A 25-year-old male with colitis ulcerosa treated with prednisone was transferred to our department with a soft tissue defect at the left neck and upper left thorax after local necrosis following an abscess due to an erroneous puncture of a central line (Figure 2a ). After several debridements, applying vacuum- and antibiotic therapy combined with continuing a low dose prednisone therapy, the wound was vital and microbiologically free of bacteria. As reconstructive surgery, we decided to perform a supraclavicular artery island flap. The postoperative wound healing process showed no signs of infection with only a minor dehiscence at the drainage area so that we could discharge the patient with a good reconstructive result (Figure 2b ).\nHowever, following the necessity of increasing the prednisone therapy due to an acute period of colitis ulcerosa, the patient presented himself again 3 weeks after being discharged with multiple dehiscence around the elevation site of the supraclavicular flap with serous outflow. The microbiological tests showed no evidence of bacteria. After multiple debridements, the secondary wound was covered with skin grafts using MatriDerm® as dermal matrix (Figure 2c, d ). The young, immunocompromised patient could finally be discharged after an overall hospitalization stay of more than 12 weeks.
A 57-year-old male patient with the initial diagnosis of an advanced malignant melanoma on the left foot was operated in our department with an excision in sano of the tumor and closing of the defect by performing a free anterolateral thigh flap (ALTP). However, diagnostic lymph node biopsy was performed as well and following positive histopathology findings, a groin dissection, which was performed without complications, was necessary. The vascular femoral structures were covered by a transposition of the sartorius muscle. As a matter of fact, the patient could be discharged within five days after an uncomplicated wound healing.\nOver the course of time, chemotherapy and radiotherapy was conducted on the affected groin by the department of dermatology. Unfortunately, positive signs of lymph metastasis were detected in the groin region again, thereby requiring the necessity of another operation for the removal of all stationary lymph nodes and subcutaneous tissue. This time wound healing was prolonged due to the immunocompromised status of the patient and the impaired skin in the groin after radiotherapy. With the formation of a chronic seroma regular puncture was necessary, which led to chronic lympho-edema, recurring erysipelas and a frequent re-hospitalisation of the patient. Finally, we decided together with the patient to re-operate the radiated groin. After several debridements the defect was closed by performing loco-regional advancement flaps. The final wound healing was acceptable with only a small dehiscence and no further seroma so far. Chemotherapy was continued by the department of dermatology after the patient had been discharged.