The "dermal cage": Inferiorly based dermal flap technique for breast reconstruction after mastectomy.

"Direct to implant," "one-stage," or "immediate" breast reconstruction procedures have become extremely popular in the last decade. The additional task of covering the lower pole of the prosthetic implant for stability can be achieved by one of two principal methods: either the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) or alternatively by the use of autologous dermis (inferiorly based dermal flap). In 2013, we published a modification of the inferior pedicle technique for reduction mammaplasty with the principal goal of making a strong, durable, and internalized ``dermal cage'' fixed to the chest wall to support the remaining breast tissue and to prevent the long-term descent of the breast tissue through the effects of gravity.

The "dermal cage": a modification of the inferior pedicle breast reduction.

Unlabelled: In spite of more recent techniques for breast reduction, the inferior pedicle technique has proven to be enduring and still a very popular option in the plastic surgeon's armamentarium despite certain shortcomings. This technique is especially important for treating large breasts with a long sternal notch-to-nipple distance. The modifications we describe in this article overcome some of the main drawbacks of the standard inferior pedicle technique and make the procedure particularly effective when used on appropriately selected patients.

Angiogenesis and melanoma - from basic science to clinical trials.

The effective management of malignant melanoma has remained centred around the surgeon. The arrival of anti-angiogenic agents as the 'fourth' cancer treatment joining the ranks of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy has been a source of renewed hope. This article provides an up-to-date review of the focus, state and rationale of clinical trials of anti-angiogenic therapies in metastatic malignant melanoma.