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PubMed2005

The consequence of multiple re-excisions to obtain clear lumpectomy margins in breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Microscopically clear lumpectomy margins are critical for optimizing local control with breast conservation for cancer. Re-excisions are often necessary to achieve clear surgical margins. Factors that contribute to nonnegative margins and necessitate re-excision may increase the risk of local recurrence. METHODS: Patients who were treated with breast conservation for breast cancers were identified from a prospective database maintained by one of the authors. Factors associated with local recurrence were evaluated in 459 consecutive patients with attention to the number of re-excisions required to obtain clear margins. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (5%) developed local recurrences at a mean follow-up of 78 months. In multivariate analysis, local recurrence was most significantly associated with the omission of radiotherapy (19% vs. 5%; relative risk [RR], 3.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-8.2), followed by young age (52 vs. 58; 95% confidence interval, -.83 to -10.6 years) and the number of re-excisions required to obtain clear margins (none, 4%; one, 7% [RR, 2.05; 95% confidence interval, .86-4.89]; two or more, 17% [RR, 5.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.44-18.8]). Tumor size, the number of involved nodes, pathology, and adjuvant chemotherapy were not significantly related to local recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of local recurrence after breast conservation for breast cancer increases progressively with the number of re-excisions needed to achieve clear margins. Patients in whom the cancer is fully excised with clear margins in the first excision will have less of a chance of local recurrence compared with patients who need further re-excision to achieve clear margins.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Residual disease following unplanned excision of soft-tissue sarcoma of an extremity.

Sixty-five patients who had been referred to our unit for additional management after an unplanned excision of a soft-tissue sarcoma of an extremity at another institution were studied retrospectively to determine the prevalence of residual tumor and to identify factors that predict which patients will have a tumor following such an excision. Unplanned excision was defined as excisional biopsy or unplanned resection of the lesion without benefit of preoperative imaging and without regard for the necessity to resect the lesion with a margin of normal tissue. In each patient, histological evaluation of the specimen removed at the unplanned excision had demonstrated positive resection margins, but postoperative physical examination on our unit revealed no gross evidence of residual tumor and no tumor was identified on cross-sectional imaging of the local site. Patients who had evidence of residual disease on physical examination or on imaging were thought to have definite evidence of sarcoma at the site of the operative wound and were therefore excluded from the study. After multidisciplinary consultation, all patients had a repeat resection at our cancer center. Extensive pathological sampling of the specimen from this second procedure was carried out, with sections obtained at mean intervals of 1.2 +/- 0.7 centimeters. Nodules initially thought to indicate disease were identified grossly in twenty-seven (42 percent) of the sixty-five patients, but histological evaluation confirmed the presence of tumor in only sixteen (59 percent). Histological evidence of sarcoma was identified in seven additional patients in whom gross nodules were not apparent in the specimen. Thus, sarcoma was identified in a total of twenty-three (35 percent) of the sixty-five patients. The mean duration of follow-up was forty-six months (range, twenty-four to eighty months; median, thirty-nine months). The margins of the second resection were positive in nine (39 percent) of the twenty-three patients who had residual sarcoma. Five (22 percent) of the twenty-three had a local recurrence. Four of the five patients who had a local recurrence had positive margins on repeat resection. This rate of local recurrence (five of twenty-three patients) was significantly higher than that in the remainder of our patients who had a soft-tissue sarcoma of an extremity (sixteen [7 percent] of 227) (p = 0.03). There was no association between the detection of sarcoma at the second procedure and the initial size or grade of the tumor, the use of irradiation preoperatively, or the interval between the initial, unplanned excision and referral to our cancer center. These data indicate that it is not possible to predict which patients will have residual tumor at the site of the operative wound. Therefore, it is prudent to advise repeat excision for all patients who have had an unplanned excision of a soft-tissue sarcoma of an extremity. Unplanned excision complicates decision-making in the treatment of this disease and should be avoided.

Biopsy↗

PubMed2004

The effect of radial head excision and arthroplasty on elbow kinematics and stability.

BACKGROUND: Radial head fractures are common injuries. Comminuted radial head fractures often are treated with radial head excision with or without radial head arthroplasty. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of radial head excision and arthroplasty on the kinematics and stability of elbows with intact and disrupted ligaments. We hypothesized that elbow kinematics and stability would be (1) altered after radial head excision in elbows with intact and disrupted ligaments, (2) restored after radial head arthroplasty in elbows with intact ligaments, and (3) partially restored after radial head arthroplasty in elbows with disrupted ligaments. METHODS: Eight cadaveric upper extremities were studied in an in vitro elbow simulator that employed computer-controlled actuators to govern tendon-loading. Testing was performed in stable, medial collateral ligament-deficient, and lateral collateral ligament-deficient elbows with the radial head intact, with the radial head excised, and after radial head arthroplasty. Valgus angulation and rotational kinematics were determined during passive and simulated active motion with the arm dependent. Maximum varus-valgus laxity was measured with the arm in a gravity-loaded position. RESULTS: In specimens with intact ligaments, elbow kinematics were altered and varus-valgus laxity was increased after radial head excision and both were corrected after radial head arthroplasty. In specimens with disrupted ligaments, elbow kinematics were altered after radial head excision and were similar to those observed in specimens with a native radial head after radial head arthroplasty. Varus-valgus laxity was increased after ligament disruption and was further increased after radial head excision. Varus-valgus laxity was corrected after radial head arthroplasty and ligament repair; however, it was not corrected after radial head arthroplasty without ligament repair. CONCLUSIONS: Radial head excision causes altered elbow kinematics and increased laxity. The kinematics and laxity of stable elbows after radial head arthroplasty are similar to those of elbows with a native radial head. However, radial head arthroplasty alone may be insufficient for the treatment of complex fractures that are associated with damage to the collateral ligaments as arthroplasty alone does not restore stability to elbows with ligament injuries.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

To excise or to sample the mammographic target: what is the goal of stereotactic 11-gauge vacuum-assisted breast biopsy?

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine whether complete percutaneous excision rather than sampling of the mammographic target conveys any significant advantage or disadvantage at stereotactic 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 788 consecutive solitary lesions in which the mammographic target was excised (n = 466) or sampled (n = 322) at stereotactic 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy. Medical records and histologic findings were reviewed to determine the frequency of sparing surgery, discordance, histologic underestimation, rebiopsy, complete histologic removal of cancer, and complications. Statistical comparisons were made using the Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Complete excision rather than sampling of the mammographic target was associated with a significantly lower frequency of discordance (1/466, 0.2% vs 8/322, 2.5%; p = 0.004) and a trend toward fewer ductal carcinoma in situ underestimates (4/59, 6.8% vs 12/60, 20.0%; p = 0.07). Complete histologic removal of cancer was significantly more likely if the mammographic target was excised rather than sampled (19/91, 20.9% vs 7/106, 6.6%; p = 0.006); however, among 91 cancers in which the mammographic target was excised, surgery revealed residual cancer in 72 (79.1%). Complete excision rather than sampling of the mammographic target yielded no significant differences in the frequency of sparing surgery, atypical ductal hyperplasia underestimates, rebiopsy, or complications. CONCLUSION: Complete excision rather than sampling of the mammographic target was associated with lower frequencies of discordance and ductal carcinoma in situ underestimation but had no other advantage or disadvantage. Among cancers in which the mammographic target was excised, surgery revealed residual cancer in almost 80%.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Prognosis for presumed feline vaccine-associated sarcoma after excision: 61 cases (1986-1996).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate time to first recurrence (TFR) and overall survival in cats with presumed vaccine-associated sarcomas (VAS) treated with excision. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 61 cats with presumed VAS. PROCEDURE: Medical records of cats that received excision as the only initial treatment for presumed VAS were reviewed to evaluate prognosis. Overall survival curves and TFR were determined. RESULTS: Median TFR was 94 days. Median TFR for tumors treated with excision performed at a referral institution (274 days) was significantly longer than that for tumors excised by a referring veterinarian (66 days). Radical first excision yielded significantly longer median TFR (325 days) than did marginal first excision (79 days). Cats with tumors located on the limbs had longer median TFR (325 days) than cats with tumors located in other sites (66 days). Median overall survival time was 576 days. Significant differences in survival times between groups were not detected. Few cats (13.8%) receiving only surgical treatment had long-term (> 2 years) survival. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Radical first excision of presumed VAS is essential for extended TFR. Current recommendations for vaccination of the distal portions of the extremities are appropriate, because this practice permits radical excision of tumors (amputation) that develop at vaccination sites; however, surgery alone is seldom curative.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Predictors of residual disease in repeat excisions for lumpectomies with margins less than 0.1 cm.

PURPOSE: This study sought to identify factors that would predict the presence of residual disease (RD) in repeat-excision specimens following an initial breast-sparing excision procedure in which the margins of resection were free of tumor but in which tumor was very close to > or =1 margins. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-one lumpectomies with close but not transected margins and their subsequent repeat-excision specimens were analyzed for tumor type near margin in the primary excision, presence of RD, type of RD, stage of infiltrating carcinoma (IC) in the primary excision, extent of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and grade of IC and/or DCIS. RESULTS: Nineteen of 91 patients had DCIS only; 15 had IC only; and 57 had IC with DCIS in their primary excisions. Thirty-five cases (38%) contained RD in their subsequent repeat-excision specimens. Residual DCIS and/or IC was present in 58% of patients whose primary tumors were DCIS only or invasive carcinoma < 6 mm (T1a), whereas invasive carcinomas > or = 6 mm had RD in only 28%. Twenty-three patients (64%) with extensive DCIS had RD, whereas 12 patients (22%) with no DCIS or minor DCIS (< 10 mm) had RD (chi2 = 16.27; P < 0.001). Ductal carcinoma in situ was within 0.1 cm of the margin in 52 patients, and RD was present in 26 (50%), whereas 18 of 56 patients (32%) with IC close to the margin had RD (P < 0.05). Grade of DCIS and IC was not related to presence of RD. Residual carcinoma was present in 38% of repeat-excision specimens with close but not transected margins in this study. CONCLUSION: The extent of DCIS in the primary specimen, DCIS near > or = 1 margins, and size of infiltrating tumor were related to the presence of RD.

Breast Neoplasms↗

PubMed2001

Conservative management of rectal cancer with local excision and adjuvant therapy.

The standard surgical treatment of distal, resectable, invasive rectal cancers is an abdominoperineal resection or a low anterior resection. Given the morbidity associated with these standard treatments and the frequent need for postoperative adjuvant therapy, the use of a more conservative approach, such as local excision with adjuvant therapy as primary therapy for selected cases of rectal cancer is appealing. Data from single-institution series as well as recent data from prospective, multi-institutional studies, suggest that local excision with adjuvant therapy is a reasonable alternative to radical surgery in selected patients. Local excision alone is acceptable treatment only for T1 tumors without adverse pathologic features, while local excision with adjuvant therapy is an alternative treatment for T1 tumors with adverse pathologic features and T2 tumors. Some series suggest that preoperative therapy with local excision may be a possible treatment for selected T3 tumors; however, the high local failure rates seen in T3 tumors treated with local excision and postoperative therapy cautions against this approach. Functional results with local excision are generally good, and postoperative morbidity and mortality is acceptable. In summary, the results of local excision and radiation therapy are encouraging. Randomized trials are needed to determine whether this approach has local control and survival rates comparable to those of radical surgery.

Chemotherapy, Adjuvant↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Radioguided surgery for therapeutic excision of nonpalpable breast cancer].

INTRODUCTION: Intratumoral injection of nanocolloid for lymphatic mapping enables therapeutic excision of clinically occult breast cancer with the aid of a gamma ray detection probe. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the success rate of radioguided tumor excision in addition to a guide wire and to identify factors predicting clear margins. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty five consecutive patients with invasive occult breast cancer underwent radioguided tumor excision after intratumoral injection of 99 mTc-nanocolloid guided by ultrasound or stereotaxis. A localization wire was inserted; subsequently scintigraphy was performed (group 1). Results were compared with retrospective data from 67 consecutive patients who underwent therapeutic wire-directed excision alone (group 2). Factors predicting clear margin (>1 mm) were determined in a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Adequate margins were obtained in 83 (group 1) and 64% (group 2; p = 0.014) respectively. The invasive component was performed in 4 and 14 patients, respectively. Factors predictive of clear margins were decreasing pathologic tumor diameter (p = 0.035), increasing weight of specimen (p = 0.046), absence of micro-calcifications (p = 0.004), and absence of carcinoma in situ component (p = 0.024). Radioguided excision was an independent predictor of complete excision of the invasive component (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Application of radioguided surgery combined with wire localization seems to improve outcome of therapeutic excision of non-palpable invasive breast cancer compared to wire-directed excision alone.

Breast Neoplasms↗

PubMed1991

Evaluation of peroral transendoscopic contact neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser and snare excision of subepiglottic cysts in horses.

Three basic techniques (and one modified technique) were developed, allowing successful excision of subepiglottic cysts in 10 horses (5 Standardbreds, 4 Thoroughbreds, and 1 Quarter Horse; mean age, 3.5 years) via peroral approach. This approach eliminated the need for laryngotomy or pharyngotomy and reduced postoperative care. None of the cysts redeveloped. Clinical signs of disease before surgery included respiratory noise, exercise intolerance, coughing, and dysphagia and were eliminated in all horses except one that raced successfully, but in which some respiratory noise was detected. Peroral subepiglottic cyst excision was performed on anesthetized horses that were positioned in lateral recumbency and intubated via the nares and trachea. General anesthesia allowed careful intraoral palpation and endoscopic visualization of the oropharynx on a television monitor. Custom-designed instruments, including a guide tube, cyst snare, and long grasping forceps, facilitated either laser or snare, or laser and snare cyst excision. Hemorrhage was negligible in all horses. Initial attempts to develop a technique to submucosally excise subepiglottic cysts through a transnasal transendoscopic approach in conscious horses, using a contact neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser, were unsuccessful. In each of 3 horses, the cyst was inadvertently penetrated before it could be excised, causing it to collapse and disappear beneath the soft palate. Postoperative complications were excessive subepiglottic swelling after laser excision (n = 1 horse), which resolved completely in response to anti-inflammatory treatment, and subepiglottic cicatrix formation after snare excision (n = 1 horse), which required surgical excision of the cicatrix.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Early burn excision attenuates the postburn lung and systemic response to endotoxin.

The lung and systemic physiologic response to endotoxin is markedly accentuated in the presence of a body burn. Our purpose was to determine whether early burn excision and closure would decrease this response. We compared the endotoxin (2 micrograms/kg)-induced response in 10 adult sheep with lung and soft-tissue lymph fistulas 3 days after a 15% total-body surface full-thickness burn that was excised immediately with that of sheep without burn excision and nonburned sheep. No infection was present in the burn wound. Early excision prevented the ongoing postburn lipid peroxidation and lung inflammation seen 3 days after burn before endotoxemia in animals with 15% total body surface burn wound not excised. Sheep that underwent excision demonstrated significantly less pulmonary hypertension and hypoxia after endotoxin than did either endotoxin-treated and intact burned sheep or endotoxin-treated nonburned sheep. Lung inflammatory changes as determined by neutrophil content of lung tissue and the increase in lung tissue malondialdehyde in the group that underwent burn excision after endotoxin were comparable to those seen with endotoxin alone, as was the lung lymph-flow response. Also, the systemic response was nearly identical to that seen with endotoxin alone with no increase in soft-tissue permeability as measured by lymph flow. Oxygen consumption (VO2) remained unchanged from baseline. In contrast, VO2 doubled in burn-intact animals initially after endotoxin, after which VO2 decreased to levels below baseline. An increase in soft-tissue vascular permeability was also noted. We can conclude that early burn excision and closure prevent the accentuated response to endotoxin that is seen when the burn wound is left intact, even if it is uninfected.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

[Mutants of Escherichia coli K-12 with altered excision efficiency of transposons Tn5 and Tn9].

HFETn5, HFETn9 and LFETn9 mutants of Escherichia coli K-12 have been isolated. The frequency of Tn5 precise excision from the chromosomal lac operon is increased 3-660-fold in nine HFETn5 mutants. The majority of these mutations have no influence on the efficiency of precise excision of transposon Tn9, though hfeTn5-04 and hfeTn5-06 mutations decrease excision efficiency 2-13-fold. The Tn9 transposon is excised in HFETn9 mutant about 20-fold more efficiently than in the wild type strain. This mutation does not stimulate excision of Tn5 and Tn10. LfeTn9 mutation decreases excision frequency of Tn9 11-17-fold, but has no effect on Tn5 excision and increases that of Tn10 about 20-fold. The differences in genetic control and mechanisms of excision of the transposons with long and short inverted repeats are discussed.

DNA Transposable Elements↗

PubMed1997

Do public media campaigns designed to increase skin cancer awareness result in increased skin excision rates?

We report on an observational study of one city in Queensland over a 30-month period to evaluate the effects of two public skin cancer campaigns on the excision rates of melanocytic skin lesions. The numbers of melanomas, the numbers of potentially malignant melanocytic lesions (Hutchinson's melanotic freckles and dysplastic naevi) whose excision might have benefited the patient, and the total number of melanocytic skin lesions submitted to pathology services were recorded. A total of 3221 melanocytic skin lesions were excised. More lesions were excised during summer than non-summer periods (rate ratio 1.22, 95% CI 1.06, 1.40) and, independently, during campaign periods than non-campaign periods (rate ratio 1.24, 95% CI 1.11, 1.37). There were 145 melanomas (4%), of which 116 were < 0.76 mm thick, and an additional 53 (2%) other potentially malignant lesions. During campaigns, proportions of neither type increased significantly, nor was there a significant reduction in excised melanoma thickness. Doctors reported more often that the reason for excision was to exclude malignancy during the campaigns, although they felt themselves to be under less pressure from patients to excise lesions. There may be considerable cost associated with primary prevention campaigns in the form of increased excision of benign skin lesions, which should be addressed in future skin cancer public awareness campaigns.

Australia↗

PubMed1998

Local excision for rectal cancer: an uncertain future.

Adenocarcinoma of the rectum remains a significant public health challenge, with 39,000 new cases and 8,500 deaths predicted for 1998. Radical surgery, the current standard therapy, frequently necessitates the formation of a permanent colostomy and is associated with significant morbidity. For these reasons, alternatives to radical surgery have been sought. This review focuses on sphincter-sparing surgical modalities for distal rectal cancer. An extensive review of the literature on local excision alone, local excision plus postoperative radiation therapy (with or without chemotherapy), and local excision following preoperative chemoradiotherapy is presented. The design and interim results of the sole prospective multi-institution trial of local excision, Cancer and Leukemia Group B trial 8984, are also summarized. The literature on this subject, which is dominated by single-institution, retrospective reports, fails to support local excision as a superior or equal therapy to radical surgical excision for invasive distal rectal adenocarcinoma. The crucial question regarding the efficacy of radical surgical salvage for local recurrence following local excision also remains unanswered. We conclude that the role of local excision for invasive distal rectal adenocarcinoma remains undefined. If there is a future for this therapeutic modality, it will depend significantly on rigorous patient selection, provided that the efficacy of radical surgical salvage for local recurrence can be established.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2001

Total mesorectal excision: assessment of the laparoscopic approach.

PURPOSE: Total mesorectal excision offers the lowest reported rates of local recurrence for rectal cancer; however, the ability to perform total mesorectal excision laparoscopically remains unproven. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and adequacy of a totally laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. METHODS: A prospective review of all patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted surgery for rectal cancer by a single surgeon was undertaken. These were compared with a control group undergoing open rectal resections by another colorectal consultant in the unit (n = 22). Comparison of total specimen length, longitudinal and radial excision margins, and lymph node yield was made between groups. RESULTS: Of 42 laparoscopic-assisted rectal resections attempted, 14 (33 percent) were converted to open procedures and six had their dissection completed open. One resection was considered noncurative. Twenty-one total mesorectal excisions (50 percent) were completed totally laparoscopically. No significant difference was detected between groups for specimen length, radial margin, or lymph node yield. Longitudinal margin of excision was longer in the laparoscopic group (4 (3.5-5) vs. 2.5 (1.05-3.5) cm; P = 0.02, Mann-Whitney). Operating time was significantly longer in the laparoscopic group (180 (168-218) vs. 125 (104-144) minutes; P = 0.003, Mann-Whitney). Data are medians (interquartile ranges). Four patients in the laparoscopic-assisted group had clinical anastomotic leakage vs. one in the open group (P = 0.329, Fisher's exact test). At median follow-up of 38 (range, 6-53) months, one local recurrence had occurred in each group and crude mortality rates were 29 and 23 percent in the laparoscopic-assisted and open groups, respectively (P = 0.736, Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSION: Totally laparoscopic excision of the mesorectum is feasible in 50 percent of patients and where possible yields histologic parameters comparable to open surgery. Early survival and recurrence figures also appear to be comparable.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Endoscopic posterior mesorectal resection after transanal local excision of T1 carcinomas of the lower third of the rectum.

PURPOSE: The rectum-sparing transanal local excision is a well-established treatment of T1 carcinomas of the lower third of the rectum. A potentially increased locoregional recurrence rate by this procedure is tolerated because of the high morbidity and mortality risk of transabdominal rectal resection. Dorsoposterior extraperitoneal pelviscopy makes it possible to remove the relevant lymphatic drainage of the lower third of the rectum minimally invasively, in the sense of a rectum-sparing endoscopic posterior mesorectal resection. It has to be considered whether endoscopic posterior mesorectal resection in combination with transanal local excision allows for local radicality and an adequate tumor staging in T1 carcinomas of the lower third of the rectum, in terms of better-directed therapy planning compared with transanal local excision alone. METHODS: We operated on 11 consecutive patients with T1 carcinomas of the lower third of the rectum by transanal local excision in combination with endoscopic posterior mesorectal resection as a two-stage procedure in the period from 1998 to 2005. RESULTS: It was possible to perform a complete excision of the primary and to resect the posterior part of the mesorectum in all cases. Postoperative morbidity consisted of two transient neurologic complications and a pulmonary embolism. There was no mortality. Histologic analysis revealed a median of eight (range, 4-20) lymph nodes. Two patients diagnosed with lymph-node metastases received adjuvant radiochemotherapy. After a median follow-up of 48 (range, 4-60) months, there was no evidence for locoregional recurrence. In one patient liver metastasis was detected eight months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Radical excision of the primary tumor and an adequate tumor staging in T1 carcinomas of the lower third of the rectum seems to be achievable by means of transanal local excision and endoscopic posterior mesorectal resection.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Cost-effectiveness of Mohs Micrographic Surgery vs Surgical Excision for Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Face.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the cost-effectiveness of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) compared with the surgical excision for both primary and recurrent basal cell carcinoma (BCC). DESIGN: A cost-effectiveness study performed alongside a prospective randomized clinical trial in which MMS was compared with surgical excision. SETTING: The study was carried out from 1999 to 2002 at the dermatology outpatient clinic of the University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 408 primary (374 patients) and 204 recurrent (191 patients) cases of facial BCC were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The mean total treatment costs of MMS and surgical excision for both primary and recurrent BCC and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, calculated as the difference in costs between MMS and surgical excision divided by their difference in effectiveness. The resulting ratio is defined as the incremental costs of MMS compared with surgical excision to prevent 1 additional recurrence. RESULTS: Compared with surgical excision, the total treatment costs of MMS are significantly higher (cost difference: primary BCC, 254 euros; 95% confidence interval, 181-324 euros; recurrent BCC, 249 euros; 95% confidence interval, 175-323 euros). For primary BCC, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was 29,231 euros, while the ratio for recurrent BCC amounted to 8094 euros. The acceptability curves showed that for these ratios, the probability of MMS being more cost-effective than surgical excision never reached 50%. CONCLUSIONS: At present, it does not seem cost-effective to introduce MMS on a large scale for both primary and recurrent BCC. However, because a 5-year period is normally required to determine definite recurrence rates, it is possible that MMS may become a cost-effective treatment for recurrent BCC.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Myofibroblasts in healing laser excision wounds.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The lack of myofibroblasts, cells responsible for wound contraction, has been suggested to be the underlying factor to the clinically observed minimal contraction in CO2 laser wounds. However, the histologic background to this phenomenon in laser excisions has not been thoroughly clarified. Therefore, we analyzed the expression of myofibroblasts in healing laser excisions and control excisions made by scalpel. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: CO2 laser (continuous wave, 5 W) or scalpel excision wounds were created in the dorsal tongue mucosa of 144 rats. Sixteen additional rats were kept as untreated controls. Specimens from the tongues were cut at 16 different healing time points and fixed in 10% formalin. Immunohistochemical stainings with monoclonal antibodies to vimentin and to alpha-smooth muscle actin were done to determine microscopically the contractile type of myofibroblasts. RESULTS: The maximum amount of myofibroblasts was almost three times higher in scalpel than in laser excisions. The peak value was reached at 4 days in laser and at 3 days in scalpel wounds. The increase reverted to normal levels at 14 days in laser and at 6 days in scalpel wounds, respectively. CONCLUSION: Myofibroblasts appeared and disappeared slower in laser wounds. There were clearly fewer myofibroblasts in CO2 laser than in corresponding scalpel excisions known to heal by contraction. The lack of contractile myofibroblasts, therefore, is suggested as the reason for the minimal degree of contraction in CO2 laser excision wounds.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Specimen-orientated radiography helps define excision margins of malignant lesions detected by breast screening.

Eighty patients with impalpable breast lesions detected by mammographic screening underwent hookwire-guided wide local excision. Excision specimens were orientated with Ligaclips and submitted to radiography; if, on the specimen radiograph, the mammographic lesion crossed any visible margin, further tissue was excised. Clear histological margins were obtained on the initial excision in 52 (68 per cent) of 77 carcinomas. After inspection of the orientated specimen radiograph, further tissue was excised from 22 patients; this significantly increased the rate of complete excision to 86 per cent (P < 0.01). Significantly more patients with invasive cancer had a complete excision than those with ductal carcinoma in situ (52 of 57 versus 14 of 20, P < 0.02).

Breast↗