Auricle reconstruction with a radial forearm flap prelaminated with porous polyethylene (Medpor®) implant

Severe auricular traumas with extensive involvement of the surrounding structures present with a serious defect necessitating free tissue transfers for reconstruction. In this case report, we present a case of whole left auricle reconstruction with a radial forearm flap prelaminated with porous polyethylene (Medpor®) implant in a 17‐year‐old female patient. First, a subdermal pouch was fashioned on the volar aspect of the left forearm along the projection of the radial artery and the Medpor implant was placed in this pouch. Four weeks later, the prelaminated radial forearm flap containing the Medpor implant was transferred to the recipient site. Resultant construct had a pliable skin cover, and the patient was pleased with the esthetic outcome even though revisions such as external auditory meatus widening, conchal cup deepening, and lobule defining were planned as further interventions. We believe that this method is a pertinent reconstructive option for extensive defects of the auricular region. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.     

The periosteal-cutaneous chimeric medial femoral condyle free flap for subtotal ear reconstruction: A case report

When costal graft is contraindicated or refused by the patient, autologous total/subtotal auricular reconstruction represent a real challenge as limited surgical options has been described. Aim of present report is to offer a novel possible autologous reconstruction of the ear frame using a chimeric free medial femoral condyle (MFC) flap. We present a case of a 29 years old patient who had total loss of the upper 2/3 of the right ear after bombing in Somalia and secondary infected condritis (considered a relative contraindication for costal cartilage graft). The MFC flap was harvested with a chimeric skin paddle (7 × 5 cm), a thin sheet of femoral cortex (6.5 × 8 cm) was used as basal ear frame, while part of the contralateral concha was trimmed as support for the helix, with the periosteal component of the flap wrapping around the whole framework. The chimeric skin paddle assured the retroauricular skin coverage, while the anterior part of the construct was covered by a thinned dermal flap. Postoperative course was uneventful. A defatting procedure of the posterior skin paddle was performed at 2 months post-op. At 6 months post-op, the patient was satisfied with the result, could wear glasses and was socially integrated. This new application of the free chimeric MFC flap, despite being not the primary choice for ear reconstruction, guaranteed satisfactory results in terms of ear shape and infection prevention and may be considered when ordinary cartilage rib reconstruction is refused, contraindicated, or failed.     

双扩张器重叠扩张无需植皮的全耳成形术

目的 探讨一期采用双扩张器重叠扩张,二期无需植皮进行全耳成形术的方法,并总结其优缺点及适应证.方法 对6例先天性小耳畸形患者,采用一期在耳后区上、下重叠各埋置1个扩张器,常规注水扩张.二期取出扩张器,以自体肋软骨或Medpor材料作为支架,筋膜瓣包裹支架,设计上部扩张皮瓣,覆盖支架前侧及后侧上部;下部扩张皮瓣覆盖支架后侧下部;残余扩张皮瓣,向下推进转移后覆盖耳后颅侧壁创面.同时采用传统扩张法行全耳成形术13例作为对照.结果 所有患者术中均无需另取皮片移植,术后所造外耳轮廓清晰,形状逼真,无感染及支架外露等并发症发生,仅1例耳后皮瓣远端约0.5 cm×0.5 cm表皮坏死,经换药后愈合.术后随访3～6个月,采用双扩张器重叠扩张组患者,利用胸部切取肋软骨切口作为皮片的供区切口瘢痕明显较单扩张器传统扩张法为小(P<0.05);并发症的发生率明显低于单扩张器传统扩张法组(P<0.01),患者的满意率也高于单扩张器传统扩张法组(P<0.05),但在成形的外耳耳轮上后部可见少许毛发生长.结论 双扩张器重叠扩张法可以扩张出足够的皮肤组织,在二期耳成形术时,通过精心合理设计扩张皮瓣覆盖耳后创面,无需植皮,切取软骨部的供区瘢痕明显减小,支架外露及感染等并发症的发生率也明显降低.     

A new skin flap method for total auricular reconstruction: extended scalp skin flap in continuity with postauricular skin flap and isolated conchal flap: four skin flaps and temporoparietal fascia flap

A sufficient skin envelope of good quality as well as definite auricular framework is a prerequisite for a successful auricular reconstruction. Various surgical techniques, such as recruitment of mastoid skin, skin graft, tissue expansion, and so on, have been used to get the necessary skin for covering of the auricular framework. However, debates about the drawbacks of these techniques have continued. In this article, I report on a new skin flap method for total auricular reconstruction, which is an extended scalp skin flap in continuity with postauricular skin flap and isolated conchal flap. Between January 2009 and March 2010, a total of 20 patients underwent an auricular reconstruction using a Medpor framework (Porex Surgical, Inc, Newnan, GA) and the new skin flap method. Follow-up time range was 4 to 17 months. The reconstructed ear showed no definite true hair growth except for some fine hair, which can be ignored. More favorable results such as a good color matched skin, well-formed ear convolution, no other donor site scars can now be achieved using this new method.     

Prelaminated free radial forearm flap for a total nasal reconstruction.

A prelaminated osteocutaneous radial forearm flap has previously been described for total nasal reconstruction, but achieving good aesthetics at the dorsum and tip tends to be difficult with a flap that can be too bulky. We present a case of total nasal reconstruction in a burns patient where a tight adherent scar at the forehead precluded the use of a forehead flap, ideal for such reconstructions. We successfully used a prelaminated free radial forearm flap, with a non-vascularised bone graft. The existing scarred skin at the dorsum was turned down as pedicled flaps for the lining. We were able to achieve a successful total nasal reconstruction which was aesthetically pleasing and made a tremendous impact on the quality of life of the patient.     

Microsurgical reconstruction of the isolated columellar defect with a prelaminated radial forearm free flap. A case report and a review of the literature

The columella is one of the smallest subunits of the nose, but the loss of this structure has important aesthetic and structural implications. Few papers in literature present microsurgical techniques for the reconstruction of an isolated columellar defect. This report describes the use of a prelaminated radial forearm free flap (RFFF) for the reconstruction of an isolated columellar defect and reviews the current literature. A 45-year-old woman presented to our Unit with a history of palate squamous cell carcinoma and severe nasal deformity with an almost complete loss of the columella. A prelaminated RFFF with the fifth rib was used for a two-staged reconstruction of the isolated columellar defect. The radial pedicle was anastomosed to the facial vessels and the postoperative course was uneventful. Complete survival of the flap was achieved and, 10 months postoperatively, the patient had bilateral nasal patency, with an increased tip projection and a good aesthetic result. A prelaminated RFFF can be considered a valuable reconstructive option in cases of a large composite defect of the columella and limited availability of adjacent tissues.     

Combined Fascial Flap and Expanded Skin Flap for Enveloping Medpor Framework in Microtia Reconstruction

The Medpor implant is another choice for a new auricular framework besides autogenous costal cartilage. However, its relatively frequent exposure and less-matching skin coverage discourage surgeons from using it. In this article, we present a new two-flap method, a combination of the temporoparietal fascial flap and the expanded skin flap, for wrapping the Medpor implant in microtia reconstruction. A staged surgical procedure was performed, including soft tissue expansion in the mastoid region, soft tissue expander removal, expanded skin flap and temporoparietal fascial flap formation, Medpor framework implantation, and the combined two-flap envelopment. Conventional lobule transposition and tragus reconstruction were accomplished for selected patients. In this study, a total of 22 microtias were reconstructed consecutively using this method. Eighteen patients were followed since the first surgery. The postoperative follow-up time ranged from 3 to 12 months. The draped soft tissue covering was thin enough to show the reconstructed ear with excellent, subtle contour when edema gradually vanished 3-6 months postoperatively. The new ear had a stable shape, and its skin color and texture matched the normal surrounding skin very well. No exposure or extrusion of the framework was observed in the series. The Medpor implant enveloped by both a temporoparietal fascial flap and an expanded cutaneous flap appears to be a promising alternative for the auricular framework in microtia reconstruction. Because of the wrapping tissues, auricular construction using a Medpor implant can be a safe, steady, and easily acceptable choice for both microtia patients and their physicians.     

The chondrocutaneous ear helical free flap for the reconstruction of the defects of the nasal tip, columella and/or ala

Reconstruction of the full-thickness defect of the tip of nose, columella, and ala has always been a challenge. Local flaps can be used, but this often results in a bulky nose with an unsatisfactory aesthetic appearance requiring secondary surgical procedures. The use of the ear as a donor site for a microvascular free flap, although not general consensus despite structural similarities between the nose and ear, offers a possibility of a good reconstruction for such patients. Five patients presented with composite tissue defects of the tip, columella and ala of the nose resulting from human bites. Reconstruction was performed early in order to avoid possible infection. The free flap was designed and elevated from the upper part of the helix and concha of the opposite ear; the flap matched the traumatic defect on the nose and was based on the anterior auricular branches of the superficial temporal vessels. The free flap was brought to the defect and sutured to the margins. Direct end-to-end anastomosis of both vessels was performed in four patients while a venous grafts was needed in one patient. The donor flap area was closed directly. The follow-up period ranged from six months to five years. The reconstruction was satisfactory as to contour, symmetry and colour match in four patients. The final aesthetic result was obtained by touch-up procedures under local anesthesia. The donor site deformity was minimal. In one patient, the free flap was lost due to venous thrombosis and late reintervention. The chondrocutaneous free flap represents a dependable vascularized composite tissue transfer that offers a straightforward one-stage reconstruction of tissue defects of the tip, columella, and ala of the nose. The additional advantages of freedom in the flap design and structural similarity between the nose and ear makes it an ideal choice for such defects.Presented at the 5th EURAPS Meeting, Geneva, Switzerland, May 13, 1994     

自体肋软骨+medpor耳基复合耳廓支架一期全耳再造

目的　介绍一种制作简便 ,立体感强 ,不易吸收变形 ,柔韧性良好的复合耳廓支架。方法　采用外形细圆 ,有一定拱形弧度的自体第 9肋软骨制作外耳轮 ,以medpor做耳基形成复合耳廓支架 ,依照健侧耳廓模型塑形固定 ,覆盖颞浅筋膜及皮片 ,行一期全耳再造术。结果　临床应用 9例均效果满意 ,再造耳廓形态自然 ,立体感强 ,质感柔韧 ,术后随访 3个月～ 2年无一例支架外露或吸收变形。结论　自体肋软骨 medpor耳基复合耳廓支架综合了自体肋软骨及medpor耳支架二者优点 ,弥补了肋软骨耳支架易于吸收变形、雕刻塑形困难 ,而medpor外耳轮偏硬 ,容易出现支架外露等各自不足 ,具有实用性强、操作简单、创伤小和并发症少等优点 ,是目前全耳再造术中较为理想的耳廓支架。     

耳再造术的体会——附106例全耳再造病例

目的 回顾总结耳再造的经历和经验,力求寻找较理想的耳再造术方法.方法 以自体肋软骨雕塑耳支架,分期耳再造术.结果 86例未行皮肤扩张,按分期耳再造术法,除有2例部分皮肤血运障碍,再另行处理,1例术后感染,其余83例外形良好,轮廓清晰.20例行皮肤扩张后耳再造术,19例外形较满意,轮廓较清晰.结论 耳再造术是一个精细的手术,影响因素较多,足够的皮肤覆盖,精致的耳支架,细小结构的成形,以及术后的处理,都会影响手术的最终效果.以肋软骨作支架,分期耳再造术是较可靠的治疗的方法.扩张皮肤后耳再造术提供了充足的皮肤,是一个较理想的手术方法.     

Tongue reconstruction with minimal donor site morbidity using a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) free flap in a 6‐year‐old girl

Tongue reconstruction was performed using a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) free flap in a 6‐year‐old girl with undifferentiated sarcoma of the tongue. After hemi‐glossectomy with upper neck dissection, a 3‐lobed DIEP free flap was used for the reconstruction. Donor site was closed primarily with suturing umbilicus in proper position. No flap loss, leakage, or infection occurred. Postoperatively, the patient was able to consume a normal diet without difficulty or aspiration and displayed good speech function. No donor site morbidity, e.g., herniation or bulging, was observed, and the patient was able to perform their normal daily activities. DIEP flaps provide a pliable skin paddle, an adequate amount of adipose tissue, and reduced donor site morbidity, even in children. We did not have any difficulty harvesting the DIEP flap or with the microvascular anastomosis. We consider DIEP free flaps to be the ideal option for pediatric tongue reconstruction. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:487–490, 2013.     

Free concha flap for sensitive nasal reconstruction using the infraorbital artery and nerve as a recipient vessel and a recipient nerve

Free auricular flap transplantation is one of the treatments for nasal reconstruction. This report presents a case of nasal reconstruction where the infraorbital artery was used as a recipient vessel, and the infraorbital nerve as a recipient sensory nerve. A 75‐year‐old female underwent resection of malignant melanoma of the right nasal ala. A free ear concha flap was used for the reconstruction. The facial artery could not be found intraoperatively; instead, the infraorbital artery was identified and anastomosed with the posterior auricular artery. The great auricular nerve was coapted with the infraorbital nerve. The results of the sensory examination were the same as those of the unaffected side. This procedure not only achieves a good aesthetic outcome, but also restores sufficient sensory function. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.     

扩张的额部复合皮瓣预制法鼻再造术

目的：探讨一种应用扩张的额部复合皮瓣预制进行鼻再造的手术方法。方法：2008年7月～2010年1月,对7例鼻缺损患者分四期行鼻再造术。一期：埋植额部扩张器,同时额部皮下移植自体软骨,额肌深面中厚植皮;二期：取扩张器,行额部扩张复合皮瓣转移鼻再造术;三期断蒂;四期修整。结果：7例患者手术后随访6～12个月,手术均取得较好的效果。结论：扩张的额部复合皮瓣预制法鼻再造术为修复鼻全层缺损提供了一种新的术式选择。     

Total aesthetic subunit reconstruction of the burned anterior abdomen using pre‐expanded pedicled anterolateral thigh flap—A case report

Combination of tissue expansion and perforator flaps broadened the reconstructive options in burn cases with wide scar contractures. We report a case of total aesthetic subunit reconstruction of the anterior abdominal skin using a pre‐expanded pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap in a patient with postburn contractures. Seventeen‐year‐old girl had a history of scalding burn to the anterior abdomen, resulting in tight contractures inhibiting her mobility. After an expansion period of 6 months, the flap of 27 × 30 cm was elevated at the suprafascial plane and tunneled to the anterior abdomen. The flap was used to resurface the defect from xyphoid process down to the mons pubis and bilaterally at linea semilunaris. Postoperative course was uneventful. A good quality aesthetic and functional reconstruction was achieved at the 10‐year follow‐up. Pre‐expanded pedicled ALT flaps may be considered as an option in extensive scarring requiring large amounts of tissue.     

Preauricular flap for post burn ear lobe reconstruction - a case report

Burns of the face often affect the ear causing deformation of the pinna or ear lobe due to perichondritis or loss of cartilage and excess scarring. The reconstruction of the ear lobe may be limited due to scarring of the surrounding tissues. We describe a preauricular flap for reconstruction of the anterior and posterior surface of the ear lobe following burn injury. This two stage technique of ear lobe reconstruction by a preauricular flap is not described in the available literature. An inferiorly based preauricular flap was harvested in a young lady who had post burn loss of the right ear lobe. This was folded on itself and sutured to reconstruct both surfaces of the ear lobe. After 6 months, it was released from its attachment at the retromandibular area to define the cheek lobe angle and to shape it. The preauricular flap for ear lobe contouring is a simple and easy technique. An adequate length may be harvested without significant donor site morbidity.     

Free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap for reconstruction of soft‐tissue defects in extremities of children

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap has been a valuable tool in breast reconstruction, but seldom in extremity reconstruction. The aim of this report is to present our experience on the use of the DIEP flap for reconstruction of soft‐tissue defects in the extremities of pediatric patients. From January 2007 to February 2011, 22 consecutive free DIEP flap transfers were performed for reconstruction of complex soft‐tissue defects in the extremities of children with a mean age of 5.7 years old (ranging 2–10 years old). The flap design included transverse, oblique, and irregular DIEP flaps, containing one to three perforators in the flap. The flap size ranged from 7 × 4 cm to 18 × 17 cm. Primary donor‐site closure was accomplished in all of patients. The postoperative course was uneventfully in most of cases. The venous congestion was observed in two cases. One case of venous congestion was caused by flap inset with tension. The other case with venous thrombosis ended with partial loss of the flap after salvage procedure. There was one total flap loss due to the arterial thrombosis. The flap survival rate was 95.5%. The mean follow‐up was 12 months (ranging 6–36 months). All reconstructed extremities had satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes except two cases undergoing the secondary debulking procedures. The donor sites healed well in all cases without complications. Our experience showed that the free DIEP flap could be an alternative for reconstruction of soft‐tissue defects in the extremities of children. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:612–619, 2013.     

Preserving a patent DIEP pedicle to facilitate salvage breast reconstruction with a second free flap: A case report

Surgeons performing free flap breast reconstruction need to have a range of techniques in their armamentarium to successfully salvage cases of flap failure. We present a case of 47‐year‐old patient who suffered near‐total right breast deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap failure 3 days post‐bilateral immediate breast reconstruction with DIEP flaps. At debridement, the DIEP pedicle was noted to be patent with preserved perfusion to a small segment of tissue around the origin of the pedicle. This tissue and the DIEP pedicle itself were therefore preserved to facilitate subsequent breast reconstruction using stacked transverse upper gracilis flaps anastomosed end‐to‐end to the original DIEP pedicle. Post‐operatively, both flaps remained viable with no further complications and symmetrical aesthetic result maintained at 2 months follow‐up post‐salvage procedure. This case emphasizes the importance of exercising caution during initial debridement for free flap failure to preserve viable tissue in the flap and pedicle, particularly in circumstances where vascular flow in the pedicle is maintained, to facilitate successful salvage reconstruction.     

Functional facial reconstruction in a patient with severe burn sequelae with a prelaminated parascapular free flap based on a three-dimensional model: A case report

Significant evolution has been made concerning resuscitation and emergency management of severely burned patients, and nowadays most patients will survive and deal with burns sequelae. They constitute a reconstructive challenge, mainly because options and donor areas are frequently compromised, results are often limited, and other options should then be considered. A 27-year-old male patient with 55% total burn surface area, presented with severe facial disfigurement including ectropion, upper/lower lip retraction, and partial loss of the nose. In order to improve the patient's condition, autologous reconstruction was considered. The only unburned area in the body was the left dorsal region, and a three-stage reconstruction was planned using a paraescapular flap. In a first stage, an elective surgery was performed to identify and tag the recipient vessels in the neck. After 3 months, the prelamination process was initiated with the drawing of a facial model, and a nose and lips were opened inside the flap. This was based on a three-dimensional latex model as a print of the patient's face, which allowed us to calculate distances and estimate the length of the vascular pedicles. After 3 months, the flap (18 × 8 cm) was transferred and microvascular anastomoses were performed. No major complications were seen after surgeries, and after 28 months, an extremely important functional gain was obtained. Despite the number of surgeries required and less than optimal aesthetic results, this method may offer a satisfactory solution for complex acquired facial burn sequelae when other local or distant flap options are not available.     

Surgery of the auricle

Auricular reconstruction is a unique area of facial plastic surgery where a wide array of reconstructive options often must be considered. The external ear is unique in its aesthetic role where the normal auricle often goes unnoticed; yet even a small irregularity can stand out and become conspicuous. The reconstruction of large or total auricular defects is a combination of science and art. Two forms of auricular reconstruction are discussed: (1) those for a congenitally abnormal shape but no acquired tissue deficiency, that is, otoplasty, and (2) repairs requiring a reconstruction of discrete loss of tissue. A general algorithm is presented that can assist with flap selection and covers the techniques for grafts, framework repair, local and pedicled flaps, temporoparietal facial flaps, and auricular prostheses.     

Bladder reconstruction using a prevascularized capsular tissue seeded with urothelial cells

PURPOSE: Recent advances in cell biology and tissue engineering have involved various avascular or acellular scaffolds with or without seeded cells. These techniques are frequently complicated by tissue necrosis, contracture and resorption. We used a vascularized matrix prelaminated with autologous cultured urothelial cells to reconstruct bladder wall defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A silicone block inserted into the right groin of 50 male Wistar rats directly superficial to the inferior epigastric vessels was used to induce capsule pouch formation. Urothelial cells harvested simultaneously and cultured were then suspended in fibrin glue and seeded into the newly formed capsule after removing the silicone block. After 1 week the prelaminated flap was transposed into a surgically created bladder wall defect. Experimental groups included rats with a urothelial cell seeded capsule pouch sacrificed at 1 and 4 weeks, respectively, after bladder reconstruction. In control rats scaffolds were treated only with fibrin glue or saline before transposition. RESULTS: Hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining showed a continuous multilayered urothelial lining along the transposed prelaminated capsule flap in the experimental groups with better survival compared to controls treated only with fibrin glue (80% mortality) or saline (100% mortality). The surviving 3 control animals did not have a urothelial lining. CONCLUSIONS: Vascularized prefabricated flaps lined with culture derived urothelial cells were successfully used for bladder reconstruction in a rat model. The technique of prefabricating a vascularized scaffold lined with autologous urothelial cells may provide a method for future reconstruction of the genitourinary systems.