Treatment of a chronic vesicocutaneous fistula and abdominal wall defect after resection of a soft tissue sarcoma using a bipedicled latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior free flap

We present a surgical treatment for bladder reconstruction in a case of chronic vesicocutaneous radiation‐induced fistula and reconstruction of the abdominal wall after resection of a liposarcoma in the rectus abdominis muscle. Fistulas are sequelae after radiotherapy. To regain bladder function and reconstitute abdominal wall stability, a microsurgical flap approach should be considered. A male patient underwent resection of a liposarcoma in the rectus abdominis muscle with adjuvant radiotherapy, suffering from a chronic vesicocutaneous fistula. A bipedicled combined latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior flap was carried out after resection of the fistula for reconstruction of the urine bladder and the abdominal wall. Ascending urethrography 4 weeks postoperatively showed no leakage. In the 4‐month follow‐up period, no signs of recurrence of the fistula or herniation occurred. A bipedicled flap allowed reconstruction of the urine bladder and the abdominal wall. Using non‐irradiated, well‐perfused intra‐abdominal muscle tissue over the urine bladder prevented recurrence of the fistula.     

六例巨大胸壁缺损的修复

目的 探讨巨大胸壁缺损的修复方法.方法 2005年10月至2009年6月,为6例患者进行巨大胸壁缺损的修复,其中背阔肌肌皮瓣加钛网1例,逆行背阔肌肌皮瓣加聚丙烯网片和涤纶补片1例,游离股前外侧皮瓣1例,双侧胸大肌肌瓣1例,纵行腹直肌肌皮瓣2例.结果 随访1～24个月,皮瓣100%覆盖创面、皮瓣100%成活、心肺功能没有影响、外观满意;并发症:胸壁瘘管1例,胸壁窦道1例经再次清创愈合.结论 巨大胸壁缺损需要分层修复,胸廓缺损可以用鈦网或聚丙烯网片修补,软组织缺损根据部位、大小和范围及周围组织情况,选择不同的修复方法.背阔肌肌皮瓣组织量大、旋转弧度大、血供恒定、容易切取,可作为首选,胸大肌肌瓣、纵行腹直肌肌皮瓣或游离的股前外侧皮瓣,根据实际情况灵活掌握.     

One-stage reconstruction of facial paralysis associated with skin/soft tissue defects using latissimus dorsi compound flap.

Neurovascular free muscle transfer is now the mainstay for smile reconstruction in the treatment of established facial paralysis. Since facial paralysis due to ablative surgery or some specific disease sometimes accompanies defects of the facial skin and soft tissue, simultaneous reconstruction of defective tissues with facial reanimation is required. The present paper reports results for 16 patients who underwent reconstruction by simultaneous soft tissue flap transfer with latissimus dorsi muscle for smile reconstruction of the paralysed face. Soft tissue flaps comprised skin paddle overlying the latissimus dorsi muscle (n=6), serratus anterior musculocutaneous flap (n=5), serratus anterior muscle flap (n=2), and latissimus dorsi perforator-based flap with a small muscle cuff (n=3). The latissimus dorsi muscle can be elevated as a compound flap of various types, and thus offers the best option as a donor muscle for facial reanimation when soft tissue defects require simultaneous reconstruction.     

Closure of a large bronchial fistula with a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap

We describe a case of a large bronchial fistula and empyema after right upper lobectomy that was treated successfully with open window thoracostomy followed by a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and limited thoracoplasty. A latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap can provide immediate airtight closure of a large bronchial fistula, allowing lavage and curettage of the empyema cavity to reduce the chance of postoperative infection. An important aspect of this technique is that the deepithelialized skin side rather than muscle is sutured to an opening of the bronchus. As compared with other techniques, a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is superior in that it requires a single incision and does not require an intraop-erative change of position. In addition, the technique causes little dysfunction of the chest and shoulder and preserves the vascular supply to ensure the viability of the flap even if it was divided in a previous operation.     

Reconstruction of the form and function of lateral malleolus and ankle joint

Soft-tissue reconstruction alone cannot obtain normal ankle function in patients with large defects in the area of the lateral malleolus. The authors report a functional reconstructive method for the lateral malleolus, utilized in a male patient whose osteosarcoma in the fibula was resected with surrounding soft tissue. In order to reconstruct the lateral malleolus, the remaining half of the fibula at the knee was removed, and the fibular head was fixed with the tibia at the ankle joint. Ligaments were reconstructed with tendon grafts. Skin and soft-tissue defects were reconstructed with a combined composite flap comprised of a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and a serratus anterior muscle flap. Dead space around the bone graft was filled with the serratus anterior muscle flap that was divided into two portions. The surface was covered with the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. The patient regained almost normal function of the ankle joint. This technique would be a useful functional reconstructive method for patients with large defects in the area of the lateral malleolus.     

Diaphragmatic reconstruction using combined reversed extended latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior fascia flaps

The autologous or "extended" latissimus dorsi flap is a standard technique in breast reconstruction. The authors report a case of gastrobronchial fistula after sleeve gastrectomy managed by a new option, combing a reversed "extended" latissimus dorsi flap and a serratus anterior fascia flap. It provides good quality autologous living tissue to treat thoracoabdominal infection associated with diaphragmatic necrosis. Aggressive management, such as surgical resection, should be performed for these patients with a benign but life-threatening disease.     

Facial reconstruction using a combined flap of the subscapular axis simultaneously including separate medial and lateral scapular vascularized bone grafts

With the better understanding of the blood supply to the scapula, combined flaps of the lateral scapula along with the latissimus dorsi and/or serratus anterior are well known. The medial border of the scapula, in this respect, has been underused. The authors present a case report in which a conjoined combined free flap consisting of four free tissue transfers based on the subscapular axis was used in simultaneous reconstruction of a gunshot wound to the face. This included a medial scapular osteofasciocutaneous flap for the mandible, a lateral scapular osseous flap for the anterior maxilla, a serratus anterior muscle flap for the cheek, and a separate latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap for the forehead. This flap was successful and provides another alternative to the resolution of complex problems needing multiple areas of both soft-tissue coverage and vascularized bone graft.     

Mikrochirurgische Beckenbodenrekonstruktion nach Exenteratio pelvis

Background

Pelvic exenteration for advanced or recurrent rectal cancer often results in complex defects associated with high complication rates and morbidity for the patients. The goal of therapy is therefore restoration of functional stability and adequate soft tissue coverage, thus enhancing the quality of life with limited life expectancy by an interdisciplinary approach.

Patients and methods

We report on eight patients treated by combined interdisciplinary pelvic exenteration with resection of the sacrum and subsequent coverage of the pelvic floor defect with free latissimus dorsi muscle flaps. All patients were treated in two stages according to a pre-established therapeutic algorithm. First, an abdominal and transsacral pelvic exenenteration was performed with an ileostomy and ileum conduit system and the pelvic floor was closed with vicryl meshes. The open wound was optimized by vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy before reconstruction of the pelvic floor was undertaken 10?C12 days later with free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps either anastomosed to the lower or upper gluteal vessels or to an AV-loop using the saphenous vein as connection to the groin vessels.

Results

In all cases a sufficient and stable reconstruction of the pelvic floor could be achieved and no flap loss occurred. In three patients a minor wound dehiscence occurred, which could be closed by secondary suture. The time span between the free flap transfer and stable wound closure was 19?C28 days. Later complications such as fistula formation and chronic wound infections were not observed. The survival of the patients ranged from 10?C36 months.

Conclusion

The present two-stage concept of pelvic floor reconstruction with free latissimus dorsi muscle flaps for wound closure after pelvic exenteration improves postoperative morbidity and mortality and increases the quality of life of the affected patients. A shortened period of open wound therapy brings additional economic benefits. Because of its anatomical features the free latissimus dorsi flap can be regarded as the method of choice of microsurgical reconstruction within an interdisciplinary concept after pelvic exenteration.     

Cranial-bone defects with depression deformity treated with ceramic implants and free-flap transfers.

Hydroxyapatite ceramic has many advantages in the treatment of cranial-bone defects. However, for large skull defects with severe depression deformities, it may be risky to use ceramic implants because an extradural dead space will be left and the overlying scalp will have to be closed under tension. In these cases microvascular free-flap transfers are a good solution. We have treated three patients for large skull defects with severe depression deformities after repeated local infections and several operations or irradiation. A latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was combined with a serratus anterior muscle flap to fill the extradural space under the ceramic implant in the first patient. A latissimus dorsi muscle flap was inserted under the ceramic implant in an irradiated site and a combined small serratus anterior muscle flap was used as a monitor in the second patient. A latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was used to cover the ceramic implant and fill the scalp defect in the third patient. The follow-up periods varied from 12 to 35 months (mean: 20.7 months). The clinical courses of all three patients were uneventful and no flap was lost. The extradural space can be reduced to some extent by making the ceramic implant slightly flatter or thicker, but in patients with severe depression deformities, whose brain expansion cannot be expected, a muscle flap should be transferred into the space.     

Use of the latissimus dorsi and the serratus anterior muscles as a combined flap

Flaps composed of the latissimus dorsi and the serratus anterior muscles have been used to repair extensive defects in 10 patients with no remarkable disabilities of shoulder function. The latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior muscles are consistently nourished through the subscapular-thoracodorsal vessels. Thus, the 2 flaps can be based on 1 vascular pedicle. If required, the ribs beneath the serratus anterior muscle, which are vascularized by the periosteal circulation, can be transferred with the muscle. The vascular pedicle of this flap is long and anatomically reliable. Care must be taken to avoid tension or torsion of the pedicle when positioning the flap.     

Anomalous blood supply to the serratus anterior/rib composite flap

The serratus anterior muscle and rib composite flap has been well described for oral and mandibular reconstruction. The flap may also be used in combination with the latissimus dorsi flap based on the common thoracodorsal vascular pedicle, a blood supply which has hitherto been proven to be reliable. This case demonstrates a totally independent arterial supply to the serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi muscles.     

胸壁大块缺损外科重建71例报告

目的 探讨胸壁大块缺损后不同外科技术重建的效果.方法 1995年9月至2005年9月对71例不同病因的胸壁大块缺损患者采用多种方法 进行胸壁重建.骨性胸廓重建采用自体组织(肋骨条、阔筋膜、肌瓣)或人工材料(Dacron片、聚四氟乙烯网片 钛合金条、金属丝支架加大网膜片、Dacron和骨水泥构成的三明治式复合体).皮下软组织修复主要应用转移皮瓣、肌皮瓣或大网膜瓣.结果 全组无手术死亡和局部肿瘤复发,2例因感染摘除金属植入物.术后呼吸功能良好,无反常呼吸运动.结论 背阔肌瓣和大网膜瓣修复软组织效果较好,后者对因感染引起的胸壁缺损效果更佳.Dacron片和骨水泥构成的三明治式复合体适用于大块骨性胸廓缺损的重建.     

A case of post-upper lobectomy empyema treated by serratus anterior muscle and pedicled latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps plombage via open-window thoracostomy.

A 62-year-old male was admitted to our hospital for operation for Aspergillus empyema with a fungus ball in the right upper lobe. We performed a right upper lobectomy and decortication of the middle and lower lobes through a standard posterolateral thoracotomy with dissection of the latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior muscles, in October 2000. Twenty-one days postoperatively (POD), he developed an empyema and a bronchopleural fistula. We performed open-window thoracostomy through the axilla with removal of the third and fourth ribs at 41 POD, and sterilized the open drainage cavity in the out-patient clinic 11 months after discharge. Although the condition of the bronchopleural fistulas was not improved, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was found in the purulent discharge, the discharge decreased. Finally, a pedicled latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous and serratus anterior muscle flap plombage was performed 11 months after initial operation. The patient is now well and works as a driver 21 months after discharge. We conclude that muscle flaps of the pedicled latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior muscles can be useful for plombage of the cavity in cases of post-standard thoracotomy.     

Repair of a wide lower extremity defect with cross-leg free transfer of latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior combined flap: a case report

Composite tissue loss in extremities involving neurovascular structures has been a major challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Reconstruction of large defects can only be achieved with microsurgical procedures. The success of free flap operations depends on the presence of healthy recipient vessels. In cases with no suitable donor artery and vein or in which even the use of vein grafts would not be feasible, the lower limb can be salvaged with a cross-leg free flap procedure. We present a case with a large composite tissue loss that was reconstructed with cross-leg free transfer of a combined latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior muscle flap. This case indicates that this large muscle flap can survive with the cross-leg free flap method and this technique may be a viable alternative for large lower extremity defects that have no reliable recipient artery.     

Scalp reconstruction by microvascular free tissue transfer

We report on a series of patients with scalp defects who have been treated with a variety of free flaps, spanning the era of microvascular free tissue transfer from its incipient stages to the present. Between 1971 and 1987, 18 patients underwent scalp reconstruction with 21 free flaps: 11 latissimus dorsi, 3 scalp transfers between identical twins, 3 groin, one combined latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior, two serratus anterior, and one omentum. These flaps were used to cover scalp defects resulting from burns, trauma, radiation, and tumors in patients ranging from 7 to 79 years of age. Follow-up has ranged from 3 weeks to 7 years. All of our flaps survived and covered complex defects, many of which had failed more conservative attempts at cover. One patient received radiation therapy to his flap without unfavorable sequelae. This experience began with a pioneering omental flap and includes cutaneous and muscle flaps. The latissimus dorsi is our first choice for free flap reconstruction of extensive, complicated scalp wounds because of its large size, predictable blood supply, ease of harvesting, and provision of excellent vascularity to compromised beds.     

Reverse‐supercharged,distally based latissimus dorsi flap for lumbar defect: A case report

Well‐vascularized tissue is required for successful reconstruction of a soft tissue defect in the lumbar region. There are several options for reconstruction; however, controversy exists regarding the optimal technique. Here, we present a case of a lumbar defect following tumor resection in a 75‐year‐old patient that was repaired using a reverse‐supercharged, distally based latissimus dorsi flap. The defect of size 15 × 12 cm² was localized to the lumbar region. An 11 × 7 cm²‐sized, distally based latissimus dorsi flap was designed cephalad to the latissimus dorsi muscle. After the flap was tunneled to the defect, vascular insufficiency of the skin flap was observed. Supercharging was subsequently performed by anastomosing the serratus anterior branch in a reverse manner to the lumbar perforator. The diameters of the vessels at the end‐to‐end anastomosis site were 1.0 mm (artery) and 1.2 mm (vein), respectively, and there was slight discrepancy in their calibers. After microvascular anastomosis, the vascular supply of the flap improved, and the flap survived uneventfully, without venous congestion. The patient was discharged 17 days after the surgery, and no recurrence of the tumor was observed at the 2‐year follow‐up. We report a case of successful salvage of a distally based latissimus dorsi flap by the reverse‐supercharge technique based on a serratus anterior branch. This flap might be a suitable alternative for use in the lumbar region in the case of limited availability of reconstructive choices.     

Donor-site morbidity of the segmental rectus abdominis muscle flap.

The donor-site morbidity of the segmental rectus abdominis muscle flap was evaluated in 20 patients with an average follow-up time of 47 months. Our criteria were based on static and dynamic functional results including relaxation and hernia of the abdominal wall, aesthetic outcome and patient satisfaction. The dynamic functional tests of the abdominal wall showed good results corresponding to the reported minimal impairment of quality of life. There was one abdominal hernia after wound infection and secondary healing. There was no evidence of abdominal wall instability in any of the other patients. The aesthetic outcome was excellent when a transverse lower abdominal incision, asymmetrically elongated to the donor site, was used and moderate in the case of a paramedian vertical incision. Ninety-five per cent of the patients were completely satisfied or satisfied with the result at the donor site. In the segmental use of the free rectus abdominis flap a high degree of subjective patient satisfaction reflects the favourable outcome of our examinations. On the other hand there is a clinically significant functional donor-site defect of this flap. As this procedure is still widely used, and as its indication is closely linked to its absolute and relative donor-site defect, comparisons with the alternatives, e.g. the partial latissimus dorsi muscle flap, the extended gracilis muscle flap or the serratus anterior muscle flap will have to be made.     

Prosthetic mesh for infected abdominal wall defects? Report of a patient with a large full thickness abdominal wall defect and colostomy due to a gunshot wound.

Reconstruction of large, infected abdominal wall defects is often difficult. Local factors, such as defect size, presence of infection, adequate skin coverage and presence of enteric fistulae dictate the reconstructive method that can be used. Placement of prosthetic mesh materials into infected defects was generally not recommended due to a high rate of extrusion and fistulae. We present a patient with a large infected abdominal wall defect, exposed intestines and colostomy due to a gunshot wound that was successfully treated with a polypropylene mesh reinforcement and free latissimus dorsi muscle flap coverage. Twelve months following abdominal wall reconstruction with stable soft tissue cover, the patient is without any signs of hernia or infection. We conclude that prosthetic mesh repair of infected abdominal wall defects of such characteristics that preclude other reconstructive procedures can be attempted provided there is coverage with a well vascularised tissue.     

Successful treatment of a case of electrical burn with visceral injury and full-thickness loss of the abdominal wall

A 13-year-old male received high-voltage electrical burns with a resultant large direct wound on the upper abdomen involving the full-thickness of the abdominal wall, including the peritoneum. Early debridement, exploratory laparotomy and temporary restoration of the excised abdominal wall with a fascial prosthesis were carried out at 6 h post-burn. The bilateral upper and right lower limbs were amputated on the 10th post-burn day.The patient developed a 4x4 cm duodenocutaneous fistula on the 28th post-burn day, but was free of peritonitis. After 5 months of the conservative treatment, the fistula closed, and the abdominal wall defect was reconstructed with a free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. One month later, the patient was discharged following an uneventful recovery.     

Repair of a full-thickness abdominal wall defect with an innervated latissimus dorsi free flap.

A 38-year-old man developed an infection that led to necrosis of the abdominal wall after perforation of a gastric ulcer. A split-thickness skin graft over the abdominal viscera was used to achieve temporary primary closure. After full systemic and local stabilisation, it was reconstructed with a free innervated latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap.