Transversely‐inset great toe hemi‐pulp flap transfer for the reconstruction of a thumb‐tip defect

Thumb‐tip defect is a common traumatic disease, and replantation of an amputated thumb‐tip is the first choice of treatment when available. When an amputee is not available, local flaps such as volar advancement flap are used for reconstruction. However, it is difficult to cover whole defect area by a local flap when a defect is relatively large. In this report, we present a case of the use of a free great toe hemi‐pulp flap transfer to reconstruct a thumb‐tip defect. A 69‐year‐old right‐handed male suffered from the right thumb‐tip crush amputation in Tamai Zone 2. The distal phalanx and the nail matrix were preserved, and the defect size was 5 cm × 4 cm. The thumb‐tip was reconstructed with a free great toe hemi‐pulp flap under local anesthesia. The flap included extended subcutaneous adiposal tissue (skin size 4.5 cm × 3 cm; fat size 4.5 cm × 5.5 cm) to reconstruct the nail bed, and was transversely inset at the recipient site to cover the whole area of the defect. The donor site could be primarily closed without skin grafting. At postoperative 6 months, the patient was satisfied with good results of the reconstructed thumb‐tip and the donor site. Transversely‐inset great toe hemi‐pulp flap may be useful to reconstruct a thumb‐tip defect, which allows relatively wide defect reconstruction. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:235–238, 2015.     

Peroneal perforator‐based peroneus longus tendon and sural neurofasciocutaneous composite flap transfer for a large soft‐tissue defect of the forearm: A case report

We describe the use of a composite flap composed of a sural neurofasciocutaneous flap and a vascularized peroneus longus tendon for the reconstruction of severe composite forearm tissue defects in a patient. A 43‐year‐old man had his left arm caught in a conveyor belt resulting in a large soft‐tissue defect of 18 × 11 cm over the dorsum forearm. The extensor carpi radialis, superficial radial nerve, and radial artery were severely damaged. A free neurofasciocutaneous composite flap measuring 16 × 11 cm was outlined on the patient's left lower leg to allow simultaneous skin, tendon, nerve, and artery reconstruction. The flap, which included the peroneus longus tendon, was elevated on the subfascial plane. After the flap was transferred to the recipient site, the peroneal artery was anastomosed to the radial artery in a flow‐through manner. The vascularized tendon graft with 15 cm in length was used to reconstruct the extensor carpi radialis longus tendon defect using an interlacing suture technique. As the skin paddle of the sural neurofasciocutaneous flap and the vascularized peroneus longus tendon graft were linked by the perforator and minimal fascial tissue, the skin paddle was able to rotate and slide with comparative ease. The flap survived completely without any complications. The length of follow‐up was 12 months and was uneventful. Range of motion of his left wrist joint was slightly limited to 75 degrees. This novel composite flap may be useful for reconstructing long tendon defects associated with extensive forearm soft tissue defects.     

Reconstruction of a full‐thickness,complex nasal defect that includes the nasal septum using a free,thin superficial inferior epigastric artery flap

Complex nasal defects present a surgical challenge, particularly in cases with a full‐thickness defect that extends into the nasal septum. Although the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap has been widely used as a bulky flap for soft tissue augmentation, reports on its use as a thin flap are limited. We present a case of complex nasal defect reconstruction using a free, thin SIEA flap. A 65‐year‐old man with a recurrent malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor around the left nose and cheek underwent wide tumor resection, leaving a full‐thickness nasal defect that included portions of the nasal septum, nasal bone, and maxilla. A free, thin SIEA flap was elevated and primarily thinned by microdissecting the pedicle distally. The flap was then folded and inset to close the nasal septum and skin. The flap survived completely and complete closure of the nasal septum was observed. As the SIEA runs toward superficial layers as it is traced distally, primary thinning of the flap is possible. We believe that this method may represent an alternative to the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap in cases in which the superficial circumflex iliac artery system is hypoplastic. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:66–69, 2016.     

Paraumbilical perforator flap for reconstruction of the external auditory meatus: A case report

We herein present a technique of using the umbilical stalk for reconstruction of the external auditory meatus. A 49‐year‐old female presented with locally aggressive melanoma affecting her mastoid region. She underwent radical excision including the skin and soft tissues around the external ear with simultaneous lymph node clearance. The resultant defect measured 15 cm × 8 cm in diameter and was 2.5 cm deep. This was reconstructed with a similarly sized microvascular paraumbilical perforator flap that included the umbilical stalk. In the post‐operative course there was complete flap survival but a prolonged wound dehiscence near the auditory meatus that required revision surgery. At 15‐months follow‐up, the patient was melanoma‐free and the auditory meatus was patent. Hearing was also preserved. The umbilical stalk is one of the few skin covered tubed structures in the human body that may be used without major donor morbidity to “replace like with like,” the auditory channel. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:573–575, 2015.     

The composite anterolateral thigh flap for knee extensor and skin reconstruction

The simultaneous reconstruction of a skin defect and lost extensor mechanism of the knee joint is difficult. We present a 31-year-old male who lost the patella and had a 9 × 10 cm skin defect after a total patellectomy for an infected open patellar fracture. A composite anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap including vascularized skin and fascia lata (FL) was elevated. The FL was folded and sutured to the remaining patellar tendon. The skin flap covered the skin defect. The wound healed uneventfully. Thirty months later, the active range of motion of the knee joint was 0°–120° and the extension strength of the knee joint was normal. He could stand on his right leg and walk without assistance. The composite ALT flap is a valuable option in knee reconstruction after a total patellectomy.     

Reconstruction of post‐traumatic drop foot deformity by the chimeric deep inferior epigastric artery perforator free flap associated with a composite quadriceps osteotendinous graft

Dorsiflexor tendons are particularly exposed in crush injury of the foot. Anterior tibialis tendon defects may be responsible for a steppage gait and a drop foot deformity. Drop foot reconstruction is challenging because of the high risk of postoperative adhesions and functional sequelae. In this report, we present the results of the reconstruction of post‐injury anterior tibialis tendon defects with chimeric deep inferior epigatric artery perforator (DIEP) free flap associated with a quadriceps osteotendinous graft in two patients. Two men (32‐year‐old and 19‐year‐old) presented drop foot deformity with defect of the anterior tibialis tendon secondary to a crush injury. The sizes of the soft tissues defects at the foot dorsum were 24 cm × 8 cm and 20 cm × 8 cm, respectively. The quadriceps osteotendinous grafts were used to reconstruct the anterior tibialis tendon in both patients. The chimeric DIEP free flaps with skin paddles (24 cm × 8 cm and 20 cm × 8 cm) and rectus abdominis fascia (24 cm × 4 cm and 20 cm × 4 cm) were used for reconstruction. The skin component based on a musculocutaneous perforator was used for soft tissue reconstruction of the foot dorsum. The fascial component based on a second perforator was used to create a sliding surface around the osteotendinous graft. Postoperative course was uneventful. Rehabilitation lasted 3 months. The range of ankle movement was measured during 12 months. The first patient recovered 10 degree of dorsiflexion. The second patient recovered 25 degree of dorsiflexion. Walk recovery was satisfying in both patients. The single‐stage procedure using the chimeric DIEP free flap may be an option for post‐injury drop foot reanimation. Creating a sliding surface around a composite osteotendinous quadriceps graft with a vascularized fascial component avoid postoperative peritendinous adhesions. This technique may improve foot dorsiflexion and walk recovery. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:334–338, 2016.     

Synchronous reconstruction of the floor of mouth and chin with a single skin island fibular free flap

Objectives: The goal this presentation is to: 1) Review the reconstructive options for anterior mandible through‐and‐through composite defects and 2) Instruct the audience in the application of the double‐skin paddle fibular flap in selected patients. Methods: Case presentation with review of the literature. Results: A 70‐year old male with an anterior floor of mouth squamous cell carcinoma underwent composite resection that included resection of a 5‐cm ovoid component of overlying chin skin. The defect was reconstructed with a fibular osteocutaneous flap with a double skin paddle technique. Conclusions: Several reconstructive options have been described in the literature for extended oral cavity defects including the use of multiple free flaps, combinations of regional and distant flaps, and sequential reconstruction. This case report reviews the use of a single flap reconstruction of these defects for selected patients. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.     

Flow‐through omental flap to free anterolateral thigh flap for complex chest wall reconstruction: Case report and review of the literature

Despite the options currently available for chest wall reconstruction, patients with complex composite defects may still pose a significant challenge for the reconstructive surgeon when only using conventional methods. In particular, prior radiotherapy and/or large en bloc resection may leave inadequate regional flaps and recipient vessels for free tissue transfer. Here, we describe a case in which we reconstruct a 14 cm × 18 cm complex chest wall defect, secondary to tumor resection and infected sternum debridement, with a pedicled flow‐through omental flap to a 14 cm × 22 cm free anterolateral thigh flap using the omental gastroepiploic vessels as recipient vessels. Reconstruction was successful with excellent flap viability, and no complications at recipient or donor sites. We review the literature on complex chest wall reconstruction and introduce this valuable option of utilizing a pedicled omental flap as a flow‐through flap to a free flap for patients without viable recipient vessels or local flaps. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:70–76, 2016.     

Double Forehead Expanded Flaps for Reconstruction of Total Nasal Defect: A Case Report

ObjectiveTo introduce a method for total nasal defect reconstruction with a double forehead expanded flap.Case presentationA 55-year-old man underwent three-stage total nasal reconstruction for a complete nasal defect due to electrical injury. The skin expander was implanted during the 1st stage. Total nasal reconstruction was performed with double expanded forehead flap transfer during the 2nd stage. The unilateral forehead flap was used for lining and the contralateral forehead flap, together with the autologous cartilage and titanium mesh framework, were used for skin replacement. The forehead donor defect was covered with a skin graft. Pedicle division and inset were performed in the 3rd stage.ResultsThere was no flap loss, infection, hematoma, rhinostenosis, or implant exposure over the 2-year follow-up, and satisfactory aesthetic results were achieved.ConclusionThe double forehead expanded flap method is useful for the reconstruction of large composite nasal defects in patients who are not suitable for nasolabial flaps and those who may not tolerate free tissue transfer. The operation has fewer complications and is uncomplicated.     

Single stage functional reconstruction of both peroneal tendons and overlying skin with an anterolateral thigh flap and vascularized fascia lata: A case report

Reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects in the distal lower leg remains challenging, since anatomical constraints limit the local options available in this area. In this report, we present a case of single stage functional reconstruction of both peroneal tendons and overlying skin with an anterolateral thigh flap and vascularized fascia lata. A 55‐year‐old patient underwent wide excision of a synovial sarcoma in the distal lower leg, which resulted in a complex defect including the peroneus longus and brevis tendons (10 cm), and the overlying skin (14 × 8 cm). Functional reconstruction was achieved in a single stage with a composite anterolateral thigh flap with vascularized fascia lata of similar dimensions to those of the defect. The fascia lata component of the flap was longitudinally split in two segments. Each of them was rolled up, and that way, two separate vascularized neotendons were created. The neotendons bridged the gap of peroneal tendons, whereas the skin paddle of the flap provided stable soft tissue coverage to the reconstructed tendons. Flap pedicle was anastomosed to the anterior tibial vessels. Early and late postoperative periods were uneventful. Follow up at 1 year postoperatively showed excellent neotendon incorporation, as well as a very good functional and aesthetic outcome. The use of the method described may be a useful alternative in single stage functional reconstruction of composite defects comprising two or even more tendons and the overlying skin.     

Complex partial nasal reconstruction using free prelaminated temporoparietal fascial flap

The reconstruction of nasal defects together with nasal lining, skeletal support, and skin loss constitutes difficulty to plastic surgeons. We present a single‐stage reconstruction of the defect formed on the nasal tip, columella, septum, and upper lip after tumor excision by performing free temporoparietal fascial flap, costal cartilage, and skin graft. In this case, cartilage support was created by the graft taken from costal cartilage, and free temporoparietal fascial flap was wrapped around this cartilage scaffold. Skin graft taken from scalp was placed on the skin surface, and skin graft taken from the thigh was placed on the mucosal surface. Vascular anastomoses were performed on the labial artery and the concomitant vein. In consequence of this operation, a nasal reconstruction with acceptable esthetic and functional results was provided in a complex nasal defect. Internal lining, skin, and cartilage structures were replaced in one single stage and with single flap and graft. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.     

Reconstruction of extensive abdominal wall defect using an eccentric perforator‐based pedicled anterolateral thigh flap: A case report

Reconstruction of extensive abdominal wall defects is a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. In this report, a case of reconstruction of a large abdominal wall defect using an eccentric perforator‐based pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is presented. A 30‐year‐old man presented with recurrent desmoid‐type fibromatosis in the abdominal wall. The recurrent tumor was radically excised, and the en bloc excision resulted in a full‐thickness, large abdominal wall defect (25 cm × 20 cm). An eccentric perforator‐based pedicled ALT flap, including wide fascial extension, was transferred to the abdominal defect; fascial portions were sutured to the remnant abdominal fascia. Plication of the fascia along the sutured portion was performed to relieve the skin tension between the flap and the marginal skin of the abdominal defect. Eight months after surgery, the reconstructed abdomen had an acceptable esthetic appearance without tumor recurrence or hernia. The use of an eccentric perforator‐based pedicled ALT flap may be an alternative method for the reconstruction of extensive abdominal wall defects. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:482–486, 2013.     

Profunda artery perforator based V‐Y rotation advancement flap for total vulvectomy defect reconstruction—A case report and literature review

Reconstruction of total vulvectomy defect represents a challenge, and reconstructive methods include skin graft, local skin flap, musculocutanous flap, and pedicled perforator flap. We report a case of a 63‐year‐old patient affected by extramammary Paget's disease of vulva who underwent total vulvectomy receiving reconstruction with bilateral profunda artery perforator based V‐Y rotation advancement flap. The literature about vulva reconstruction was reviewed. This innovative flap design combined the classic rotation flap and V‐Y advancement flap with inclusion of the profunda artery perforators to augment the flap blood supply. Besides, the internal pudendal nerve was preserved to maintain the sensation of the neo‐uvula. The flap survived completely without major post‐operative complications with 9‐months follow‐up. Profunda artery perforator based V‐Y rotation advancement flap may represent a valuable option in total vulvectomy defect reconstruction. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:668–671, 2015.     

Definitive foot drop deformity repair with tensor fascia latae myocutaneous flap

Tensor fascia latae (TFL) myocutaneous flap, utilized as a novel approach for the successful functional repair of the foot drop deformity is presented in this case report. A 21‐year‐old male patient was subjected to a close‐range high‐velocity gunshot injury and sustained comminuted Gustillo‐type IIIB open fracture of his left tibia. A composite skin and soft tissue defect including tibialis anterior and extansor hallucis longus tendons was determined. The injury was managed in two stages. In the first stage, the immediate reconstruction of the open tibia fracture was provided by using a reverse flow sural flap and external fixation of the fracture. The functional restoration was achieved by vascular fascia latae in the second stage, 6 months after the initial skin, soft tissue, and bone defect repair. The functional recovery was successful, and the foot drop gait was almost totally ameliorated. Reconstruction with TFL flap should be retained in the armamentarium for the functional repair of the foot drop deformity, caused by composite skin and soft tissue defects of the pretibial region. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.     

局部或邻位皮瓣在鼻尖缺损修复中的功能和美学评价

目的 介绍应用局部或邻位皮瓣修复鼻尖部缺损创面的方法和经验.方法 在遵循鼻亚单位组成的美学原则基础上,根据鼻尖部创面的大小、形状及供区组织可利用情况,分别选择相应的局部或邻位皮瓣(如额鼻皮瓣、双叶皮瓣、改良菱形皮瓣、鼻唇沟皮瓣及额正中皮瓣等)修复创面,供区直接缝合.结果 手术治疗共83例,创面面积最小约0.6 cm×0.6 cm,最大约2.5 cm×2.5 cm.术后皮瓣全部成活,无明显并发症发生.其中76例随访1～36个月,鼻外形轮廓较好,修复组织与周围皮肤相匹配,肿瘤患者未见复发.结论 遵循鼻亚单位美学原则,应用局部皮瓣能修复鼻尖部中等以上创面,且色泽、质地、轮廓等方面能达到较好的匹配和协调.     

Posteromedial thigh (PMT) propeller flap for perineoscrotal reconstruction: A case report

Fournier's gangrene can lead to extensive defects of the perineoscrotal area with exposure of the testes. Such defect poses challenging tasks for both functional and cosmetic reconstruction. Due to its proximity, medial thigh skin appeared to be the most versatile donor site for perineoscrotal reconstruction. In this report, we present a case of reconstruction of a large perineoscrotal defect because of Fournier's gangrene using a posteromedial thigh (PMT) perforator propeller flap. A 58 year‐old male who suffered from Fournier's gangrene resulted in a scrotal defect of 10 × 12 cm² with a large dead space. A pedicled PMT propeller flap measuring 9 × 23 cm² with two perforators that originated from the profunda femoris artery (PFA) was harvested for scrotal defect reconstruction and dead space obliteration. The flap survived completely, with no recipient or donor site morbidity. The length of followup was 3 months and was uneventful. The pedicled PMT propeller flap may be considered as a valid option for perineoscrotal reconstruction. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:569–572, 2015.     

Recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp treated with serial free flaps: A case report

Reconstruction of large full thickness scalp defects is always a challenge. Many different techniques can be used, but larger defects often call for a free tissue transfer. The purpose of this report is to present one successful way of treating multiple large scalp defects. A 61‐year‐old man was seen with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp. The lesions were of full thickness, about 10–15 cm in diameter and included the calvarial bone and the dura layer. The reconstruction process included split‐thickness skin grafting, local flaps, and three free microvascular flaps; two latissimus dorsi flaps and one anterolateral thigh flap. No total flap loss was seen, but partial flap necrosis called for secondarily reconstruction. The final result was cosmetically acceptable and the patient is of good health. In conclusion, serial free microvascular flaps may be used with good results when dealing with large difficult and recurrent scalp defects. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:481–484, 2015.     

吻合血管的逆行游离耳前皮瓣移植修复鼻部分缺损

目的旨在设计以颞浅动脉远端为蒂的逆行游离耳前皮瓣进行吻合血管的移植一期修复鼻部分缺损。方法本组共3例,1例为鼻尖缺损,1例为右侧鼻翼缺损,1例为鼻尖缺损、右侧鼻翼完全缺损及左侧鼻翼不完全缺损。术中将游离逆行耳前皮瓣的颞浅动、静脉分别与鼻唇沟部面动、静脉吻合,其中1例急诊患者颞浅静脉是与下睑伤口的一条静脉吻合。结果逆行游离耳前皮瓣大小范围为3.0 cm×2.5 cm~6 cm×2 cm,血管蒂长5~6 cm。3例患者皮瓣均成活,再造的鼻尖、鼻翼外形逼真,皮肤色泽、质地与鼻部皮肤接近。耳前供区切口隐蔽不遗留明显瘢痕。结论耳前皮瓣皮肤颜色、质地与鼻部接近,皮瓣血管蒂长,不需要血管移植,可通过显微外科技术一期修复鼻部分缺损,该皮瓣也可用于面部其他皮肤缺损的修复。     

Free fasciocutaneous flaps for reconstruction of complete circumferential degloving injury of digits

Complete circumferential degloving injury of the digits usually results in a large cutaneous defect with tendinous structure and bone and joint exposure. When revascularization is not possible, a thin and adequately sized flap is required to resurface the defect, restore finger function, and prevent amputation. In this report, we present our experience with reconstruction of the entire circumferential degloving injury of the digits using free fasciocutaneous flaps. Between February 2006 and January 2011, 9 male patients with circumferential degloving injury of 9 digits underwent reconstruction using free fasciocutaneous flap transfer with the posterior interosseous artery flap, medial sural artery flap, anteromedial thigh flap, or radial forearm flap. The average flap size was 14.2 × 6.9 cm. Donor sites were closed primarily or covered with split‐thickness skin graft. All flaps survived completely and the donor sites healed without complications. The mean follow‐up period was 34.8 months. A maximum Kapandji score (10/10) was seen in 2 cases with crushed thumbs. All patients could achieve good key pinch and grasping functions. All skin flaps showed acceptable static 2‐point discrimination and adequate protective sensation. Patient satisfaction for resurfaced digits averaged 9 on a 10‐points visual analogic scale. In conclusion, the free fasciocutaneous flaps used were thin and did not interfere with finger movements. The patient's finger formed a smooth contour and acceptable functional results were obtained after reconstruction. This method may be a valuable alternative for reconstruction of entire circumferential avulsion injury of the digits. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.     

Reconstruction of the ankle complex wound with a fabricated superficial circumflex iliac artery chimeric flap including the sartorius muscle: A case report

Free flap reconstruction of the foot and ankle can be challenging in that it must fulfill functional and esthetic demands. Injury of this region is often associated with fractures, and muscle flaps are sometimes preferred. Here we present a case of the use of superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) chimeric flap for reconstruction of ankle complex wound. A 78‐year‐old lady sustained open fractures of the left distal tibia, fibula, and talus, with a 10 × 6 cm² soft‐tissue defect over the lateral aspect of her left ankle due to an automobile accident. A 7 × 3 cm² sartorius muscle component was inset to cover the exposed left ankle joint capsule, and a 5 × 10 cm² SCIP skin paddle was used for coverage of the defect. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the sartorius muscle component and the SCIP skin paddle survived completely. Six months after the reconstruction, the flap and the donor site showed pleasing cosmesis, and the patient could ambulate with a supple ankle without crutches. The sartorius muscle component was elevated based on the deep branch of the SCIA, and was chimerically combined with a SCIP skin paddle for reconstruction of a complex ankle injury. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:421–425, 2017.