{"title":"Ultrasound elastography and 3D volumetry for early postoperative assessment after lymphovenous anastomosis in lower-limb lymphedema.","authors":"Sophia-Theresa Diesch, Dmytro Oliinyk, Niklas Biermann, Lukas Prantl, Norbert Heine","doi":"10.1515/iss-2026-0004","DOIUrl":"10.1515/iss-2026-0004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) is an established standard of care in the surgical treatment of secondary lymphedema, especially of the lower limbs. However, objective postoperative evaluation remains challenging. Ultrasound elastography offers a quantitative evaluation tool for the assessment of tissue stiffness and may be employed for the detection of subtle postoperative changes in this context.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>12 consecutive patients with primary or secondary lower-limb lymphedema were enrolled in a pilot, prospective observational study with pre- and postoperative elastography and volumetric assessment within the scope of LVA treatment. All measurements were carried out at predefined anatomical regions using a fixed transducer setup to minimise operator bias.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A trend toward postoperatively reduced calf stiffness was observed (-2.31 kPa; p=0.066, <i>r</i>=0.54). Additionally, we report significant changes in stiffness symmetry between healthy and affected thighs after LVA surgery (p=0.037, Cohen´s <i>d</i> -0.685 [95 %CI -1.105 to -0.040]). Postoperative changes in thigh and knee circumference correlated with elastography parameters (ρ=0.625-0.741; p≤0.030), while volumetric differences were not statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Ultrasound elastography may offer an adjunct for the detection of early, subclinical tissue remodelling following LVA surgery. Given its pilot study nature, these findings suggest a potential role for elastography as a complement to conventional measurements and more objective monitoring of surgical outcomes in lymphatic surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":44186,"journal":{"name":"Innovative Surgical Sciences","volume":"11 3","pages":"169-176"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13591102/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149018164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Felix Struebing, Benjamin Thomas, Emre Gazyakan, Florian Falkner, Simon Mayer, Charlotte Holup, Arne Boecker, Ulrich Kneser
{"title":"The application of robot-assisted microsurgery in orthoplastic surgery.","authors":"Felix Struebing, Benjamin Thomas, Emre Gazyakan, Florian Falkner, Simon Mayer, Charlotte Holup, Arne Boecker, Ulrich Kneser","doi":"10.1515/iss-2025-0030","DOIUrl":"10.1515/iss-2025-0030","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The orthoplastic approach has emerged as the gold standard in the reconstruction of complex extremity injuries. While robot-assisted microsurgery (RAMS) enhances precision and ergonomics, its role in the challenging orthoplastic setting remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate our initial institutional experience with robot-assisted free flap reconstruction for complex limb injuries within an orthoplastic approach.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>From February 2023 to February 2025, we prospectively collected data on patients with combined traumatic bone and soft tissue injuries undergoing robot-assisted free flap transfer to the extremities. Data included patient demographics, surgical details (e.g., operating times, anastomosis/coaptation duration), and complications. Ethical approval was obtained.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our cohort of 18 patients (78 % male, mean age 50.3 years) received free flaps for traumatic soft tissue defects (78 % lower extremity). The ALT flap was most commonly used (67 %). Mean operating time was 353.0 min. 19 anastomoses and coaptations were performed, with no conversions to conventional techniques. A major complication (arterial thrombosis) occurred in one case, successfully salvaged with conventional re-anastomosis, resulting in no complete flap losses. There was one partial flap loss. Three minor complications (delayed wound healing, 17 %) were observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our experience shows the feasibility of RAMS in orthoplastic limb reconstruction. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and define the optimal role and benefits of RAMS in orthoplastic surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":44186,"journal":{"name":"Innovative Surgical Sciences","volume":"11 1","pages":"45-51"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12908978/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146214341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Philipp Edmund Lamby, Vinzent Forstmeier, Lukas Prantl, Michael Pawlik, Jasmin Lenhard
{"title":"Local α-receptor antagonists as a targeted therapeutic approach in patients with vasopressor-induced symmetrical peripheral gangrene.","authors":"Philipp Edmund Lamby, Vinzent Forstmeier, Lukas Prantl, Michael Pawlik, Jasmin Lenhard","doi":"10.1515/iss-2025-0044","DOIUrl":"10.1515/iss-2025-0044","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Symmetrical peripheral gangrene (SPG) is a rare condition characterized by symmetrical gangrene affecting the acral regions of two or more extremities, without the presence of major vessel obstruction. The precise pathophysiology of SPG is unclear, but it is believed to involve various biochemical pathways and is often associated with vasopressor therapy. Despite various therapeutic attempts, there is no established standard treatment for SPG.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study evaluated the efficacy of locally administered phentolamine, an alpha-receptor antagonist, in four critically ill patients undergoing catecholamine therapy and presenting with SPG. Tissue perfusion was assessed using clinical observation and indocyanine green-assisted laser angiography before and after phentolamine administration.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All four patients demonstrated immediate improvement in tissue perfusion following phentolamine application, as evidenced by angiography. No amputations were necessary. The patients' clinical outcomes suggest that phentolamine effectively counteracts vasopressor-induced ischemia.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Phentolamine offers a targeted therapeutic approach for vasopressor-induced SPG by mitigating vasoconstriction without systemic side effects. Its incorporation into clinical practice requires further validation to optimize its application and efficacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":44186,"journal":{"name":"Innovative Surgical Sciences","volume":"11 3","pages":"161-168"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13591104/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149018131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Luca Kümmerl, Theresa Promny, Elisabeth Eschenbacher, Andreas Arkudas, Raymund E Horch
{"title":"Interdisciplinary reconstructions of the forearm and hand.","authors":"Luca Kümmerl, Theresa Promny, Elisabeth Eschenbacher, Andreas Arkudas, Raymund E Horch","doi":"10.1515/iss-2025-0025","DOIUrl":"10.1515/iss-2025-0025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study examines the clinical application of interdisciplinary reconstructive strategies for complex forearm and hand defects. Emphasis is placed on principles guiding flap selection, anatomical localization, and the central role of plastic surgeons within coordinated surgical teams. The aim is to clarify how collaborative planning and technique adaptation influence reconstructive outcomes in upper extremity salvage.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective review was conducted of 79 patients who underwent upper extremity reconstruction between 2020 and 2024 at a tertiary care center. Inclusion required composite defects of the hand or forearm treated with local, regional, or free flaps. Demographics, etiology, defect location, reconstructive technique, interdisciplinary collaboration, and complications were analyzed descriptively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most patients were male (n=62), with a mean age of 53.3 years. Defects most often involved the long fingers (n=32) and thumb (n=31). Trauma (68 %) was the main cause, followed by oncologic resection (22 %) and infection (10 %). Free flaps (n=15) were primarily used for larger or composite defects requiring microsurgical reconstruction, while local and regional flaps were employed zone-specifically for smaller soft tissue defects, especially in digits and thumb. Functional reconstruction addressed tendon, nerve, vessel, and bone injuries. The overall complication rate was 12.6 %, with no flap failures or limb loss.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Upper limb reconstruction benefits from individualized, anatomy-driven planning and interdisciplinary cooperation. Plastic surgeons play a key role in adapting techniques to anatomical zones, achieving favorable functional and aesthetic outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":44186,"journal":{"name":"Innovative Surgical Sciences","volume":"11 1","pages":"27-34"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12908977/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146213655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sabine Manuela Irene Roth, Christian David Weber, Frank Hildebrand, Heide Delbrück
{"title":"Strategies for surgical reconstruction of complex elbow deformities based on patient-specific instruments - a case series and narrative review.","authors":"Sabine Manuela Irene Roth, Christian David Weber, Frank Hildebrand, Heide Delbrück","doi":"10.1515/iss-2025-0024","DOIUrl":"10.1515/iss-2025-0024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The application of 3D-based methods for deformity correction of the upper extremity, including patient-specific instruments (PSIs), is attracting increasing attention in clinical practice and requires the collaboration of orthopaedic surgeons and medical engineers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The management of various elbow deformities using 3D-based surgical methods, including PSIs, is presented. A narrative literature review with a defined search strategy using PubMed as a database was conducted to identify further applications around the elbow that have been published to date.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This case series presents with one case each the correction of the following deformities: cubitus varus, dorsal radial head subluxation, translational deformity of the distal humerus, cubitus valgus (CVL) and radial head dislocation in hereditary multiple exostoses (HME). The Supplementary literature with 28 studies presents further deformities that were corrected on a 3D basis: intra-articular fracture of the capitulum radii, extension deformity of the distal humerus and malunited radial neck fractures. These 3D-based procedures have been used most frequently to correct cubitus varus and are superior to conventional methods in terms of accuracy in comparative studies.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The application of 3D-based planning methods, including PSIs use, offers excellent opportunities and accuracy for corrective osteotomies around the elbow. In addition to the correction of cubitus varus, extension to the correction of chronic dislocation of the radial head after Monteggia fracture and HME appears promising. The future implementation of 3D-based planning based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would be highly desirable.</p>","PeriodicalId":44186,"journal":{"name":"Innovative Surgical Sciences","volume":"11 1","pages":"15-26"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12908972/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146214269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yonca Steubing, Christoph Wallner, Marcus Lehnhardt, Eren Celik, Christian Baues, Beate Schultheis, Anke Reinacher-Schick, Maria Füth, Jannik Hinzmann, Flemming Puscz, Patrick Stefan Harenberg, Felix Reinkemeier
{"title":"Interdisciplinary therapy of extremity soft tissue sarcomas: current evidence on systemic treatments and the role of reconstructive surgery.","authors":"Yonca Steubing, Christoph Wallner, Marcus Lehnhardt, Eren Celik, Christian Baues, Beate Schultheis, Anke Reinacher-Schick, Maria Füth, Jannik Hinzmann, Flemming Puscz, Patrick Stefan Harenberg, Felix Reinkemeier","doi":"10.1515/iss-2025-0035","DOIUrl":"10.1515/iss-2025-0035","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Soft tissue sarcomas are rare and heterogenous tumors, that often pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Guideline-compliant therapy includes surgical resection with negative margins, supplementary radiotherapy and, if necessary, accompanied by systemic therapy. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches should be discussed and planned in an interdisciplinary oncological conference. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of guideline-based interdisciplinary therapeutic options, limitations and prospects. An exemplary case is used to illustrate interdisciplinary concepts.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A six-year-old girl with a locally advanced epithelioid sarcoma of the right hand was recommended to receive a hand amputation. Due to a request for limb-preservation, the patient presented at various sarcoma centers and initially received neoadjuvant radiotherapy. This resulted in a reduction of the tumor mass so that a tumor resection could subsequently be performed. Despite pronounced local findings, microscopically negative margins and a satisfactory postoperative result in hand function were achieved.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This case highlights the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration and centralized care in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas. Plastic reconstructive surgery enables radical oncological resection while preserving function, especially in anatomically complex cases. Early referral to a specialized sarcoma center and adherence to current guidelines (e.g., ESMO-EURACAN-GENTURIS) are essential to achieving optimal oncological and functional outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":44186,"journal":{"name":"Innovative Surgical Sciences","volume":"11 1","pages":"35-44"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12908973/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146213652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The role of simulation in mastering highly specialized pediatric surgery: current trends and future perspectives.","authors":"Louisa Schuffert, Sabine Drossard","doi":"10.1515/iss-2025-0015","DOIUrl":"10.1515/iss-2025-0015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The acquisition of surgical skills in highly specialized pediatric surgical procedures - particularly the management of rare congenital anomalies - poses significant educational challenges. Traditional training models relying on apprenticeship and intraoperative exposure are often insufficient due to the rarity and complexity of such conditions. Simulation-based training offers a structured, reproducible, and risk-free environment to practice and refine surgical techniques. This scoping review examines the current landscape of simulation in pediatric surgery, focusing on anorectal malformations (ARM), esophageal atresia (EA), Hirschsprung's disease (HD) and congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). A dual search strategy was applied: a systematic literature search via PubMed and a structured online search via Google for commercially available simulation models. A range of models was identified across the four index conditions, including low-fidelity, high-fidelity, hybrid, and animal tissue-based simulators. EA and CDH showed the highest diversity in simulation tools, supporting both open and minimally invasive approaches. Several of the models we identified have demonstrated face, content and construct validity, but systematic data on learning outcomes and user satisfaction remain scarce. While low-fidelity models are useful for basic skill acquisition, high-fidelity and hybrid simulations more closely replicate the operative environment and enhance decision-making and technical proficiency. However, access to high-fidelity simulators remains limited due to cost and resource constraints. By identifying current limitations and opportunities of simulation training, this scoping review provides insights into how the sustainable training of the next generation of pediatric surgeons can be mastered.</p>","PeriodicalId":44186,"journal":{"name":"Innovative Surgical Sciences","volume":"10 4","pages":"203-210"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12724479/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145828794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dong Chen, Jasper Nies, Klemens Horst, Ümit Mert, Johannes Greven, Felix Bläsius, Tom Eirik Mollnes, Markus Huber-Lang, Frank Hildebrand, Martijn van Griensven, Rald V M Groven
{"title":"Combined inhibition of the complement component C5 and the TLR-coreceptor CD14 alters the posttraumatic response in fracture hematoma in a porcine polytrauma model.","authors":"Dong Chen, Jasper Nies, Klemens Horst, Ümit Mert, Johannes Greven, Felix Bläsius, Tom Eirik Mollnes, Markus Huber-Lang, Frank Hildebrand, Martijn van Griensven, Rald V M Groven","doi":"10.1515/iss-2025-0031","DOIUrl":"10.1515/iss-2025-0031","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Polytrauma is characterized by high mortality and morbidity rates, partly due to the post-traumatic immune response. This follow-up study investigated the effect of combined inhibition of complement factor 5 (C5) and CD14 on systemic (plasma) and local (fracture hematoma) protein levels in a porcine polytrauma model.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>18 male pigs (<i>sus scrofa</i>) were used for this study: a control group (n=6), and two groups that were subjected to standardized polytrauma, followed by standard treatment (intramedullary nailing; n=8) or standard treatment with C5/CD14 inhibition therapy (n=4). Plasma and fracture hematoma samples were collected at specified time points and the expression levels of proteins related to the post-traumatic immune response and fracture healing were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Pro-inflammatory proteins such as IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-α were significantly reduced in both plasma and fracture hematoma samples at 72 h after trauma in the treated vs. the non-treated group. Soluble TLR4, a possible inhibitor of cell membrane TLR4, was increased in both the plasma and the fracture hematoma following therapy, suggesting that TLR4 was released from the cell membrane to the fluid phase.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings show that systemic C5/CD14 inhibition effectively reduced the concentration of several pro-inflammatory proteins in the systemic circulation and locally, at the fracture site, in the fracture hematoma. The levels in the plasma were in line with those in the fracture hematoma, albeit that they were markedly lower in the plasma compared to the fracture hematoma.</p>","PeriodicalId":44186,"journal":{"name":"Innovative Surgical Sciences","volume":"11 1","pages":"65-72"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12908987/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146214544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Orthoplastic surgery - regenerative concepts and reconstructive strategies.","authors":"Justus P Beier, Frank Hildebrand","doi":"10.1515/iss-2025-0050","DOIUrl":"10.1515/iss-2025-0050","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":44186,"journal":{"name":"Innovative Surgical Sciences","volume":"11 1","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12908970/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146214195","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}