Usefulness of free sensate osteofasciocutaneous forearm and fibula flaps for neophallus construction

Female-to-male transsexuals have been treated by the authors since the 1970's, using different operative methods. Since 1981, these patients have received neophallus construction with free sensate osteofasciocutaneous forearm flaps and, since 1993, with free sensate osteofasciocutaneous fibula flaps. In order to evaluate the usefulness of these flaps, the authors performed, in 24 patients (12 with forearm and 12 with fibula flaps), the following examinations: clinical and radiologic evaluations of the neophallus and its donor site, as well as patient questionnaires. In all patients, subjective findings and clinical examinations showed no significant variations in neophallus size and form. Patients with fibula flaps had better sexual intercourse, although their neophallus sensibility was minor, when compared to the forearm flap patients. Donor-site morbidity was moderate in both groups. On radiologic examination, robust, calcified bone structure, and no fracture of the neophallus bone and its donor site, as well as no instability of the ankle joint (in the fibula flap patients) were found. These findings further support the use of these free sensate osteofasciocutaneous flaps for neophallus construction. In the authors' opinion, it is the patient who must decide which method should be used for neophallus construction.     

Is distal fibular fracture an absolute contraindication to free fibular flap harvesting? Areview of evidence in the literature and illustration by a successful case

Despite the advantages of a fibula flap, many surgeons would often be hesitant in its use in patients with a history of distal fibular fracture. The chief concern is the potential vascular damage sustained during the injury. From our experience, however, we noticed that the blood supply of various components of a fibula flap rarely relies on its distal part alone. Avoiding the use of this flap may unnecessarily forgo the optimal reconstructive option in many patients. Free fibula flap was harvested from a 41‐year‐old man who had a history of left fibula fracture 10 years before surgery. The fracture was treated with open reduction with internal fixation. The plate was removed 1 year after the trauma surgery. We used this fractured and healed fibula to reconstruct the intraoral and mandibular defect after tumor extirpation. The harvesting process was straight‐forward and the flap survived uneventfully. On the basis of our experience and current evidence in the literature, we believe that a history of previous fibular fracture should not be considered as an absolute contraindication for free fibular flap harvesting. With a good knowledge of the lower limb anatomy and appropriate patient selection, the fibular flap can still be a safe option that incurs no additional risk. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:60–63, 2015.     

One-stage reconstruction of extensive composite extremity defects with low donor site morbidity: A retrospective case series of combined transfer of a vascularized fibula flap and a perforator flap

BackgroundExtensive composite extremity defects remain a challenge in plastic and reconstructive surgery. To preserve the extremity, we used combined transfer composed of the vascularized fibula flap and a perforator flap from various body parts to reconstruct extensive composite extremity defects.Patients and methodsFrom January 2004 to December 2018, 14 male patients aged 9 to 55 years with extensive composite extremity defects (large soft-tissue and long bone defect) underwent reconstructive surgery in our institution. The combined transfer surgery consisted of the vascularized fibula bone flap and a perforator flap, such as anterolateral thigh flap, deep inferior epigastric perforator flap, or thoracodorsal artery perforator flap.ResultsAll fourteen patients were treated successfully using the combined transfer method. The dimensions of the different perforator flaps ranged from 13 × 6 cm² to 26 × 11 cm², and the size of the skin paddle of the fibular osteocutaneous flap ranged from 9 × 3 cm² to 21 × 7 cm². The median length of the fibular graft was 15 cm. No serious donor site complications were observed. Only one patient developed venous congestion and was salvaged. Another patient had hematoma at the recipient site and underwent debridement. Though all patients achieved bone union (median time of 8 months), two developed a stress fracture of the transferred free fibula.ConclusionWe were able to minimize donor site morbidity and avoid amputation in these patients using the combined transfer technique Our results show that the combined transfer of perforator flap and vascularized fibula flap with or without a skin paddle is a feasible reconstruction option for the treatment of the extensive composite extremity defects.     

The use of massive allograft with intramedullary fibular graft for intercalary reconstruction after resection of tibial malignancy

Reconstruction after intercalary excision of tibia malignancy is challenging. The combined use of a vascularized fibular flap and allograft can provide a reliable reconstructive option. Eight patients underwent reconstruction with an allograft and vascularized fibula following tibia malignancy resection. Patients were examined clinically and radiographically. The average age of patients was 16.5 years. The mean follow-up time was 38.4 months. Contralateral free fibula flap was used in three patients and ipsilateral pedicle fibula in five. The average length of defect was 11.8 cm and of fibula flap was 15.9 cm. Primary union was achieved in seven patients. The average time for bone union was 5.8 months at fibula-tibia junction and 14.1 months at allograft-tibia junction. Five patients had 10 complications. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society average score was 90.8% at final follow-up. Intramedullary fibular flap in combination with massive allografts provide an excellent option for reconstruction of large bony defects after tibial malignancy extirpation. Ipsilateral pedicle fibula transportation had the advantages of short operation time and avoidance of donor site complications compared with the contralateral free fibula transfer.     

Reconstruction of composite tibial defect with free flaps and ipsilateral vascularized fibular transposition

Composite defects of the tibia following open fractures are among the most challenging of clinical problems. The aim of this study is to report the results of treatment using a free flap procedure followed by ipsilateral vascularized fibular transposition (IVFT) for reconstruction of composite tibial defects. Ten patients underwent a free flap procedure followed by IVFT and plating. The mean size of the flaps was 12.1 × 6 cm(2). The mean length of bone defect was 5.35 cm. IVFT were performed 4.3 months following the free flap. Patients were followed for an average of 3.4 years. All flaps survived. The average time to union of the proximal and distal ends was 5.2 and 6.7 months, respectively. There were neither stress fractures of the transferred fibula nor recurrent infections. One patient demonstrated a medial angulation of 8° in the reconstructed tibia but experienced no difficulties in activities of daily living. At the last follow-up time point, all patients were able to walk without an assist device and were satisfied with the preservation of the injured lower extremity. Free flap procedures followed by IVFT for the treatment of composite tibial defects may reduce complications at the recipient site and infections, such as osteomyelitis. The plating technique combined with IVFT allowed bone union without additional operations or stress fractures in our series. We suggest that staged free flap and IVFT is useful for the treatment of composite segmental tibial defects.     

The use of free prelaminated and sensate osteofasciocutaneous fibular flap in phalloplasty

SUMMARY: The aim of this study was to present our latest modified protocol on neophallus construction that we have applied in 32 female-to-male transsexuals. The applied protocol consisted of neourethra prelamination with split skin thickness grafting at the lateral donor lower leg, and neophallus construction after 6 months with the free, prelaminated, and sensate osteofasciocutaneous fibular flap, followed by urethro-urethral anastomosis. Because of initial difficulties on harvesting and positioning the fibular flap, we had 2 total and 4 partial necrosis. Ten patients had a urethral stricture, and 7 a fistula. In 6 patients a stricture expansion was required and in 5 closure of the fistula was needed. The donor-site morbidity was moderate. In conclusion, in our series this protocol proved to be the method of choice in this very demanding field of genitalia reconstructive surgery, offering an essential improvement of the quality of life of transsexual patients.     

Modifications of the radial forearm flap phalloplasty for female-to-male gender reassignment

The radial forearm flap remains the preferred technique for phalloplasty. From 1999 to 2009, 19 patients with primary female transsexualism underwent gender reassignment surgery at our center. The radial forearm flap phalloplasty is modified as a two-stage procedure, with prelamination of the neourethra on the donor forearm before microsurgical transfer 3 months later. At 5-year follow-up, patients were asked to complete a survey on the functional, aesthetic, and psychological results postsurgery. The radial forearm flap reliably provided sufficient bulk with stiffness for the neophallus with acceptable aesthetic appearance. We further describe technical modifications to reduce the rate of urethral strictures and fistulas. None of the patients regretted undergoing gender transformation. Patients are satisfied with the surgical result and generally prepared to accept its potential costs, in view of the significant psychological and legal benefits.     

Pediatric mandibular reconstruction using a vascularized fibula flap

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to address questions concerning the functional outcome following mandibular reconstruction with vascularized fibula flap in skeletally immature children METHODS: Eleven patients 14 years old or younger who underwent mandibular reconstruction using a free fibula flap were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 3.4 years. One flap loss occurred and required a second fibula flap. Panorex radiographs showed good bone union and growth in all patients. Functional outcomes were normal according to age in all patients. Two patients had long-term malocclusion. No patients had to undergo corrective orthognathic surgery. Donor-site morbidities consisted of great toe flexion contracture (n = 4) and a valgus deformity (n = 1). All patients had a normal gait, and there were no discrepancies in leg length. CONCLUSION: A mandible reconstructed using a vascularized fibula flap appears to grow accordingly as the child grows, with minimal disturbance to the growth pattern of the midface.     

Free fibula flap elbow-joint hemiarthroplasty reconstruction for chronic osteomyelitis of the distal humerus

The vascularized fibula flap has become a major tool in upper limb reconstruction. Free fibula flap reconstructions of the humeral part of the shoulder and the radial part of the wrist joints are well-documented, but reports of elbow joint reconstruction are rare. The authors report a 53-year-old patient with chronic osteomyelitis of the distal humerus that was unsuccessfully treated by many local surgical debridements and long-term systemic antibiotics. The patient underwent a wide debridement of the distal two-thirds of the humerus, and a spacer was inserted to fill the bony humeral gap. At a second stage, the distal humerus was reconstructed with a free fibula flap that included the proximal fibular head. The fibular shaft was used to bridge the bony gap and the fibular head created an elbow joint with the olecranon process. At an 18-month follow-up after surgery, the patient has stable and sufficient function of his elbow joint with no signs of infection. The free fibula flap has an important role for distal humerus reconstruction, both for bridging the bony gap with a vascularized bone, and for restoring elbow joint function.     

Urethral reconstruction using the radial forearm free flap: experience in oncologic cases and gender reassignment

OBJECTIVES: Urethra reconstruction in men remains a complex problem, particularly in patients who have had previous amputation for penile tumour or who have undergone gender reassignment. Many reconstructive techniques currently in use recreate the urethra but are prone to recurrent stricture formation and fail to achieve micturition with a good stream when standing. The authors propose using the radial forearm fasciocutaneous free flap as a single-stage technique of male urethral reconstruction. METHODS: During 1999-2004, nine patients underwent microsurgical reconstruction of the male urethra using the radial forearm fasciocutaneous free flap. Three patients underwent urethral reconstruction following previous subcutaneous penectomy for penile cancer. Another six patients had urethral reconstruction performed after failure of primary urethra construction as part of their gender reassignment surgery. RESULTS: The average age at the time of surgery was 35.1 yr (range: 22-55 yr) and average follow-up time was 41.8 mo (range: 13-55 mo). Flap reconstruction was successful in all cases, with no instances of free flap failure; however, two patients developed significant stenosis requiring revision, and no patients had postoperative fistula formation. Therefore, the success rate for urethral reconstruction after the first operation was seven of nine. Two patients with stenosis were treated operatively to release strictures with local flaps. Uroflowmetry demonstrated that these patients had satisfactory flow rates. CONCLUSION: Patient satisfaction and objective studies have demonstrated that urethral reconstruction with the use of radial forearm free flap is a good reconstructive procedure particularly when the patients need an extensive and long urethral reconstruction.     

Preoperative magnetic resonance angiography in fibular-free flap reconstruction of head and neck defects

BACKGROUND: Conventional angiography has been recommended for imaging of the leg prior to fibular-free flap harvest. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) offers a similar level of accuracy at no risk to the patient and at a lower cost. METHODS: Thirty-two patients who were considered for fibular-free flap were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative MRA of the lower extremities was performed on all patients and used to evaluate vessel patency. The decision of free flap donor site was based upon MRA findings. RESULTS: The choice of side harvested was changed in four (12.5%) patients and the fibula was excluded as a donor site in three patients (9%). Flap design was altered in one patient found to have abnormally short peroneal arteries. The usual correlation between palpable distal pulses and proximal patent arteries was found to be unreliable. All 29 patients underwent successful free flap reconstruction with no ischemic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative MRA is useful when choosing the side of fibular harvesting and in excluding patients from the fibula as a donor site. We feel that the cost of obtaining preoperative imaging is outweighed by avoiding potential ischemic complications and additional operating room time with no risk to the patient's health.     

Concomitant ipsilateral pedicled fibular transfer and free muscle flap for compound tibial defect reconstruction.

Three patients with compound injuries of the lower extremities were treated with pedicle fibular grafts and a free muscle flap concomitantly. There were 1 female and 2 male patients, all of whom sustained high-energy trauma in a motor vehicle accident. The bone defect of the tibia ranged from 8 to 12 cm. The size of the soft-tissue defect ranged from 24 x 15 cm to 28 x 15 cm. All patients underwent preoperative angiography to ensure the patency of the peroneal artery and to avoid its use by risking viability of the leg. All patients were treated with an antegrade-flow pedicle fibular graft. The fibular graft was inserted as a single strut in 2 patients and as a double-barrel strut in 1 patient. The pedicle of the free muscle flap was anastomosed to the distal runoff of the fibular bone flap. All free muscle flap transfers succeeded without complication. Bone scans performed on postoperative day 7 showed viability of transferred bone. The average time to radiological union was 9 months, and the average time to full weight bearing was 12 months. Screw loosening occurred in 2 patients and osteomyelitis was noted in another patient who was treated successfully with sequestrectomy and antibiotics. Indications for this technique are a large segmental bone defect with a huge soft-tissue defect, and patency of the peroneal artery and at least one other major artery. This method provides the advantages of one-stage reconstruction, avoidance of contralateral donor site morbidity, easy control of infection, and chance for early weight bearing. When selected carefully, this technique can be considered when one wants to avoid a two-stage, two free flap transfer.     

Free vascularized osteocutaneous fibular graft to the tibia

We reviewed the clinical results of reconstruction performed for extensive tibial bone and soft tissue defect with a free vascularized osteocutaneous fibular graft in 46 patients (43 male and 3 female). The mean duration of follow-up was 30 months (range 13-76 months). The mean age at the time of reconstruction was 41 years (range 15-66 years). In the 46 consecutive procedures of free vascularized osteocutaneous fibular grafts, bony union was achieved in 43 grafted fibulae at an average of 3.75 months after operation. There were two delayed unions and one non-union. Forty-four cutaneous flaps survived, and two cutaneous flaps failed due to deep infection and venous insufficiency. One necrotized cutaneous flap was replaced with a latissimus dorsi free flap and the other with a soleus muscle rotational flap without replacing the grafted fibulae; unions were obtained without significance complications. All grafted fibulae hypertrophied during the follow-up periods. The most common complication was fracture of the grafted fibulae in 15 patients, and it occurred at an average of 9.7 months after the reconstruction. The fractured fibulae were treated with long leg above-the-knee cast immobilization or internal fixation with conventional cancellous bone graft. Free vascularized osteocutaneous fibular graft is a good treatment modality for the reconstruction of extensive bone and soft tissue defect in the leg. Fracture of the grafted fibula, one of the most common complications after this operation, can easily be treated with cast immobilization or internal fixation with conventional cancellous bone graft.     

Experience with the prefabricated free fibula flap for reconstruction of maxillary and mandibular defects.

PURPOSE: We report our 11-year experience with a new technique to prefabricate the osteocutaneous free fibula flap to reconstruct defects of the maxilla and mandible not amenable to conventional methods of treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We treated 11 patients aged 17 to 47 years with jaw defects using prefabricated free fibula grafts from 1994 to 2005. We prepared the fibula on the leg with a 6- to 8-mm muscle cuff; next we transferred the bone flap to the surface of the leg without severing the pedicle, and then covered the muscle almost circumferentially by partial thickness skin graft. The bone flap was left in place with its pedicle intact for 2 to 3 months, after which the skin graft had taken and the flap was free of inflammation. The fibula flap was then transferred to the face, fixed in place with plates, and microvascular anastomosis was performed. Implant placement was completed 4 to 6 months after transfer of the flap to the oral cavity. RESULTS: Graft take was unremarkable in all cases. There were no cases of infection and only minor complications. Edema of the flap may be encountered, which subsides with time. If the mandible is not edentulous the mandibular teeth may bite into the flap, but these wounds heal by the time the patient is ready for implant insertion (3 to 6 months). Implants placed in the fibula were successful during the follow-up period (2 to 13 years). CONCLUSION: The prefabricated fibula with a "banking time" on the leg for flap maturation seems to be a better choice compared with other methods of using the fibula for reconstruction and has passed the test of time. We hereby report this new technique to add to the armamentarium of jaw reconstruction surgery.     

血管化游离腓骨肌皮瓣重建下颌骨缺损

目的：总结游离腓骨肌皮瓣修复下颌骨缺损的经验。方法：对25例应用游离腓骨肌皮瓣行下颌骨缺损修复的病例进行临床分析,探讨不同类型下颌骨缺损,所采用腓骨肌皮瓣的设计,复合组织瓣的成活情况及术后并发症的发生情况。结果：本组25例患者游离腓骨肌皮瓣成活率100%,最长的腓骨为16cm,分为三段者3例,两段者20例。结论：血管化的游离腓骨肌皮瓣修复下颌骨缺损血供丰富、抗感染力强、骨愈合快、塑形好、成活率高。     

The free iliac crest and fibula flaps in vascularized oromandibular reconstruction: comparison and long-term evaluation.

BACKGROUND: A variety of free flaps have been successfully used for mandible reconstruction. This study compared the short- and long-term results of using the free iliac crest and fibula flaps. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 117 patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction, 59 patients with iliac crest and 58 with free fibula. Accurate long-term functional assessment was possible in 31 cases in the iliac crest group and in 48 patients with fibular reconstruction. Anterior or combined anterolateral defects formed 72% and 64% in the iliac crest and fibula groups, respectively. The remainder were pure lateral defects. In both series, a skin paddle was included to provide either lining, skin cover, or both in 77% of the cases, whereas in 23% bone only was used. RESULTS: Complications included two perioperative deaths and three flap losses in the iliac crest group and five flap losses in the fibula group. Long-term functional and cosmetic assessment showed no statistically significant differences in oral continence (p > 0.9), speech (p = 0.57), and contour results (p = 0.80) between the two groups. However, oral deglutition was statistically significantly better in the fibula free flap group (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Although the fibula free flap is the flap of choice, the iliac crest is an excellent and reliable complementary flap for mandibular reconstruction.     

腓骨骨皮瓣移植修复肢体复合组织缺损

目的总结腓骨骨皮瓣移植修复肢体外伤性复合组织缺损的临床修复效果。方法依照患者肢体复合组织缺失情况及全身状况,采用腓骨骨皮瓣移植进行修复,其中男9例,女3例。年龄12～45岁。胫骨缺损伴腓骨骨折2例,单纯胫骨缺损2例,桡骨缺损2例,尺骨缺损3例,跟骨缺损1例,第1跖骨缺损2例;骨缺损长度4.2～10.6cm,平均7.8cm;皮肤缺损10.0cm×4.5cm～27.0cm×15.0cm。合并胫前和(或)胫后动脉损伤2例,胫后神经损伤2例,腓总神经损伤1例。一期修复4例,延期修复8例。骨皮瓣游离移植手术9例,推移手术2例,逆行移位手术1例。4例于术后3～6个月行二期肌腱移位动力重建术。行腕、踝关节融合术各1例。结果术后出现静脉危象及腓总神经牵拉性损伤各1例,经探查、大隐静脉移植等对症治疗,12例骨皮瓣全部成活。术后随访6～24个月,移植腓骨与受区断端均达骨性愈合,肢体功能均得到良好恢复。供区未出现膝及踝关节运动障碍。结论采用急诊或延期的腓骨骨皮瓣移植手术,可较好地修复肢体长管状骨干和软组织复合组织缺损。应注意受区移植腓骨皮瓣术后的感觉功能重建。     

腓骨复合皮瓣I期修复尺桡骨及软组织缺损

为完成尺桡骨及其软组织缺损的Ｉ期修复，设计采用吻合血管的腓骨复合皮瓣并将腓骨折分为二的手术方法，已用于４例，都获满意效果，文中详细介绍了手术操作方法，并对本法的特点进行了阐述。     

腓骨复合皮瓣Ⅰ期修复尺桡骨及软组织缺损

为完成尺桡骨及其软组织缺损的Ⅰ期修复,设计采用吻合血管的腓骨复合皮瓣并将腓骨折分为二的手术方法,已用于4例,都获满意效果,文中详细介绍了手术操作方法,并对本法的特点进行了阐述。     

腓骨复合皮瓣I期修复尺桡骨及软组织缺损

为完成尺桡骨及其软组织缺损的Ｉ期修复，设计采用吻合血管的腓骨复合皮瓣并将腓骨骨折分为二的手术方法，已用于４例，都获满意效果，文中详细介绍了手术操作方法，并对本法的特点进行了阐述。