Two useful small flaps for reconstruction of lip and nose

This article presents an extension of known and tried surgical techniques involving muscle flaps with epithelial covering. These extensions of principles represent useful applications either as definitive corrective techniques or as stepping stones to further surgical corrections. It is hoped that the successful use of these techniques in the examples given might prompt further investigation and discussion in areas related to their use.     

The use of bifid nasolabial flaps in the reconstruction of the nose and columella.

The repair of defects involving the tip of the nose and columella still pose a problem in reconstructive surgery. The use of bifid nasolabial flaps versus other reconstructive methods is discussed in this article.     

The role of pedicled flaps in burned nose reconstruction

Burn patients have unique needs for nasal reconstruction. Standard techniques may not be available or appropriate. Alternate methods can be very successful and are described.Correspondence to: B. M. Achauer     

Reconstruction of defects of the dorsum of the nose with bilateral transposition flaps. Case report.

Transposition flaps are old but are the method of choice in reconstruction of defects of the dorsum of the nose. Eleven consecutive patients with such defects were treated with 22 transposition flaps. The nasal defects resulted from tumour (n = 9), trauma (n = 1), and keratoacanthoma (n = 1). The dissection is rapid, easy and the complication rate is low.     

Total scalp reconstruction with bilateral anterolateral thigh flaps

Large scalp defects can require complicated options for reconstruction, often only achieved with free flaps. In some cases, even a single free flap may not suffice. We review the literature for options in the coverage of all reported large scalp defects, and report a unique case in which total scalp reconstruction was required. In this case, two anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps were used to resurface a large scalp and defect, covering a total of 743 cm(2). The defect occurred after resection and radiotherapy for desmoplastic melanoma, with several failed skin grafts and local flaps and osteoradionecrosis involving both inner and outer tables of the skull. The reconstruction was achieved as a single-stage reconstruction and involved wide resection of cranium and overlying soft-tissues and reconstruction with calcium phosphate bone graft substitute, titanium mesh, and two large ALT flaps. The reconstruction was successfully achieved, with minor postoperative complications including tip necrosis of one of the flaps and wound breakdown at one of the donor sites. This is the first reported case of two large ALT flaps for scalp resurfacing and may be the largest reported scalp defect to be completely resurfaced by free flaps. The use of bilateral ALT flaps can be a viable option for the reconstruction of large and/or complicated scalp defects.     

Use of free fasciocutaneous and muscle flaps for reconstruction of the foot

Seventeen free flaps were used to reconstruct severe injuries to the foot over the last 36 months at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. The type of free flaps used included six fasciocutaneous free flaps and eleven free muscle flaps with split-thickness skin grafts. The fasciocutaneous flaps were either radial forearm or scapular flaps. The muscle flaps used were gracilis, rectus, or latissimus dorsi muscle flaps. Each type, with their specific advantages, disadvantages, and indications for use as they apply to the anatomical areas of the foot, are described. Regardless of the type of free flap used, careful preoperative planning, attention to the size and location of the anatomical defect, and correct contouring and insetting should allow for maximal functional result and minimize postoperative morbidity.     

Secondary reconstruction of vaginal stenosis with bilateral pudendal thigh flaps

Abstract

We report the cases of two patients who had pronounced stenosis of the lower part of the vagina after vaginal reconstruction for congenital vaginal aplasia and hypoplasia. Bilateral pudendal thigh flaps were used for secondary reconstruction, and gave satisfactory results with no signs of recurrence or severe scarring at the donor site.     

Propeller flaps for leg reconstruction.

Leg soft tissue defects with bone or tendon exposure need to be covered with a flap. Various local and free flaps with more or less consistent donor site defects have been described in the past. After the introduction of the perforator-based flap concept, new flaps have also been described for the leg. An evolution and simplification of the perforator flap concept, together with the 'free style' flap harvesting method, are the propeller flaps, i.e. local flaps, based on a perforator vessel, which becomes the pivot point for the skin island that can, therefore, be rotated up to 180 degrees . In this prospective study, six consecutive patients, having post-traumatic soft tissue defects of the leg or knee prosthesis infection, with bone or tendon exposure, were treated with propeller flaps. Complete and stable coverage of the soft tissue losses was obtained in all cases with an inconspicuous, only cosmetic, donor site defect. No flap necrosis was observed, with the exception of a small superficial necrosis of the tip of one flap, due to the inclusion in the design of scarred tissue. In two cases, transient venous congestion was observed and resolved spontaneously. Mean operative time was 2 h (ranging from 60 min to 6 h when an orthopaedic procedure was also needed) and mean hospital stay after surgery was 10 days. Propeller flaps allow the coverage of wide defects, can be raised with a relatively simple surgical technique, have a high success rate and good cosmetic results without functional impairment. In the light of this they can be considered among the first surgical choices to resurface complex soft tissue defects of the leg.     

Use of microvascular flaps including free osteocutaneous flaps in reconstruction after composite resection for radiation-recurrent oral cancer.

Fourteen patients underwent microsurgical free flap procedures for reconstruction after composite resection of radiation-recurrent oral cancer. The use of attached metatarsal bone in nine patients for mandibular reconstruction is in our view a significant advance in this field. Two failures occurred, one due to sepsis and one to delayed thrombosis. Our experience indicates that this procedure deserves a place in the surgical treatment of patients afflicted with oral malignancy.     

缺损两侧的唇黏膜瓣在修复上唇中部红唇凹陷性缺损中的应用

目的探讨缺损两侧的唇黏膜瓣在上唇中部红唇凹陷性缺损畸形修复中的应用价值。方法在上唇中部红唇凹陷性缺损两侧，红唇与黏膜交界处内侧设计横行反向三角形黏膜瓣，两瓣共蒂于红唇凹陷部位。在缺损正中后部，黏膜瓣画线下方设计“人”形切口。沿设计线切开，掀起黏膜瓣，在该瓣下及两侧上唇切口下方稍加游离口轮匝肌．使其有一定移动度。将两侧口轮匝肌在掀起的黏膜瓣蒂下方正中处对拢缝合。然后将两侧黏膜瓣向下旋转90°，插入其下的“人”形切口内，使上唇中部组织量进一步增加，并加深唇龈沟，而两瓣移植后的共同蒂部“猫耳”正好形成唇珠，逐层缝合切口。结果共26例，其中双侧唇裂术后继发红唇缺损18例，尊侧唇裂术后继发红唇凹陷畸形4例，先天性4例，术后伤口均I期愈合。修复后红唇凹陷处饱满，唇珠明显，上唇外形满意，手术瘢痕小明显。结论应用缺损两侧的唇黏膜瓣转移修复上唇中部红唇凹陷性缺损畸形及唇珠再造，为同类组织修复，效果理想、操作简便、应用范围广泛，对任何原因引起的上唇中部红唇凹陷性缺损畸形均可应用。     

Use of free flaps in the aesthetic reconstruction of face and neck deformities.

Three cases of face and neck deformities, reconstructed with free flaps in order to obtain better aesthetic results, are presented here. Nasal tip, cartilage, and soft tissue defects as well as facial burn contractures were reconstructed with a free radial forearm flap, latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, and groin flap, respectively. Case specifics are discussed.     

Modified bilateral neurovascular cheek flaps: a new technique for reconstruction of extensive upper lip defects.

The authors present a modified bilateral neurovascular cheek flap as a new technique for extensive upper lip reconstruction. The technique is modified from the bilateral neurovascular cheek flap for lower lip reconstruction described by Vatanasapt and colleagues in 1987 by designing rectangular and triangular flaps in the cheek tissues lateral to the lip defect on both the skin and the mucosal sides. This method has the advantage of preserving neurovascular structures as well as the original position of the oral commissure. Five patients are presented with acceptable surgical results. The technique is a good choice for functional reconstruction of near-total or total upper lip defects.     

Reconstruction of the middle and lower face with three simultaneous free flaps: combined use of bilateral fibular flaps for maxillomandibular reconstruction

A 23-year-old man sustained massive maxillofacial destruction from a close-range, high-velocity gunshot injury. The devastating nature of the injury led to extensive soft-tissue and bone loss involving nearly the total middle and lower portions of his face, including the deeper anatomic structures. Reconstruction of this extraordinarily extensive and three-dimensional defect was accomplished by simultaneous transfer of three free flaps during one session. A specially designed radial forearm flap replaced the internal lining and external cover of the nose, a large fibular osteocutaneous flap restored the lower face, and a second fibular osteocutaneous flap harvested from the other leg restored the midface. The second fibular flap was revascularized by combining it with the first one in a flow-through manner, and its pedicle vessels were anastomosed to the distal ends of the vessels of the first flap. Dorsal nasal reconstruction with an expanded paramedian forehead flap, commissurotomy, and intraoral flap debulking were additional procedures performed to improve cosmetic and functional outcome during the following 1-year period. Along with a radial forearm flap, combined use of bilateral osteocutaneous fibular flaps provided simultaneous, single-stage reconstruction of a huge facial defect involving both the lower and middle face with an acceptable result.     

Use of dermal flaps about the breasts during major reconstruction

During major breast surgery, we have achieved superior results by securing a dermal flap to the chest wall. This technique has been used successfully for the past three years with improvement in breast contour, prevention of ptosis, and less pronounced scarring than is produced by techniques of the past.     

Use of deep inferior epigastric artery flaps for reconstruction of the female genitalia

Free skin grafts have been the most conventional choice for reconstructing the female genital area after excision of malignant tumours. However, some patients have developed scar contractures, or depressed deformities or ectropion of the mucosal membrane of the urethra or vagina. We discuss here the use of deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) flaps. Although the method leaves a scar in the abdominal region, it can be hidden by underwear. We have operated on six patients with satisfactory results.     

应用皮瓣、黏膜肌瓣及硅胶假体隆鼻隆颌矫治面中凹陷畸形

目的寻求以比较简便的方法改善面中部凹陷和鞍鼻畸形。方法应用鼻小柱基底皮瓣和上唇双侧口腔黏膜肌瓣并以硅胶假体填充隆鼻隆颌矫治面中凹陷畸形。结果用此方法于隆鼻同时行面中部凹陷充填,效果满意。结论这使一个比较复杂的畸形,用较简便的方法得以矫正,创伤小,并发症少,并且经济、有效,值得推广应用。     

Functional reconstruction of large anogenital defects with bilateral V-Y advancement posterior thigh fasciocutaneous flaps.

BACKGROUND: In patients with perianal extramammary Paget's disease, wide local excision is recommended. In the reconstruction of the resulting large defects not only the closure of the defect but also the preservation of anogenital function need to be considered. METHODS: We used bilateral V-Y advancement posterior thigh fasciocutaneous flaps for reconstructing three large anogenital defects, including the total anal canal, resulting from wide local excisions attributed to extramammary Paget's disease. A temporary anus was constructed at the same time to allow the wound of the reconstructed anus to heal. After the surgery, the course of bowel function was followed up through interviews and manometric examinations. RESULTS: All defects were successfully reconstructed with the flaps, and bowel function recovered satisfactorily. Manometric examinations were carried out in two cases; anal pressures were recorded regularly and used as parameters of the recovery of bowel function before closing the artificial anus. Eventually, the patients recovered the function of defecation. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the bilateral V-Y advancement posterior thigh fasciocutaneous flaps together with manometric studies as one of the most effective techniques for managing large anogenital defects. The use of sensate flaps, the restoration of original structures and manometric studies are conducive to successful outcomes.