Free flap reconstruction for diabetic foot limb salvage

Background: Although free flap is gaining popularity for the reconstruction of diabetic foot ulcers, it is unclear whether free flap reconstruction increases the chances of postoperative independent ambulation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between free flap success and postoperative ambulation.

Methods: This study reviewed 23 cases of free flap reconstruction for diabetic foot ulcers between January 2007 and March 2014. Free rectus abdominis, latissimus dorsi, and anterolateral thigh flaps were used in ten, eight, and five patients, respectively. A comparison was made between free flap success and postoperative independent ambulation using Fisher’s exact test.

Results: Two patients developed congestive heart failure with fatal consequences within 14 days postoperatively, resulting in an in-hospital mortality rate of 8.7%. Five patients lost their flaps (21.7%). Of the 16 patients who had flap success, 12 achieved independent ambulation. Five patients with flap loss did not achieve independent ambulation, except one patient who underwent secondary flap reconstruction using a distally based sural flap. Fisher’s exact test revealed that independent ambulation was associated with free flap success (p?=?0.047).

Conclusion: The present study indicates that free flap reconstruction may increase the possibility of independent ambulation for patients with extensive tissue defects due to diabetic ulcers. Intermediate limb salvage rates and independent ambulation rates were favourable in patients with successful reconstruction. The use of foot orthoses and a team approach with pedorthists were effective to prevent recurrence.     

Reconstruction of foot and ankle defects with a superthin innervated anterolateral thigh perforator flap

Background: An anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap can be thinned to an extent to which it is vascularised only by the subdermal plexus. This study presents an innervated flap thinning technique and its application for dorsal foot and ankle resurfacing.

Methods: A superthin innervated ALT perforator flap was used to repair the dorsal foot and ankle of 12 patients. The perforators were classified according to their variations in the adipose layer, and the corresponding microdissection technique was then applied. The branch of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and its accompanying vessels were adopted to construct a sensory flap.

Results: The flap thickness before defatting, which was measured immediately after flap elevation, ranged from 25–45?mm. The average flap thickness after defatting was 4.55?mm (range =?3–6?mm). A total of 11 flaps completely survived, and one flap presented superficial necrosis within a small area (2?cm ×2?cm) in the distal part of the flap. No further flap revision or defatting procedures were required for these patients during an average follow-up period of 16.5 months (range =?10–24 months). In the transferred flap, protective sensibility existed in all cases, and the static two-point discrimination was 13–16?mm.

Conclusions: The superthin innervated ALT perforator flap may be considered as an ideal strategy for foot and ankle reconstruction.     

Do rhomboid flaps provide more elongation than Z-plasty flaps? An experimental study

Background and aim: A Z-plasty flap is one of the most widely used geometric relaxation methods to release contracture bands. A rhomboid flap is a lesser used geometric relaxation method than a Z-plasty flap. This study aimed to determine the length and rate of elongation provided by rhomboid and Z-plasty flaps.

Methods: Bilateral contracture bands were created in the inguinal skins of rats. A rhomboid flap was planned for the right side of the inguinal region, and a single Z-plasty flap was planned for the left side. The length and rate of elongation provided by the two flaps were calculated after completing the procedures and were compared using Student’s t-test.

Results: Experimental contracture bands disappeared in both the inguinal regions after creating rhomboid and Z-plasty flaps. The mean postoperative elongation of the contracture band was 1.4?±?0.119 and 2.47?±?0.281?cm using the rhomboid and Z-plasty flaps, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p?Conclusion: Z-plasty flaps provide more elongation than rhomboid flaps and also appear to be better options for releasing linear contracture bands. However, rhomboid flaps may be used as alternatives when Z-plasty flaps cannot be used and in regions such as the axilla, genital region, nipple-areola, where their distortion effects should be avoided.     

Contralateral unaffected breast augmentation using zone IV as a SIEA flap during unilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction

BackgroundContralateral breast augmentation during unilateral breast reconstruction is a good option for women with small breasts. In patients with adequate lower abdominal tissues, the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is often the first choice for unilateral autologous breast reconstruction. We use Zone IV, which is usually excised owing to its insufficient blood circulation, as a superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap for contralateral breast augmentation.MethodsBetween October 2004 and January 2016, 32 patients underwent unilateral breast reconstruction using a DIEP flap and an attempted simultaneous contralateral breast augmentation with an SIEA flap. The unilateral DIEP flap attached to the contralateral SIEA flap was split into two separate flaps after indocyanine green angiography. In all patients, ipsilateral internal mammary vessels were used as recipient vessels for DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The SIEA flap pedicle was anastomosed to several branches of the deep inferior epigastric vessels. The SIEA flap was inset beneath the contralateral breast through the midline.ResultsOf 32 patients, 27 underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction and simultaneous unaffected breast augmentation using 25 SIEA or 2 superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flaps. All DIEP flaps survived, and total necrosis occurred in one SIEA flap. The mean weight of the final inset for DIEP flap reconstruction and SIEA or SCIP flap augmentation was 416 g and 112 g, respectively.ConclusionsUnilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction and contralateral SIEA flap breast augmentation may be safely performed with satisfactory results.     

游离股前外侧穿支皮瓣修复足前端缺损

目的:探讨应用股前外侧穿支皮瓣修复足远端缺损的效果。方法:切取股前外侧穿支皮瓣,皮瓣切取面积为8cm×16cm~15cm×18cm。供区直接缝合或断层皮片移植修复,与足背动静脉吻合,修复足前端缺损15例。结果:15例患者皮瓣均完全成活,其中4例出现静脉危象,经探查修复后缓解,患者恢复行走功能,避免了截肢。结论:股前外侧穿支皮瓣股前外侧皮瓣供区隐蔽,简便实用,是修复足远端缺损的理想选择。     

Technical refinements of the free medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap in reconstruction of multifaceted ankle soft tissue defects

BackgroundPeri-ankle defects are difficult to reconstruct due to sharp contours, thin skin, aesthetic value, function and footwear impact. The medial sural artery perforator flap (MSAP) is increasing in popularity as a thin and pliable flap. This study aims to demonstrate its versatility in reconstructing defects around the ankle area and our approach to insetting these flaps in difficult areas around the ankle without the need for subsequent flap revisions.MethodsA retrospective review of the senior author’s series of peri-ankle reconstructions using the MSAP flap was undertaken.ResultsBetween 2011–2015, 15 patients underwent peri-ankle reconstruction with the MSAP flap. There were 4 dorsal foot, 4 medial malleolar, 4 lateral malleolar, and 3 tendo-achilles defects. All flaps in this series survived. There was one episode of partial flap necrosis in one patient and no incidences of donor site dehiscence. All patients returned to full ambulation and none required subsequent flap revision.ConclusionsThe MSAP flap offers the benefits of a fasciocutaneous flap, whilst providing a thin, pliable, single stage and robust reconstruction for peri-ankle defects, with a cosmetically ideal donor site.     

Distally Based Adipofascial Flaps for Dorsal Foot and Ankle Soft Tissue Defects

Soft tissue defects of the dorsal foot and ankle are difficult to reconstruct because the contour of the foot must be maintained for shoe fitting. The adipofascial flap, covered with a skin graft, is a suitable method of reconstruction that fulfills this important requirement. Twelve patients with soft tissue defects of the dorsal foot and at the ankle were treated in our unit with this method. Ten (83%) were children, 2 (17%) were adults. All defects were due to road traffic accidents. Three (25%) patients were women; 9 (75%) were men. The right foot was affected in 10 (83.4%) patients, with 2 (16.6%) patients having the left foot involved. The flaps used were the peroneal artery perforator flap (distally based lateral adipofascial flap) in 9 (75%) patients, the superficial sural artery flap in 2 patients (17%), and the posterior tibial artery perforator flap (distally based medial adipofascial flap) in 1 patient (8%). All flaps were successful, providing adequate contour of the foot for wearing ordinary shoes. There were 2 partial skin graft necroses, and, in 1 patient, the tips of the donor site skin flaps were necrosed. In conclusion, the distally based adipofascial flap, covered with skin graft, is a suitable method for reconstruction of soft tissue loss of the dorsal foot and ankle and provides optimum functional and aesthetic outcome with minimum donor site morbidity.     

The effect of adipose stromal vascular fraction on transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap: an experimental study

Background: Transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap is one of the options in reconstruction after breast cancer surgery for breast reconstruction. Tissue necrosis often occurs in the third and fourth perfusion zones of the flap. A study was planned to find out the effects of adipose stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells on viability of TRAM flap and the experimental model was designed to be applicable in clinical practice. Methods: Right inferior epigastric artery pedicled, 5?×?2.5?cm sized TRAM flap was used as a flap model in 30 rats in three groups (group 1: sham; group 2: phosphate-buffered saline (PBS); group 3: SVF cell injected). The viability of the flaps were assessed on the postoperative 7th day with photographs and software for the calculations. Results: The mean viable flap percentage to total flap area was recorded as 51.8%?±?11.19, 49.5%?±?10.30, 82.3%?±?9.56, in group 1, group 2, and group 3, respectively (p?<?0.05). The mean capillary density was noted as 5.15?±?0.56, 4.37?±?0.58, and 12.40?±?1.17 in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p?<?0.05). The fibrosis gradient indicated no difference between the groups (p?>?0.05). The in-vivo differentiation of SVF cells to endothelial cells was noted. The blood VEGF levels showed a marked increase in the experimental group (p?<?0.05). Conclusion: The adipose SVF cells were found out to improve the TRAM flap viability and decrease necrosis, especially in zone 3 and 4.     

Markers of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in patients with early and delayed microsurgical reconstructions in the lower extremities

Background: In this study, markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis were assessed during early and delayed microsurgical reconstruction in patients with traumatic defects of their lower legs to analyse whether an imbalance of the hemostasis after trauma might predispose the development of vascular complications.

Methods: The prospective study included 70 patients. In 35 patients, surgery was performed within 72?hours after injury. In 35 other patients, delayed free flap transfer was performed between 14–21?days after trauma. In each group, reconstruction was performed with a fasciocutaneous anterior-lateral thigh flap (ALT, n?=?18) or a myocutaneous flap (latissimus dorsi flap; n?=?17). Blood samples were collected preoperatively, intraoperatively, and 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96 and 120?hours after the operation. Analysed parameters included markers of coagulation such as prothrombin fragment 1?+?2 (F1?+?2), thrombin-antithrombin III-complex (TAT), and antithrombin, as well as fibrinolysis markers such as plasminogenactivator inhibitor-I (PAI-1), tissue-plasminogenactivator (t-PA), and plasminogen.

Results: Preoperatively, levels of F1?+?2, TAT, and PAI-1 were significantly higher in patients with delayed reconstruction (p?n?=?5) presented a significant higher concentration of TAT, F1?+?2, and PAI-1 (p?p?Conclusions: Patients with delayed free flap surgery after lower leg trauma present a hypercoagulable state in their blood due to activation of the coagulation system and hypofibrinolysis. Early reconstruction might minimise the risk of flap failure caused by hypercoagulability.     

Use of dorsal intercostal artery perforator flap in the repair of back defects

Background: The dorsal intercostal artery perforator (DICAP) flap is a well-vascularised flap that is elevated above the dorsal branch of the vertebral segments of the posterior intercostal artery. The aim of this study was to repair back defects using DICAP flaps.

Materials and methods: Eight patients who had undergone reconstruction with DICAP flaps for defects located on the back of the torso due to conditions of various aetiologies between 2011–2014 were included in this study. Patient age and gender, aetiology of the condition, dimensions of the defect and the flap, site of the defect, and postoperative complications were recorded.

Results: Three females and five males were included in this study. The age of the patients ranged between 19–71 years (mean?=?53.6 years). The aetiology was skin tumour in five patients and pressure wound, gunshot injury, and plate screw exposition subsequent to spinal surgery in one patient each. The sites of the defects were successfully closed in all patients, and no flap loss was observed in any patient.

Conclusions: DICAP flaps have some advantages compared to conventional muscle and muscle skin flaps, such as greater protection of muscle functions, less invasiveness, and lower donor site morbidity. This flap has a high mobilisation capacity due to its elevation above nine bilateral perforator arteries. Therefore, the DICAP flap is useful for the repair of median and paramedian back defects. Based on its advantages, it is suggested that the DICAP flap should be considered as a useful option for the repair of back defects.     

Reconstructive surgery for foot and ankle defects in pediatric patients: Comparison between anterolateral thigh perforator flaps and deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps

BackgroundsDue to the delicate tissue, small blood vessels and incomplete development of interarticular ligaments, skin and soft-tissue defects of the foot and ankle in pediatric patients remain a challenge for orthopedic and plastic surgeons. Anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flap and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap are the most commonly used flaps for the repair of lower-extremity soft-tissue defects. The literature contains a shortage of evidence involving the differences between ALTP and DIEP flaps in the reconstruction of young patients with complex foot and ankle defects. This study was designed to determine which type of flap is better for foot and ankle repair in pediatric patients.MethodsFrom January 2004 to January 2018, 79 children younger than 14 years treated with DIEP flap (41 cases) or ALTP flap (38 cases) for composite defects of the feet and ankles were retrospectively investigated. The two groups were homogeneous in terms of age, the location of the defect, etiology, and flap area. Complications, scarring, cosmetic appearance, flap sensory recovery, and functional outcome were analyzed, and statistical analysis was performed.ResultsThe ALTP group had shorter operation time (155.0 ± 12.0 min vs 212.2 ± 23.9 min), flap harvested time (39.6 ± 5.1 min vs 57.2 ± 10.4 min), and operative blood loss (143.4 ± 23.7 ml vs 170.7 ± 44.7 ml) than the DIEP group (P < 0.05). In short-term follow-up, ALTP group showed a lower flap necrosis rate (5.3% vs 24.4%) and vascular insufficiency rate (2.6% vs 19.5%) than DIEP group (P < 0.05). In long-term follow-up, ALTP group showed a lower late complication rate and better cosmetic, functional, scar outcomes than DIEP group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe study showed that an ALTP flap may brings better results than a DIEP flap in terms of short- and long-term complications, scarring, and morpho-functional outcomes for pediatric patients undergoing reconstruction of foot and ankle defects.     

逆行腓肠神经营养血管筋膜皮瓣修复足踝部软组织缺损

目的研究应用逆行腓肠神经营养血管筋膜皮瓣修复足踝部软组织缺损的方法.方法 1994年7月～2002年12月,对足踝部软组织缺损52例应用逆行腓肠神经营养血管筋膜皮瓣修复,其中创伤致皮肤软组织缺损47例,慢性溃疡3例,肿瘤切除术后2例.切取皮瓣范围4 cm×6 cm～10 cm×21 cm.结果术后48例皮瓣全部成活,创面Ⅰ期愈合;4例皮瓣远端部分坏死,经游离植皮后创面愈合.所有软组织缺损均修复,骨骼、肌腱外露均覆盖.术后46例皮瓣经5个月～4年随访,平均2.4年,均有一定程度的感觉恢复,两点辨别觉为11～17 mm,平均14 mm;有40例皮瓣质地、弹性好,踝关节功能良好,6例皮瓣弹性较差,踝关节功能欠佳.结论逆行腓肠神经营养血管筋膜皮瓣手术设计、操作简便,易于切取,不需牺牲小腿主要动脉,不吻合血管,且皮瓣成活率高.     

Foot and Ankle Reconstruction Using the Distally Based Sural Artery Flap Versus the Medial Plantar Flap: A Comparative Study

Soft tissue defects around the foot and ankle region often present an awkward problem for plastic surgeons. The medial plantar artery flap raised from the non-weightbearing instep of the plantar foot offers a thick, sensorial, durable, and glabrous skin. The reversed sural artery flap offers a reliable option for coverage with the advantages of a wide arc of rotation, adequate dimensions, and a reliable blood supply. The present study compared the outcomes of the medial plantar artery flap and the distally based sural artery flap in foot and ankle reconstruction. The present comparative cross-sectional study included 30 adult patients with soft tissue defects in the foot and around the ankle, who were divided into 2 equal groups. One group underwent reconstruction with the proximally based island medial plantar artery flap (MPAF). The second group underwent reconstruction with the reversed sural artery flap (RSAF). The operative time and complications were carefully recorded. The surgical outcomes in terms of flap survival, durability of coverage, and functional outcome were assessed for all patients. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in age, sex, etiology, or site of the defect. The defect size was significantly smaller in the MPAF group than in the RSAF group (22 ± 2.7 cm² versus 66.2 ± 7.7 cm²; p < .001). However, the operative time was significantly longer in the MPAF group than in the RSAF group (100 ± 2.9 minutes versus 80.5 ± 3.1 minutes; p < .001). The flap survived in all cases in the MPAF group, but total flap necrosis occurred in 1 patient in the RSAF group. The mean follow-up period was 13.2 months. Weightbearing was significantly earlier in the MPAF group than in the RSAF group (5.8 ± 0.26 weeks versus 6.9 ± 0.19 weeks; p = .003). None of the 30 patients developed recurrent ulceration. The incidence of complications (33.3% versus 80%) was significantly less in the MPAF group than in the RSAF group (p = .01). Significantly greater improvement was found in the functional outcomes in the MPAF group compared with the RSAF group (p = .004). In conclusion, the MPAF and distally based sural artery flap are the 2 flaps available for foot and ankle reconstruction. However, the MPAF offers better functional outcomes with a lower frequency of postoperative complications. Thus, the sensate MPAF is recommended for reconstruction of moderate-size defects of the foot and ankle region.     

Value of remote ischaemic preconditioning in rat dorsal skin flaps and clamping time

Objective: According to previous reports, remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a “delay” procedure that is highly likely to be useful for preventing skin flap necrosis. Differences in the extent of necrosis in rat dorsal skin flaps when different clamping times were used in RIPC were compared among the four groups described below.

Methods: Group A was a control group in which no prior ischaemic area was created, and both back legs were devascularised for 15 min in Group B, 30 min in Group C, and 60 min in Group D. The experiments were performed on 10 rats in each group, and the surviving area was measured. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s multiple comparison test were used for analysis, with p?<?0.05 regarded as significant.

Results: The surviving area of the skin flap was 15.4?±?1.8?cm² in Group A, 15.4?±?2.0?cm² in Group B, 17.9?±?2.0?cm² in Group C, and 19.2?±?3.4?cm² in Group D, with significant differences between Groups A and D and between Groups B and D.

Conclusions: RIPC consisting of 60 min of ischaemic preconditioning may be clinically useful as a method of preventing skin flap necrosis.     

Thoracodorsal artery perforator flap: a versatile alternative for various soft tissue defects

Thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap is a relatively new member of the perforator flap family. The objective of this study is to describe the use of pedicled and free TDAP flaps for various soft tissue defects. Fifteen patients underwent soft tissue reconstruction using 16 TDAP flaps. Twelve pedicled flaps were used for axillary, breast, and shoulder regions. Four free flaps were used for cheek, popliteal, hand, and foot reconstruction. The flaps were harvested based on the perforators, which were preoperatively located at or close to a point 8 cm below the posterior axillary fold and 2 cm behind the lateral border of the latissimus dorsi muscle. Early, late, major, and minor complications were documented. In 13 of the 16 flaps, perforators from the thoracodorsal artery were found in the circle 3 cm in diameter, centered on the anatomic landmark. Three other perforators were found outside this circle. One flap loss was considered the only major complication. Minor complications occurred in 12.5% of flaps. Although the vascular anatomy can be variable, free and pedicled TDAP flap is a versatile option in soft tissue reconstruction.     

Subdermal nitrous oxide delivery increases skin microcirculation and random flap survival in rats

Random skin flaps are essential tools in reconstructive surgery. In this study, we investigated the effect of subdermal nitrous oxide (N₂O) application on random flap survival. In this experimental study, we used 21 female rats in three groups. In the N₂O and air groups, gases were administrated under the proposed dorsal flap areas daily for seven days. Following the treatment period, flaps were raised and inserted back into their place from the dorsal skin. In the control group, the flaps were elevated and inserted back to their place without any pretreatment. Calculation of necrotic flap areas, histological examination and microangiography was performed to evaluate the results 7 days after the flap surgery. The average of necrotic flap area in the N₂O, air and control group was 13.45%, 37.67% and 46.43%, respectively. (N₂O vs air p?=?.044; N₂O vs control p?=?.003). The average number of capillary formations identified in the histological analysis was 7.0?±?1.58, 3.75?±?2.36 and 4.4?±?0.54 in the N₂O, air and control group, respectively. (N₂O vs air p?=?.017; N₂O vs control p?=?.037). The average number of capillary structures identified in the angiography images were 6.3?±?1.52, 1.6?±?1.15 and 1.3?±?0.57 in the N₂O, air and control group, respectively. (N₂O vs air p?=?.04; N₂O vs control p?=?.02). We conclude that subdermal N₂O application increases random flap survival through an increase in the skin microcirculation and could be promising for future clinical applications.     

Plantar flap reconstruction for acral lentiginous melanoma

Background: Acral lentiginous melanoma continues to be difficult to diagnose despite an overall trend toward early identification of smaller and thin lesions. The insidious nature of this lesion often precludes primary closure of the surgical defect once it is excised, adding to the reconstructive complexity. Local flaps on the plantar foot offer an option for reconstruction when the defect is of intermediate size. Methods: Eight patients (5 men and 3 women, with an average age of 58 years) who underwent plantar flap reconstruction for defects isolated to the weight-bearing heel were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The average depth of the melanoma was 2.82 mm. Surgical margins were 2 cm or less in seven of the eight patients. Partial flap necrosis occurred in one patient, and loss of part or all of the skin grafts was noted in two patients. Currently five patients are alive with no evidence of disease. Conclusion: The plantar flap can provide local well-vascularized tissue for weight-bearing areas where skin grafting alone may not be appropriate. Coverage of these areas with well-padded flaps led to ambulation in all of the patients studied. We believe this flap offers durable coverage for medium-sized defects in acral lentiginous melanoma.     

Combined multi-lobed flaps: A series of 39 extensive hand and multi-digit injuries one-staged reconstructions using modified designs of ALT,DPA and chimeric linking flaps

IntroductionThe use of multiple small flaps linked in a “chain-linked” flap microanastomosed chimeric system is recommended in distal hand and digital defects reconstruction. The aim of this study is to demonstrates our experience utilizing microsurgical fabrication, multi-lobed and linking combined flaps for the reconstruction of hand degloving injuries with complex multidigit soft tissue defects.MethodsMicroanastomosed chimeric flap systems using ALT and DPA modified designed flaps were combined in five selections to cover extensive soft tissue defects involving the hands and multiple digits of 39 patients (M:F − 36:3) from October 2009 to February 2013. Five different microsurgical combined chimeric flap systems utilised in extensive hand and multidigit injuries; innervated ALT flaps, multilobed DPA flaps, innervated ALT flap with multilobed DPA flap, innervated ALT flap with sensate ALT flap and bilobed ALT flap with multilobed DPA flap. All DPA donor sites were reconstructed using free ALT flap and anterior tibial artery propeller flap.ResultsThirty-nine combined free flap extremities reconstructions on 39 patients (M:F − 36:3) with average age 28.5 (18–45) years sustained traumatic degloving injuries, 24 from road traffic accidents and 15 from industrial devices. Five different designs of combined multi-lobed flaps have be successfully used without any peri-operative complications. Average follow-up of 12 months, all flaps survived without complications. Operated extremities showed favorable functional recovery with restoration of the diminished protective sensation on the flap through reinnervation. All flaps survived uneventfully with coverage matching the texture and color of the recipients. Donor sites healed without complication.ConclusionThe microsurgical fabrication of chimeric ALT flaps and multilobed DPA flaps is a valuable alternative for the reconstruction of hand degloving injury with complex multidigit soft tissue defects.Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.     

Preservation of deep-layer fat of lateral zones prevents postoperative seroma after TRAM-flap harvesting for breast reconstruction: a retrospective study

Objective: The present study elucidates whether or not preserving fat tissues deeper than the Scarpa’s fascia in zone 3 and zone 4 reduces postoperative fluid collection after harvesting the transverse rectus-abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap.

Methods: Thirty-one patients for whom breast reconstruction with free TRAM flaps had been performed were included in the study. Fat tissues deeper than the Scarpa’s fascia in zone 3 and zone 4 were addressed in two ways. With 17 patients, these tissues were preserved on the abdominal wall; with 14 patients, these fat tissues were harvested as part of the TRAM flap. The former and latter groups were named the Preservation Group and Non-Preservation Group, respectively. Drainage tubes were placed at the donor site until daily drainage became less than 20?ml, at which time the tubes were removed. The total amount of postoperative fluid drained from the donor site and the days required before tube removal were compared between the two groups.

Results: The total volume of drained fluid was significantly greater for the Non-Preservation Group (444?±?48.2?ml) than for the Preservation Group (230?±?21.9?ml); the period before removal of drainage tubes was significantly longer for the Non-Preservation Group (12.4?±?0.84 days) than for the Preservation Group (7.6?±?0.55 days).

Conclusion: Preservation of deep-fat tissues in zone 3 and zone 4 reduces postoperative fluid exuded from the donor site, and enables earlier removal of drainage tubes. For cases where optimal breast shape can be achieved without these fat tissues, the fat tissues should be preserved.     

Vein conduit for end-to-side anastomosis of a calcified vessel in lower extremity free flap reconstruction

BackgroundAs the microsurgical and interventional revascularization techniques are evolving, traditionally amputated limbs are now challenged to salvage. However, a calcified recipient vessel is a common but challenging problem encountered in lower extremity reconstruction.MethodsAn end-to-side anastomosis of a vein graft (1.5–3.5 cm in length) was performed to the recipient vessel when it was difficult to clamp the recipient vessel near the defect because of the inelastic and hard vessel wall. The vascular clamp was applied to the vein graft, and the flap's pedicle was anastomosed to the vein graft.ResultsA total of 18 free flaps (10 ALT cases, 4 TDAP cases, 2 PAP cases, and 2 SCIP cases) were anastomosed with a bridge vein graft to the heavily calcified recipient vessels (7 ATA cases, 3 PTA cases, 7 DPA cases, and 1 MPA case). Overall flap survival rate was 83.3%. Limb salvage rate was 93.7%, and anastomosis patency rate was 94.4%ConclusionVein conduit in an end-to-side anastomosis of severely calcified recipient vessels shows a reasonable limb salvage rate. It acts as a buffer, which makes microscopic vessel manipulation easier. If vessel calcification is the only drawback for a free flap reconstruction, then a vein graft needs to be prepared instead of an amputation. This method may extend the surgical option to more high-risk patients in lower extremity microsurgical reconstruction and increase the limb salvage rate.