Background: The thoracic duct (TD) and the cisterna chyli (CC) exhibit a high degree of variability in their topographical and morphometric properties. Materials and Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched to identify all studies that included information regarding the morphometric and topographical characteristics of the TD and CC. Results: The most frequent location of the TD termination was the left venous angle, with a pooled prevalence of 45.29% (95% CI: 25.51–65.81%). Moreover, the TD terminated most commonly as a single vessel (pooled prevalence = 78.41%; 95% CI: 70.91–85.09%). However, it divides into two or more terminating branches in approximately a quarter of the cases. The pooled prevalence of the CC was found to be 55.49% (95% CI: 26.79–82.53%). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis reveals significant variability in the anatomy of the TD and CC, particularly regarding TD termination patterns. Despite the predominance of single-vessel terminations, almost a quarter of cases exhibit branching, highlighting the complexity of the anatomy of the TD. These findings demonstrate the importance of detailed anatomical knowledge for surgeons to minimize the risk of accidental injury during head and neck, as well as thoracic surgeries. Our study provides essential insights that can enhance surgical safety and efficacy, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Background: The popularity of gluteal augmentation has surged in recent decades, primarily due to satisfactory aesthetic results. Objectives: The primary goal of this retrospective analysis was to present the key characteristics of a large patient cohort from Europe, comprising 185 female patients who underwent gluteal augmentation with ultrasound-guided fat grafting. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 185 female patients who underwent gluteal augmentation with ultrasonic liposuction and fat grafting from February 2020 to July 2023. The procedures were performed in accordance with the latest safety recommendations. Results: Information concerning the patient demographic, volume of fat graft, and complications was analyzed. Additionally, patient satisfaction was evaluated through a questionnaire. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of the patients was 23.00 kg/m² (SD = 2.62). Furthermore, the volume of transferred fat graft ranged from 500.00 mL to 800.00 mL, with a mean of 596.75 mL (SD = 67.29). The most frequent complication was the formation of seroma (5.41%). All complications were treated successfully. Conclusions: Using ultrasonic liposuction and ultrasound-guided fat grafting to enhance buttock contours is a reliable technique. Nevertheless, it is crucial to exert caution and take all necessary steps to reduce the risk of potentially life-threatening complications.

Background: The global popularity of gluteal augmentation has risen significantly, driven by the desire for enhanced buttocks size and shape to align with individual patient preferences. This increased demand has prompted extensive research into diverse techniques and their safety. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of a gluteal augmentation technique involving ultrasound-assisted liposuction, submuscular implants, and ultrasound-guided fat grafting. Our study involved a review of the medical records of 50 consecutive patients who underwent this procedure between February 2020 and July 2023. Results: Data related to patient demographics, the quantity of fat grafts, and any complications were analyzed. Additionally, a brief survey was conducted to evaluate patient satisfaction. The Polytech implants were used in forty-four patients, and Sebbin implants in six. The implant size varied from 285 to 560. Most of the Polytech implants were 390 cc (25/44; 56.8%). Two patients had a minor infection at the incision sites and subsequent wound dehiscence. No revision surgeries were needed. Conclusions: The presented technique incorporates ultrasonic liposuction, submuscular silicone implants, and ultrasound-guided fat grafting to achieve safe and aesthetic gluteal enhancements. This method is especially suitable for patients looking to augment both the central and lateral areas of the buttocks, particularly when they lack adequate fat tissue for augmentation through fat grafting. With the addition of ultrasound guidance, the fat grafting step is significantly safer.

Background: Gluteal augmentation is a widely performed aesthetic procedure, with implants providing a reliable alternative for patients with insufficient donor fat or those seeking a more pronounced and predictable volume enhancement. However, complication rates remain a concern, and it is unclear how different surgical techniques influence outcomes such as wound dehiscence, seroma formation, capsular contracture, and implant malposition. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and complication rates associated with implant-based gluteal augmentation, with a focus on how different surgical and procedural factors may influence these outcomes. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The Risk-of-Bias in Nonrandomized Studies—of Interventions, Version 2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias, and publication bias was analyzed using funnel plots and the LFK (Luis Furuya-Kanamori) index. Results: A total of 32 studies comprising 2682 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Textured implants had higher complication rates, including seromas (7.50% versus 2.56%), dehiscence (13.98% versus 6.63%), and capsular contracture (2.06% versus 0.55%), compared with smooth implants. Subfascial placement had the highest seroma (22.25%) and dehiscence (27.07%) rates, whereas intramuscular and submuscular placements showed lower complication rates. The overall implant removal rate was 1.05%, with subfascial placement exhibiting the highest rate (5.23%). Conclusions: Implant-based gluteal augmentation remains a viable option, but careful selection of surgical technique is crucial to minimize complications. Although intramuscular and submuscular placement appear safer, further prospective, standardized studies with long-term follow-up are needed to refine surgical strategies and improve patient outcomes.

Background: Upper extremity reconstruction poses a significant challenge due to the complex anatomical and functional requirements of the hand and forearm. While free flaps have become the gold standard, pedicled abdominal flaps remain a valuable alternative, especially in cases where microsurgical anastomosis is contraindicated or unfeasible. This study evaluates the efficacy and outcomes of free-style pedicled abdominal flaps in reconstructing complex upper limb defects. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 20 patients who underwent soft tissue reconstruction of the upper extremity using free-style pedicled abdominal flaps between January 2019 and June 2024. Patient demographics, injury mechanisms, flap design, postoperative complications, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Flap design was customized to defect size and location, utilizing single, double, triple, and tunneled flap configurations where necessary. Results: Stable soft tissue coverage was achieved in all cases without the need for additional free flap procedures. Complications included surgical site infections (n = 2), marginal necrosis (n = 2), partial flap necrosis (n = 2), and complete necrosis (n = 2), with no cases requiring free flap conversion. Long-term follow-up revealed no finger stiffness or loss of hand function. Donor site morbidity was minimal, with only one case requiring a split-thickness skin graft for closure. Conclusions: Despite advancements in microsurgical techniques, free-style pedicled abdominal flaps remain a vital reconstructive option for upper limb defects, particularly in patients with complex, large, or circumferential injuries. Their versatility, reliable vascularity, and ability to conform to various defect shapes underscore their enduring relevance in modern reconstructive surgery.