A pedicled split extended vertical deep inferior epigastric (s-vDIEP) flap and an adipo-dermal thigh local flap for the reconstruction of the medial thigh compartment after sarcoma resection: A case report

Large upper medial thigh defects in prior irradiated tissue require challenging reconstructions. Several techniques have been reported to reconstruct this region and according to the literature, pedicled perforator flaps are the first reconstructive option. The anterolateral thigh flap is considered the gold standard, while surprisingly the pedicle deep inferior epigastric (DIEP) flap in vertical fashion has not been frequently employed, if compared with its muscular counterpart, the pedicle vertical rectus abdomins flap (vRAM). We report a case of a multilayered flaps reconstruction of the left medial thigh after an excision of a sarcoma involving the whole adductors compartment. A 75-year-old male patient underwent a free margins resection of the sarcoma. After the resection, a soft tissue defect of 24 cm × 14 cm × 14 cm spreading from the groin to the medial tuberosity of the tibia, was left. We performed a reconstructive technique based on a pedicled split extended vertical deep inferior epigastric (s-vDIEP) flap and an adipo-dermal thigh local flap in order to fill and cover the thigh defect. The s-vDIEP had 2 islands: a cranial de-epithelialized island to fill the dead space and a caudal for the skin closure. The postoperative follow-up was complicated by seroma formation and it was managed by sclerotherapy and at the 6 months follow-up the patient showed good cosmetic and functional outcomes with no sign of tumor relapse. Our result suggests that the proposed multilayered reconstruction may be employed for the restoration of large and deep upper medial thigh defects.     

Combined lymphovenous anastomosis and deep inferior epigastric perforator flap with lymphatic tissue preservation for defect reconstruction and lymphedema-lymphocele prevention after medial thigh sarcoma resection: A case report

Soft tissue sarcomas are a rare group of malignant tumors that often require an extensive surgical resection to be safely treated. When they are localized in the upper medial thigh, this treatment inevitably leads to large defects frequently causing a series of early and late postoperative complications. Among these, lymphocele and lymphedema are rather common and should try to be avoided. Many solutions with a demonstrated efficacy have been described for this purpose after groin dissection procedure, ranging from lymphovenous anastomosis to pedicled or free flaps. Anyway, there is much less information regarding the medial thigh. Here we present a case of resected sarcoma involving the adductors compartment reconstructed using a pedicled deep inferior epigastric (DIEP) flap with lymphatic tissue transfer, combined with preventive lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) performed at the superior-edge-of-the-knee incision (SEKI) point. A 58-year-old patient presented a 10 cm × 12 cm soft tissue defect after margin free sarcoma removal. To fill this defect, we harvest a 24 × 9 cm pedicled DIEP flap conserving its lymphatic vessels running from the upper margin to the right groin lymphnodes. Then we rotated it maintaining the lymphnodes in their original site and moved it through an inguinal tunnel in the area of the defect. The distal part was de-epithelized and folded down to cover the deeper region. The postoperative course was uneventful and at the 6 months follow up the patient showed a good outcome with no swelling and no signs of tumor relapse. This result therefore may suggest that this kind of combined treatment might be an effective technique to prevent all those complications linked to the impairment of lymphatic system drainage in the proximal medial thigh.     

Turbocharged bilateral pedicled DIEP flap for reconstruction of thigh defect without recipient vessels: A case report

Reconstruction of thigh defects is usually straightforward, but in cases of poor soft tissue quality, free flap reconstruction is not possible due to the absence of recipient vessels. The turbocharge technique may increase the viable, vascularized area of a flap. In this report we present a case of the use of a turbocharged bilateral pedicled DIEP flap for reconstruction of thigh defect without recipient vessels. A 29‐year‐old woman who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus radiation therapy for a leiomyosarcoma on the left thigh. Six weeks later, complete tumor excision and a femoropopliteal bypass with contralateral saphenous vein was performed. In the following days the wound had dehiscence, infection, necrosis of the surrounding muscles and exposure of femoropopliteal bypass. No recipient vessels were available for free flap and critical limb ischemia due to bypass thrombosis was detected. The reconstruction of a large thigh defect (30 × 12 cm) and the coverage of a femoropopliteal bypass with a turbocharged bilateral pedicled DIEP flap was performed. A flap including the entire infraumbilical tissue was designed and the anastomosis of the proximal stump of the right inferior epigastric vessels with the distal ends of the inferior left epigastric vessels was performed to increase the viable area. The flap survived without any complications during the postoperative period. At 12‐month follow up, coverage was stable with no tumor recurrence. Our result suggests that a turbocharged bilateral pedicled DIEP flap may be an option for reconstructing large tissue defects when no recipient vessels are available for free flap.     

Pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator flap: an alternative method to repair groin and scrotal defects

With minimal donor-site morbidity and bulky soft tissue supply, deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is now a preferred free flap in reconstructive surgery. Based on the experiences in free flap procedures, the authors explored a new usage of the DIEP flap to repair groin and scrotal defects. Over the last 2 years, 8 pedicled DIEP island flaps were successfully elevated and transferred in 7 male patients. With intramuscular dissection, the pedicle length could be elongated, with minimal damage to the abdominal fascia-muscular structure. Among these flaps, 5 were used for penoscrotal restore; 3 were raised to repair groin defects. All flaps survived completely. Groin reconstruction with such a flap gave a satisfactory esthetic result. Though somewhat bulky for penoscrotal restoration, it was acceptable for elderly patients. The authors conclude that this flap can be chosen as an alternative option to deal with complex groin and scrotal wounds.     

Reconstruction of an extensive thigh defect with the paraumbilical TRAM flap

Reconstruction of extensive defects after radical resection of soft-tissue sarcomas of the extremities has become an essential part of the limb salvage approach to the management of these tumors. The authors describe the successful use of a paraumbilical transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap with the pedicle based on the inferior epigastric artery for reconstruction of a 24- x 22-cm soft-tissue and skin defect of the anterior thigh after wide local excision of a recurrent malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The ability to mobilize a large amount of well-vascularized soft tissue from an acceptable donor site, the versatility of flap design, the extensive arc of rotation, and the dependability of the inferior epigastric vascular pedicle are all distinct advantages of using this flap in the reconstruction of massive defects of the thigh.     

Anterolateral thigh flap salvage following failed deep inferior epigastric artery perforator breast reconstruction

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap is an option for women desiring autologous tissue breast reconstruction. If this reconstruction fails, other autologous tissue flaps, including the gluteal artery perforator and latissimus dorsi flaps, may be used for salvage. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap offers adequate tissue volume for breast reconstruction, acceptable fat quality and a long vascular pedicle. Other advantages include obviating the need for intraoperative position changes and harvesting tissue outside of the radiation field. Two cases involving ALT flaps used in the setting of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator failure are presented with favourable results. A review of the anatomy of the ALT flap is included.     

The extended deep inferior epigastric flap: a case series

The extended deep inferior epigastric flap is a reliable flap that has been found to be useful in covering difficult wounds in the lower torso, groin, perineum, and thigh regions. The author addresses the indications and outcomes in a series of 7 patients.     

Free perforator flap for the treatment of defects after resection of huge arteriovenous malformations in the head and neck regions

The authors report two cases of huge arteriovenous malformations in the head and neck regions treated successfully with preoperative superselective transarterial embolization and resection followed by a free perforator flap transfer. Based on the authors' previous cases, en block mass resection of the malformation was possible with bleeding of less than 150 ml. The massive defects could be repaired with free perforator flaps using an anterolateral thigh flap and a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap. One patient who lost facial muscle underwent reconstruction by simultaneous muscle transfer, and both patients regained acceptable cosmetic appearance and dynamic facial function. Now, more than 4 to 7 years after surgery, the patients have shown no reexpansion of the malformation. The important points of this treatment are complete embolization to accomplish total resection with minimal bleeding, free flap transfer to prevent postoperative reexpansion or recurrence of arteriovenous malformations, and the selection of recipient vessels because of arterial embolization in part of the lesion.     

腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣游离移植修复四肢软组织缺损

目的：报告腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣游离移植修复四肢组织缺损临床应用结果。方法：自2006年1月至2012年1月,应用腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣带蒂移植修复小腿（7例）和前臂（6例）软组织缺损13例,其中男9例,女4例;年龄21-45岁,平均33岁。软组织缺损范围7 cm×17 cm-8 cm×26 cm。外侧支和内侧支穿支皮瓣分别是7例和6例。供区直接缝合。结果：1例皮瓣发生小的皮缘裂开,术后1个月自然愈合,皮瓣全部成活。术后随访1.8-4.0年,平均2.8年,受区外形较好。结论：腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣游离移植很适宜修复四肢软组织缺损,这种技术安全、可靠,可降低对供区的损伤。     

The extended deep inferior epigastric flap: a case report

The extended deep inferior epigastric flap, described by Taylor et al. (1983), 1984), offers a versatile and reliable technique for covering defects in the lower limb. A case of shark bite is described in which extensive soft tissue loss in the thigh resulted in a denuded femoral shaft which was successfully treated using such a flap.     

Coverage of pelvis and thigh region by pedicled perforator flap like deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP)

The deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) is a variation of the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (TRAM). This flap was used as a pedicled flap to reconstruct the pelvis and thigh region after resection for cancer (four cases). Various flaps have been described for covering theses tissue defects but we prefer this perforator flap for its many advantages. This flap is very reliable and generates minimal functional sequelae on donor site. This flap is useful to cover soft tissue defects after vascular and oncologic surgery, a situation that was rarely reported to our knowledge.     

New multilobe "accordion" flaps for three-dimensional reconstruction of wide, full-thickness defects in the oral floor

When reconstructing a wide, full-thickness intraoral defect, the following principles are necessary for active food transport and improved swallowing and speech. First, the flap should touch the palate and obliterate the oral cavity. Second, jaw or flap excursion should not be hindered by tethering of the flap in the neck. And third, all surfaces of the tongue and oral floor, and the dead space of the floor should be reconstructed. To accomplish these goals, two new designs, similar to an accordion, using an anterolateral thigh flap and a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap have been developed. The outlines of multilobe flaps create an accordion-type structure of the tongue and oral floor complex. The advantages of the new designs using anterior thigh or deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps are follows: First, three-dimensional intraoral reconstitution allows maximal movement postoperatively of the reconstructed tongue. Second, the donor sites are so far from the tongue that simultaneous flap elevation is possible for tumor resectioning. Third, even in obese patients, totally or partially thin flaps are available. And fourth, in most patients the donor defects can be closed directly.     

穿支皮瓣移植修复四肢软组织缺损108例

目的 探讨应用穿支皮瓣修复四肢皮肤软组织缺损的临床效果. 方法2007年7月至2009年5月,分别采用腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣、股前外侧穿支皮瓣、胸背动脉穿支皮瓣、股外侧穿支皮瓣、骨间背侧动脉穿支皮瓣、桡侧副动脉穿支皮瓣、腓肠内侧动脉穿支皮瓣、胫后动脉穿支皮瓣、旋髂深动脉穿支皮瓣、腓动脉穿支皮瓣移植修复四肢皮肤软组织缺损108例(游离移植98例,带蒂转移10例),皮瓣切取面积最小4 cm×2 cm,最大44 cm×9 cm,皮瓣供区均直接缝合.结果 术后5例发生静脉危象,其中1例松解包扎后危象解除,4例再次手术探查,2例成活,2例坏死,其余103例顺利成活,皮瓣受区与供区创121愈合良好.术后随访6-24个月(平均10个月),皮瓣颜色、质地好,外形不臃肿;皮瓣供区遗留线性瘢痕,功能无影响. 结论穿支皮瓣不携带肌肉、深筋膜及运动神经,对皮瓣供区影响小,还具有血供可靠、质地薄、不需二期去脂整形的优点,是修复四肢浅表创面的首选方法.     

股前外侧皮瓣与筋膜组织瓣的临床应用

目的探讨股前外侧皮瓣与筋膜组织瓣的临床应用方式。方法1997年1月~2004年7月,应用股前外侧皮瓣与筋膜组织瓣修复体表皮肤软组织缺损27例,男10例,女17例。其中缺损位于面部9例,颈部4例,下肢6例,会阴部4例,臀部1例,腹股沟区1例,乳房软组织缺损2例。所有患者均为择期手术,软组织缺损范围9cm×8cm~20cm×15cm,切取皮瓣范围10cm×8cm~33cm×15cm。结果术后26例皮瓣全部成活,创面期愈合,1例皮瓣坏死,创面经换药、再次手术植皮后愈合。17例移位皮瓣外观良好,质地柔软,有感觉;9例略显臃肿,经二次手术修薄外观较好。23例获随访3个月~2年,受区皮瓣颜色、质地、感觉与周围组织接近,供区局部凹陷畸形不明显;其中6例肿瘤患者获随访6~15个月,肿瘤局部无复发。结论股前外侧皮瓣与筋膜组织瓣能提供充足的皮肤软组织量,且可采用多种应用方式,是修复大面积体表皮肤软组织缺损的理想皮瓣。     

Sitting on a gold mine: optimal autologous reconstruction of a significant cosmetic contour defect of the buttock using a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator free flap

The options for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the buttock include custom prosthetic implants and autologous tissue transfer: fat transfer, local flaps, pedicled flaps and free flaps. Optimal reconstruction involves replacement of like-with-like tissue, sufficient padding and adequate contouring. We report a case of a female patient presenting with a significant cosmetic contour defect of her left buttock following previous excision of a malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The patient had autologous buttock reconstruction using a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator free flap with an excellent result. To our knowledge a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator free flap has not previously been described to reconstruct the buttock.     

Pedicled anterolateral thigh flap for contralateral groin composite defect

Pedicled anterolateral thigh flap has been well described for ipsilateral groin defects. Its versatility depends on the intact femoral vessels. When the external iliac and the femoral vessels are absent, especially secondary to wide surgical tumour ablations in the groin region, ipsilateral ALT flap is not an option. Free flaps also are difficult because of lack of recipient vessels. We report a case of composite groin defect following wide resection of recurrent liposarcoma along with encased vessels which was covered with a pedicled anterolateral thigh flap from the opposite thigh. The technique of lengthening the vascular pedicle and medializing the pedicle, to effectively increase its reach to the contralateral anterior superior iliac spine without vascular compromise, is described.     

The Combined Use of a Pedicled Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Flap and a Groin Flap for Reconstruction of a Dorsal and Volar Hand Blast Injury

A hand blast injury case causing a large through-and-through composite tissue loss is presented. This injury resulted in a dorsal and a palmar hand defect with segmental bone loss. Soft tissue coverage of both dorsal and palmar wounds was achieved by two separate pedicle flaps with pedicles closely arising from the femoral artery: a superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap and a groin flap. Simultaneously, a large iliac corticocancellous bone graft was harvested from the same incision to be used for the wrist fusion procedure. This approach uses two separate pedicled flaps with robust independent blood supply to cover simultaneously a dorsal and a volar hand wound. A large through-and-through hand defect can be reconstructed readily with this approach, and it is associated with much less perioperative morbidity compared to free composite tissue transfer options. The dissection of both the groin flap and the SIEA flap is straightforward and can be easily performed by a single surgeon. The combined use of these two flaps allows stable coverage of sizable dorsal and palmar wounds of the hand.     

Microdissection thinning of a pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator flap for burn scar contracture of the groin: case report

A severe burn scar contracture of the groin in a 25-year-old woman was successfully reconstructed with microdissection and thinning of a pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. This perforator flap is a relatively thin cutaneous flap, but may still require secondary defatting procedures, especially when used for coverage of mobile anatomic areas such as the groin and axilla. A deep inferior epigastric perforator flap was radically thinned by excising the subcutaneous fatty layer very carefully under loupe magnification, to preserve the subdermal vascular plexus. One year after surgery, the patient can abduct and rotate the hip freely without limitation.     

改良腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣的临床应用

目的 探讨腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣(deep inferior epigastric perforator flap,DIEP皮瓣)切取方式的改进,扩大DIEP皮瓣的临床应用范围.方法 采用双腹壁下血管蒂仅带肌袖的DIEP皮瓣(并可通过筋膜蒂携带髂骨或肋骨)修复四肢大面积软组织缺损,其中前臂缺损5例,手腕部缺损6例,创面面积为10.0 cm×5.0 cm～45.0cm×20.0 cm,均为急诊修复.结果 术后11例皮瓣中全部存活10例,大部分存活1例.随访时间3～61个月,皮瓣愈合良好,手功能恢复满意.所有供区均未发生腹壁疝.结论 改良DIEP皮瓣是修复大面积皮肤缺损的首选皮瓣之一.     

Pedicled posteromedial thigh (PMT) flap: A new alternative for groin defect reconstruction

The posterior medial thigh is mainly vascularized by the profunda femoris artery (PFA), which nourishes the adductor magnus muscle and overlying skin, to supply a number of perforators that can potentially be used as pedicles for local perforator flaps. Here we present two cases utilizing the pedicled posteromedial thigh flap (PMT) to reconstruct the groin defects. Two patients underwent resection for metastatic malignant melanoma resulting in large defects of the groin with exposure of major inguinal vessels; the dimensions of the skin defects were 15 cm × 5 cm and 16 cm × 6 cm, two ipsilateral pedicled PMT flaps were designed to cover the defects. The pedicled PMT flaps were based on perforators arising from the PFA and were transposed through a submuscular tunnel into the defect. The postoperative course was uneventful and the wounds were reconstructed successfully. The pedicled PMT flap may be an option for reconstruction of groin defects and could be incorporated into the armamentarium of the reconstructive microsurgeon. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:339–343, 2017.