title: Free-flap evolution after hyperthermic regional chemotherapy in the isolated limb for malignant melanoma.
abstract: Two patients presenting with a stage I melanoma of the sole of the foot (Clark's level IV, Breslow's 2.8 mm, and Clark's level IV, Breslow's 3.2 mm) underwent a 3-cm tumor free-margin skin resection, followed by microanastomosed muscle flap reconstruction (serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi). Immediately after primary wound healing, an elective inguino-iliac lymph-node dissection, followed by hyperthermic isolated regional chemotherapy with Melphalan, was carried out. Only moderate swelling of both free flaps was observed after these procedures, and this resolved rapidly. The patients returned to ambulation after 2 weeks. No other side effects of the hyperthermic isolated regional chemotherapy were observed in the previously microanastomosed flaps.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Erasme, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Goldschmidt
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van Geertruyden
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: de Fontaine
mesh_terms: D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010478:Chemotherapy, Cancer, Regional Perfusion / Q000379:methods; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D008558:Melphalan / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000637:transplantation*; D013524:Surgical Flaps
chemical_list: D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D008558:Melphalan