Immediate lymphatic reconstruction with targeted lymphatic axillary repair.

Current surgical treatment for established lymphedema can be challenging and not always successful. To reduce the incidence of post-operative lymphedema, we began trialing targeted lymphatic axillary repair (TLAR) as a technique for immediate lymphatic reconstruction with the aim of reducing post-operative lymphedema incidence. In this observational prospective study, conducted between March 2017 and May 2022, we assessed the effectiveness of TLAR in reducing lymphedema occurrence in consecutive breast cancer patients who underwent surgery involving axillary lymph node dissection (ALND).

Effectiveness of an Exercise and Educational-Based Prehabilitation Program in Patients With Breast Cancer Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (PREOptimize) on Functional Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: The study objective was to determine the effectiveness of a prehabilitation program to decrease postoperative musculoskeletal impairments in patients who have breast cancer and are receiving neoadjuvant therapy (NAT).

Methods: Patients who had breast cancer and were receiving NAT before surgery were invited to participate in this randomized controlled trial. Patients randomized to the intervention group participated in a group-based prehabilitation program consisting of Nordic walking, resistance training, and therapeutic education from month 4 of NAT until before surgery.

Lymphatic Regeneration after Popliteal Lymph Node Excision and Implantation of Aligned Nanofibrillar Collagen Scaffolds: An Experimental Rabbit Model.

Lymphedema presents significant challenges to patients' quality of life, prompting the exploration of innovative treatments, such as collagen scaffolds, aimed at treating and reducing the risk of lymphedema. We aimed to evaluate the preventive and therapeutic efficacy and the lymphangiogenic potential of implanted aligned nanofibrillar collagen scaffolds (BioBridge) following the induction of secondary lymphedema in a rabbit model. Thirty rabbits were divided into treatment (G1), prevention (G2), and control (G3) groups.

Experiences of Patients with Breast Cancer Participating in a Prehabilitation Program: A Qualitative Study.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer diagnosis among women worldwide. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have shown the benefits of exercise before, during, and after cancer treatment to manage side effects related to cancer and its therapies. However, these are poorly implemented across the disease-span, specifically, during the preoperative setting.

Lymphatic Patterns in the Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap.

Background:  Lymphedema is a chronic condition, characterized by fluid buildup and tissue swelling and is caused by impairment of the lymphatic system. The lymph interpositional flap transfer technique, in which lymph flow is restored with a flap that includes subdermal lymphatic channels, is an option for surgical reconstruction. The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap can be used for this purpose.

Lymphaticovenous anastomosis in rabbits: A novel live experimental animal model for supermicrosurgical training.

Background: Lymphaticovenous anastomosis is widely used in lymphedema management. Although its effectiveness in reducing edema in patients can be clinically observed, evaluating the long-term outcomes of this technique can be complex. This study established an animal model to assess the outcomes of lymphaticovenous anastomosis technique at 15 and 30-days post-surgery using indocyanine green lymphography, Patent Blue V dye injection, and histopathological examination.

Immediate Partial Breast and Nipple-Areola Complex Reconstruction Using a Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap.

The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap is a versatile flap that has been described for various applications, mostly for lower extremity coverage and head and neck reconstructions. However, there are few publications reporting its use for breast reconstruction, mainly because of its low volume availability. In this article, we present the case of a patient who successfully underwent a partial breast and immediate nipple-areola complex (NAC) reconstruction with an SCIP flap.

Prophylactic lymphedema surgery in lower limb soft tissue sarcomas: A clinical paradigm in a promising field.

Introduction: Oncological treatments, such as radiotherapy and surgery, are high-risk factors for the development of secondary lymphedema in the upper and lower limbs, as well as the genitalia. Prophylactic lymphedema surgery (PLS) has previously demonstrated promising results in reducing secondary lymphedema in breast cancer and urogenital cancer patients. We conducted a study to adapt this principle for patients with lower-extremity sarcomas.

Risk-of-bias assessment of the randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews on surgical treatments for breast cancer-related lymphedema: A mapping review.

Background: Breast cancer treatment is the principal cause of lymphedema in the upper extremities. Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) treatments were previously based on conservative therapy; surgical treatments are alternative options that could be highly beneficial, especially for patients who are not responsive to conservative therapy. The main aim of this study was to describe and critically assess the risk of bias of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews (SRs) on surgical treatment for BCRL.

Prehabilitation in Patients With Breast Cancer Receiving Neoadjuvant Therapy to Minimize Musculoskeletal Postoperative Complications and Enhance Recovery (PREOPtimize): A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the effects of a prehabilitation program (PREOPtimize), consisting of Nordic Walking and resistance training exercises plus health education among patients with breast cancer, who are receiving neoadjuvant therapy to enhance postoperative functionality of the affected arm. A secondary aim will be to compare the short-term effects of the intervention on other patient-reported outcome measures.

Methods: This will be an assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial with a parallel group design conducted at a tertiary hospital.

Temporal validation of a risk prediction model for breast cancer-related lymphoedema in European population: A retrospective study.

Aims: To perform temporal validation of a risk prediction model for breast cancer-related lymphoedema in the European population.

Design: Temporal validation of a previously developed prediction model using a new retrospective cohort of women who had undergone axillary lymph node dissection between June 2018 and June 2020.

Methods: We reviewed clinical records to identify women who did and did not develop lymphoedema within 2 years of surgery and to gather data regarding the variables included in the prediction model.

Chimeric SCIP flap with iliac bone for reconstruction of foot first ray in a radiated surgical bed: A case report.

Surgical management of sarcoma has evolved from amputation to limb salvage. Nevertheless, subsequent resections in previously irradiated feet are still challenging to reconstruct. First foot ray functional reconstruction is relevant due to its function in weight-bearing and gait.

Popliteal Vascular Lymph Node Resection in the Rabbit Hindlimb for Secondary Lymphedema Induction.

Lymphedema is a common condition often associated with cancer and its treatment, which leads to damage to the lymphatic system, and current treatments are mostly palliative rather than curative. Its high incidence among oncologic patients indicates the need to study both normal lymphatic function and pathologic dysfunction. To reproduce chronic lymphedema, it is necessary to choose a suitable experimental animal.

Delphi survey of intercontinental experts to identify areas of consensus on the use of indocyanine green angiography for tissue perfusion assessment during plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Background: In recent years, indocyanine green angiography (ICG-A) has been used increasingly to assist tissue perfusion assessments during plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures, but no guidelines exist regarding its use. We sought to identify areas of consensus and non-consensus among international experts on the use of ICG-A for tissue-perfusion assessments during plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Methods: A two-round, online Delphi survey was conducted of 22 international experts from four continents asking them to vote on 79 statements divided into five modules: module 1 = patient preparation and contraindications (n = 11 statements); module 2 = ICG administration and camera settings (n = 17); module 3 = other factors impacting perfusion assessments (n = 10); module 4 = specific indications, including trauma debridement (n = 9), mastectomy skin flaps (n = 6), and free flap reconstruction (n = 8); and module 5 = general advantages and disadvantages, training, insurance coverage issues, and future directions (n = 18).

Use of fluorescence imaging during lymphatic surgery: A Delphi survey of experts worldwide.

Background: Fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green is increasingly used during lymphedema patient management. However, to date, no guidelines exist on when it should and should not be used or how it should be performed. Our objective was to have an international panel of experts identify areas of consensus and nonconsensus in current attitudes and practices in fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green use during lymphedema surgery patient management.

Multidisciplinary preventive intervention for breast cancer-related lymphedema: An international consensus.

Objective: To establish a consensus regarding the multidisciplinary prevention of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), taking into account the expert opinion of professional groups from across the world involved in the identification and treatment of breast cancers.

Methods: International consensus study involving a modified nominal group and Delphi process. A total of 50 preventive strategies representing those used by a range of health disciplines involved in breast cancer care were identified by the nominal group.

The extended SCIP flap: An anatomical and clinical study of a new SCIP flap design.

Purpose: We describe a variation of the superficial circumflex inguinal artery perforator (SCIP) flap, based the superficial branch of the superficial circumflex inguinal artery (SCIA) METHODS: The vascular supply of the SCIP flap was prospectively studied in 91 preoperative CT angiograms in patients undergoing reconstruction with other flaps, and verified randomly with a hand-held doppler in 20% of them. Based on the results, a new SCIP flap was designed medial and cranial to the anterosuperior iliac spine (ASIS) using the superficial branch of the SCIA. This flap was used in 39 patients to reconstruct lower limb and head and neck defects RESULTS: The superficial branch of the SCIA was found in all patients and its exit point through Hesselbach's fascia was located within a 21 mm-radius circumference drawn 18 mm medial and 17 mm distal to the ASIS in 90% of the patients.