Immediate nipple-areola-sparing mastectomy reconstruction: An update on oncological and reconstruction techniques

Nipple-sparing mastectomy(NSM) is a safe technique in patients who are candidates for conservation breast surgery. However, there is worry concerning its oncological safety and surgical outcome in terms of postoperative complications. The authors reviewed the literature to evaluate the oncological safety, patient selection, surgical techniques, and also to identify the factors influencing postoperative outcome and complication rates. Patient selection and safety related to NSM are based on oncological and anatomical parameters. Among the main criteria, the oncological aspects include the clinical stage of breast cancer, tumor characteristics and location including small, peripherally located tumors, without multicentricity, or for prophylactic mastectomy. Surgical success depends on coordinated planning with the oncological surgeon andcareful preoperative and intraoperative management. In general, the NSM reconstruction is related to autologous and alloplastic techniques and sometimes include contra-lateral breast surgery. Choice of reconstructive technique following NSM requires accurate consideration of various patient related factors, including: breast volume, degree of ptosis, areola size, clinical factors, and surgeon's experience. In addition, tumor related factors include dimension, location and proximity to the nipple-areola complex. Regardless of the fact that there is no unanimity concerning the appropriate technique, the criteria are determined by the surgeon's experience and the anatomical aspects of the breast. The positive aspects of the technique utilized should include low interference with the oncological treatment, reproducibility, and long-term results. Selected patients can have safe outcomes and therefore this may be a feasible option for early breast cancer management. However, available data demonstrates that NSM can be safely performed for breast cancer treatment in selected cases. Additional studies and longer follow-up are necessary to define consistent selection criteria for NSM.

Surgical solutions to the problem of massive weight loss

In response to the global rise in obesity, bariatric surgery has become increasingly more popular and successful As a result, the demand for body contouring following massive weight loss is rapidly growing. Although bariatric procedures may produce impressive weight loss, people who achieve massive weight loss are often unhappy with the hanging folds of skin and subcutaneous tissue that remain. This review examines the nature of the post-bariatric deformity in each body region and briefly reviews common approaches to their treatment.

Lower Blepharoplasty Review, Transcon-junctival vs. Transcutaneous Approach

Currently in lower blepharoplasty, the transconjunctival approach indication has been limited to young patients without skin excess and prominence of bags;in our practice this access has become the preferred technique in most of our cases because it is simpler, faster, prevents bad scarring, produces less orbicularis muscle trauma, and decreases postoperative edema and possible retractions (ectropion) in patients with decreased lower palpebral tone. Objective: To identify important concepts when deciding this approach. Material and Methods: Retrospective review of 177 patients who underwent lower blepharoplasty by a single surgical group. Regarding techniques, the transconjunctival approach was selected in 42% of patients while the transcutaneous technique was preferred in 58%. Results: A lower rate of complications was observed by the transconjunctival approach, with greater patient satisfaction. Conclusions: In our experience, due to its simplicity and less traumatic effect on the patient, the transconjunctival approach is an ideal technique, except in cases where there is lower eyelid weakness and surgical resolution is needed.

Two Crossed Dermal Flaps for Prevention of Bottoming out after Breast Reduction

Introduction: Breast reduction is one of the most prevalent plastic surgery procedures in Syria and the world, bottoming out on the other hand is one of the most happened disadvantages after breast reduction with inferior pedicle technique. Different techniques were used to prevent this deformity after inferior pedicle. In this study we tried to prevent bottoming out by using two crossed dermal flaps suspending the inferior pedicle to the periosteum of the 2nd rib. Methods and materials: 32 patients had breast reduction surgery using inferior pedicle technique at Almowassat University Hospital in Damascus. We divide them into 2 groups, 16 patients each. First group we used crossed dermal flaps with the inferior pedicle and the second group was without these flaps, the dermal flaps had a base on the side of the inferior pedicle base, crossed anterior to it in the middle point between the lower edge of the areola and the IMF and then sutured to the periosteum of the 2nd rib on each side. Results: Preoperatively, the average distance between the inframammary fold and areola was 14.5 cm (range, 11 - 18 cm) in the first group without dermal flaps and 14 cm in the second group with dermal flaps. The average amount of breast parenchymal resection was 790 g (range, 140 - 1600 g). The average distance between the inframammary fold and the lower border of the areola was 8.5 cm (range, 7.5 - 9 cm) on the postoperative first-year measurements in the group with flaps and 10.2 cm (8.6 - 11.4 cm) in the other group. Conclusion: Inferior pedicle suspension using crossed dermal flaps has a real role in preventing bottoming out, without using any allogenic or alloplastic materials, making it one of the considered ways in preventing bottoming after breast reduction.

Inferior Pedicle Breast Reduction for the Management of Gestational Gigantomastia: Literature Review and a Case Presentation

Background: The actual cause of Gestational gigantomastia (Gg) remains a dilemma. Its treatment has ideally been surgical, employing most commonly the different pedicle techniques in the last decade. Aim: This paper reviews the literature on the management of Gg using the inferior pedicle technique (IPT) and supports it with a successful case presentation using the IPT. Method: Using the PubMed search engine and Google scholar, literature search was done for Gg treated with the inferior pedicle reduction method. Published literature from other sources was also included. Data obtained was cleaned and analysed. The inferior pedicle breast reduction technique was employed without any modification in the normal procedure for the case presented. Results: Thirty-one literature addressing Gg and IPT were identified. Most surgeons use this technique with very good outcomes. Our patient confirmed reduced breast mould, firm and adolescent looking breast with no back, shoulder, neck and rib pains. She also experienced with time increased nipple areolar sensation, ability to undertake all tasks with ease and a new sense of confidence. Conclusion: The inferior pedicle breast reduction technique can be the standard treatment for gestational gigantomastia with the length from suprasternal notch to the nipple ≤ 50 cm that present without any anatomical complications.