Sensate superficial inferior epigastric artery flap innervated by the iliohypogastric nerve for reconstruction of a finger soft tissue defect

In the era of perforator flaps, lower‐abdominal/inguinal perforator flaps such as superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap and superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) perforator flap are becoming popular with its longer vascular pedicle and usefulness in various reconstructions. SIEA flap's region is innervated by the T12 nerve and the iliohypogastric nerve (IHN), but no sensate SIEA flap has been reported so far. In this report, we present a case in which a sensate SIEA flap innervated by the IHN was used for reconstruction of a finger soft tissue defect. A 55‐year‐old male suffering from the volar skin necrosis of the right ring finger underwent the volar soft tissue reconstruction using a free sensate SIEA flap because of hypoplastic SCIA. The SIEA flap included the IHN anterior branch, and neuroraphy was performed between the IHN and the third common digital nerve in an end‐to‐side manner after vascular anastomoses. The reconstructed volar skin could sensate 14 weeks after the surgery. At postoperative 6 months, Semmes‐Weinstein test and moving 2‐point discrimination revealed 3.64 and 8 mm in the proximal portion of the SIEA flap where the IHN was supposed to innervate. The IHN may be included in a SIEA flap, and a sensate SIEA flap may be a useful option when a SCIP flap is not available. Further anatomical and clinical studies are required to clarify anatomy and clinical usefulness of the IHN. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:324–327, 2015.     

Muscle-sparing abdominal free flaps in head and neck reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Our aim in this retrospective case series was to review the indications, results, and complications of abdominal muscle-sparing free flaps in head and neck cancer reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective review of all head and neck cancer defects reconstructed with abdominal muscle-sparing free tissue transfers from 1999 to 2004 was performed. Data collected included patient demographics, etiology and site of the defect, reconstructive technique, flap size, recipient vessels, complications, reconstructive technique, and clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Sixteen patients underwent reconstruction with the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap (n = 11), the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap (n = 4), or the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) flap (n = 1). Average age was 61 years (range, 41-77 years). The average hospital stay was 7.6 days (range, 6-14 days). The average defect size was 74.5 cm(2) (range, 30-240 cm(2)). No subsequent abdominal wall hernias or other donor site complications occurred after a mean follow-up of 21 months. CONCLUSIONS: Muscle-sparing abdominal free flaps are attractive options for head and neck cancer reconstruction. The SIEA and SCIA free flaps have the distinct advantage of eliminating abdominal hernias and other morbidity related to the excision of rectus abdominus fascia or muscle. In addition, the incisions are very low on the abdomen and are more cosmetically pleasing to the patient.     

Free SCIA/SIEA skin flap: a dual blood supply approach to groin region

Free groin flap donor skin is unequaled in generous skin supply and inconspicuousness. We reliably utilize this region by taking advantage of the dual blood supply from superficial circumlex iliac (SCIA) and superficial inferior epigastric (SIEA) arteries and name the flap "Free SCIA/SIEA skin flap." The arterial pedicle is selected between SCIA and SIEA according to vascular anatomy which is explored through an incision along the inguinal ligament prior to skin island planning. Among 57 free SCIA/SIEA skin flap transfers, two flap failures occurred; circulatory impairment was restored by taking the patient back to the operating room in four cases; major size discrepancy was noted in one end-to-end arterial anastomosis; and no vein grafts were required. Mostly an extended length of skin island is harvested irrespective of wound size in order to utilize the proximal skin as a vascular carrier that compensates for short pedicle. We conclude that, with the current microsurgical expertise, free SCIA/SIEA skin flap is versatile even when the skin quality is considered.     

Free fillet flap application to cover forequarter or traumatic amputation of an upper extremity: A case report

Reusing tissue of amputated or unsalvageable limbs to reconstruct soft tissue defects is one aspect of the “spare parts concept.” Using a free fillet flap in such situations enables the successful formation of a proximal stump with the length needed to cover a large defect from forequarter amputation without risking additional donor‐site morbidity. The use of free fillet flaps for reconstruction after forequarter and traumatic upper extremity amputations is illustrated here in a case report. A 41‐year old patient required a forequarter amputation to resect a desmoid tumor, resulting in an extensive soft‐tissue defect of the upper extremity. A free fillet flap of the amputated arm and an additional local epaulette flap were used to reconstruct the defect. At 9 months after the procedure, a satisfactory result with a very well healed flap was attained. Free fillet flaps can be used successfully for reconstruction of large upper extremity defects, without risking additional donor‐site morbidity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:700–704, 2016.     

Use of pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap to reconstruct the upper limb with large soft tissue defects

ObjectiveTo report the technique of reconstruction of large skin and soft tissue defects in the upper extremity using pedicled latissimus dorsi myocu-taneous flaps.MethodsSix patients with large skin and soft tissue defects were included in this report. There were 5 trauma patients and the rest one needed to receive plastic surgery for his extremity scar. All wounds were in the upper extremity. The sizes of defects ranged from 15 cmx6 cm to 30 cmx18 cm. Pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps were designed according to the defect area and raised with part of latissi-mus dorsi. The thoracodorsal artery and its perforators were carefully protected during surgery.ResultsAll flaps healed primarily without flap congestion, margin necrosis or infection. The skin donor sites either received split-thickness skin graft (3 cases, mostly from the anterior thigh) or was closed primarily (3 cases) and had minimal morbidity. Follow-up of 6-12 months showed that the contour of flap was aesthetic and the function of limb was excellent.ConclusionOur experience indicates that the pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is favorable for reconstruction of large skin and soft tissue defects in the upper extremity.     

Preoperative computed tomography angiogram to predict patients with favorable anatomy for superficial inferior epigastric artery flap breast reconstruction

Superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap breast reconstruction has advantages over deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) and muscle sparing transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap (TRAM) reconstructions with less donor site morbidity and less complicated flap dissection. Not all patients have an adequate SIEA and superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) to support free tissue breast reconstruction, and dissection of the SIEA in all patients can be time consuming. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) angiograms can be used to identify the SIEA and SIEV in patients planning to undergo free abdominal tissue breast reconstruction and direct more efficient dissection in patients with a large SIEA. Retrospective analysis of free abdominal tissue flap breast reconstruction from a single plastic surgeon was performed. All patients undergoing free abdominal tissue breast reconstruction had a preoperative CT angiogram using a protocol for the evaluation of the abdominal wall perforating arteries. CT scans were reviewed by the surgeon preoperatively and evaluated for the presence, caliber, and image quality of the SIEA and SIEV. All patients, regardless of CT angiogram findings, had operative dissection and evaluation of the SIEA and SIEV. A total of 177 free flaps were performed on 113 patients who underwent preoperative CT angiogram and free abdominal tissue breast reconstruction. Of them, 64 patients had bilateral breast reconstruction. Twelve SIEA flaps (10.6%) were performed on 12 patients. During preoperative CT angiographic evaluation, 49 patients (43%) were noted to have at least one visible SIEA, whereas only 24 of those patients (21%) were felt to have an SIEA of adequate caliber. No flaps were lost during the postoperative period. All 12 SIEA flaps performed had an adequate SIEA when observed on preoperative CT angiogram. Overall, 50% of patients found to have at least one adequate SIEA on CT angiogram had a single breast reconstructed with an SIEA flap. If the SIEA was not visualized on CT angiogram, no usable SIEA was found during surgery. Preoperative CT angiogram of the abdominal wall perforating arteries can help predict which patients may have adequate anatomy for an SIEA-based free flap. This information may help direct more efficient dissection of the abdominal flaps by selecting out patients who do not have an adequate SIEA.     

Reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the Achilles tendon with rotation flaps,pedicled propeller flaps and free perforator flaps

Introduction. Soft tissue defects exposing the Achilles tendon are challenging. Local perforator flaps represent a valuable option gaining increasing popularity. Despite preoperative planning an adequate perforator cannot always be found intraoperatively. The free peroneal artery perforator flap can serve as a back‐up option limiting the donor site morbidity to the same extremity without sacrificing major vessels or nerves. Methods. Nine patients with soft tissue defects exposing the Achilles tendon were treated with local perforator flaps, seven were scheduled for 180° propeller flap coverage after Doppler‐ultrasound examination. However, in two patients (22%) no adequate perforators were found intraoperatively. As the perforators for the free peroneal artery perforator flap were routinely mapped out, this flap was harvested for microsurgical reconstruction. Results. One patient with a 180° propeller flap developed a partial flap necrosis, another patient developed superficial epidermolysis, both requiring skingrafting. No complications were seen with free tissue transfer. Conclusion. Pedicled perforator flaps as propeller flaps add options to the armamentarium of microsurgeons. Despite thorough preoperative planning the surgeons must be prepared to perform a different method of reconstruction if inadequate vessels are encountered. To limit additional donor site morbidity, local options are preferred. The free peroneal artery perforator flap represents a good option as it matches the original tissue properties closely. The complication rate of propeller flaps in this series is tolerable. Propeller flaps should therefore be considered an alternative but not as a replacement of local fasciocutaneous flaps. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:608–613, 2010.     

Thin and superthin free flaps: An innovative approach to pediatric extremity reconstruction

IntroductionPublished standards for the management of open extremity fractures have improved limb salvage, fracture union, and deep infection rates, but the aesthetic and functional importance of our flap choices has been overlooked. Thin and superthin free flaps exhibit advantages over traditional free flaps in some situations but have seldom been reported in children. The aim of this paper is to present our experience of thin and superthin free flaps in pediatric extremity reconstruction.MethodsChildren (≤13 years) who underwent soft tissue reconstruction using a thin and superthin free flap following major extremity trauma are presented.ResultsFive patients (5 flaps) met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 9 (range 6–13). There were 3 Gustilo IIIB open fractures and 2 multiplanar degloving injuries. The median mangled extremity severity score (MESS) was 4 (range 2–6). The median time from injury to definitive soft tissue closure was 72 h (range 28–120 h). Four anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps were raised as thin flaps, and 1 superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) was raised as a superthin flap. There was one re-exploration owing to venous congestion, and a second venous anastomosis was performed to enhance flap drainage. The same ALT flap exhibited necrosis at one margin, which was debrided and grafted before discharge. There were no other flap complications. No flap-related secondary surgeries were required.ConclusionThin and superthin free flaps are viable options in pediatric extremity reconstruction. They exhibit excellent aesthetic and functional contouring when a slender fasciocutaneous flap is needed, especially when body habitus renders traditional options unfavorable.     

Reconstruction of a full‐thickness,complex nasal defect that includes the nasal septum using a free,thin superficial inferior epigastric artery flap

Complex nasal defects present a surgical challenge, particularly in cases with a full‐thickness defect that extends into the nasal septum. Although the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap has been widely used as a bulky flap for soft tissue augmentation, reports on its use as a thin flap are limited. We present a case of complex nasal defect reconstruction using a free, thin SIEA flap. A 65‐year‐old man with a recurrent malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor around the left nose and cheek underwent wide tumor resection, leaving a full‐thickness nasal defect that included portions of the nasal septum, nasal bone, and maxilla. A free, thin SIEA flap was elevated and primarily thinned by microdissecting the pedicle distally. The flap was then folded and inset to close the nasal septum and skin. The flap survived completely and complete closure of the nasal septum was observed. As the SIEA runs toward superficial layers as it is traced distally, primary thinning of the flap is possible. We believe that this method may represent an alternative to the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap in cases in which the superficial circumflex iliac artery system is hypoplastic. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:66–69, 2016.     

Use of a 72‐cm‐long extended bilateral deep inferior epigastric artery perforator free flap for reconstruction of a lower leg with no suitable recipient vessel around the injury zone: A case report

In free‐flap reconstruction of the lower extremity, due either to trauma or pre‐existing vascular disease, healthy vessels may not be readily available in the proximity of the defect. A variety of options including a cross‐leg free flap, vein grafts, arteriovenous loops, and “bridging” flaps have been used to address the issue. The purpose of this report is to present a case in which a 72‐cm long extended bilateral deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) free flap was used for coverage of a 20 × 25 cm soft tissue defect of the lower leg following a Gustilo grade IIIC fracture in a 29‐year‐old man. Because usable recipient vessels were far from the zone of injury, and to avoid complications accompanying long vein grafts, a long flap was necessary. The exposed tibia required coverage with a free flap, but peripheral portions of the defect with exposed muscles could be covered with a skin graft. Thus, a 72 × 12 cm flap was chosen. The flap was based on both bilateral DIEPs and on the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA). The flap survived completely with no complications. After one debulking surgery, the flap and the donor site showed pleasing cosmesis, and the patient could walk without crutches at 18 months after the first surgery. In cases where no healthy recipient vessels can be found close to the defect, we believe that the use of an extended bilateral DIEP flap may be a feasible option which shortens or precludes vein grafts with no additional flap donor sites.     

Lower extremity soft tissue defect reconstruction with the serratus anterior flap

Reconstruction of limb‐threatening lower extremity defects presents unique challenges. The selected method must provide adequate coverage of exposed bone, joints, and tendons while maximizing function of the limb. The traditional workhorse flaps, the free latissimus dorsi and rectus abdominis flaps, have been associated with donor site morbidity and bulkiness that can impair rehabilitation. We report a case series (n = 18) in which the free serratus anterior muscle flap and split thickness skin graft (STSG) was used for lower limb soft tissue coverage. Injuries were due to diabetes (9/18), trauma (7/18), and chronic venous stasis (2/18). A 94% flap survival rate was observed and all but one patient was ambulatory. No donor site morbidity was reported. Our series demonstrates that serratus anterior is an advantageous, reliable free flap with minimal donor site morbidity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:183–187, 2014.     

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.     

Free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap for reconstruction of soft‐tissue defects in extremities of children

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap has been a valuable tool in breast reconstruction, but seldom in extremity reconstruction. The aim of this report is to present our experience on the use of the DIEP flap for reconstruction of soft‐tissue defects in the extremities of pediatric patients. From January 2007 to February 2011, 22 consecutive free DIEP flap transfers were performed for reconstruction of complex soft‐tissue defects in the extremities of children with a mean age of 5.7 years old (ranging 2–10 years old). The flap design included transverse, oblique, and irregular DIEP flaps, containing one to three perforators in the flap. The flap size ranged from 7 × 4 cm to 18 × 17 cm. Primary donor‐site closure was accomplished in all of patients. The postoperative course was uneventfully in most of cases. The venous congestion was observed in two cases. One case of venous congestion was caused by flap inset with tension. The other case with venous thrombosis ended with partial loss of the flap after salvage procedure. There was one total flap loss due to the arterial thrombosis. The flap survival rate was 95.5%. The mean follow‐up was 12 months (ranging 6–36 months). All reconstructed extremities had satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes except two cases undergoing the secondary debulking procedures. The donor sites healed well in all cases without complications. Our experience showed that the free DIEP flap could be an alternative for reconstruction of soft‐tissue defects in the extremities of children. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:612–619, 2013.     

Superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) free flap using perforator vessels as a recipient site: clinical implications in autologous breast reconstruction

BackgroundBreast reconstruction with autogenous tissue is a well-established technique, but there are some limitations related to donor-site morbidity. Among available techniques, the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap is the least invasive procedure because it does not require harvesting or incision of the rectus muscle or the abdominal fascia. Besides adequate flap choice, the proper selection of the recipient vessels is an important factor. Thus, the internal mammary perforator branches (IMPBs) have been an attractive option regarding recipient pedicle morbidity.MethodsThe investigators reported the use of the free SIEA flap with the IMPBs as a recipient site to reconstruct radical mastectomy.ResultsFive patients with invasive ductal carcinoma underwent modified radical mastectomy and reconstruction. The IMPBs were selected as the recipient site and a free SIEA flap was used. The donor defect was closed directly without synthetic mesh. Satisfactory breast shape was achieved, and no complications were observed.ConclusionsFor selected patients, the SIEA flap and IMPBs may constitute a new alternative for immediate breast reconstruction, because of the possibility of large tissue transfer with minimal donor and recipient area morbidity. The SIEA pedicle size and the quality of IMPB vessels should be carefully evaluated.     

The utility of the anterolateral thigh donor site in reconstructing the United States trauma patient

BACKGROUND: Identification of a single donor site capable of providing all the components of the soft tissue envelope and the ability to selectively harvest a subset of these components is a central requirement for the microvascular reconstruction of the trauma patient. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap's long pedicle and adaptability in supporting a variety of tissues (muscle, fascia, soft tissue) make it a valuable tool for microsurgical reconstruction in these challenging patients. We investigated the utility of the ALT as a donor for microvascular tissue reconstruction in a Level I trauma center. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review on all trauma patients treated by the plastic surgery service at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center who required microsurgical free flap coverage from July 2002 to March 2005. Fifty-eight patients underwent reconstruction of traumatic deformities with 62 microvascular free flaps from the ALT region. RESULTS: Of the 58 patients, 42 were male and 16 were female with an average age of 39 years. Recipient site locations for the 62 flaps were lower extremity, upper extremity, trunk, and head and neck. Analysis of flap anatomy revealed that 43 were fasciocutaneous, 14 were myocutaneous, 2 were adipofascial, and 3 were myofascial (vastus lateralis muscle). Six flaps were based on septocutaneous perforators, whereas the remainder contained myocutaneous perforators. Nine thigh donor sites required a split thickness skin graft, and 53 were closed primarily. The size of the flaps ranged from 36 cm2 to 600 cm2. CONCLUSIONS: The ALT is a predictable donor site that facilitates a 2-team approach. ALT displays minimal donor site morbidity and in most cases provided sufficient tissue to cover the entire traumatic defect. Our results suggest the ALT is a reliable tissue source and an ideal donor site for the management of complex traumatic wounds in the United States.     

Soft tissue reconstruction with omental free flap in complex upper extremity injuries: Report of 13 cases

Although there is a wide list of free flaps options for soft tissue reconstruction of complex upper extremity injuries, the omental flap has some useful anatomical and biochemical advantages. We report 13 patients who underwent hand or upper extremity reconstruction with omental free flaps. Nine patients had extensive tissue damage, resulting with digital cyanosis and hypothermia, and some of them with areas of cutaneous necrosis, or avulsed tissues with tendons and bones exposed or infected. The remaining four patients had minor extensive tissue damage without circulatory problems. Patient's average age was 34.6 years. Twelve flaps were harvested through laparotomy and one laparoscopically. All flaps were covered with a skin graft. None of the flaps were lost. The average follow‐up time was 20 months. There was one major and two minor donor site complications. One patient had minor loss of the skin graft in the recipient site, and two required minor additional surgeries to improve the appearance or function of the hand or upper extremity. There were no late abdominal complications in any patient. The morphological appearance and functional results were favorable in 11 of them, and permitted their reincorporation into society without the need for additional complex surgeries. Only two patients had a poor outcome. Our experience confirms that the omental flap may be a good option for reconstruction of some complex hand and upper extremity injuries. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:425–433, 2014.     

The utility of both muscle and fascia flaps in severe upper extremity trauma

BACKGROUND: Severe isolated upper extremity injuries are rarely lethal; however, they invariably are resource intensive, create significant disability, and promote resistance to a return to gainful employment. Appropriate soft tissue restoration is an essential component of any treatment protocol, and often requires a vascularized flap to protect the superficial neurovascular and musculotendinous structures. A basic schema to facilitate flap selection in the upper extremity is introduced. METHODS: The role of local muscle and fascia flaps or free tissue transfers for severe upper extremity injuries was retrospectively reviewed from a two-decade experience. Excluding digital injuries, primary treatment of soft tissue traumatic wounds requiring some form of vascularized flap occurred in 33 limbs in 31 patients. The choice of flap donor site, type, specific complications and benefits as related to the severity of injury, and the effect of timing of wound closure were compared. RESULTS: Initial coverage after significant upper extremity trauma in these 33 limbs required 16 local fascia flaps, 22 free flaps, 1 multistaged distant pedicled flap, and 1 local muscle flap. Flaps were selected in a nonrandom fashion on the basis of wound location, severity of injury, and flap availability. Complication rates were similar for local fascia and free flaps. The upper extremity could be divided into three regions that were differentiated according to the observed incidence of flap preference. Free flaps were more commonly used for hand and wrist wounds, or anywhere the defect was moderately large in size or extremely severe in overall injury. Local fascia flaps were a simpler option most applicable for the central upper limb. Local muscles as flaps were intentionally avoided to minimize any functional derangement. CONCLUSION: A schema to guide flap selection for upper extremity coverage is introduced that is predicated on using the best available option. The shoulder girdle and axilla are reached by many local trunk muscle or fascia flaps. The central upper limb about the elbow often is conducive to coverage with specific local fascia flaps. The distal upper extremity may be best served by a free flap, as would any large wound in all upper limb regions.     

The use of free anterolateral thigh flap for reconstructing soft tissue defects of the lower extremities

The goal of soft tissue reconstruction in the lower extremities is to provide a functional and cosmetically acceptable limb. The anterolateral thigh flap has become one of the most popular options for soft tissue defect reconstruction recently because of the large amount of skin available and the reliable and versatile nature of this material. The purpose of this article is to present our experiences with the free anterolateral thigh flap for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the lower extremity. From April 2002 to October 2003, 31 consecutive free anterolateral thigh flaps were used. There were 24 male and 7 female patients, and their ages were between 3 and 78 years. The size of the flaps ranged from 11 to 34 cm long and 6 to 16 cm wide. In 9 patients, the flaps were harvested in a flow-through manner to both reconstruct soft tissue defects and protect and maintain the vascular status of the lower extremities. In these patients, the pedicle was interposed between vascular gaps, either present or created, in the extremity. The patency of distal anastomosis with the course of the distal vessel was confirmed by using conventional Doppler flow monitoring in flow-through flaps. In 4 cases, thinning of the flap was performed. In 3 patients, flaps were used in a neurosensorial fashion. Four flaps required reoperation due to vascular compromises. While 3 of these were salvaged, 1 flap was lost due to recipient arterial problems. Sixteen cases underwent split-thickness skin grafting of the donor site. No infection or hematomas were observed. We conclude that the anterolateral thigh flap is an ideal and versatile material, especially for lower extremity reconstructions, with its functional and cosmetic advantages, and it can be considered a suitable alternative to the most commonly used conventional soft tissue flaps.     

Cadaveric dissection and clinical experience with 20 consecutive tunneled pedicled superficial temporal artery perforator (STAP) flaps for ear reconstruction

Introduction: Reconstruction of anterior ear defects is poorly described, but using “like” tissue provides the optimal reconstruction. We present a cadaveric dissection and our experience with the pedicled superficial temporal artery perforator (STAP) flap for reconstruction of partial ear defects. Materials and Methods: Two cadavers were dissected bilaterally (n = 4) following injection of latex and barium sulfate. A retrospective review of 20 consecutive patients undergoing reconstruction with the STAP flap from 2009 to 2012 was performed. Twenty patients underwent reconstruction of anterior ear defects following resection for non‐melanoma skin malignancies using a tunneled pedicled STAP flap (scapha: 5, triangular fossa: 2, scapha and triangular fossa: 13). Results: Two perforators were identified in all dissections with one perforator at the level of the tragus, and the second perforator within 1 cm cephalad to the tragus. Thirteen patients underwent reconstruction following basal cell carcinoma excision and seven patients were reconstructed following excision of squamous cell carcinoma. There were no flap losses, but four flaps (20%) developed congestion at the tip of the flap that resolved without need for flap delay, leeching, or vasodilators. No patients developed complications with the donor site, and no patients underwent revisions. With a mean follow‐up of 27.3 months (range: 19–38 months), all patients were pleased with their aesthetic outcomes and alive without recurrent disease. Conclusion: The STAP flap is a pedicled perforator flap providing local “like” tissue that can be utilized for resurfacing of defects involving the anterior upper external ear with minimal donor site morbidity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:190–195, 2015.     

削薄股前外侧皮瓣游离移植修复舌癌术后缺损

目的探讨削薄游离股前外侧皮瓣修复舌癌术后缺损的效果。方法对2003年6月至2007年9月采用削薄游离股前外侧皮瓣同期修复舌癌术后组织缺损17例资料进行分析。结果17例游离皮瓣中，15例皮瓣全部成活，2例皮瓣远端近舌尖处部分坏死，1例腿部供区皮下积液，换药后痊愈。随访3个月-4年，舌功能良好，下肢无运动障碍。1例（T2N2M0）14个月后死亡，1例（T3N1M0）6个月后局部复发冉次手术。结论削薄股前外侧皮瓣游离移植，修复效果好，对供区影响小，是修复舌癌术后缺损较理想的方法。