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.     

Breast reconstruction with superior epigastric artery perforator (SEAP) free flap: Report of two cases

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction. When the DIEP pedicle is damaged, alternative perforator flaps are harvested from sites with less donor tissue, such as the thigh. Pedicled superior epigastric artery perforator (SEAP) flaps have been recently described for reconstruction of inferior partial breast defects. The purpose of this report is to show the surgical technique of the free SEAP flap for reconstruction of the entire breast in two patients. The authors describe two patients where the DIEP pedicle was unavailable. The first patient was 53 years old, with body mass index (BMI) 22.7, while the second patient was 60 with BMI 32.4. The donor site was marked as for a DIEP, and two lateral row perforators were selected in each case. Flaps were designed to cross the midline, with adequate perfusion confirmed via indocyanine green angiography. Both flaps were rotated 90° counterclockwise for inset into the chest. Flap size and weight for the two patients were: 24 × 15 cm and 350 g; and 25 × 15 cm and 400 g. Both patients had a routine postoperative course without complications. Length of follow-up was 155 and 158 days, respectively. We believe that the free SEAP flap is a promising technique in select patients who require an alternative to the DIEP for autologous breast reconstruction.     

Free DIEAP and SGAP flap breast reconstruction after abdominal/gluteal liposuction.

Perforator flaps are widely used in our unit for breast reconstruction. They provide ample tissue with minimal donor site morbidity together with long lasting aesthetic results. Increasing number of patients may have liposuction procedure which may jeopardise areas such as the abdomen and the buttock which are the donor sites for perforator-free flaps in breast reconstruction. Therefore, liposuction has been considered as a relative contraindication of raising perforator flaps. Six patients who had previous liposuction of the donor sites underwent autologous breast reconstruction with perforator-free flaps. Colour Duplex imaging was obtained in all cases preoperatively in order to evaluate the blood supply to the flap and to map the perforators. There were five deep inferior epigastric artery flaps (DIEP) and one superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap used. Total flap survival was obtained in all cases. Postoperative course was uneventful. Our results showed that raising perforator flaps after liposuction of the donor sites is possible. Preoperative radiological evaluation of the perforators is mandatory for such difficult cases.     

Rethinking the superficial inferior epigastric artery flap in breast reconstruction: Video demonstration of a rapid,reliable harvest technique

Abdominal-based autologous free tissue breast reconstruction has undergone significant changes over the past decade. The evolution has focused on limiting morbidity of the donor site. The transition from the transverse rectus abdominus muscle free flap to the muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominus muscle free flap to the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator free flap has markedly improved abdominal-based autologous breast reconstruction. However, all of these flaps involve an incision through the anterior rectus fascia and potential damage of intercostal motor and sensory nerves. The superficial inferior epigastric artery flap (SIEA) reliably perfuses the ipsilateral hemiabdomen, yet does not violate the fascia or any motor nerves. As a result, the incidence of hernia, abdominal wall weakness and bulging is essentially eliminated. Nevertheless, use of the SIEA flap remains marginal. Vessel size, dissection difficulties and lack of understanding of the relevant anatomy have limited its acceptance. The present article describes a rapid, reliable and safe dissection technique with an algorithm for harvesting the SIEA flap in autologous breast reconstruction.     

Buttock reconstruction using a pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator flap

Although deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps are mainly used for breast reconstruction as free flaps, they are also useful as pedicled island flaps. However, DIEP flaps have seldom been used for reconstructions in the lateral hip region. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, no report has been issued on the use of this flap for buttock reconstruction. The authors describe the successful use of a pedicled oblique DIEP flap for the reconstruction of a severe scar contracture in the buttock. The pedicled DIEP flap can be a useful option for the reconstruction of large buttock defects, and if a transverse DIEP flap is unavailable, an oblique DIEP flap should be considered an alternative.     

Breast reconstruction with gluteal artery perforator flaps.

BACKGROUND: Several alternatives exist for breast cancer reconstruction with perforator flaps. For those patients in whom the buttock is the best choice as a source for autologous tissue, the IGAP and SGAP flaps are an excellent option. These flaps allow the reliable transfer of skin and soft tissue from the buttock without the associated donor site morbidity of a muscle flap. INDICATIONS: Most women requiring tissue transfer to the chest from the buttock for breast reconstruction or other reasons are candidates for IGAP or SGAP flaps. Do to an improved donor site contour and scar, we now prefer to use the IGAP to the SGAP flap. Absolute contraindications specific to perforator flap breast reconstruction in our practice include history of previous liposuction of the donor site or active smoking (within 1 month prior to surgery). ANATOMY AND TECHNIQUE: IGAP and SGAP flaps are based on perforators from either the superior or inferior gluteal artery. These perforators are carefully dissected free from the surrounding gluteus maximus muscle, which is spread in the direction of the muscle fibres and safely preserved. The vascular pedicle is anastomosed to recipient vessels in the chest and the donor site closed primarily. CONCLUSIONS: IGAP and SGAP flaps allow the safe and reliable transfer of tissue from the buttock for breast reconstruction as an alternative to soft tissue transfer from an abdominal donor site or even as a first choice in selected patients.     

Breast reconstruction with free flaps from the abdominal donor site: TRAM, DIEAP, and SIEA flaps

Multiple types of free flap can be elevated from the lower abdominal region for use in breast reconstruction. These include the free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap, and the superficial inferior epigastric artery flap. This sequence of flaps represents an evolution in the protection of the donor site. However, the decision as to which flap may be most appropriate for an individual patient is complex. This article serves to review pertinent surgical anatomy, preoperative planning, intraoperative decision making in flap elevation, and reported outcomes.     

Perforator flap breast reconstruction after unsatisfactory implant reconstruction

In 2009, 86,424 breast reconstructions were performed in the United States, with 76% being implant-based procedures. Capsular contracture and infection are the 2 most cited indications for implant explantation, resulting in a reconstruction failure. However, several patients are dissatisfied with implant reconstruction even without the aforementioned complications. We hypothesize that microvascular autologous tissue transfer with perforator free-flap breast reconstruction provides an excellent salvage modality in the face of an unsatisfactory implant reconstruction, resulting in an improved cosmetic and functional outcome, with low risk of complications. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients in the senior author's practice who underwent perforator flap breast reconstruction between the years 1998 through 2008, and identified all patients who had prior implant reconstruction. Indications for implant explantation, medical history, operative procedure, and postoperative complications were reviewed. During the study period, 1846 perforator flaps were performed. We found 191 patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction after implant reconstruction with a total of 284 flaps (15.4%). The most frequent patient complaint was unnatural appearance and feel of the implants (Baker I or Baker II), and the majority of patients had not undergone radiation. Most patients were reconstructed using abdominal flaps with 164 deep inferior epigastric perforators, 50 superior gluteal artery perforators, 30 superficial inferior epigastric arteries, 35 inferior gluteal artery perforators, and 5 transverse upper gracilis. The total complication rate was 7.4%, with most complications related to wound healing at the donor site. There were 3 flap losses (1%), all of which were later successfully reconstructed with another perforator flap. Implant failures are traditionally thought to be in patients with Baker grade III/IV capsular contractures and in patients status post radiation therapy. However, in our study, the majority of patients seeking perforator flap reconstruction after implant reconstruction complained of an unnatural feel and appearance of their breasts, and did not have a severe capsular contracture deformity (Baker III/IV), nor had they undergone radiation. This suggests that implant reconstruction can lead to patient dissatisfaction severe enough to warrant removal even with Baker I/II results, and not in the setting of postradiation changes.     

Secondary splitting of a free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap with pedicled transfer to the contralateral breast for staged reconstruction of two breasts: The split diep flap

Free tissue transfer has become popularized for post‐mastectomy autologous breast reconstruction, particularly with the abdominal wall donor site. However, in the setting of previous autologous breast reconstruction, options for later contralateral reconstruction are limited. We present a case of breast reconstruction with a free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap, which was split from the initially reconstructed breast and shared to reconstruct the opposite breast after the occurrence of a metachronous contralateral second primary breast cancer. There were no operative complications, no flap‐related complications, and at two years follow‐up, the patient subjectively described bilateral soft and supple breasts, which were symmetrical in a bra, and with which she has reported high satisfaction. An account of the “split DIEP flap” is provided, highlighting the planning, technique, and vascular rationale. The technique comprises partition of a previously transferred DIEP flap breast reconstruction into two parts based on preoperative computed tomographic angiography, performed to guide surgical planning in avoiding pedicle damage and identifying the portion of the flap to island. The split DIEP flap for staged bilateral autologous breast reconstruction offers two soft‐tissue flaps for the price of one donor site, offering new possibilities in breast reconstruction and the broader field of tissue transplantation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.     

Contralateral unaffected breast augmentation using zone IV as a SIEA flap during unilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction

BackgroundContralateral breast augmentation during unilateral breast reconstruction is a good option for women with small breasts. In patients with adequate lower abdominal tissues, the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is often the first choice for unilateral autologous breast reconstruction. We use Zone IV, which is usually excised owing to its insufficient blood circulation, as a superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap for contralateral breast augmentation.MethodsBetween October 2004 and January 2016, 32 patients underwent unilateral breast reconstruction using a DIEP flap and an attempted simultaneous contralateral breast augmentation with an SIEA flap. The unilateral DIEP flap attached to the contralateral SIEA flap was split into two separate flaps after indocyanine green angiography. In all patients, ipsilateral internal mammary vessels were used as recipient vessels for DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The SIEA flap pedicle was anastomosed to several branches of the deep inferior epigastric vessels. The SIEA flap was inset beneath the contralateral breast through the midline.ResultsOf 32 patients, 27 underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction and simultaneous unaffected breast augmentation using 25 SIEA or 2 superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flaps. All DIEP flaps survived, and total necrosis occurred in one SIEA flap. The mean weight of the final inset for DIEP flap reconstruction and SIEA or SCIP flap augmentation was 416 g and 112 g, respectively.ConclusionsUnilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction and contralateral SIEA flap breast augmentation may be safely performed with satisfactory results.     

Breast Reconstruction with Microvascular MS-TRAM and DIEP Flaps

The free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps involve transferring skin and subcutaneous tissue from the lower abdominal area and have many features that make them well suited for breast reconstruction. The robust blood supply of the free flap reduces the risk of fat necrosis and also enables aggressive shaping of the flap for breast reconstruction to optimize the aesthetic outcome. In addition, the free MS-TRAM flap and DIEP flap require minimal donor-site sacrifice in most cases. With proper patient selection and safe surgical technique, the free MS-TRAM flap and DIEP flap can transfer the lower abdominal skin and subcutaneous tissue to provide an aesthetically pleasing breast reconstruction with minimal donor-site morbidity.     

下腹部横行腹直肌肌皮瓣联合腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣乳房再造术

目的 探讨应用下腹部腹直肌肌皮瓣联合腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣行乳房再造的手术方法，并分析其适应证。方法 以健侧腹直肌为肌蒂、患侧腹壁下动、静脉穿支为吻合血管蒂形成下腹部横行腹直肌肌皮瓣与腹壁下动脉穿支联合皮瓣，将腹壁下动、静脉与患侧胸背血管或胸廓内血管相吻合，进行乳房再造。结果 自2003年以来，于临床应用17例，所有皮瓣皆成活，随访3～12个月，再造乳房外形满意。结论 下腹部腹直肌肌皮瓣联合腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣，具有血运可靠、提供组织量丰富、塑形自由度大、供区损伤较小等优点，尤适宜需要移植体积多以及胸廓内血管受损的乳房再造患者。     

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.     

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.     

Successful free flap salvage upon venous congestion in bilateral breast reconstruction using a venous cross-over bypass: A case report

Abdominal free flaps such as the muscle sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (ms-TRAM) or deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap represent the gold standard in autologous breast reconstruction. We describe a salvage procedure during bilateral free flap breast reconstruction due to insufficient venous drainage using a venous cross-over bypass. A 54-year-old woman with a thrombosis of the left subclavian port-system in the medical history was elected for simultaneous bilateral breast reconstruction with ms-TRAM and DIEP flaps. Intraoperatively, a venous congestion of the DIEP flap, which was connected to the left cranial internal mammary vessels, appeared. In the absence of sufficient ipsilateral venous recipient vessels, we performed a salvage procedure requiring a 15 cm small saphenous vein graft and presternal subcutaneous tunneling. The flap vein was anastomosed end-to-end with the contralateral caudal internal mammary vein using a coupler system. The postoperative course was uneventful and both flaps survived. We describe the cross-over venous emergency bypass as a useful tool in unexpected venous thrombosis during bilateral free flap breast reconstruction.     

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。     

Breast reconstruction with the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap: history and an update on current technique.

Perforator flaps allow the transfer of the patient's own skin and fat in a reliable manner with minimal donor site morbidity. For breast reconstruction, the abdomen typically is our primary choice as a donor site. The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap remains our first choice as an abdominal perforator flap and has become a mainstay for the repair of mastectomy defects. It allows the transfer of the same tissue from the abdomen to the chest for breast reconstruction as the TRAM flap without sacrifice of the rectus muscle or fascia. We discuss our current techniques and specific issues related to the surgery. We present the results of 1095 cases of free tissue transfers from the abdomen for reconstruction of the breast.     

应用腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣再造阴道

目的探讨应用腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣再造阴道的优缺点。方法2004年1月~2005年5月,采用腹壁下动脉穿支(deepinferiorepigastricperforator,DIEP)皮瓣再造阴道5例,年龄19~40岁。先天性无阴道4例,阴道肿瘤1例。术前常规用超声多普勒检测DIEP,设计10cm×9cm~12cm×11cm的菱形皮瓣,将穿支点包括在皮瓣内。皮瓣切取后作内翻缝合成皮筒状,于腹股沟韧带与耻骨之间沿耻骨结节及耻骨上支内侧面,形成皮筒通过的隧道。将阴道皮筒经隧道移位至人工阴道腔隙或阴道肿瘤切除后的创面中再造阴道。结果5例阴道再造均获得成功,1例患者术后2周出现阴道后壁血肿,经清除血肿后愈合。腹壁供区无任何并发症发生。术后随访1~6个月,再造阴道质地柔软,宽敞,3例有性生活,患者感觉满意。结论应用DIEP皮瓣再造阴道是一种较理想的术式,对广泛的阴道肿瘤切除,由于需填充较多组织,仍是较好选择。     

Combined free toe and free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap for reconstruction of the thumb and thumb web space

To repair a complexly injured hand with composite loss of the thumb and the thumb web space in one stage, the combined transfer of a free second toe and a free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap was designed. It was used to simultaneously reconstruct the thumb and thumb web space of the injured hand in five cases. All flaps survived and there were no complications at any donor site after the reconstructions. In follow-up averaging 35.6 months, the final functional and cosmetic outcomes of the reconstructed thumbs and thumb web spaces were satisfactory. Results demonstrated that the combined transfer of a free second toe and a free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap is a valid method for simultaneous reconstruction of the thumb and the thumb web space of the injured hand.