Artesian Perforator Concept.

In this article, we describe the 'Artesian Perforator Concept', based on the idea that in clinical practice, there are multiple plexuses between perforasomes in addition to the supra-fascial direct and indirect linking vessels that are present within deeper soft tissue, which form part of a deeper vascular reservoir, the equivalent of a vascular 'aquifer'. We then demonstrate the use of this concept clinically for a 45-year-old male patient with median sternotomy wound dehiscence who was reconstructed using the Internal Mammary Artery Perforator and Lateral Thoracic Artery Perforator flaps.

Bibliometric analysis of quality of life in implant-based breast reconstruction.

Background: Implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR), following mastectomy, significantly impacts patients' quality of life (QoL), necessitating accurate measurement through psychometrically robust patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) tools. This bibliometric analysis aims to discern trends, identify gaps, and evaluate the use of such tools in the IBR literature.

Methods: The 100 most cited publications regarding QoL in implant-based reconstruction were identified on Web of Science, across all available journal years (from 1977 to 2024) on 10 March 2024.

The 100 Most-cited Articles in Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Background: Autologous breast reconstruction has continued to increase in popularity and witnessed significant advancements in aesthetic outcomes, patient satisfaction, and improved quality of life. We performed the first bibliometric analysis focused only on the 100 most-cited autologous breast reconstruction articles to characterize any emerging trends and assess the methodological quality of these studies.

Methods: The 100 most-cited articles in autologous breast reconstruction were identified on Web of Science, across all available journals and years.

The application of robotics in plastic and reconstructive surgery: A systematic review.

Background: Robotic assisted surgery (RAS) has seen significant advancement in many surgical specialties, although the application of robotics in plastic and reconstructive surgery remains to be widely established. This systematic review aims to assess the role of RAS in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Methods: The review protocol was published and registered a priori as CRD42024507420.

Smile Outcomes When Using Masseteric Nerve-based Nerve Transfers versus Direct Muscle Neurotization in Facial Palsy Patients.

Unlabelled: When dealing with a weak smile, nerve transfer is a viable strategy. We evaluated outcomes of masseteric nerve to facial nerve transfers and compared them with direct muscle neurotization (DMN).

Methods: In a retrospective cohort study of 20 patients (n = 20), we compared nerve transfer versus DMN over a 6-year period (2016-2021).

Hyponatremia after Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Cohort Study Comparing Two Fluid Management Protocols.

Background:  Perioperative fluid management is an important component of enhanced recovery pathways for microsurgical breast reconstruction. Historically, fluid management has been liberal. Little attention has been paid to the biochemical effects of different protocols.

Safe mobilisation of transverse upper gracilis flap in patients with hip replacements.

Background: The transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flap is easily harvested to recruit a fair volume of tissue from the inner upper thigh region, making it the second choice of certain authors. Hip replacement is deemed prohibitive due to positional requirements that predispose to anterior dislocation of prosthetic femoral heads. In this report, we describe a simple and safe way to raise TUG flap in patients with existing hip prostheses, detailing patient assessments, and technical variations in a limited case series.

Nipple reconstruction with a modified arrow flap.

Background: Nipple reconstruction, which allows a reconstructed breast to assume a more natural look, represents the completion of the breast reconstruction journey. Several techniques have already been described in literature but unfortunately, loss of the projection of the new nipple has been a common problem for all of them. We report our experience using a personal modification of the popular arrow flap, to which we have added maneuvers to compensate for the weaknesses of the conventional procedures.

A three-dimensional scar assessment tool for keloid scars: Volume, erythema and melanin quantified.

Background: There is no non-invasive objective assessment tool to measure keloid scar characteristics over time. This study aimed to ascertain the ability of the Antera 3D camera to detect differences in keloid features pre- and post-steroid injection. In order to identify whether those variation could be considered as treatment response predicting factors.

A new protocol for the treatment of the chronic venous ulcers of the lower limb.

Venous leg ulcer is a pathological condition afflicting prevalently elderly patients, which has been found to have a major impact on individuals' health and social aspects of quality of life. Actually, the best practice treatment is recommended to include wound dressing and multilayer compression therapy. In this study, we have tested the effectiveness and safety of Vulnamin(®), a novel dressing in the form of a metal cellulose gel containing the amino acids glycine, L: -lysine, L: -proline, L: -leucine, and hyaluronic acid, and elastic compressive bandages in the treatment of chronic venous ulcers of the lower limbs.