New way to raise the V-Y advancement flap for reconstruction of the lower lip: Bipedicled orbicularis oris musculocutaneous flap technique

Abstract

We describe a new way to raise the V-Y advancement flap, which is useful for reconstruction of the lower lip. Various other methods have been reported in the past, but it has been necessary to choose the most suitable method for each particular case. A V-Y advancement flap from the submandibular region is one of the useful techniques to reconstruct the lower lip, and it is suitable for a wide horizontal defect. However, the conventional V-Y flap is insufficiently mobile and the reconstructed vermilion is thin because of the limitation of the pedicle. In such a case, the reconstructed lip may sag or cause an embarrassing defect. We developed a new way to raise the flap to obviate these problems. We use the V-Y advancement flap from the inferior margin of the defect in a conventional way after excision of the tumour, and use a mucosal flap to reconstruct the vermilion border. The skin side of the V-Y flap is undermined, and the orbicularis oris muscles are preserved on both sides as pedicles. The flap is then raised as a bipedicled musculocutaneous flap, which has adequate movement. After the flap has been sutured, the superior margin of the flap is de-epithelialised, and used to create the volume of the vermilion border. Functionally and cosmetically good results were achieved.     

Freestyle perforator-based V-Y advancement flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects at various anatomic regions

BACKGROUND: Perforator flap surgery has gained great popularity in the last decade because surgeons can prepare freestyle flaps in anywhere on the body if they find a perforator supplied to the flap. One of the basic principles of reconstructive surgery is that superior results can be obtained for color and texture match if immediately adjacent soft tissue is used to repair a defect. V-Y advancement flaps are used successfully based on this principle, but the degree of mobility of a V-Y advancement flap is dependent on the laxity of the underlying subcutaneous tissue. This is an important disadvantage of traditional V-Y advancement flap and limits its use. METHODS: We used V-Y advancement flaps as perforator-based to overcome mobility restriction problem. The authors used 26 perforator-based V-Y advancement flaps in 24 consecutive patients for coverage of defects located at sacral (4), thigh (6), abdominal wall (3), inguinal (3), back (4), leg (2), and trochanter (2) regions. There were 14 female and 10 male patients with a mean age of 48.3 years (range, 22-70 years). RESULTS: The patients were followed up for a mean period of 14.2 months (range, 9-21 months). The size of the defects ranged from 3 x 5 cm to 15 x 20 cm. All flaps survived completely (92.4%) except 2 in which one of them had undergone total necrosis and the other had marginal necrosis. Fifteen flaps (57.6%) were elevated based on 2 perforators, 7 flaps (26.9%) were used with only one perforator, and the remaining 4 (15.5%) had 3 perforators. CONCLUSIONS: Perforator-based V-Y advancement flaps are safe and very effective for coverage of defects in which closure is impossible with a standard V-Y advancement flap. Dissection of the perforator or perforators offers remarkable excursion to the V-Y flap with minimal donor site morbidity. These axial pattern flaps can be used successfully with good esthetic and functional results at various regions of the body if there is any detectable perforator.     

Amplified V-Y flaps for nasal defects

Due to a paucity of subcutaneous tissue in the nose, mobilization of some flaps is impeded and large nasal defects are thus difficult to close with traditional V-Y flaps. The V-Y flap is modified by the addition of an amplified limb onto the advancing edge of the V-Y flap. This limb is located adjacent to the area requiring reconstruction and is hinged down on the end of the V-Y flap to close the distal portion of the defect. The amplified V-Y flap, a modified V-Y advancement flap, is very useful for the closure of relatively large defects on the nasal area. We have used this flap for nasal defects as large as 2.5 cm in diameter following excision of skin tumors on the nose in 11 patients. Most excised tumors were basal cell carcinomas. The results have been quite good, with only minor complications in two patients. Complications were encountered only in the nasal tip region, there was partial necrosis at the tip of the amplified portion of the flap. The modifications of the V-Y flap described has extended the application in closing nasal defects. Received: 2 May 1997 / Accepted: 22 July 1997     

Modified bilateral advancement flap: the slide-in flap.

The bilateral V-Y advancement flaps are used commonly in the closure of circular skin defects. We modified the standard bilateral V-Y advancement flap technique to reduce the tension along the closure, and used it in 10 patients between 1995 and 1997. In the presence of a circular defect, bilateral V-Y advancement flaps were marked on the skin, with the height of the V flaps measuring 1.5 to 2 times the diameter of the defect. The limbs of the V were not drawn as straight lines, but were curved outward slightly, making the flap and its two extensions broader than the standard V-Y flap. The broad extensions of the V flaps encircled the defect from above and below. Skin incisions were made vertically down to the muscle fascia. Additional undermining was carried out to elevate the upper and lower extensions of the V flaps for a distance that equaled the radius of the defect. The upper and lower extensions of the V flap on one side were transposed into the defect and sutured to the concave base of the opposing flap V flap at its midpoint. These extensions were then sutured to each other. The extensions of the opposing V flap were then transposed into the defect; the upper being superior and the lower being inferior to the extensions of the first flap. The rest of the operation was completed by advancement of the V flaps and closure in a Y configuration. The efficient redistribution of available tissue by the combined use of transposition and advancement principles resulted in the repair of relatively large skin defects with reduced tension along the closure. Satisfactory results were obtained in all patients in this series without any surgical complication.     

Composite mucochondral flap for repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks

Background. Cerebrospinal fluid leaks from defects in the anterior cranial fossa present a difficult management problem. Particularly when the defects are large, conventional techniques may not be sufficient to close them. We describe a new technique for treating such CSF leaks using a composite mucochondral flap from the nasal septum. Methods. We treated five patients with the composite mucochondral flap. All patients were women aged 29–60 years. Two patients had an encephalocele, one had an esthesioneuroblastoma, and one had adenocarcinoma; one leak was spontaneous. Results. The CSF leak was successfully closed in all five patients. No patients have experienced recurrence; the longest follow-up has been 39 months. The donor site on the septum healed without complication in all patients. Conclusions. The composite flap is useful for repairing large defects or after radiotherapy or trauma. The advantage of skeletal support to counter the pressure exerted by CSF seems clear.     

V-Y皮瓣推移术在指端缺损修复中的应用

目的 探讨V-Y皮瓣推移术在指端缺损修复中的应用.方法 选取2017年1月-2019年11月指端缺损患者150例,采用V-Y皮瓣推移术修复,术后观察有无并发症、手术效果、术后疗效、疼痛程度等情况.结果 所有患者术后均无并发症;术后随访3个月,功能评定优108例,良29例,差13例;大部分患指活动自如,手指持物稳定性良好...     

Reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the fingers using homodigital V-Y flap]

A series of 54 patients is presented in which full-thickness soft-tissue defects on 57 digits were reconstructed using homodigital V-Y flaps. This is a modification of the Moberg procedure, which was designed for coverage of injuries of distal thumb. The V-Y flap is pedicled on two digital neurovascular bundles, possible advancement is up to 2 cm, and V-shaped base of the flap allows direct closure of the proximal defect, without skin grafting. This technique was used for the reconstruction both volar and dorsal tissue defects of the fingers. All flaps healed within 2-4 weeks. 14 patients (15 fingers) were evaluated after they recovered. In all affected fingers active range of motion was satisfactory, only with slight defect of extension in 2 cases. However, sensation of the light touch was decreased in 10 fingers, and 2PD discrimination was abnormal in 5 fingers. The versatility of V-Y technique in various clinical occasions and its low risk of complications was emphasized. This method is very useful, easy to learn even for trainees unfamiliar with microsurgery.     

V-Y and rectangular flap combination for syndactyly repair

Objective: For syndactyly repair, several delicate, well-planned flap combination techniques have been reported. This study presents technique details with functional and aesthetic results of a dorsal rectangular and volar V-Y advancement flap combination for web reconstruction and S incisions for finger separation in patients with syndactyly.

Method: Ten patients with 16 syndactyly webs were treated. Patients were examined in terms of function and aesthetic. Evaluation criteria included the Vancouver Scar Scale, range of motion, degree of web creeping, parent’s satisfaction rates, and finger abduction. During the initial period, vascular compromise of fingers, haematoma, infection, seroma, flap necrosis, or graft failures were not noted in any patients. No patients required revision surgery. During the later period, parent satisfaction scores were excellent or good, finger function was complete, and the Vancouver Scar Scale showed that two webs had hyperpigmented areas and two had supple pliability.

Conclusion: This simple syndactyly release technique can provide a low rate of web creep, good scar quality, and optimal functional results.     

New way to raise the V-Y advancement flap for reconstruction of the lower lip: bipedicled orbicularis oris musculocutaneous flap technique

We describe a new way to raise the V-Y advancement flap, which is useful for reconstruction of the lower lip. Various other methods have been reported in the past, but it has been necessary to choose the most suitable method for each particular case. A V-Y advancement flap from the submandibular region is one of the useful techniques to reconstruct the lower lip, and it is suitable for a wide horizontal defect. However, the conventional V-Y flap is insufficiently mobile and the reconstructed vermilion is thin because of the limitation of the pedicle. In such a case, the reconstructed lip may sag or cause an embarrassing defect. We developed a new way to raise the flap to obviate these problems. We use the V-Y advancement flap from the inferior margin of the defect in a conventional way after excision of the tumour, and use a mucosal flap to reconstruct the vermilion border. The skin side of the V-Y flap is undermined, and the orbicularis oris muscles are preserved on both sides as pedicles. The flap is then raised as a bipedicled musculocutaneous flap, which has adequate movement. After the flap has been sutured, the superior margin of the flap is de-epithelialised, and used to create the volume of the vermilion border. Functionally and cosmetically good results were achieved.     

Bilateral modified V-Y advancement flaps for closing meningomyelocele defects

Various reports describe surgical techniques for closing a meningomyelocele defect. We have used a combination flap consisting of a vertical bipedicled flap and V-Y advancement flap and used this technique in the successful repair of 11 meningomyelocele defects. The vertical bipedicled flap enhances the blood supply to the V-Y advancement flap with no sacrifice of muscle tissue. This flap can easily be moved to the midline, and the donor area can be primarily sutured with no complications. Our method has several advantages compared with previously reported methods: 1) no skin grafts are needed; 2) no muscle tissue is killed; 3) it is simple and easy, leading to less blood loss and minimal operative time; and 4) it is safe and produces reliable results while eliminating wound dehiscence and skin necrosis.     

Sternocleidomastoid myofascial flap for head and neck reconstruction

Background. The use of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle in the repair of soft tissue defects arising after surgery for neoplasms of the head and neck has been a subject of controversy. We describe a variant of the SCM muscle flap called the “SCM myofascial flap” and report our experience with this flap in head and neck reconstruction. Methods. Six patients underwent head and neck reconstruction with the SCM myofascial flap. The head and neck defects included partial laryngeal, pharyngeal defects, and concave soft tissue neck defects after resection. Results. Follow-up of the patients ranged from 6 to 91 months. In the case of laryngeal and pharyngeal reconstruction, all had a good voice and were able to eat by mouth without aspiration. Two of the four patients were decannulated. The only complication was a laryngocutaneous fistula. Conclusion. We have used this flap with success, in soft tissue augmentation and in laryngeal and pharyngeal reconstruction following tumor resection. The technique and the results of our experience are discussed. We believe that in selected cases, the SCM myofascial flap is ideal for reconstruction of head and neck defects. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Gluteal V-Y advancement fasciocutaneous flap for treatment of chronic pilonidal sinus disease

Although pilonidal disease is quite common, controversy still exists about the treatment. The procedure should cure the patient, and allow speedy resumption of normal activities by reducing pain and disability. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate our experience with the V-Y fasciocutaneous advancement flap and to review current publications about flap surgery for the treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus. We describe the application of the fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flap for reconstruction of defects after radical excision of recurrent pilonidal sinus in 11 cases. Primary and uneventful wound healing was achieved in all patients but two who developed minor wound breakdown. Large defects after excision can easily be closed using the V-Y advancement flap. This type of flap closure in selected cases offers tension-free, recurrence-free, and reliable skin coverage while flattening the natal cleft that predisposes to recurrences. Reliable flap closure reduces hospital stay, costs, as well as disability and time spent off work.     

Flap-in-flap method for enhancing the advancement of a V-Y flap.

The V-Y principal is used in a number of flap reconstruction techniques. V-Y flaps suffer from design problems of the advancing edge, which is usually concave, trying to match another concave edge on the opposite side of the defect. The flap-in-flap technique uses a second V-Y flap at the advancing edge of the main flap to overcome this mismatch, and also improves the amount of advancement possible. The technique has been used in three patients, demonstrating reliability and a further advantage, which is the ability of the second flap to rotate at an angle to the main flap to aid in reconstructing a complex defect such as the alar base of the nose. Further experience with this technique should widen its applications.     

Gluteal V-Y advancement fasciocutaneous flap for treatment of chronic pilonidal sinus disease.

Although pilonidal disease is quite common, controversy still exists about the treatment. The procedure should cure the patient, and allow speedy resumption of normal activities by reducing pain and disability. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate our experience with the V-Y fasciocutaneous advancement flap and to review current publications about flap surgery for the treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus. We describe the application of the fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flap for reconstruction of defects after radical excision of recurrent pilonidal sinus in 11 cases. Primary and uneventful wound healing was achieved in all patients but two who developed minor wound breakdown. Large defects after excision can easily be closed using the V-Y advancement flap. This type of flap closure in selected cases offers tension-free, recurrence-free, and reliable skin coverage while flattening the natal cleft that predisposes to recurrences. Reliable flap closure reduces hospital stay, costs, as well as disability and time spent off work.     

V-Y flap reconstruction for nostril defects

Local flaps are the procedure of choice in reconstruction of skin defects of the face if the donor defect is minimal. The sliding V-Y subcutaneous island flap is gaining in popularity but has been primarily used in dorsal defects of the nose. Patients demonstrating its application in nostril defects are presented. Indications for the use of this flap continue to expand.     

应用耳后皮瓣修复耳垂缺损

目的：探讨耳后乳突区皮瓣折叠并风筝皮瓣法进行耳垂重建的新方法及效果。方法：于耳后采用双叶形皮瓣折叠术进行耳垂重建同期采用乳突区下方＂风筝＂皮下蒂皮瓣作V-Y推进修复耳后缺损。结果：总结自2006年以来,应用耳后皮瓣折叠并风筝皮瓣法修复耳垂缺损患者5例,均一期完成,重建的耳垂形态自然流畅,供区瘢痕隐蔽。耳后缺损均无需另外植皮。结论：采用乳突区折叠皮瓣并风筝皮瓣进行耳垂重建方法,操作简单,创伤小,避免了耳后植皮造成皮片色素沉着。是一种安全、理想的耳垂再造方法。     

双侧反向臀上动脉远侧穿支V-Y推进筋膜皮瓣修复骶部巨大褥疮

目的:笔者设计了一种双侧反向臀上动脉远侧穿支V-Y推进筋膜皮瓣,关闭巨大骶部溃疡,以增加皮瓣推进量,避免臀大肌功能性缺损。方法:清创后V-Y推进皮瓣标记于双侧臀部。在缺损近侧掀起筋膜皮瓣,在远侧臀大肌肌肉附件里保留臀上动脉远侧穿支,直至获得足够的皮瓣前移。结果:用此方法治疗15个直径7～15cm的骶部褥疮的患者,没有出现皮瓣坏死和溃疡复发,91%的皮瓣Ⅰ期愈合。结论:此技术使皮瓣推进量增加,皮瓣存活可靠,并保留了双侧臀部和臀大肌功能。     

Folded free radial forearm flap for reconstruction of full-thickness defects of the cheek

Background. Full thickness defects of the cheek have been conventionally reconstructed using the folded forehead flap, cervical flap, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, or deltopectoral flap in various combinations. We report a modified technique of folding the radial forearm flap for reconstruction of full-thickness defects of the cheek. Methods. The free radial forearm flap is a type C fasciocutaneous flap based on the radial artery along with its vena commitans and superficial forearm vein. The size and shape of the flap are determined according to the dimensions of the surgical defect. The flap is then lifted off with the fascia of the forearm making it a fasciocutaneous flap, in which the radial artery lies deep to the fascia and gives numerous branches. The flap is disconnected from the donor site only after the recipient vessels have been prepared for anastomosis. Vascular anastomosis is then performed using the operating microscope. This technique was used in 13 patients with carcinoma of the buccal mucosa who underwent full-thickness excision of the cheek. Results. Flap edema was observed in 4 patients in the immediate post-operative period. Necrosis of the outer paddle was seen in 1 patient. Donor site morbidity was seen in 4 patients who required dressings on an outpatient basis for up to 3 weeks. Conclusion. Single-stage reconstruction of full-thickness defects of the cheek with the folded free radial forearm flap is reliable and produces excellent cosmesis with minimal donor site morbidity. © 1995 Jons Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Reconstruction of medial epicanthal fold using v-y advancement and turnover flap

BackgroundSince the 1900s, many methods have been developed to correct the epicanthal fold. Increased use of epicanthoplasty has yielded unsatisfactory results.ObjectivesTo describe a method of epicanthal fold reconstruction using V-Y advancement and turnover flap for clinical application. This method is simpler than conventional surgery. It is easy to perform with excellent esthetic results.MethodsThe authors performed medial epicanthal fold reconstruction in 82 patients (16 males and 66 females) between April 2014 and September 2017. All patients enrolled in this retrospective study underwent surgical procedures at the authors’ institution. Interepicanthal distance was the distance between medial epicanthal folds. It was measured with a surgical ruler.ResultsBefore surgery, mean interepicanthal distance was 35.4 mm. Using our surgical technique, successful outcome was achieved in 79 (96.3%) patients with satisfactory results. The mean distance between the medial epicanthi post-surgery was 38.6 mm, increasing the total length by 3.2 mm without showing any major postsurgical complications.DiscussionEpicanthal fold reconstruction using V-Y advancement and turnover flap is a simple and effective technique that can readily improve the frontal view. It improves periorbital contouring, makes eyes look natural without fully showing the caruncle, and yields excellent esthetic results. In particular, there were no major visible scars following eversion suture.