Burn injuries are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Next to the inhalation injury, total body surface area and age are strong predictors of mortality in burn victims. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is associated with a fatality rate of around 3,5%. We present a case of burn victim with full thickness burn to face, scalp, both upper extremities (27% of total body surface area), inhalation injury and active SARS-CoV-2 infection with concomitant pneumonia. The inhalation injury in COVID-19 positive patient was severe. A bronchoscopy revealed a diffuse erythema of the trachea and both main bronchi, the whole bronchial tree up to the distal segments was covered with carbonaceous material which could not be removed. We decided to treat the inhalation injury according to the guidelines for burns and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Accordingly, the patient did not receive any antiviral drugs or corticosteroids. The reconstruction of a full-thickness scalp defect after burn presents a challenge in large size defects and in patients with comorbidities. Double layer Integra Dermal Regeneration Template (Integra LifeSciences, Plainsboro, New Jersey) was the reconstruction method of choice. The take of dermal template and split thickness skin graft was 100% and good scalp contour was achieved. To our knowledge this is the first case report presenting a successful treatment outcome in a burn victim with inhalation injury, active SARS-CoV-2 infection and concomitant pneumonia with full thickness burn of 27% of total body surface area.

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Aims The purpose of secondary breast reconstruction is to restore patient’s integrity. Autologous breast reconstruction has become the superior method of breast reconstruction, especially in cases with inadequate skin envelope and post-radiotherapy tissue damage. A 3D-template-enhanced secondary autologous breast reconstruction with restoration of innervation was developed at our department. Methods Thirty patients are planned to be included in the prospective double-blinded study. The reconstruction is performed with the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) free flap using 3D template from the contralateral healthy breast. Additionally, coaptation of the anterior branch of the 3rd intercostal nerve with the dominant lateral intercostal nerve innervating the DIEP flap is performed. Breast-Q questionnaires are collected before and after the reconstruction and the breast sensation is assessed on regular intervals. Results The preliminary results show an improvement in the sensation of the reconstructed breast and higher patient satisfaction score. Prior to abstract submission, no significant complications have been noted, in one patent abnormal sensation of the breast was reported. Conclusions According to previous studies, patients with innervated free flap reconstruction express higher level of satisfaction as the sensation of the reconstructed breast contributes significantly to the level of satisfaction. Furthermore, use of 3D model from the contralateral breast produces results that are superior to traditional methods. Preliminary results showed that the combination of both methods improved patient satisfaction regarding the aesthetic outcome and functional result. With the appropriate patient selection this type of optimised breast reconstruction should be performed.

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