Forte, Antonio J.

Background: In those undergoing treatment for breast cancer, evidence has demonstrated a significant improvement in survival, and a reduction in the risk of local recurrence in patients who undergo postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT). There is uncertainty about the optimal timing of PMRT, whether it should be before or after tissue expander or permanent implant placement. This study aimed to summarize the data reported in the literature on the effect of the timing of PMRT, both preceding and following 2-stage expander-implant breast reconstruction (IBR), and to statistically analyze the impact of timing on infection rates and the need for explantation. Methods: A comprehensive systematic review of the literature was conducted using the PubMed/Medline, Ovid, and Cochrane databases without timeframe limitations. Articles included in the analysis were those reporting outcomes data of PMRT in IBR published from 2009 to 2017. Chi-square statistical analysis was performed to compare infection and explantation rates between the two subgroups at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria for this study. These studies reported outcomes data for 1565 total 2-stage expander-IBR procedures, where PMRT was used (1145 before, and 420 after, implant placement). There was a statistically significant higher likelihood of infection following pre-implant placement PMRT (21.03%, p = 0.000079), compared to PMRT after implant placement (9.69%). There was no difference in the rate of explantation between pre-implant placement PMRT (12.93%) and postimplant placement PMRT (11.43%). Conclusion: This study suggests that patients receiving PMRT before implant placement in 2-stage expander–implant based reconstruction may have a higher risk of developing an infection.

The risks of systemic anti-coagulation or its reversal are well known but accepted as necessary under certain circumstances. However, particularly in the plastic surgical patient, systemic alteration to hemostasis is often unnecessary when local therapy could provide the needed adjustments. The aim of this review was to provide a summarized overview of the clinical applications of topical anti- and pro-coagulant therapy in plastic and reconstructive surgery. While not a robust field as of yet, local tranexamic acid (TXA) has shown promise in achieving hemostasis under various circumstances, hemostats are widely used to halt bleeding, and local anticoagulants such as heparin can improve flap survival. The main challenge to the advancement of local therapy is drug delivery. However, with increasingly promising innovations underway, the field will hopefully expand to the betterment of patient care.

Background: The morphologic effect of squamosal synostosis has not been clarified, due to its low occurrence rate, and its inclination to be combined with premature closure of other major sutures, especially in syndromic synostosis. This study's goal is to explore the morphological influence of squamosal synostosis in both syndromic and nonsyndromic craniosynostosis patients. Methods: Twenty-five computed tomography (CT) scans from nonsyndromic squamosal synostosis (NSS), Crouzon syndrome with squamosal synostosis (CSS), Crouzon syndrome without squamosal synostosis, and normal controls were included. Three-dimensional (3D) cephalometry, entire cranial volume and cranial fossa volume were measured using Materialise software. Results: The entire cranial volume of all groups was similar. The NSS developed a gradual reduction in the severity of reduced segmental volume from the anterior cranial fossa, to the middle cranial fossa, and to the unaffected volume of posterior cranial fossa. The CSS developed the most severe volume reduction of middle cranial fossa (12608.30 ± 2408.61 mm3 vs 26077.96 ± 4465.74 mm3, 52%), with proportionate volume reduction of the anterior (7312.21 ± 2435.97 mm3 vs 10520.63 ± 2400.43 mm3, 30%) and posterior cranial fossa (33487.29 ± 5598.93 mm3 vs 48325.04 ± 14700.44 mm3, 31%). The NSS developed a narrower anterior cranial fossa, a clockwise rotated Frankfort horizontal plane, and a retracted chin (pogonion). Conclusion: Squamosal synostosis may alter the development of cranial fossa volume, especially the volume of middle cranial fossa. However, the development of cranial base, and related facial features are determined largely by major vault sutures and associated syndromic conditions, rather than the squamosal suture alone. Level of Evidence: II