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Summary Background The extent of breast and chest-wall deformity varies widely in Poland syndrome, and a variety of techniques are required to correct them. The aim of this study is to analyse our experience and long-term follow-up, and to propose an algorithmic approach to this complex deformity. Patients and methods Retrospective case-note review from a prospectively maintained database was carried out on 37 patients. All patients treated between 1993 and 2013 were reviewed, and long-term outcome was assessed by an objective photographic documentation. The patients were invited to a photographic documentation, and the correlation between the subjective judgement and objective results in the late course was analysed. Based on our experience, we propose an algorithmic approach to this complex skeletal and soft-tissue deformity. Results Medical photographs were obtained from 32 patients (22 females and 10 males). The age range was 11–44 years. Significant reduction in asymmetry was possible in all patients. The mean follow-up time was 8.5 years (range, 2.2–20). The complex developmental defect involved the skin, subcutaneous tissue, breast, muscle, ribs and other skeletal abnormalities. The following treatments were applied alone or in combination: lipomodelling, liposuction, tissue expansion and implants, custom-made prosthesis, islanded pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flaps, pedicled and free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis flaps, prosthetic chest-wall reconstruction and various combinations including multistage procedures. Surgery on the contralateral breast in female and male patients was necessary in 22 patients (20 female and two male). Assessment of the late result by four non-professionals (two females and two males) and one male plastic surgeon showed that the objective aesthetic results of the authors' reconstructions according to the proposed algorithm were sufficient. Conclusions Poland syndrome is a complex developmental deformity in which several tissues are involved. It is crucial to have an armamentarium of techniques to tackle a variety of defects to meet patients' expectations, and to improve their quality of life. The clinical outcome of the currently presented algorithm proved beneficial in the decision process for the treatment of these congenital deformities.

Summary Implant based breast reconstruction after risk reducing mastectomy (RRM) is challenging as implants are inadequately covered in their lower pole. Also complication rates with one stage procedures are significant. We describe a novel method of pre-expansion by inserting subpectoral anatomical expandable implants to prepare the breast mound before RRM is carried out. Lipomodelling is later used to enhance the overall result of the reconstruction. Six patients who were BRCA 1 mutation carriers requested bilateral RRM. Median age was 31. All were non-smokers. Anatomical expandable implants were inserted via an inframammary incision and were expanded in the next two months. RRM was carried out 6–13 months later and was followed by lipomodelling seven months afterwards. Four patients had a nipple sparing mastectomy. In three cases access was via the previous inframammary scar. In all cases complete implant cover had been achieved. There were no early postoperative complications but one patient has developed grade III capsular contracture on the side of previous wide local tumour excision and radiotherapy. Five patients have so far undergone post-mastectomy lipomodelling to improve breast contour. In conclusion, we believe that our technique provides better aesthetic results with reduced complication rates for these patients.

Gender reassignment procedures are performed more frequently nowadays due to a multidisciplinary approach and improved techniques and selection process. Many male-to-female patients require bilateral breast augmentation as part of the transformation following the gender reassignment if they fail to develop female breast features after hormonal treatment. We report on a very rare incidence of male-to-female gender reassignment in a patient with Poland syndrome. A male-to-female transsexual on hormonal therapy for gender reassignment developed one normal female-shaped breast whereas the other breast remained hypoplastic. As a male, he was not aware of his chest wall deformity but it became a major issue after successful gender reassignment surgery. Our experience with the specific reconstructive considerations and recommendations regarding our surgical approach to this complex reconstructive problem are discussed.

Dermatography has been used in medicine both for aesthetic purposes as permanent make-up or for coverage of scars, defects and skin colour abnormalities. These procedures demand skill and usually more than one session to achieve the desired result. We present an innovative idea from some of our plastic surgery patients to camouflage their scars using decorative tattooing done by non-medical professional tattooists. Long abdominal scars were covered with symmetrical tattoo designs rendering the scars inconspicuous even on close inspection. As tattooing is less of a social taboo nowadays and, indeed, quite acceptable among many of the younger generations, this method could be presented as an option to camouflage scars of the trunk and the limbs that are unacceptable or undesirable, especially in patients who already have tattoos on other parts of their bodies.

Summary The pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap remains a popular choice for patients requesting breast reconstruction. Criticism of all techniques that harvest the rectus abdominis muscle centre on abdominal wall weakness.[Dulin WA, Avila RA, Verheyden CN, Grossman L. Evaluation of abdominal wall strength after TRAM flap surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg 2004; 113 : 1662–1665] 1 Primary fascial closure of the donor site has been shown to reduce abdominal wall weakness and the subsequent risk of hernia and bulge.[Mizgala CL, Hartrampf CR Jr, Bennett GK. Abdominal function after pedicled TRAM flap surgery. Clin Plast Surg 1994; 21 : 255–272] 2 Primary fascial closure of all uni-lateral and most bilateral muscle preserving TRAM flap donor sites is possible. In a series of 23 bilateral TRAM flaps, excessive abdominal tension prevented direct fascial closure of the donor site in seven. Using a technique that includes muscle preservation, muscle relaxation and mesh assistance; tensionfree, direct fascial closure was achieved in all. The mesh buttress supports the rectus sheath during closure and provides long term shape and stability.

A new method for the measurement of the interdigital webs of the hand is described and is shown to be reproducible. Measurements are taken from photographs and the method would be suitable for the comparison of post–operative appearances in the evaluation of “web creep” after surgery.

Epidermoid inclusion cysts are a relatively common finding following superficial trauma. Inclusion cysts have previously been reported following rhinoplasty, but these have been mucosal cysts and one case of a paraffinoma. A case of multiple recurrent epidermoid inclusion cysts, developing in relation to rhinoplasty, is presented.

The radial forearm island flap may be used for resurfacing areas of skin in the upper limb. It allows a safe one stage reconstruction of skin loss providing thin, pliable and innervated skin cover. We present five cases which demonstrate the versatility of the flap.

In 14 cases aged 9-79 years the radial forearm flap has been used for reconstruction. Of 4 island flaps, 2 were distally based (1 with nerve anastomosis) and 2 proximally based (1 innervated). Of the free flaps, 7 were for intra-oral lining following major resection and 3 of these included hemi-radius for mandibular reconstruction. Most flaps were put into a hostile environment resulting from chronic infection and/or radiotherapy or fast neutron therapy. Two flaps failed including one osseocutaneous free flap. Important anatomical, pre-operative and operative aspects are considered, including a description of the timed Allen test, and potential pitfalls and refinements are described.