Giant Darier–Ferrand dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the abdomen and pelvis: a case report

Background Darier–Ferrand dermatofibrosarcoma (DFS) is a rare malignant cutaneous neoplasm characterized by local aggressiveness, high risk of recurrence, and low metastatic potential. Case presentation A 60-year-old Tunisian man with recurrent abdominopelvic DFS for which he had undergone multiple excisions presented with an extensive DFS that invaded the external genitals. He underwent a large excision with emasculation and thin cutaneous graft of the abdominal wall and local skin flap in the pelvis. Conclusion DFS is a rare yet recurrent skin tumor. Wide excision with free margins remains the cornerstone of treatment. We report a case of a giant DFS treated with wide excision and reconstructive surgery to cover the defect.

Novel technique to manage pacemaker exposure with buried flap reconstruction: case series

ObjectiveExposure of implantable electrical devices may increase morbidity and mortality significantly. Usually superficial infections are conservatively managed whereas invasive infections necessitate complete capsulectomy, sub-pectoral placement or implant exchange. Most commonly inadequate soft tissue coverage, soft tissue thinning and scar dehiscence over the edge of the pacemaker are the primary predisposing event. Multiple local surgical options have been described, however, with all these designs, the final scar still remains over the edge of the pacemaker and continue to have a tendency of thinning out with time. We have described a local skin flap which can be de-epithelialized and partially buried under the skin to increase the thickness over the pacemaker edge, thereby preventing further recurrence.MethodsThree patients admitted in the Cardiology Department presented with impending exposure (n=2)and exposed implant (n=1) over the edge of pacemaker with superficial infection. Local modified rotation skin flap which was de-epithelialized and partially buried under the skin to increase the thickness over the pacemaker edge was performed under local anaesthesia in all the cases.ResultsFlaps settled well in all patients with no evidence of infection, scar dehiscence and recurrence over a follow-up period of 2 years.ConclusionsThis flap technique is recommended for cases of impending pacemaker exposure resulting due to scar dehiscence over the edge and helps by addressing the predisposing factors at an initial stage. In our experience, this technique also helped to salvage exposed pacemaker with superficial infection. To our bestof knowledge this technique has not been described before in the literature.