Lymphatic flow through (LyFT) ALT flap: an original solution to reconstruct soft tissue loss with lymphatic leakage or lower limb lymphedema

Abstract

Introduction The lympho-venous shunt using the distal vein of ALT flap pedicle allowed at the same time the coverage of the inguinal defects and to perform lymphovenous shunt into a run-in vein of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral pedicle, draining the lymph through the flap pedicle. Surgical technique, complications and final outcomes (both clinical and lymphoscintigraphic) are reported. Methods Five patients (45.8 y.o.[22–70]) with groin soft tissue loss with lymphatic leakage or lower limb lymphedema, benefited of the described technique. The ALT flap was used to cover the defect and, at the same time, we could perform a lymphovenous shunt between afferent lymphatics to the thigh and the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral pedicle, distal to the perforator nourishing the flap. Clinical and lymphoscintigraphic assessment of the limbs, cease of lymphorrhea or cellulitis/lymphangitis episodes, eventual downstaging of physiologic/physical therapy were recorded. LYMphatic Quality Of Life in leg (LYMQoLLeg) and patient satisfaction were evaluated. Results Average flap size was 88.8cm2 (range 84–126). The mean number of multi-lymphovenous anastomosis (MLVA) performed was 1.8 (range 1–3) per patient with 1–3 lymphatics shunted into each vein. Only one hemato-seroma requiring surgical revision. Mean improvement of perometer values was 48.2% (range 27.7–67.7) with an average follow-up of 13.6 months (range 12–17). Lymphoscintigraphy showed disappearing of the lymphatic leak and lymphedema with a high satisfaction of LYMQoL score. Discussion The combination of pedicle flap with lympho-venous bypass as lymphatic derivation concept, improving the chronic morbidity scenarios of lymphatic complications.