区游离植皮修复。客观性评价指标包括关节跖屈、背伸动度及形态学,主观性评价采用AOFAS评分。结果:术后17例跟腱功能重建良好,2例感染控制不良,跟腱移植体部分坏死。皮瓣完全成活13例,创面Ⅰ期愈合。2例术后6天皮瓣远端表皮坏死,经换药后愈合。2例术后10天皮瓣远端部分坏死,经局部皮瓣移位修复愈合,2例感染控制不良者,皮瓣未愈合,移植跟腱部分坏死,经再次清创后,行阔筋膜条修复术,局部皮瓣移位修复。术后19例均获随访,随访时间6~24个月,平均18个月。术后皮瓣略臃肿,但不影响穿鞋,行走功能恢复良好,术后1年AOFAS评分平均80.31分。结论:带腓肠肌腱膜的腓肠神经营养皮瓣用于治疗KuwadeⅣ型跟腱缺损,可以同时修复皮肤及跟腱缺损,是一种较为理想的一期修复方法。