Perineal reconstruction supplemented by abdominal advancement following recurrent penile cancer: Two cases

Reconstruction after excision of locoregionally recurrent penile cancer can be a surgical challenge. In this short study, we present two cases of perineal reconstruction using bilateral gracilis flaps supplemented by abdominal advancement for salvage of recurrent penile cancer, reviewing relevant literature and outlining our local approach to the perineum.

Risk of Thromboembolism Following Body-Contouring Surgery After Massive Weight Loss

BACKGROUND

"Postbariatric" patients are at significant risk for increased postoperative complications. This study aimed to define the risk of venous thromboembolism following body-contouring surgery after massive weight loss.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients who had undergone all forms of body-contouring procedures after massive weight loss between January 2005 and August 2012 at St George's Hospital, South West London, United Kingdom. Data were collected on patient demographics, comorbidities, risks factors for thromboembolism, preoperative and postoperative body mass index, and type of surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 135 operations were performed on 53 patients (43 females, 10 male), with an average age of 44.8 years (range, 26-56 years). Most had staged procedures including 55 abdominoplasties, 23 brachioplasties, 31 thigh lifts, 14 lower-body lifts, and 12 mastopexies. All patients received venous thromboembolism prophylaxis postoperatively including low-molecular-weight heparin (dalteparin) within an average of 22.5 hours after surgery and the application of intraoperative graduated compression stockings. Patients received dalteparin for an average of 4 days (range, 2-14 days), which correlated to their length of stay. One patient had a deep venous thrombosis 14 days postoperatively and then 2 days later developed a nonfatal pulmonary embolus, giving a venous thromboembolism prevalence of 0.74% (1/135).

CONCLUSIONS

The clinically apparent venous thromboembolism prevalence was low among patients undergoing body-contouring procedures after massive weight loss in this study. We provide evidence of a successful algorithm to prevent venous thromboembolism for patients undergoing body-contouring procedures after massive weight loss.

Patient satisfaction with receiving skin cancer diagnosis by letter: comparison with face-to-face consultation

Providing patients with clear and concise information is central to modern medical practice. Patients diagnosed with skin cancer are traditionally told their result by face-to-face consultation in the outpatient clinic. Previous studies have shown poor patient satisfaction with the traditional outpatient consultation. The skin oncology service at Kingston Hospital uses two different methods to inform selected patients of their skin cancer diagnosis. Those diagnosed with thin melanoma (MM) or squamous cell carcinoma (<2 cm) (SCC) are informed by letter (with an accompanying information leaflet), or seen in outpatient clinic for a face-to-face consultation. However, it is unclear which of these methods patients prefer. We performed a retrospective postal questionnaire survey to elicit the views of patients that had been informed of their skin cancer by these two methods. Patients had been diagnosed with either MM or SCC between February 2005 and March 2006. Demographic details and patient satisfaction using five-point Likert scales were determined. Of the eligible 118 patients, 90 (76%) completed the questionnaire. Questionnaires from five respondents were incorrectly completed and excluded from further analysis. Of the final 85 patients, 41 (48%) were told their diagnosis via face-to-face consultation (clinic) and 44 (52%) by letter. The demographic profile of both groups was similar (P>0.05). Patients of both groups had a similar expectation of being told a skin cancer diagnosis (P>0.05). A high level of satisfaction was expressed for both methods of communication, with no difference between the groups (P>0.05). In the letter group, patients placed more value on convenience than preference to seeing a doctor (P<0.001). The option of contacting a support nurse was also cited as a reassuring feature. The findings of this study suggest disclosure of skin cancer diagnosis by letter has high satisfaction, for selected patients. Using this method of communication may ultimately lessen the burden on outpatient service.

The Split Skin Graft Donor Site: Can Pretreatment with Vitamin a Cream Help?

Background

A skin graft donor site that heals rapidly with less cosmetic sequelae is of particular benefit to children with burns. Vitamin A cream has been shown to speed up healing after controlled ‘burns’ (dermabrasion and CO2 laser) if it is applied six weeks before treatment.

Objective

To assess whether pretreatment with vitamin A cream increases the rate of healing of split skin graft donor sites in children with burns.

Methods

Prospective study of children with hot water burns of 8% to 30% that required split thickness skin grafting. Vitamin A cream was applied bidaily to one thigh and/or buttock of each child for five to seven days before skin grafting. At surgery, equal thickness grafts were harvested from both thighs and/or buttocks. Biopsies were taken from each thigh and/or buttock and were sent for histological analysis. The rate of donor site healing was monitored clinically and with serial photographs.

Results

No difference in the rate of healing was noted between the treated and untreated sides by either histological or clinical criteria.

Conclusions

Vitamin A cream applied bidaily for a period of five to seven days did not affect the healing rate of the split skin graft donor sites in children with burns.