BackgroundReconstruction of large scalp defects after tumor resection is a challenging problem. We aimed at putting an algorithm for reconstruction of those defects.MethodsForty-two patients with scalp malignancies were enrolled in this study. Tumors were resected to a 1 cm negative margin and defects were reconstructed according to their size and to patient general condition.ResultsNo peri-operative mortality was encountered. Usage of free flaps was superior in cosmoses and function with an acceptable rate of complications.Conclusionfor scalp defects wider than100 cm2, the best tool of reconstruction is free flaps. Pedicled distant flaps are reserved if free flaps are not feasible or failed. Split thickness skin grafts are cosmetically inferior and not suitable for recurrent and irradiated tumours and better reserved for patients who cannot tolerate major operations.

Introduction:Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Egyptian women. The disease is often advanced at diagnosis. Since molecular profiling is not feasible in routine practice, we sought to examine the association of age distribution with hormone receptor profile, disease stage and outcome among Egyptian women.Patients and methods:We conducted a retrospective review of breast cancer patients treated at Mansoura University Cancer Center in the Nile Delta from 2006 through 2011. Age groups were examined in relation to hormone receptors status and tumor clinicopathological criteria. Additionally, the effect of receptor status on disease relapse and disease-free survival was examined with logistic regression and Kaplan–Meier analysis.Results:A total of 263 patients were included in the current analysis. About 66.9% (n = 176) of patients were hormone receptor positive, 14.1% (n = 37) were Her2/neu positive, and 19.0% (n = 50) were triple negative. Median age of the patients was 52 years and was equal across all receptor status types. Triple negative status correlated with increased risk of disease relapse (odds ratio = 1.8, P = 0.03) and with shortened disease-free survival (hazards ratio = 2.6, P < 0.01).Conclusion:The age distribution and receptor status pattern in the Nile Delta region does not explain the aggressive behavior of the disease. The age of the patients at diagnosis is older than patients in earlier studies from Egypt emphasizing the importance of implementing mammographic screening programs.

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AimPleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign tumor of the parotid gland and is classically treated with superficial or total parotidectomy. Less radical surgeries have been proposed to minimize the risk of facial nerve injury. The oncological safety of these procedures remains controversial. We conducted this study to evaluate the safety of superficial hemi-lobectomy (quadrantectomy).Patients and methodsRetrospective analysis was conducted on the paraffin sections of archived superficial parotidectomy specimens from 11 male and 6 female patients (median age 33 years). The microscopic extent of extra-capsular extension was determined on pathological revision. In addition, prospective evaluation of 12 quadrantectomy procedures (M/F = 7/5, median age = 36 years) compared to 24 radical surgeries (M = F, median age = 40 years) regarding temporary and persistent facial nerve dysfunction on routine clinical assessment and recurrence rate.ResultsOn retrospective pathological revision, pleomorphic adenomata had a median microscopic spread of 3 mm beyond capsule in paraffin sections (SD = 3.6). On prospective analysis with a median follow-up of 33 months (range = 18–54 months), quadrantectomy had similar relative risk of temporary facial nerve dysfunction evaluated at the immediate postoperative period as well as persistent nerve dysfunction assessed at 3 months (P = 0.701 and P = 0.902, respectively). Of the whole study population, one case of recurrence after total parotidectomy was observed at mid-term follow-up (P = 1.000).ConclusionParotid quadrantectomy is a safe management for smaller pleomorphic adenomata localized close to one of the two divisions of the facial nerve.

Background & Objective:Open radical cystectomy is the standard procedure for the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. There has been a recent trend towards minimally invasive techniques aiming to decrease blood loss, hospital stay, and complications. Therefore, hand-assisted cystectomy (HAC) emerged as a rational choice, combining the merits of laparoscopic surgery with the feasibility of performing a continent urinary reservoir in a reasonable operative time and with reasonable treatment costs. Patients & Methods:Forty patients with invasive bladder carcinoma were offered radical cystectomy with the HAC approach. Thirty-two men and 8 women underwent HAC. The mean age was 57.5 years. The mean operation time was 200 minutes for the extirpative part and 90 minutes for the reconstructive part of the procedure. Estimated blood loss was 450 ml. The mean hospitalization time was 17 days (range of 10 to 30). At a median follow-up of 2 years, no cases of port-site, incisional, or isolated pelvic recurrence was detected. The median DFS is 14.6 month (95%CI = 13.2-15.8).Conclusions: HAC is a rational procedure that can be used to perform radical surgery of invasive bladder carcinoma and orthotopic urinary diversion.