Rectus Flap Reconstruction Decreases Perineal Wound Complications After Pelvic Chemoradiation and Surgery: A Cohort Study

Background A major source of morbidity after abdominoperineal resection (APR) after external beam pelvic radiation is perineal wound complications, seen in up to 66% of cases. Our purpose was to determine the effect of rectus abdominus myocutaneous (RAM) flap reconstruction on perineal wound morbidity in this population.Methods The study group consisted of 19 patients with anorectal cancer treated with external beam pelvic radiation followed by APR and RAM flap reconstruction of the perineum. A prospectively collected database was queried to identify a control group (n = 59) with anorectal cancer treated with similar radiation doses that subsequently underwent an APR without a RAM flap during the same time period. Comparison of percentages was performed with a two-sided Fishers exact test, and comparison of means was performed with Wilcoxons test.Results Perineal wound complications occurred in 3 (15.8%) of the RAM flap patients and 26 (44.1%) of the control patients (P = .03). The incidence of other complications was not different between groups (42.1% vs. 42.4%; P = .8). Despite an increased number of anal squamous tumors, an increased vaginectomy rate, increased use of intraoperative radiotherapy, and an increased proportion of cases with recurrent disease, the flap group had a significantly lower rate of perineal wound complications relative to the control group.Conclusions Perineal closure with a RAM flap significantly decreases the incidence of perineal wound complications in patients undergoing external beam pelvic radiation and APR for anorectal neoplasia. Because other complications are not increased, RAM flap closure of the perineal wound should be strongly considered in this patient population.Presented at the Society of Surgical Oncologys 57th Annual Cancer Symposium, New York, New York, March 2004.     

Rotational Muscle Flap Closure for Acute Groin Wound Infections Following Vascular Surgery

Since 1996, 41 patients have presented to our institution with deep but localized groin infection following bypass (30) or isolated femoral artery surgery (11). These patients were treated with antibiotics, debridement, and rotational muscle flap coverage either immediately or within a few days. Patients had one of three patterns: serous leak from a groin incision within a few days of operation (Acute, n = 10), early serous leak that later became grossly infected (Acute-observed, n = 8), or obvious purulent drainage following an initially normal, healed wound (Delayed, n = 23). Patients with early leak had nearly uniformly polymicrobial infections with a preponderance of gram-negative organisms, whereas most of those with late purulence had monobacterial infection with Staphylococcus aureus. At exploration, 26 of 41 suture lines were exposed. Rectus femoris flaps were used in 35 patients (85% of cases) for coverage, and graft preservation was attempted in all 8 vein grafts and 16 of 23 prosthetic grafts. Only one flap failed and there were no instances of anastomotic bleeding. There were no deaths directly attributable to reexploration and flap coverage, although 10 patients died during the index hospitalization. Durable coverage with no long-term evidence of infection was achieved in 24 patients with mean follow-up of 23 (range 10-66) months and another 12 had no evidence of local problems despite shorter follow-up; only 5 patients (12%) overall had evidence of persistent graft infection or unexplained bacteremia. In patients with attempted graft salvage, limb salvage was 97% at 6 months and 85% at 1 year. Although early mortality is high, deaths are not related to the flap procedure itself, local outcome is excellent, and graft and limb salvage are good; results are much worse if an initially draining wound is treated too late. Local rotational muscle flap closure is an excellent solution for acute infections involving the groin following vascular procedures.Presented at the 13th Annual Winter Meeting of the Peripheral Vascular Surgery Society, Steamboat Springs, CO, January 31-February 2, 2004.     

Modified Gluteus Maximus V-Y Advancement Flap for Reconstruction of Perineal Defects After Resection of Intrapelvic Recurrent Rectal Cancer: Report of a Case

Technical advances in myocutaneous flap preparation have resulted in primary reconstruction now being generally indicated for malignant tumors extensively infiltrating the pelvic cavity and perineum. Pelvic tumor resection can dramatically improve the health-related quality of life (QOL) of patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer complicated by infection and pain. However, the removal of a wide area of perineum by these two procedures often leaves a large dead space. A gluteal thigh muscle, rectus abdominis muscle, or pedicle myocutaneous flap is usually made to reconstruct such extensive perineal defects. The subject of this case report was a 76-year-old woman with recurrent rectal cancer in the pelvis after abdominoperineal resection. The large pelvic tumor, which was causing severe pain, was resected and the extensive perineal defects were reconstructed using a modified maximus V-Y advancement flap. The operating time was approximately 30min, and the pain after surgery was much less severe. Moreover, she could walk the day after surgery and returned to normal daily life without requiring prolonged bed rest. No infection developed in the intrapelvic dead space postoperatively. This technique proved very useful for improving the patient's QOL.     

Immediate Reconstruction of the Perineal Wound With Gracilis Muscle Flaps Following Abdominoperineal Resection and Intraoperative Radiation Therapy for Recurrent Carcinoma of the Rectum

Background: Morbidity associated with a nonhealing perineal wound is the most common complication following proctectomy, particularly in the setting of recurrent carcinoma of the rectum and radiation therapy. Immediate reconstruction using the gracilis myocutaneous and muscle flaps significantly reduces the incidence of major infection associated with perineal wound closure. The purpose of this study was to assess the value of immediate reconstruction of the perineal wound using a gracilis flap in patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection and intraoperative radiation therapy.Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed our experience with immediate pelvic reconstruction using gracilis muscle flaps for patients undergoing rectal extirpation and irradiation for recurrent carcinoma of the rectum. From 1990 to 1995, 16 patients underwent abdominoperineal resection (APR) or pelvic exenteration accompanied by immediate wound closure with unilateral or bilateral gracilis muscle flaps. Morbidity and mortality outcomes were compared to those of 24 patients from our institution who, between 1988 and 1992, underwent proctectomy and irradiation for recurrent rectal carcinoma with primary closure of the perineal wound.Results: Major complications (i.e., major infection requiring hospitalization and/or operation) occurred in 2 (12%) of the patients with gracilis flaps versus 11 (46%) of the patients with primary closure (P = .028 by ² analysis for flap vs. primary closure). Minor complications (i.e., persistent sinus and subcutaneous abscess) occurred in 4 (25%) of the patients with gracilis flaps versus 5 (21%) of those with primary closure.Conclusion: Immediate perineal reconstruction using the gracilis myocutaneous flap following proctectomy and irradiation for recurrent rectal carcinoma significantly reduces the incidence of major infection associated with perineal wound closure.     

Recurrence and Quality of Life Following Perineal Proctectomy for Rectal Prolapse

Background  Surgical outcome and quality of life (QOL) following perineal proctectomy for rectal prolapse remain poorly documented. Methods  From 1994 to 2004, patients with full-thickness rectal prolapse were treated exclusively with perineal proctectomy independent of age or comorbidities. Subjective patient assessments and recurrences were determined retrospectively from hospital and clinic records. Consenting patients completed the gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI). Results  Perineal proctectomy was performed in 103 consecutive patients with a median age of 75 years (range 30–94). Most patients underwent concurrent levatorplasty (anterior 85.8%, posterior 67.9%). Durable results were obtained in all patients; the recurrence rate was 8.5% over a mean follow-up of 36 months. Preoperatively, 75.5% of patients reported fecal incontinence, and 32.1% had obstructed defecation. Incontinence significantly improved post-proctectomy (41.5%, p < 0.001), as did constipation (10.4%, p < 0.001). GIQLI respondents reported satisfaction following proctectomy with 63% scoring within one standard deviation of healthy controls. Patients with recurrent prolapse reported a lower QOL. Risk factors for recurrence included duration of prolapse, need for posterior levatorplasty, and prior anorectal surgery. Conclusions  Perineal proctectomy provides significant relief from fecal incontinence and obstructive symptoms caused by rectal prolapse, with an acceptable recurrence rate and low morbidity. This study was supported exclusively using institutional funding.     

Prevention of Severe Pelvic Abscess Formation Following Extended Radical Surgery for Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer

Background  For treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC), extended radical surgery is sometimes required to obtain a negative margin. Such surgery is often associated with severe postoperative pelvic abscess (PA) formation. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of reconstructive surgery using a large rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) flap and anal preservation surgery on the incidence of severe PA. Method  Between February 1998 and June 2008, 44 patients underwent extended surgery for LRRC. Patients were divided into the pre-2004 group (n = 15) and the post-2004 group (n = 29). To reduce the risk of infections, we modified the surgical approach after 2004 to include a larger volume of RAM flap (modified RAM flap) and implemented anal preservation surgery. Results  The overall incidence of severe PA was significantly lower in the post-2004 group [6 of 29 (21%)] than the pre-2004 group [9 of 15 (60%), P = 0.017]. The incidence of severe PA was lower in the anal preservation group [1 of 12 (8.3%)] compared with those who did not undergo such surgery [14 of 32 (44%), P = 0.035]. Modified RAM flap reduced the incidence of severe PA, albeit insignificantly (pre-2004 group: 57%, post-2004 group: 23%). All three patients who underwent anal preservation and modified RAM flap reconstruction did not develop severe PA. Multiple logistic analysis identified no anal preservation (Odds ratio [OR] = 10.6) and performing of sacrectomy (OR = 20.0) as risk factors for severe PA. Conclusion  Anal preservation surgery is an effective measure against the development of severe PA after radical resection of LRRC.     

Vesicourethral Dysfunction Following Radical Surgery for Rectal Carcinoma: Change in Voiding Pattern on Sequential Urodynamic Studies and Impact of Nerve-Sparing Surgery

Objectives Urodynamic studies were performed to clarify vesicourethral dysfunction and recovery after rectal surgery for cancer.
Materials and Methods At 1, and 6 to 12 months after rectal surgery interviews and urodynamic studies (UDS) were performed on 51 consecutive patients, all without a prior history of voiding disorder (40 males and 11 females; median age, 60 years). Patients were divided into 2 groups, either with (preserved group, n = 17) or without (nonpreserved group, n = 34) preservation of the bilateral pelvic plexus during surgery. Comparisons of voiding status and urodynamic parameters were made between the 2 groups.
Results By 1 and 6 months after the operation normal voiding was achieved in 71 % (12/17) and 100% (13/13) of patients in the preserved group, and 6% (2/34) and 30% of patients (9/30) in the nonpreserved group, respectively (P< 0.001). Attainment of normal voiding in the nonpreserved group was preceded by the recovery of bladder sensation, while UDS demonstrated increases in vesical compliance and the disappearance of vesical denervation supersensitivity.
Conclusion A nerve-sparing procedure during radical surgery for rectal carcinoma preserved vesicourethral function. The urodynamic parameters relevant to postoperative recovery of voiding function were improved vesical compliance, disappearance of vesical denervation supersensitivity, and recovery of a bladder filling sensation.     

腹腔镜与开腹直肠癌Miles手术对会阴部伤口愈合的影响

目的比较腹腔镜辅助与开腹直肠癌Miles根治术对会阴部伤口愈合的影响。方法收集2008年1月至2009年12月期间我院行腹腔镜Miles根治术的54例(腹腔镜组)及行开腹Miles根治术的48例(开腹组)直肠癌患者的临床资料,比较2组患者会阴部伤口的甲级愈合率、全程手术时间、会阴部手术时间、术中出血量、术后骶前引流量及术后第3天血白蛋白水平的差异。结果 2组患者在性别、年龄、肿瘤Dukes分期、术前白蛋白水平及术前合并症方面差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。腹腔镜组的会阴部伤口甲级愈合率(2χ=5.54,P0.05)及术后第3天血白蛋白水平(t=3.92,P0.01)均明显高于开腹组。腹腔镜组会阴部手术时间(t=6.64,P0.01)、术中出血量(t=6.05,P0.01)和术后骶前引流量(t=12.86,P0.01)均明显短于或少于开腹组。结论腹腔镜辅助Miles根治术较开腹Miles手术具有更高的会阴部伤口甲级愈合率,这可能与腹腔镜手术创伤小、出血少及会阴部手术时间更短有关。     

Pedicle Myocutaneous Flaps for Reconstruction Following Total Pelvic Exenteration of Intrapelvic Recurrent Rectal Cancer: Report of a Case

A vast metastatic tumor mass of recurrent rectal carcinoma in the intrapelvic organs is commonly considered unsuitable for total pelvic exenteration (TPE); first, because it is unlikely that it would improve the prognosis and health-related quality of life of the patient, and second, because of the difficulties involved in this surgical technique. However, by using a plastic surgery technique involving reconstruction by filling the pelvic dead space with pedicle myocutaneous flaps (PMF), primary wound closure and extensive resection of the perineum can be achieved, whereby postoperative metastasis may be prevented. We report herein the case of a 71-year-old man found to have local recurrence in the perineum with extensive invasion of the soft tissue as well as adjacent organs, 20 months after abdominal perineal resection for rectal carcinoma. TPE with extensive resection of the perineal soft tissue was performed, followed by perineal reconstruction and packing of the pelvic dead space with PMF, mainly constructed from the gracilis and sartorius muscles of both femurs. His postoperative course was uneventful and he has remained free of local recurrence and symptomatic perineal complaints for 1 year. In this report, we examine the effectiveness of using the gracilis muscle for PMF in intrapelvic and perineal reconstruction after TPE. Received: March 8, 2000 / Accepted: September 26, 2000     

Regeneration and Functional Recovery of Intrapelvic Nerves Removed During Extensive Surgery by a New Artificial Nerve Conduit: A Breakthrough to Radical Operation for Locally Advanced and Recurrent Rectal Cancers

Purpose  

In the current strategy against locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancers possibly involving intrapelvic nerves, there has been a serious dilemma between extensive surgery and limited surgery. The former can attain high tumor curability by sacrificing the nerve functions while the latter prioritizes the patient quality of life by preserving the nerve functions but with a compromised curability. Here we present a new surgical strategy for locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancers, which realize both high tumor curability and good quality of life.     

Long-Term Survival and Recurrence Outcomes Following Surgery for Distal Rectal Cancer

Background

Treatment of distal rectal cancer remains clinically challenging and includes proctectomy and coloanal anastomosis (CAA) or abdominoperineal resection (APR). The purpose of this study is to evaluate operative and pathologic factors associated with long-term survival and local recurrence outcomes in patients treated for distal rectal cancer.

Methods

A retrospective consecutive cohort study of 304 patients treated for distal rectal cancer with radical resection from 1993 to 2003 was performed. Patients were grouped by procedure (CAA or APR). Demographic, pathologic, recurrence, and survival data were analyzed utilizing chi-square analysis for comparison of proportions. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test for univariate and Cox regression for multivariate comparison.

Results

The median tumor distance from the anal verge was 2 cm [interquartile range (IQR) 0.5–4 cm]. Margins were negative in all but four patients (one distal, 0.3%; three radial, 1%). The 5-year overall survival rate was 82% (88.6% stage pI, 80.5% stage pII, 67.9% stage pIII). Older age, advanced pathologic stage, presence of lymphovascular or perineural invasion, earlier treatment period, and APR surgery type were associated with worse survival on multivariate analysis. The 5-year local recurrence rate was 5.3% after CAA and 7.9% after APR (p = 0.33).

Conclusions

Low rates of local recurrence and good overall survival can be achieved after treatment of distal rectal cancer with stage-appropriate chemoradiation and proctectomy with CAA or APR. Sphincter preservation can be achieved even with distal margins less than 2 cm.     

Recurrent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome––Analysis of the Impact of Patient Personality in Altering Functional Outcome Following a Vascularised Hypothenar Fat Pad Flap Surgery

We retrospectively analysed 25 patients (27 hands) who had both clinical and electrophysiological confirmation of true recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome from January 2004 to December 2009. In all the patients, after releasing the nerve a vascularised fat pad flap was mobilised from the hypothenar region and sutured to the lateral cut end of flexor retinaculum. The patient characteristics, co-morbidities, duration of symptom, interval between first release and revision surgery and intra-operative findings were assessed against post-operative relief of pain, recovery of sensory and motor dysfunction. The average age of the patients was 58?years (43?C81) and the dominant hand was involved in 22 patients. Intra-operatively the nerve was compressed by scar tissue connecting the previously divided ends of the retinaculum in 18 and nine had scar tissue and fibrosis around the nerve. Following surgery 16 patients had complete recovery (asymptomatic at the first follow-up), eight had delayed recovery (partial recovery of symptoms at final follow-up) and three had a poorer outcome (persistence of preoperative symptoms at the final follow-up). The patients with delayed recovery/poorer outcome had a) Early recurrence; b) Diabetes mellitus; c) Obesity; d) Cervical spine problems; e) Involvement of non-dominant hand; and f) Intraoperative scar tissue and fibrosis. The hypothenar fat pad transposition flap provides a reliable source of vascularised local tissue that can be used in patients with recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome. The factors that were associated with poorer/delayed recovery were involvement of non-dominant hand, recurrence within a year from the previous surgery, intra-operatively scar tissue in the carpal tunnel and associated co-morbidities, like obesity diabetes mellitus and cervical spine problems.     

Perineal Healing and Survival After Anal Cancer Salvage Surgery: 10-Year Experience with Primary Perineal Reconstruction Using the Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (VRAM) Flap

Salvage surgery of recurrent or persistent anal cancer following radiotherapy is often followed by perineal wound complications. We examined survival and perineal wound complications in anal cancer salvage surgery during a 10-year period with primary perineal reconstruction predominantly performed using vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap. Between 1997 and 2006, 49 patients underwent anal cancer salvage surgery. Of these, 48 had primary reconstruction with VRAM. Overall survival was computed by the Kaplan–Meier method and mortality rate ratios (MRRs) by Cox regression. One patient (2%) died within 30 days postoperatively. Postoperative complications necessitated reoperation in eight (16%) patients. We found no major perineal wound infections. Major perineal wound breakdown occurred in the only patient in whom VRAM was not used. Five-year survival was 61% [95% confidence interval (CI) 43–75%]. Free resection margins (R0) were obtained in 78% of patients, with 5-year survival of 75% (95% CI 53–87%). Involved margins, microscopically only (R1) or macroscopically (R2), strongly predicted an adverse outcome [age-adjusted 2-year MRRs (95% CI) R1 vs. R0 = 4.1 (0.7–23.6), R2 vs. R0 = 10.9 (2.2–54.2)]. We conclude that anal cancer salvage surgery can yield long-time survival but obtaining free margins is critical. A low rate of perineal complications is achievable by primary perineal reconstruction using VRAM flap.     

Expanded Median Forehead Flap and Abbé Flap for Nasal and Upper Lip Reconstruction After Complications of Polymethylmethacrylate

Despite the benefits from the minimally invasive technique, complications may occur, raising doubts about the safety of polymethylmethacrylate as an injectable filler material. The authors report their treatment of a patient from another institution with necrosis involving full-thickness nasal skin and upper lip after injection of polymethylmethacrylate in the nasolabial folds and nose for augmentation. An expanded median forehead flap was used to reconstruct the nose, and an Abbé flap was used for the upper lip. The flaps and the skin expander allowed reconstruction with correct texture, color, and dimensions, producing a good aesthetic and functional outcome.     

腹腔镜超低位直肠癌经腹会阴联合切除会阴人工肛门重建术的疗效观察

目的探讨腹腔镜超低位直肠癌经腹会阴联合切除会阴人工肛门重建术的安全性和临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2006年4月至2010年2月期间解放军第150中心医院全军肛肠外科研究所收治的102例超低位直肠癌行经腹会阴联合切除会阴人工肛门重建术的患者,其中腹腔镜手术58例（腹腔镜组）,开腹手术44例（开腹组）。观察指标包括手术时间、术中失血量、检出淋巴结数目、术后恢复流质饮食时间、术后首次肛门排气时间、术后住院时间、术后并发症等;采用Kaplan-Meier法计算生存率并经log-rank检验,计量资料采用t检验,计数资料采用χ2检验。结果腹腔镜组和开腹组的一般临床病理资料比较差异均无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。2组均顺利完成手术,无与手术相关的死亡病例。腹腔镜组的手术时间略长于开腹组,但差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;腹腔镜组的术中失血量明显少于开腹组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;腹腔镜组的术后首次肛门排气时间、术后恢复流质饮食时间及术后住院时间均明显短于开腹组,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;腹腔镜组检出淋巴结枚数明显多于开腹组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。2组并发症发生率比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。2组患者的生存曲线比较,差异无统计学意义（P=0.897）。结论腹腔镜超低位直肠癌经腹会阴联合切除会阴人工肛门重建手术与开腹直肠癌手术能达到同样的疗效,且其创伤小、术后恢复快、安全可行。