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Summary Introduction This study evaluates COVID-19 related patient risk, when undergoing management within one of the largest specialist centres in Europe, which rapidly implemented national COVID-19 safety guidelines. Method A prospective cohort study was undertaken in all patients who underwent surgical (n = 1429) or non-operative (n = 191) management during the UK COVID-19 pandemic peak (April–May 2020); all were evaluated for 30-day COVID-19 related death. A representative sample of elective/trauma/burns patients (surgery group, n = 729) were selected and also sub-analysed within a controlled cohort study design. Comparison was made to a random selection of non-operatively managed (non-operative group, n = 100) or waiting list (control group, n = 250) patients. These groups were prospectively followed-up and telephoned from the end of June (control group) or at 30 days post-first assessment (non-operative group)/post-operatively (surgery group). Results Complex general (9.2%, 136/1483) or regional (5.0%, 74/1483) anaesthesia cases represented 14.2% (210/1483) of operations undertaken. There were no 30-day post-operative (0/1429)/first assessment (0/191) COVID-19 related deaths. Neither the three sub-speciality plastic surgery, or non-operative groups, displayed increases in post-operative/first assessment symptoms in comparison to each other, or to control. The proportion of COVID-19 positive tests were: 7.1% (1/14) (non-operative), 5.9% (2/34) (burns) and 3.0% (3/99) (trauma); there were however no significant differences between these groups, the elective (0%, 0/54) and control (0%, 0/24) groups (p = 0.236). Conclusion We demonstrate that even heterogeneous sub-speciality patient groups, who required operative/non-operative management, did not incur an increased COVID-19 risk compared to each other or to control. These highly encouraging results were achieved with described, rapidly implemented service changes that were tailored to protect each patient group and staff.

The earlobe represents an important element in the aesthetic appearance of the entire ear. Reconstruction of the earlobe is challenging. The authors present a reconstructive option following wide excision of melanoma of the earlobe that facilitates sentinel lymph node biopsy from the neck without further incision. We report satisfactory results obtained using this technique for immediate earlobe reconstruction. We present two cases of malignant melanoma of the earlobe. Both cases were treated with a 1-cm wide local excision of melanoma scar of the ear lobe and reconstruction with double opposing local transposition flaps and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) of the neck via the skin flap incisions without further need for incision extension. This is a technique for earlobe reconstruction that provides satisfactory results that can be performed in a single stage procedure simultaneously allowing access for sentinel lymph node biopsy from the cervical, pre- and post-auricular lymph node basins. We feel this technique is an option to be considered when treating melanoma of the earlobe requiring SLNB. Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.

Scrotal skin loss can occur following trauma, Fournier's gangrene, post tumour excision, burns, etc. There are many techniques described in the literature including residual scrotal skin mobilization, skin grafts, pedicled and free flaps. The management is complex and challenging shown by the multiplicity of flaps and techniques described in the literature. We used a modified pudendal thigh flap to reconstruct scrotal defects in five patients. This study describes the vascularity of the flap, technique of elevation and the inset of the flap. The elevation and particularly the insetting make it different from other flaps raised on this vascular network for scrotal reconstruction. This pedicled flap is robust, reliable, resilient and produces a neo-scrotum that looks natural in appearance, offers good-quality skin cover and cushion to the testes as well as protective sensation.