[Comparison of Two Umbilicoplasty Techniques in 72 Patients after Breast Reconstruction with a Free DIEP Flap].

Introduction: The appearance of the umbilicus after DIEP flap surgery or abdominoplasty plays an important role in aesthetic perception (1). Although the umbilicus has no function, there is no doubt about the importance of its shape for the self-esteem of patients, especially after breast cancer (2). In the present study, we compared two of the preferred techniques described in the literature on 72 patients in terms of aesthetic outcome, complications and sensitivity: the caudal flap (domed shape) and the oval shape of the umbilicus.

[How well are patients informed on the websites of German university breast centres about the possibilities of breast reconstruction?].

Introduction: In recent decades, the internet has become one of the most important sources of information for patients. How substantial are the possibilities to find out about breast reconstruction on the homepages of university hospitals in Germany? Is there information about plastic surgery with its spectrum of modern reconstructive possibilities?

Methods: A total of 35 homepages of university breast centres in Germany was analysed for the indication of cooperation with a plastic surgeon or a department for plastic surgery and their links, with information on reconstructive possibilities such as implant reconstruction, autologous soft tissue reconstruction with pedicled and free flaps as well as lipofilling.

Results: A plastic surgeon or a cooperating department is mentioned on 49 % of the homepages.

[Adequate Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Therapy of Periprosthetic Infections of the Breast - Review of 468 Consecutive Implant Removals].

Periprosthetic infections are feared complications in aesthetic as well as in reconstructive breast surgery. The purpose of our study was to evaluate our institution's specific culture data and to identify most common organisms and suitable antibiotics for prophylaxis and first line treatment in implant-based breast surgery. We analyzed all patients with a change or removal of breast implants in the period from 01.

The central-pedicled intracorial skin-flap technique for reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex (NAC).

Nipple-areola complex (NAC) reconstruction tends to be the final phase of post-mastectomy reconstruction for many cancer patients, as it transforms the amorphous breast mound into a more aesthetically realistic breast. A variety of local-flap based techniques have been reported. In this paper we will describe a cantral-pedicled intracorial skin flap technique.