DIEAP flap for safe definitive autologous breast reconstruction

BackgroundBreast cancer is the commonest form of cancer in women affecting almost a quarter of a million patients in the US annually. 30 percent of these patients and patients with genetic mutations undergo removal of the breast, as highlighted in a high profile celebrity patient. Although breast reconstruction with free microvascular transfer of a DIEAP flap from the abdomen is an ideal form of reconstruction, there have been misgivings about the complexity and potential complications. This study was aimed at clearing these misunderstandings and establishing the value of this form of breast reconstruction.Methods1036 DIEAP flap breast reconstructions carried out at the University Hospital, Gent (five year period) and at the Sana Kliniken, Düsseldorf (three year period) were included prospectively. Comorbid factors like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, patient age >65 years, BMI >30 and smoking were recorded. Outcomes were evaluated over a mean follow up of 2 years.ResultsOverall complication rate related to the reconstructed breast and donor abdominal area was 6.8 percent. Total flap loss was seen in only 0.8 percent. The mean operating time was less than five hours. Older age, higher BMI, chemotherapy and radiotherapy did not have a significant influence on complication rates, however smoking resulted in significant delay in wound healing in the breast (p = 0.025) and abdominal wounds (p = 0.019).ConclusionThe DIEAP flap is an excellent option for breast reconstruction, with a low level of donor site morbidity and complications. It is an autologous reconstruction that provides a stable long term result.     

Transformation of the glabellar flap into an island flap

Summary Glabellar flaps have traditionally been used to cover nasal skin and soft tissue defects. The narrowing of its vascular pedicle to the cutaneous arterial branch of the angular artery categorizing it as an axial flap pattern. Three cases are presented, the first of which typifies the standard glabellar flap with an intact skin and subcutaneous pedicle. The other two cases utilize a glabellar island flap based on a subcutaneous pedicle containing cutaneous arterial branch of the angular artery. This technique extends the mobility of this flap to allow one-stage reconstruction of adjacent defects.     

前置龟头或残余阴茎的阴茎再造术

目的：解决阴茎发育不良但龟头发育基本正常或外伤性阴茎部分缺损等治疗的难题。方法：应用吻合血管神经的前臂皮瓣前置龟头或残余阴茎进行阴茎再造术，治疗１２例，随访１～１２年不等。结果：手术成功１１例，失败１例。随访见再造阴茎不仅保持良好的外形，而且具有良好的感觉和勃起功能，两点分辨觉５～８ｍｍ，有３例婚后已生育子女。结论：利用龟头或残余阴茎再造阴茎是一种较符合生理状态的手术治疗新方法。     

鼻再造术中衬里组织的修复方法

目的探讨鼻再造术中衬里组织的修复方法。方法根据局部组织条件,应用局部翻转皮瓣、口腔黏膜瓣、鼻唇沟皮瓣和预构皮瓣等方法,对24例鼻缺损患者的鼻衬里进行了修复,并转移额部皮瓣和移植自体肋软骨行鼻再造术。术后通过6-34个月的随访,以了解鼻腔衬里组织的情况,如挛缩、破溃等,评价各方法的疗效。结果本组17例采用局部翻转皮肤、瘢痕作为鼻腔衬里,1例采用口腔黏膜瓣,5例采用局部皮瓣,1例采用预构皮瓣重建衬里。再造鼻额部皮瓣及衬里皮瓣均存活,外形逼真,仅瘢痕瓣通气不良。结论在鼻再造术中,正确评估鼻部缺损范围、程度及鼻周残留组织量,选择适当的衬里修复手术方案,可收到良好的手术效果。预构皮瓣可以很好地修复复杂鼻缺损的衬里。     

Fabricating Flaps in the Forearm Prior to Tracheal Reconstruction

Background  The process of reconstruction of tracheal defects is complex and still not optimum. Options range from using staged reconstructions, combining flaps with autologous or alloplastic implants, as well as use of tissue-engineered constructs combined with vascularized tissues which are lined with cell cultures. Staged reconstructions using prelaminated epithelium, and prefabricated flaps, help in reconstruction of this complex structure. Prefabricating the flap at a different site allows for integration of the tissues prior to its transfer. Method  This article reports two patients planned for tracheal reconstruction for the purpose of advanced papillary carcinoma of the thyroid invading the trachea. Staged reconstruction using a prefabricated radial artery forearm flap (RAFF) and split rib cartilage was performed. In the second patient, a young girl, a similar construct of the RAFF, prelaminated with buccal mucosa, was performed. However, in the latter case, an intraoperative decision by the head and neck team to limit excision of the trachea sparing the mucosa was taken; the reconstruct in the forearm was redundant and needed to be discarded, replacing the defect with a free superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap. Result  At 3 years follow-up, both the patients are free of disease, with the construct serving its purpose in the older female.     

The faciocervicopectoral flap for non-oncological cases of cheek reconstruction

IntroductionMajor facial defect has been a challenging case for plastic surgeons in terms of wound healing and covering technique for a long time.MethodsEight faciocervicopectoral (FCP) flaps were performed for reconstruction of major cheek defects due to handmade explosive and gun injuries. They were evaluated perioperatively and postoperatively with regard to operative time and operative blood loss as well as the function and cosmetic appearance.ResultsThe technique showed marvellous cosmetic results but encountered minor postoperative flap complications.ConclusionsThe FCP flap is one of the best solutions for coverage of a simple or complex cheek defect. Application of the FCP flap is easy and rapid.     

Prelaminated forearm flap for nose reconstruction

Various different procedures for partial or total reconstruction of the nose have been described, the methods of residual nasal tissue, and of buccal, frontal and temporal flaps being most widely used. Reconstruction of the nose with free vascular transplants is rarely used. Reconstruction of a nasal defect due to war injury of the nose with the use of prelaminated fasciocutaneous forearm flap with preserved allogeneic cartilage is described.     

The "Swiss-Roll" flap: a modified C-V flap for nipple reconstruction

Nipple reconstruction is an integral step in breast reconstruction. There are a variety of local-flap based techniques however one of the most commonly used is the C-V flap. The traditional flap forms a nipple shell composed of dermis and epidermis containing a core of subcutaneous fat. The shortcomings of this technique are that it relies on subcutaneous fat for nipple bulk and with time loses a significant part of its volume. We present a modification of the C-V flap designed for use in breasts with little subcutaneous fat in order to minimise post-operative nipple projection loss.     

A new technique for one-stage total lower lip reconstruction: Achieving the perfect balance

BACKGROUND:

Reconstruction of extensive lower lip defects is difficult. The authors describe a new technique of one-stage total lower lip reconstruction, with the ultimate goal being achievement of the delicate balance between adequate mouth opening and competent mouth closure, with satisfactory aesthetic outcome.

METHODS:

The authors applied their new reconstructive technique in a patient with extensive lower lip defect following excision of squamous cell carcinoma. Bilateral inferiorly based nasolabial flaps were used for reconstruction of lower lip. For vermillion reconstruction, a bucket-handle mucomuscular flap from upper lip was designed primarily using the pars marginalis portion of orbicularis oris. Compared with previously described techniques, this procedure is unique with respect to the alignment of the nasolabial flaps in relation to one another. Furthermore, this technique of vermillion reconstruction is a one-stage procedure with minimal morbidity, enables preservation of the vascular pedicle and innervation and maintains the orientation of orbicularis oris, thus providing a competent oral sphincter. To the authors’ knowledge, this mucomuscular upper lip flap has not been described earlier and has definite advantages over the commonly used methods of vermillion reconstruction.

RESULTS:

The functional and aesthetic outcomes are satisfactory on follow-up, with normal lip movements and sensation, adequate mouth opening and oral competence, good colour and texture match with adjacent tissues, and excellent volume and quality of the vermillion. No subsequent corrective surgery is required.

CONCLUSIONS:

This technique is simple and achieves the main goals of total lower lip reconstruction in a single stage with minimal morbidity.     

The angel flap for nipple reconstruction

Creation of an aesthetically pleasing nipple plays a significant role in breast reconstruction as a determining factor in patient satisfaction. The goals for nipple reconstruction include minimal donor site morbidity and appropriate, long-lasting projection. Currently, the most popular techniques used are associated with a significant loss of projection postoperatively. Accordingly, the authors introduce the angel flap, which is designed to achieve nipple projection with lasting results. The lateral edges of the flap and the area surrounding the top of the nipple are de-epithelialized and the flaps are wrapped to create a nipple mound composed primarily of dermis. Decreasing the amount of fat within core of the nipple and enhancing dermal content promotes long-lasting projection. Furthermore, the incision pattern fits within a desired areolar size, preventing unnecessary superfluous extension of the incisions. Thus, the technique described herein achieves the goals of nipple reconstruction, including adequate and long-lasting projection, without extension of the lateral limb scars.     

Composite tempororetroauricular flap for the reconstruction of the lower lid and eye socket in the elderly

In this paper, experience with the composite tempororetroauricular flap (TRF) in three elderly patients undergoing lid reconstruction and one elderly patient undergoing socket reconstruction are presented. The composite TRF allows three layered cover in orbital reconstruction. The secondary defect and scarring of the donor site is concealed behind the ear and in the hair-bearing scalp. The procedure is completed in a single stage.Presented at the 15th Congress of the Turkish Society of Plastic Surgeons, Istanbul, Turkey, September 27–29, 1993     

The transverse upper gracilis flap: Efficiencies and design tips

The transverse upper gracilis free flap is a well-described option for breast reconstruction. The technique is a secondary choice for autologous breast reconstruction because the abdomen remains the primary donor site for breast reconstruction. However, in appropriately selected patients, the authors believe that the transverse upper gracilis flap remains a reliable flap for breast reconstruction. Its consistent anatomy, potentially reasonable donor site scar, limited functional morbidity and simultaneous two-team surgical approach make this flap a viable option for many patients. The technique, however, is not without drawbacks – known numbness of the medial thigh and the potential for chronic lymphedema of the lower leg, contour deformities of the medial thigh, and widening of the medial thigh scar need to be considered.The current article presents a harvest technique that is reliable, rapid and addresses each of the above-mentioned limitations with specific changes in the traditional technique. The article provides video documentation of the modified harvest technique using only monopolar cautery for the dissection.     

Monitoring a free anterolateral thigh flap for pharyngeal reconstruction

Aim: To describe a novel way of monitoring a buried fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap used for pharyngeal reconstruction. Methods: A tubed ALT flap was used to reconstruct a circumferential pharyngeal defect following resection of a carcinoma. An island of skin based on a separate perforator and externalized through the neck incision was used to monitor the flap. It was removed as a bedside procedure on the fifth postoperative day. Results: The externalized skin island allowed easy monitoring of the buried tubed free‐flap used to reconstruct the pharynx. Simple clinical parameters such as temperature, colour and capillary refill were used to monitor the flap instead of more complex and invasive methods. Conclusion: When feasible, a second skin island based on a separate set of perforator vessels provides an easy, safe and simple method of monitoring a buried free‐flap.