Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans is a rare mesenchymal tumor, highly infiltrative and with a high recurrence rate. Despite its localization may vary, the trunk is widely recognized as the most common interested site. We read with interest the recent article published by Longo et al. "Recurrent dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the clavicular region: radical excision and reconstruction with Latissimus Dorsi myocutaneous flap"; since their case is very similar to one we faced in 2016. In this letter, we present our experience with the Thoraco-acromial artery perforator flap (TAAP) for reconstruction of a recurrent DFSP of the clavicular region.
Background
Ear defect reconstruction still remains a surgical challenge today. Proper reconstruction should result in correction of the deformity with minimum morbidity with the aim of achieving the most esthetically pleasing outcome possible. Herein, we present our clinical experience with propeller flap reconstruction of external ear defects with a focus on indications and surgical technique.
Methods
Fourteen patients underwent surgery at our Plastic Surgery Unit between January 2015 and October 2019. After identifying perforators with a handheld Doppler ultrasound, a tailor-made flap was designed for each patient. Following tumor excision, dissection of the pedicle and of the remaining flap was performed with the aid of surgical loops. Flap in-setting and donor site closure were final steps.
Results
Flaps have survived in their entirety in almost all our patients (13/14) maintaining optimal color and elasticity and showing no complications. In one case, a superficial distal necrosis was observed and, in another patient, tumor recurrence took place.
Conclusions
Propeller flaps offer great advantages when used in ear reconstruction ensuring excellent esthetic results with a one-stage technique. Nevertheless, it must be kept in mind that good dissection skills are required in order to avoid complications.
Level of evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic study.
Epithelioid hemangioma is a rare reactive vasoproliferative disease presenting with painless vascular nodules in the dermal and subcutaneous tissues of the head and neck. Clinical diagnosis can be difficult as, in most cases, the only symptom is a progressively tender swelling next to a vessel course. Thus far, few cases of epithelioid hemangioma localized to the nose have been described in the literature. Herein, we present a case of a 47-year-old woman with just such a lesion of the nose, focusing on its diagnosis and treatment.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.