Successful breast reconstruction with a perforator to deep inferior epigastric perforator flap

The authors report their experience with deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction in which an unusual recipient site was used. Successful anastomosis between a suitable perforating vessel from the internal mammary axis and the deep inferior epigastric bundle was performed, and the advantages of this alternative recipient site (perforator to the DIEP flap) are examined.     

Circummuscular Variant of the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator in Breast Reconstruction: Importance of Preoperative Multidetector Computed Tomographic Angiography

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator is reliable and widely used in breast reconstruction. The anatomy and course of deep inferior epigastric vessels and their branches are relatively constant and well understood. However, some published cases with a direct perforating pattern and no intramuscular traveling were identified. A case involving a circummuscular variant of a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator is described as well as its clinical importance. This apprises clinicians who perform a transverse rectus abdominis muscle free flap procedure that there can be a rare circummuscular pedicle variant and that it is vulnerable to injury.     

Novel technique for venous augmentation in a free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap

Venous congestion in a free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap threatens the viability of the flap and can lead to eventual flap loss. We describe a novel technique for flap salvage by anastomosing the ipsilateral superficial inferior epigastric vein to a venae comitantes of the deep inferior epigastric pedicle. When recognized intraoperatively, venous congestion can be relieved immediately without the need for additional dissection of recipient vessels. This technique can also be used during reexploration for flap congestion. We routinely preserve length on the superficial inferior epigastric vein for potential flap salvage.     

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.     

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.     

A case of intraoperative venous congestion of the entire DIEP-flap--a novel salvage technique and review of the literature

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is gaining popularity for autologous breast reconstruction as it reportedly reduces abdominal donor site morbidity when compared with the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap. Disadvantages include greater technical difficulties during flap harvest and a greater incidence of vascular compromise. A well-known and feared complication is venous congestion which requires immediate intervention. We present a novel salvage technique in a case of total flap venous congestion in the setting of absent drainage via the deep inferior epigastric vein (DIEV). Utilizing the superficial venous system via the superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) and using the DIEV as a venous interposition graft resulted in successful salvage of the DIEP flap.     

The basilic vein: an alternative drainage of DIEP flap in severe venous congestion

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap has become a major advance in autologous breast reconstruction, offering all the advantages of free TRAM flap with less donor-site morbidity and postoperative pain. The major drawback threatening the DIEP flap procedure is venous congestion, with potential partial or complete flap loss. Many authors reported different surgical tips aiming to solve this setback, including secondary anastomosis of deep inferior superficial epigastric vein with alternative venous outflow vessels. We present a case report of a DIEP flap salvaged by an alternative venous anastomosis, after comitant veins of the primary anastomosis widely thrombosed a few hours postoperatively. A venous bypass using ipsilateral basilica vein and superficial inferior epigastric vein was fashioned.     

The area of transposition of the pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator flap: an anatomical study

The area of transposition of the pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap was assessed in three fresh anatomic specimens. Both horizontal and vertical flap modifications were transposed in anteroposterior and transverse directions as well as in between. The large arc of rotation to the lower thorax, the lateral side of the body, the trochanteric region, upper leg, perineum and contralateral groin enables transposition of viable tissue up to 180° to both sides to areas known to produce reconstructive problems because of lack of sufficient local tissue. Received: 25 September 1998 / Accepted: 4 March 1999     

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。     

四维CT血管显影在腹壁下动脉穿支血管构造基础研究中的应用

目的 应用四维CT血管显影研究腹壁下动脉穿支的血管构造.方法 2008年10月至2009年5月,取10具新鲜尸体腹壁标本,在腹壁下动脉的不同水平段将造影剂欧乃派克灌注入皮瓣,包括腹壁下动脉主干、内排分支、外排分支、外排单根穿支、内排单根穿支,在灌注过程中应用四维CT进行扫描(三维CT加上时间轴称之为四维),将所获得的数据在CT工作站上进行图像重建与分析.结果 腹壁下动脉穿支在Scarpa筋膜(腹壁浅筋膜深层)浅面以及真皮下两个层次产生分支,最终走向真皮下血管网.腹壁中线两侧穿支吻合发生在真皮下血管网,较稀疏.皮瓣内血流的分布包括真皮下血管网以及已存在的血管结构2种途径.皮瓣灌注最好的区域是血管蒂同侧腹直肌的表面,其次是血管蒂同侧腹直肌的外侧,再其次是对侧腹直肌表面,灌注最差的是对侧腹直肌外侧.结论 四维CT血管显影是一种有效地研究腹壁下动脉穿支在浅筋膜内结构的方法.     

Salvage of congested deep inferior epigastric perforator flap with a reverse flow venous anastomosis

The deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) is an increasingly popular method for autologous breast reconstruction because of less abdominal wall donor-site morbidity. However, disadvantages with the DIEP flap are its greater technical difficulties for flap harvest and a greater incidence of venous congestion. We report a case of salvage of a congested DIEP flap with a superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) to deep inferior epigastric vein reverse flow anastomosis. Drainage of both the superficial and deep system resulted in complete reversal of venous congestion and flap salvage. Preservation and use of the SIEV for venous augmentation via a reverse flow anastomosis is a novel and simple method for DIEP flap salvage of venous congestion.     

Vascular pressure monitorization for necessity of vascular augmentation in a rat extended abdominal perforator flap model

In case blood perfusion compromises, vascular enhancement with arterial supercharge or venous superdrainage can increase viability of the flap. In this study, vascular pressure monitorization was used in a rat extended abdominal perforator flap model to reveal intraoperative vascular compromise and the need for vascular augmentation. A rat abdominal perforator flap was designed, which was based on the right second cranial perforator of epigastric artery. Vascular pressures of the flap were monitored continuously for 60 min, by catheters placed in the right superficial inferior epigastric artery and vein. Forty rats were divided into four experimental groups, as follows: group 1 (n = 10, no vascular augmentation), group II (n = 10, arterial supercharge), group III (n = 10, venous superdrainage), and group IV (n = 10, arterial and venous augmentation). Arterial supercharge and/or venous superdrainage were performed by using the left superficial inferior epigastric artery and vein. After the rats were sacrificed on the 7th day, total flap area and necrotic regions were evaluated. Mean arterial blood pressure was found significantly lower (P < 0.05) and mean venous blood pressure was measured significantly higher (P < 0.05) in group I than the groups II, III, and IV. Flap survival area was also larger in the groups II, III, and IV than the group I (P < 0.05). The results of this experimental study demonstrate that arterial insufficiency and venous congestion are almost always present in the rat extended abdominal perforator flap model, similar to deep inferior epigastric perforator flap. When such an extended perforator flap is used, arterial and venous pressure monitorization may be considered as a tool to support intraoperative clinical findings to reveal the need of vascular augmentation and ascertain flap viability.     

Inferior epigastric artery skin flaps without rectus abdominis muscle

The rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap has many advantages, but its disadvantages are also well-known. These are the possibility of abdominal herniation and, in certain situations, its bulk. To overcome these problems, an inferior epigastric artery skin flap without rectus abdominis muscle, pedicled on the muscle perforators and the proximal inferior deep epigastric artery, have been used in two patients. A large flap without muscle can survive on a single muscle perforator.     

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。     

Pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator flap for lower abdominal defects and genital reconstructive surgery

The pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap can be used successfully to reconstruct the lower abdominal, inguinal, and genital regions. This muscle-sparing technique offers many advantages, such as minimal donor-site morbidity, a wide arch of rotation, and more versatile flap design, and provides for easier reconstruction than free flaps. Four pedicled DIEP flap cases are described in this article. The flaps were used to reconstruct lower abdominal defects and groin defects and to perform a penile reconstruction. To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first report in the English literature to describe the use of a pedicled DIEP flap for penile reconstruction. The donor sites were closed directly, and morbidity in all cases was minimal.     

Use of the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap in a 15-month-old boy after resection of lymphatic malformation

Lymphatic malformations are benign tumors that arise from congenital defects of the lymphatic system. Despite the fact that all lymphatic malformations develop embryologically, their presence may not be detected until the tumor enlarges from hemorrhage or infection. Typical of these tumors is a slow-growing, asymptomatic phase with the potential for rapid and massive expansion and a tendency to infiltrate into surrounding tissues. These tumors are associated with a high rate of recurrence, especially with incomplete excisions. To minimize the chance of recurrence, a complete resection of a groin microcystic lymphatic malformation was performed on this 15-month-old boy, creating a significant defect in the upper thigh. Immediate coverage was felt to be the best option for reducing any associated morbidity. We used a skin-soft tissue flap supplied by perforators of the deep inferior epigastric artery to repair the wound. Using this technique, the musculofascial structures in the abdominal wall were completely spared, and the skin and fat were transferred on a vascular leash to the desired location. The donor site was closed by approximating the fascial edges without tension. The defect on the thigh was filled with tissue of similar thickness and characteristics, avoiding potential contour irregularities and color mismatch. The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is a useful option for groin defects and can be applied safely in the pediatric population.     

手术室优质护理在腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣乳房再造术中的应用

探讨在腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣乳房再造术中的应用手术室优质护理的效果。方法 选取2021年 9月-2023年9月于中国医学科学院整形外科医院接受腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣乳房再造术治疗的60例患者为研 究对象，按照随机数字表法分为参照组和研究组，每组30例。参照组接受常规手术室护理，研究组接受手 术室优质护理，比较两组护理效果、护理满意度及住院时间。结果 研究组护理优良率为100.00%，高于参 照组的86.67%（P ＜0.05）；研究组护理满意度为100.00%，高于参照组的83.33%（P ＜0.05）；研究组住院 时间短于参照组（P ＜0.05）。结论 对接受腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣乳房再造术的患者实施手术室优质护理， 可有效提高护理效果和护理满意度，缩短患者住院时间，促进患者快速康复。     

The superior epigastric(RECTUS ABDOMINIS) muscle perforator flap

The concept of the muscle perforator flap has been proven valid repeatedly, now including the territories of almost all known musculocutaneous flap donor sites. It is well known that the rectus abdominis muscle has a dual vascular supply from 2 dominant source vessels. Yet only the deep inferior epigastric vessels have been used for a relatively long time to supply the well-known DIEP muscle perforator flap. Logically, as previously predicted in this journal, a muscle perforator flap utilizing the cephalic pedicle to the rectus abdominis muscle should also be possible. This prophecy has now become a reality in this first report where a superior epigastric(RECTUS ABDOMINIS) muscle perforator flap was used successfully as a local flap to close a chest defect.     

腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣在双侧乳腺癌改良根治术后乳房再造中的应用

目的 总结采用腹壁下动脉穿支游离皮瓣再造双侧乳房的经验。方法 2004年6月至2005年5月,对3例双侧乳房改良根治术后的患者,应用DIEP皮瓣行二期乳房再造术。结果 3例患者6个皮瓣均成活。随访3个月以上,双侧再造乳房双侧对称,外形满意。未见腹壁疝和腹壁膨出发生。结论 选用DIEP皮瓣游离移植再造乳房,是乳腺癌改良根治术后恢复双侧乳房外形的一种理想方法。