3D Volumetric Modeling and Microvascular Reconstruction of Irradiated Lumbosacral Defects after Oncologic Resection

Background: Locoregional flaps are sufficient in most sacral reconstructions. However, large sacral defects due to malignancy necessitate a different reconstructive approach, with local flaps compromised by radiation and regional flaps inadequate for broad surface areas or substantial volume obliteration. In this report, we present our experience using free muscle transfer for volumetric reconstruction in such cases, and demonstrate 3D haptic models of the sacral defect to aid preoperative planning.Methods: Five consecutive patients with irradiated sacral defects secondary to oncologic resections were included, surface area ranging from 143-600cm2. Latissimus dorsi-based free flap sacral reconstruction was performed in each case, between 2005 and 2011. Where the superior gluteal artery was compromised, the subcostal artery was used as a recipient vessel. Microvascular technique, complications and outcomes are reported. The use of volumetric analysis and 3D printing is also demonstrated, with imaging data converted to 3D images suitable for 3D printing with Osirix software (Pixmeo, Geneva, Switzerland). An office-based, desktop 3D printer was used to print 3D models of sacral defects, used to demonstrate surface area and contour and produce a volumetric print of the dead space needed for flap obliteration. Results: The clinical series of latissimus dorsi free flap reconstructions is presented, with successful transfer in all cases, and adequate soft-tissue cover and volume obliteration achieved. The original use of the subcostal artery as a recipient vessel was successfully achieved. All wounds healed uneventfully. 3D printing is also demonstrated as a useful tool for 3D evaluation of volume and dead-space.Conclusion: Free flaps offer unique benefits in sacral reconstruction where local tissue is compromised by irradiation and tumor recurrence, and dead-space requires accurate volumetric reconstruction. We describe for the first time the use of the subcostal artery as a recipient in free flap sacral reconstruction. 3D printing of haptic bio-models is a rapidly evolving field with a substantial role in preoperative planning

Quemaduras por aire caliente en saunas: Lesiones fatales y poco frecuentes

Los baños de sauna son una actividad lúdica muy popular en Finlandia y es considerada segura incluso en pacientes embarazadas o con proble- mas cardiacos, pero la mezcla de alcohol y sauna puede ser peligrosa. En una sauna fi nlandesa normal la temperatura se encuentra entre los 80° y 90º. En todos los grupos de edad se produce una amplia variedad de quemaduras en relación con las saunas: las escaldaduras y quemaduras por contacto suman un 85%, mientras que las quemaduras por aire caliente, vapor o llamas son sólo el 15% restante. La deshidratación en los pacientes bajo la infl uencia del alcohol amplifi ca el riesgo de hipotensión que disminuye la circulación sanguínea en la piel. Esto incrementa el calentamiento de la piel, con un efecto más marcado en las partes externas y superiores expuestas al aire caliente. Estos pacientes requieren ingreso en la UCI de la unidad de quemados, reposición líquida siguiendo la fórmula de Parkland, diuresis forzada, corrección de la acidosis y mioglobinuria, puesto que presentan una rabdomiolisis signifi cativa. El mejor factor de supervivencia hasta ahora ha sido la P-CK en el segundo día. Es necesaria una exploración radiológica (TAC) para diagnosticar las condiciones subyacentes a la pérdida de consciencia. La zona necrótica se extiende a la grasa subcutánea e incluso a los músculos subyacentes. El nivel típico de desbridamiento es fascial, y en algunas áreas, también es necesario extirpar capas del músculo. Es importante conocer la extensión de este tipo de quemaduras para no subestimar la severidad de estas lesiones. INGLÉS: Sauna bathing is a popular recreational activity in Finland and is generally considered safe even for pregnant women and patients suffering from heart problems; but mixing alcohol with sauna bathing can be hazardous. In the normal Finnish recreational sauna the temperature is usually between 80 and 90 degrees C. A wide variety of burn injuries, in all age groups, are related to sauna bathing; scalds and contact burns account for over 85% while hot air, steam and flame burns for only 15%. Dehydration in patients under the influence of alcohol heightens the risk of hypotension which impairs skin blood circulation. This increased warming of the skin is an effect that is more marked on the outer and upper parts of the body exposed to hot air. Such patients require intensive care on admission: fluid replacement according to the Parkland formula, forced diuresis and immediate correction of acidosis and myoglobinuria. These patients have significant rhabdomyolysis on admission. The best predictor of survival is the creatine kinase level on the second post-injury day. CT scans are necessary to diagnose the underlying conditions of unconsciousness. The necrotic area extends to subcutaneous fat tissue and even to the underlying muscles. The level of excision is typically fascial and, in some areas, layers of the muscle must be removed. Owing to the popularity of sauna bathing throughout the world, it is important to know the extent of damage in this type of injury, in order not to underestimate the severity of such lesions

Planning and optimising DIEP flaps with virtual surgery: the Navarra experience

Methods to improve operative outcomes in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap surgery have previously focussed on operative technique and postoperative-course modification. Recently, preoperative imaging has become capable of mapping the entire course of perforating vessels, including those vessels as small as 0.3 mm, enabling 'virtual surgery' to be performed preoperatively. This has been shown to facilitate faster and safer surgery. The recent 'Navarra' meeting classified current imaging modalities and discussed the current status of imaging modalities for this role. This article discusses the current expectations and optimal techniques for achieving these outcomes through the available imaging modalities: Doppler ultrasound, colour Doppler ( duplex) ultrasound, computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Features of imaging that are of importance to the surgeon are explored, and a consensus statement has been developed that describes exactly what the current imaging modalities should aim to deliver to the surgeon prior to operating, as well as the benefits and pitfalls of each of these modalities. The techniques described herein permit the radiologist and the surgeon to perform virtual surgery together, preoperatively.</p

Tratamiento quirúrgico de linfedema peneano secundario a hidrosadenitis supurativa

Penoscrotal lymphedema is a rare disease in the developed countries, although it is relatively frequent in tropical countries. The most common cause is filariasis, although in our practice usually is associate to neoplasic and inflammatory processes, surgery, radiotherapy, hidroelectrolitic disbalances and idiopathic. We present a 22 years old patient with penoscrotal lymphedema due to hidradenitis suppurativa. After unsuccessful medical treatment, was performed a total excision of the penile skin and subcutaneous tissue to Buck's fascia. Split thickness skin grafts were used to cover the defect. Even medical management of penoscrotal lymphedema is not effective for most patients, surgery is a safe and effective procedure that gives excellent functional and cosmetic results

Non-O1 Vibrio cholerae inguinal skin and soft tissue infection with bullous skin lesions in a patient with a penis squamous cell carcinoma

Vibrio spp. is a pathogen rarely isolated in cancer patients, and in most cases it is associated with haematological diseases. Cutaneous manifestations of this organism are even rarer. We report a case of Non-O1 Vibrio cholerae inguinal skin and soft tissue infection presenting bullous skin lesions in a young type II diabetic patient with a penis squamous cell carcinoma having a seawater exposure history

Quemaduras por aire caliente en saunas: Lesiones fatales y poco frecuentes

Los baños de sauna son una actividad lúdica muy popular en Finlandia y es considerada segura incluso en pacientes embarazadas o con proble- mas cardiacos, pero la mezcla de alcohol y sauna puede ser peligrosa. En una sauna fi nlandesa normal la temperatura se encuentra entre los 80° y 90º. En todos los grupos de edad se produce una amplia variedad de quemaduras en relación con las saunas: las escaldaduras y quemaduras por contacto suman un 85%, mientras que las quemaduras por aire caliente, vapor o llamas son sólo el 15% restante. La deshidratación en los pacientes bajo la infl uencia del alcohol amplifi ca el riesgo de hipotensión que disminuye la circulación sanguínea en la piel. Esto incrementa el calentamiento de la piel, con un efecto más marcado en las partes externas y superiores expuestas al aire caliente. Estos pacientes requieren ingreso en la UCI de la unidad de quemados, reposición líquida siguiendo la fórmula de Parkland, diuresis forzada, corrección de la acidosis y mioglobinuria, puesto que presentan una rabdomiolisis signifi cativa. El mejor factor de supervivencia hasta ahora ha sido la P-CK en el segundo día. Es necesaria una exploración radiológica (TAC) para diagnosticar las condiciones subyacentes a la pérdida de consciencia. La zona necrótica se extiende a la grasa subcutánea e incluso a los músculos subyacentes. El nivel típico de desbridamiento es fascial, y en algunas áreas, también es necesario extirpar capas del músculo. Es importante conocer la extensión de este tipo de quemaduras para no subestimar la severidad de estas lesiones. INGLÉS: Sauna bathing is a popular recreational activity in Finland and is generally considered safe even for pregnant women and patients suffering from heart problems; but mixing alcohol with sauna bathing can be hazardous. In the normal Finnish recreational sauna the temperature is usually between 80 and 90 degrees C. A wide variety of burn injuries, in all age groups, are related to sauna bathing; scalds and contact burns account for over 85% while hot air, steam and flame burns for only 15%. Dehydration in patients under the influence of alcohol heightens the risk of hypotension which impairs skin blood circulation. This increased warming of the skin is an effect that is more marked on the outer and upper parts of the body exposed to hot air. Such patients require intensive care on admission: fluid replacement according to the Parkland formula, forced diuresis and immediate correction of acidosis and myoglobinuria. These patients have significant rhabdomyolysis on admission. The best predictor of survival is the creatine kinase level on the second post-injury day. CT scans are necessary to diagnose the underlying conditions of unconsciousness. The necrotic area extends to subcutaneous fat tissue and even to the underlying muscles. The level of excision is typically fascial and, in some areas, layers of the muscle must be removed. Owing to the popularity of sauna bathing throughout the world, it is important to know the extent of damage in this type of injury, in order not to underestimate the severity of such lesions