Incidence of incomplete excision in surgically treated basal cell carcinoma: a retrospective clinical audit.

All the patients who had excision of basal cell carcinoma at the regional plastic surgery unit at Manchester over a period of 2 years from January 1995 to December 1996 were included in a retrospective audit. A total of 879 lesions were excised in 754 patients. In 41 lesions (4.7%) the tumour was incompletely excised, 16 of these lesions were further excised; the rest were managed by regular follow-up. The mean age of the incomplete excision group was slightly higher. The site where the incomplete excision rate was highest was the scalps followed by the ear, canthi,eyebrows and nose. There was a higher incidence of squamous differentiation and presence of foci of squamous cell carcinoma in the lesions excised incompletely.There was no statistically significant difference among the different groups of surgeons but in individual grades the rate was lower where more wounds were repaired by direct closure. The concept of a complexity ratio (number of wounds repaired by other methods/number of wounds repaired by direct closure) can be helpful in comparing the incomplete excision rates of different grades of surgeons or departments.The excision of basal cell carcinoma is one of the commonest procedures performed by all grades of surgeons in a plastic surgery department. Incomplete excision leads to further surgery or prolonged follow-up, thus significantly affecting the outcome. As the incidence of incomplete excision can be precisely monitored, it may be a useful tool for clinical governance.     

Basal cell carcinoma histological clearance margins: an analysis of 1539 conventionally excised tumours. Wider still and deeper?

An analysis of peripheral and deep margins of histological clearance around 1539 consecutive basal cell carcinomas excised by conventional surgery showed that 81 lesions (5.3%) were incompletely excised peripherally; 36 lesions (2.3%) were incompletely excised deeply; 13 lesions (0.8%) were incompletely excised peripherally and deeply. Nine hundred and ninety-six lesions (65%) were excised with a peripheral histological clearance margin<5mm (0.1-4.9mm), whereas 1303 lesions (85%) were excised with a deep histological clearance margin<5mm (0.1-4.9mm). Four hundred and eight lesions (27%) had a peripheral histological clearance margin of 5.0-9.9mm, whereas 170 lesions (11%) had a deep histological margin of 5.0-9.9mm. Peripheral histological clearance margins exceeded 10mm in 41 lesions (3%) and deep histological margins exceeded 10mm in 17 lesions (1%). Thus 30% of peripheral histological margins were 5mm or more but only 12% of deep histological margins were 5mm or more. Despite a relative sparing of deep tissue, incomplete excision in depth affected only 36 lesions compared with 81 incomplete peripheral excisions. Peripheral histological clearance was <5mm (0.1-4.9mm) for 55% of temple lesions, 50% of scalp lesions and 43% for limb lesions. In the cosmetically sensitive areas of peri-orbital region, nose, cheek, lip, neck and chin more than 70% of lesions were excised with a peripheral histological margin<5mm. This study of conventional surgical excision of basal cell carcinomas with an incomplete excision rate of 8% has shown that 65% of lesions were excised with <5mm histological clearance peripherally and 85% with <5mm deep clearance. These figures for 'normal tissue sacrifice' are not excessive when compared with those of 'tissue sparing' Mohs' micrographic surgery in which the operator may take a margin of several millimetres of normal tissue in the initial 'slice', or in the subsequent 'safety margin' beyond the eventual tumour free plane. However, peripheral margins did exceed 5mm in more than 30% of lesions of scalp, temple and forehead, and for these sites where even with loupe magnification the tumour edge could be difficult to define, either frozen section control or Mohs' technique, might with benefit be more often used in order to minimise normal tissue sacrifice.     

Do plastic surgeons resect basal cell carcinomas too widely? A prospective study comparing surgical and histological margins.

Basal cell carcinoma is a common condition facing the plastic surgeon. When formally excised, a surrounding margin of normal skin is included in an attempt to ensure complete excision. We set out to investigate our excision margins in a prospective study of 100 basal cell carcinomas in 86 patients treated by conventional surgical excision. The edge of each lesion was delineated, an excision margin was drawn, and the closest point was identified and measured. The tumours were excised, and the specimens were examined to determine the closest histological margin. A comparison was made between the marked surgical margins and the margins observed on microscopy. The mean observed surgical margin was 3.0 mm and the mean histological margin was 3.7 mm; 44% of the margins agreed to within 1 mm, 79% to within 2 mm and 92% to within 3 mm. There were four incomplete excisions, all at the lateral margin. There was agreement in the position of the closest margin in 69% of cases. The measured surgical excision margins correlated well with those assessed histologically, as did the position of the closest margin. Given a 3 mm margin, 96% of lesions would have been excised completely. We feel that our current practice represents a satisfactory balance between maintaining a low rate of incomplete excision and minimising the sacrifice of normal skin.     

INCOMPLETELY EXCISED BASAL CELL CARCINOMA: A MANAGEMENT DILEMMA?

Background: Reported recurrence rates for incompletely excised basal cell cancers (BCC) vary widely (30–67%). and the destructive potential of recurrent BCC is well known. When surgically treated BCC are reported by the pathologist as incompletely excised the surgeon is placed in the dilemma of whether to perform an immediate wider excision, or to reserve further treatment until there is clinical evidence of recurrence. The aim of the present study is to determine if there are any clinical or morphological features which may help in this management dilemma. Methods: Middlemore Hospital histology records were reviewed. In 1986, 82 out of a total of 723 BCC excised were reported to be incompletely excised. The management and recurrence rates of the incompletely excised BCC were determined from the patient records and telephone follow up where necessary. The clinical and morphological features were correlated with the recurrence rates, with the aim of developing a management strategy. Results: The overall recurrence rate was 30.0%. Median time to recurrence was 18.5 months (range 1.5–55 months). Neither the margin of incomplete resection (deep, lateral or both margins), the site of tumour, the histological variant, the sex of the patient, nor prior treatment had any discernible effect on recurrence rates. Conclusions: Observation is an acceptable management option in most situations, as only one-third of incompletely excised lesions needed further treatment. Most recurrences occurred early and careful follow up of these patients was indicated for at least 3 years.     

Stretch test: effectiveness in identifying basal cell carcinoma borders

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant tumor in the world. Total tumor ablation is the gold standard of treatment. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new clinical method, we dubbed the "stretch test," in reducing the incidence of incomplete excision of BCC. All BCCs excised between October 2001 and June 2007, by 1 plastic surgeon, served as the treatment population. Until September 2004, BCCs were excised in the traditional manner and this group served as a control. From October 2004, the stretch test was used in all patients with BCC and this group served as a study group. Overall, the incomplete excision rate was 3.7% (22/596). The rate of incompletely excised BCC until 2004 was 6.4% (16/249) and it decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from 2004 to 1.7% (6/347) in the group in which the stretch test maneuver was used. We found a significant decrease in the rate of incomplete excision of BCC when the stretch test was employed. This reduces the need for reexcision, improves patient recovery, and satisfaction, and helps reduce healthcare costs.     

Audit of histologically incompletely excised basal cell carcinomas: recommendations for management by re-excision.

In an audit of 1392 basal cell carcinomas arising in 1165 patients, excised under the care of one consultant in the 10 years from 1988 to 1997, 99 (7%) were reported histologically as incompletely excised. Lateral margins alone were involved in 54 (55%), deep margins in 36 (36%) and both in 9 (9%). Although the policy throughout this period was to re-excise all such lesions, 74/99 (75%) were re-excised (compared with an average re-excision rate of 30% through other published series). For those patients undergoing re-excision, residual tumour was reported histologically in 40/74 (54%). Peri-orbital lesions showed an overall incomplete excision rate of 13% (range 11-17%); however, only 4/16 of re-excisions in this area revealed residual tumour. Many clinicians have traditionally observed patients with incompletely excised basal cell carcinomas. The present study reports the largest series of re-excisions after incomplete excision of basal cell carcinoma, and has revealed that on the balance of probability such re-excisions will reveal residual tumour. Re-excision appears the appropriate course in almost all the anatomical areas studied although, with the exception of the inner canthus, periorbital lesions will have a low probability of residual tumour being identified.     

CLINICAL AND RADIOLOGICAL PREDICTORS OF COMPLETE EXCISION IN BREAST-CONSERVING SURGERY FOR PRIMARY BREAST CANCER

Background : Local recurrence after conservative surgery for breast cancer usually results from growth of residual cancer adjacent to the excised primary tumour or from multicentric disease. Complete local excision (CLE) confirmed histologically is essential to ensure that the risk of local recurrence is minimal. This study was undertaken to determine that clinical or radiological factors may assist the surgeon at the time of surgery to achieve this aim. Methods : A retrospective review of 101 cases treated by conservative surgery identified 70 cases of CLE and 31 of incomplete local excision (ILE). Clinical, surgical and histopathological data were taken from hospital records. Mammographic features and those of specimen X-rays were evaluated without knowledge of the histopathological outcome of surgery. Results : Complete excision was significantly associated with type of operation (lumpectomy vs wide local excision/quadrantectomy, P < 0.003), absence of calcification (P < 0.03) and the presence of a mass on mammography (P= 0.05). Tumour size (> 2.5 cm) and the presence of extensive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) were associated with incomplete excision (P= 0.0005). No relationship was demonstrated with patient age, breast size, breast density, tumour grade, receptor status, axillary nodal status or spicules on X-ray and completeness of excision. Specimen X-ray had a positive predictive value of 94% with CLE. Conclusions : Clinical and pre-operative mammographic parameters are important for predicting CLE for breast cancers treated by breast-conserving surgery. Specimen radiology for palpable lesions can confirm excision of the cancer and permit re-excision of breast tissue at the time of initial surgery. Its role in determining CLE should be further evaluated.     

Incomplete excision of non-melanoma skin cancer of the head and neck: can we predict failure?

Background

Reported incomplete excision rates vary widely. This study described a single center's treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the head and neck and investigated possible causes of incomplete excision.

Methods

All excised BCCs and SCCs in 2011 were included into the study. Patients were identified by the diagnostic (diagnosis-related group (DRG)) codes from DC44.0 to DC44.4. A total of 437 patients were treated for 516 skin lesions.

Results

Mean age was 71.4 years and the male–female ratio was 1.29. Incomplete tumor removal was found in 11 % of all cases. Four significant factors were identified to predict incomplete excision, including age >75 years (relative risk (RR)?=?14.8 % (95 %-CI: 5.8–24.7 %)), BCC tumor size above 1.5 cm (RR?=?17.1 % (95 %-CI: 3.7–28.7 %)), lack of sufficient excision margin in SCC (<6 mm) (RR?=?17.1 % (95 %-CI: 0.1–36.9 %)) and lack of frozen sectioning in high-risk areas (RR?=?16.9 % (95 %-CI: 7.5–27.2 %)). Neither gender, tumor type, histological subtype, biopsy prior to surgery, tumor location nor surgeon grade predicted incomplete excision.

Conclusions

Head and neck BCCs, and SCCs are difficult to treat, and the need for complete tumor excision is mandatory prior to reconstruction. Our findings showed that causes of incomplete excision could be identified. With this knowledge, we are able to optimize our quality of treatment, patient satisfaction, and finally, the cost/effectiveness of our department. Level of Evidence: Level III, prognostic/risk study.     

Implementation of ambulatory surgery in a university hospital: an audit comprising 873 general surgery cases

The Ambulatory Surgery Centre of the Lausanne University Hospital was established in 1995 as a multispeciality unit comprising general surgery, plastic surgery, otorhinolaryngology, orthopaedics and urology. In its first 3 years of activity 873 general surgery procedures were performed, including biopsies, laparoscopies, inguinal hernia repair and vein stripping. An audit of these cases revealed an overall morbidity of 1%, a rate of non-planned admissions of 0.6%, no re-admissions within 30 days, and that 95% of patients were satisfied with their care. These results demonstrate the feasibility of implementing ambulatory surgery in a teaching hospital and encourage the expansion of this practice.     

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) in the management of large colo-rectal polyps

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopic polypectomy plays a major role in preventing colo-rectal cancer. However, resection of sessile, broad-based pedunculated and flat lesions carries a high risk of perforation. Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) may significantly reduce this risk. We aim to assess the safety and efficacy of EMR in our unit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A review of a prospective database over a 3-year period identified 87 patients who underwent endoscopic polypectomy for polyps in sizes from 10 to 50 mm, performed by two experienced endoscopists. A total of 33 EMRs were performed on 30 lesions in 24 of these patients. RESULTS: Median size of lesions was 20 mm. Most were located in the rectum and sigmoid. 22 lesions were resected en-bloc while 8 were resected piecemeal. Histologically these lesions were predominantly adenomatous polyps. An incidental focus of adenocarcinoma was found in 7 lesions. Histologically complete excision was achieved in 10 lesions. Although histological completeness of excision was not confirmed in 19 lesions, repeat colonoscopy confirmed successful excision. Only one lesion was incompletely excised requiring surgical resection. Bleeding occurred during 2 EMRs, both times successfully controlled by further injection of adrenaline locally. There was no case of bowel perforation. Further surveillance colonoscopy was performed according to established guidelines. Median follow-up period was 21 months. None of the patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma showed any evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Within our unit endoscopic mucosal resection appeared to be safe and effective procedure for resecting large colorectal polyps not suitable for conventional polypectomy. This data would support prompt referral of lesions fulfilling these criteria to specialist units offering this service to avoid unnecessary surgery.     

Diagnosis and treatment of breast fibroadenomas by ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy

HYPOTHESIS: Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy (UGVAB) can serve as an efficient tool for the diagnosis and excision of breast fibroadenomas. DESIGN: Patients with a clinically and radiographically suspected breast fibroadenoma were prospectively referred for UGVAB to confirm the diagnosis and to attempt to excise the lesion. PATIENTS: Fifty-two female patients, aged 19 to 68 years, were included in the 2-year study. All had at least 1 suspected fibroadenoma. The procedure was performed for a total of 56 lesions. INTERVENTIONS: Imaging modalities prior to biopsy to confirm the clinical suspicion included Doppler ultrasound and mammography or Doppler ultrasound alone. Tumor size and volume were recorded. Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy was performed in all cases, with guidance using the 11-gauge Mammotome handheld vacuum-assisted biopsy system (Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc, Cincinnati, Ohio). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Major end points included diagnosis compatibility rate, excision rate, complications, and short-term follow-up. RESULTS: A tissue diagnosis was obtained in all cases and was compatible with the clinical diagnosis of fibroadenoma. Complete excision was achieved in all lesions less than or equal to 1.5 cm (mean volume, 0.25 mL). All lesions greater than 2 cm (mean volume, 1 mL) were incompletely excised. Of the 20 lesions measuring 1.5 to 2.0 cm, 11 (55%) were completely excised. The volume of all completely excised lesions was less than 0.9 mL. Four lesions with a volume less than 0.9 mL were incompletely excised due to bleeding. Ten of the 13 cases with incomplete excision were confident enough with the diagnosis to choose imaging follow-up instead of surgery. Two patients (16%) were referred by the radiologist for surgical excision. Only 1 patient with incomplete removal (8%) felt uncomfortable with the remnant lump and requested surgical excision. CONCLUSIONS: Although the breast fibroadenoma is a common benign breast tumor, the treatment and follow-up of these lesions is still debatable. We suggest that UGVAB, which has a well-documented role in the diagnosis of breast lesions, may provide an option for the definitive treatment of breast fibroadenomas.     

Paediatric day-case surgery in a district general hospital: a safe option in a dedicated unit

Currently, there is a trend towards the centralisation of paediatric surgery in specialist regional units. This study reports the results of 4 years' experience of paediatric day-case surgery in a dedicated unit within a district general hospital. Since its inception in 1993, data have been collected on all individuals undergoing surgery. Between 1993-1997, 804 operations were performed with 80% of procedures being undertaken by a consultant. There were 7 (< 1%) known complications and 7 (< 1%) patients required admission postoperatively. These results compare favourably with those of specialist institutions.     

A follow-up study to investigate the efficacy of initial treatment of lentigo maligna with surgical excision.

Recurrence rates following conventional surgery for lentigo maligna (LM) are reported to be between 7% and 15%. However, the studies are few, contain small numbers of patients and have relatively short follow-up. The principle aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of conventional surgery for LM in a large unbiased sample of all LM presenting in a defined geographical area. All LM cases occurring in Leicestershire between 1987 and 1996 were identified. Data were gathered from case notes, general practitioners and the Office for National Statistics (for any mortality data) and patients were invited to attend for examination. There were 89 evaluable patients treated with primary excision, representing the largest reported series to date. There was a false positive rate for diagnostic biopsy for LM (when the correct diagnosis was lentigo maligna melanoma, LMM) of 5% (95% confidence interval, CI: 1% to 14%). The initial excision was histologically incomplete in 9% (4% to 17%) of cases. In completely excised lesions (n=81) the observed recurrence rate was 20% (CI: 12% to 30%) at a mean follow-up of 42 months, which is similar to previous reports. However, Kaplan-Meier analysis yielded an estimated probability of recurrence of 31% (CI: 19% to 50%); time to relapse was up to 66 months. The age and sex of the patient and the site of the lesion were not associated with outcome, but, surprisingly, smaller lesions were associated with incomplete excision and recurrence. Fifteen current lesions were excised with similar success rates: the incomplete re-excision rate was 7% (CI: 0.2% to 32%) and the recurrence rate was 31% (CI: 12% to 83%) at 28 months. The estimated rate of transformation to LMM after initial surgical treatment was 1.5% (CI: 0.3% to 8%), and LMM was not the cause of death in any patient. These recurrence rates following complete primary excision and re-excision following recurrence were high compared with general expectations, which is largely the result of the method of analysis and the long follow-up. The high rate calls into question the accuracy of the routine histological assessment of clearance. The development of LMM was rare following surgery.     

Phyllodes tumours of the breast--a retrospective study from 1982-2000 of 50 cases in Portsmouth

INTRODUCTION: This study is a retrospective analysis of 50 phyllodes tumours to determine the optimal surgical procedure for these types of tumours. We have also reviewed rates of recurrence, metastases and mortality based on choice of procedure and histological type. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cases were ascertained from pathology databases and clinical details extracted from the hospital records. Fifty patients with phyllodes tumours were identified. These comprised 29 benign, 12 borderline and 9 malignant phyllodes tumours. RESULTS: All benign phyllodes tumours were treated with breast-conserving surgery, these included 16 tumours over 40 mm. Borderline and malignant lesions were treated by breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy. The median follow-up period was 35 months (range, 4-96 months). The recurrence rate for all tumours was 14%. Malignant and borderline phyllodes tumours had a recurrence rate of 28%. Tumours excised with a wide margin did not seem to recur. Breast-conserving surgery appeared to be as effective as mastectomy. The choice of procedure was less important than the width of the excision margin. Recurrence occurred in 1/29 benign tumours. Excision margin width did not influence rate of recurrence. One patient died of metastases after mastectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Breast-conserving surgery is the treatment of choice for all benign lesions. For borderline and malignant lesions, excision with a wide margin reduces the rate of recurrence. If a diagnostic local excision biopsy or enucleation is performed, it should be followed by a definitive wider excision.     

Maximum surgical blood ordering schedule in a district general hospital saves money and resources.

A 6-month prospective audit was carried out in three surgical departments of a district general hospital. Over that period, 2720 units of red cells were electively cross-matched, 957 being transfused. The overall cross-match-to-transfusion ratio (CTR) was 2.8, but this varied from over 40 for some gynaecological procedures to 1.5 for major surgical procedures. The average CTR for general surgery was 2.2, orthopaedics 2.3, and obstetrics and gynaecology 5.7. A maximum surgical blood ordering system (MSBOS) was introduced and a second 6-month audit carried out. The number of units cross-matched had fallen by 36% to 1746, with a CTR of 1.8. The change in activity had led to a saving conservatively estimated at 11,616.00 Pounds per annum. Local audit and the introduction of a MSBOS in a district general hospital is an exercise which can demonstrate inefficiencies in blood ordering practices and can lead to large financial savings without detracting from standards of patient care.     

Incomplete excision of basal cell carcinomas: a retrospective audit

Background : The reported rates of incomplete excision of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) vary widely (5–25%) among centres around the world. Incomplete excision of skin malignancy is one of the 57 clinical indicators developed by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards to act as a measure of the standard of surgical care. The study aims to determine the rate of incomplete excision of BCC at a major cancer centre. Methods : Computerized data and patients’ records were reviewed. From January 1997 to June 2000, a total of 3558 BCC were surgically excised with curative intent, of which 223 were reported to have been removed incompletely. Results : The overall rate of incomplete excision was 6.3%. Conclusions : Given the limitations of a retrospective audit and reliability of the data, this result nevertheless compares favourably with reported figures in the literature.     

A day of day plastic surgery in a district general hospital.

In spite of the suitability of the day surgery environment for most patients undergoing elective plastic surgery, day plastic surgery has not been universally adopted in the United Kingdom. The experience of one plastic surgeon gained in treating 5970 patients as day cases out of a total of 12,461 patients over 10 years is described, with emphasis on the organisation of the service by only the consultant surgeon in collaboration with a medical secretary. Thus, neither the trainee surgeon nor GP clinical assistant in the team have any administrative duties. Within a day surgery unit with a twin theatre and 12 beds, it was possible on 1 day each week between July 1991 and June 1992 to treat 954 patients of whom 678 were treated under local anaesthesia and 276 under general anaesthesia. Three patients required admission to the main hospital overnight. By this day of day plastic surgery an effective service is provided to patients convenient to their home while also releasing facilities in the main regional centre which is equipped and staffed to a higher level of reconstructive expertise. However, the patients themselves should also play a part in improving the service intended for them, and a failure to attend for surgery without prior warning adds an avoidable element of inefficiency.     

A comparison of the academic impact of plastic surgery units in the United Kingdom and Ireland using bibliometric analysis

Academic output is just one aspect of a successful career as a plastic surgeon. However, for those with a strong interest in academia, the academic output of a department will likely be a key factor when deciding how to rank jobs. The aim of this study was to quantify and rank the academic output of plastic surgery units across the UK and Ireland. The Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) Web of Science Bibliometric analysis tool was used to collate cumulative (1950–2016), 10 year (2006–2016) and 3 years (2013–2015) research output data for plastic surgery units in the UK and Ireland. Sixty-six plastic surgery units were identified. Departments were ranked for each time period according to the number of papers produced, number of citations (Nc) and h-index (a measure of the impact of scientific output). The top 3 departments for number of papers in the last 10 years were The Royal Free Hospital, London (226) Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford (218), and Morriston Hospital and Swansea (188). The top 3 for h-number were The Royal Free Hospital (21) Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester (18) and Morriston Hospital (17). Academic output varies across plastic surgery units in the UK and Ireland. A number of departments have consistently maintained high academic outputs across the years and will be of interest to surgeons hoping to pursue a career in academia.     

Audit of open tibial diaphyseal fracture management at a district accident centre

Preston Acute Hospital is a designated district accident centre with a 24 h flying squad and on-site plastic and orthopaedic units. We performed a retrospective 5-year survey of open tibial shaft fracture management at our unit and compared our treatment to the guidelines of the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) and British Association of Plastic Surgeons (BAPS). Deficiencies were highlighted and changes in practice made. We then re-audited our figures over an 18-month period to see if clinical improvements had been made. The audit demonstrated an incidence of open tibial shaft fractures of 15 per 50,000 new patients per year in accident and emergency. Gustilo grading, and thus full appreciation of soft tissues injury, was being underestimated, with 8% of the injuries undergraded at the time of surgery: 17% of Gustilo IIIA and 85% Gustilo IIIB required flap cover. Seventy-four percent of patients received their first orthopaedic procedure within the recommended 6 h of admission, but despite the on-site plastics unit, only 50% of cases in the initial survey had their soft tissue defect covered by the recommended 5 days. After changes to practice, 80% patients received their first orthopaedic procedure within the recommended 6 h of admission, and all had their soft tissue defect covered within 5 days; 5% of cases required fasciotomy to relieve compartment syndrome. We highlight features to alert the high energy (Gustilo III) status and recommend immediate involvement of plastic surgical colleagues with these injuries. We also highlight a high incidence of compartment syndrome in the young male patient with the lower energy Gustilo I injury.     

Intra-operative specimen analysis using faxitron microradiography for excision of mammographically suspicious, non-palpable breast lesions

Recent advances in digital imaging have made Faxitron microradiography an attractive alternative to intra-operative conventional specimen radiography (CSR) for the excision of wire-localized breast lesions. Faxitron specimen analysis time, usefulness of digital image manipulation and re-excision rates were evaluated in comparison to CSR in 299 consecutive wire-localized excisions for mammographically suspicious non-palpable breast lesions (172 procedures with Faxitron, 127 with CSR) in a non-randomized study. The corresponding mean operation times were 34.7 vs. 42.7 min and the respective re-excision rates were 19.8% vs. 31.5% (no significant difference on chi analysis P < 0.1). Faxitron digital image manipulation led to cavity biopsies in 50% (60/121) of the cancer excisions. In 19 of these (16%), histological excision margins were converted from incomplete to complete. The shorter Faxitron mean operating time enables an additional wire-localized operation per theatre list. Digital imaging guides the surgeon for additional cavity biopsies, resulting in re-excision rates as good as CSR.