Complete Flap Survival Research Articles

[Translated article] Medial tab-type fasciocutaneous flap as an alternative for the management of soft tissue defects of the leg

BackgroundSelecting the right technique for lower limb soft tissue reconstruction is a therapeutic challenge. Despite having several reconstruction options, it's important to choose a technique that is effective and with the least possible donor site morbidity. ObjectiveDemonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of the medial tab flap in soft tissue reconstruction on the leg, compared to conventional flaps. Materials and methodsCohort study matched by age. 64 patients with soft tissue defects were selected and according to the intervention divided in: group (1) medial tab flap, and group (2) conventional flaps (sural, soleus, gastrocnemius) followed up to one year postoperatively. Outcome variables: surgical time in minutes, healing, healing time in days, complications. ResultsThe patients who underwent surgery with medial tab flap and with conventional flaps healed completely. The healing time was 16.2±11.2 days in the tab flap and 16.1±11.2 days in conventional flaps, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups (p=.89).The surgical time for tab flaps was 225.2±117.8min, and 191.3±117.2min for the comparison flaps (p=.65), there were no statistically significant differences. There were no complications in the medial tab flaps. ConclusionThe findings suggest that the medial tab flap technique is as effective as the conventional flap technique, with complete flap survival and healing, and without any major complications in this studied group.

New Applications of the Anterior Intercostal Artery Perforator Flap for Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction in the Setting of Postoperative Radiotherapy.

Several studies have reported preliminary experiences with the anterior intercostal artery perforator (AICAP) flap for treating partial breast defects or breast implant exposure following reconstruction. As radiotherapy is commonly administered for breast cancer, some patients may present with heavily damaged skin flaps and chronic radiodermatitis. We describe new applications of a de-epithelialized AICAP flap, used in combination with an implant, for breast reconstruction when other treatment options are unavailable. A retrospective study was conducted, including all patients who underwent implant-based breast reconstruction with the aid of an AICAP flap. A literature review was also performed. Between November 2022 and August 2023, four pedicled AICAP flaps were harvested in four patients. The indications were breast implant coverage in cases of chronic dermatitis of the mastectomy skin flaps (two unilateral flaps) and inferolateral coverage of partially submuscular expanders for immediate breast reconstruction (two unilateral flaps). All four flaps were based on one perforator. The mean harvesting time was 40 minutes. Complete flap survival was achieved, with no complications at the donor site. The AICAP flap is a safe and reliable technique for difficult cases of breast reconstruction when no other options are available. Moreover, this technique can easily provide additional coverage for the breast implant when needed.

Colgajo fasciocutáneo tipo lengüeta medial como alternativa para el manejo de defectos de tejidos blandos en la pierna

BackgroundSelecting the right technique for lower limb soft tissue reconstruction is a therapeutic challenge. Despite having several reconstruction options, it's important to choose a technique that is effective and with the least possible donor site morbidity. ObjectiveDemonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of the medial tab flap in soft tissue reconstruction on the leg, compared to conventional flaps. Materials and methodsCohort study matched by age. 64 patients with soft tissue defects were selected and according to the intervention divided in: group 1)medial tab flap, and group 2)conventional flaps (sural, soleus, gastrocnemius) followed up to one year postoperatively. Outcome variables: surgical time in minutes, healing, healing time in days, complications. ResultsThe patients who underwent surgery with medial tab flap and with conventional flaps healed completely. The healing time was 16.2±11.2 days in the tab flap and 16.1±11.2 days in conventional flaps, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups (P=.89).The surgical time for tab flaps was 225.2±117.8minutes, and 191.3±117.2minutes for the comparison flaps (P=.65), there were no statistically significant differences. There were no complications in the medial tab flaps. ConclusionThe findings suggest that the medial tab flap technique is as effective as the conventional flap technique, with complete flap survival and healing, and without any major complications in this studied group.

Repair of a finger pulp or fingertip defect using a palmar rotatory flap pedicled with the perforating branch of the proper palmar digital artery: a retrospective study

BackgroundSoft tissue defects in the hand may result from trauma, oncological procedures, or severe infections. This study aimed to introduce an innovative method for repairing soft tissue defects on the palmar side of the distal segment of the affected finger or fingertip. We explored this surgical method and its curative effect on the volar rotation pedicled flap base on a perforator of the palmar digital artery (VRPF-PPDA) for repairing ventral or fingertip soft tissue defects of the distal segment of the affected finger without impairing its main blood vessels.MethodsBetween June 2019 and January 2021, 13 patients with finger pulp or fingertip soft tissue defects were treated with VRPF-PPDA. Flap survival rate, complication rate, two-point discrimination (2PD), and patient satisfaction were used to evaluate the efficacy of this method. The function of the affected finger was evaluated using the upper limb function evaluation method issued by the Trial Standards for Evaluation of Partial Function of the Upper Extremity of the Chinese Society for Surgery of the Hand of the Chinese Medical Association (CMA) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Head (DASH) score, 6–12 months after the flap-based operation.ResultsThirteen patients (18 fingers) achieved complete flap survival. The finger pulp flap was full, and no complications occurred. 2PD checks of the flaps revealed that all of them were 4–10 mm in length. According to the Trial Standards for Evaluation of Partial Function of the Upper Extremity of the Chinese Society for Surgery of the Hand of the CMA, hand function was excellent in 12 patients (17 fingers) and good in one patient, with a mean DASH score of 26.05 ± 0.45. Eleven patients selected “excellent” on the subjective satisfaction survey, while the other two selected “good.”ConclusionVRPF-PPDA surgery is a simple, effective, minimally invasive, and reliable method for repairing soft tissue defects in the distal finger pulp or fingertips. Optimal esthetic reconstruction and anatomical and functional repair can be achieved in fingers repaired using the VRPF-PPDA surgical approach.

Reliability and Safety of Cross-Leg Free Latissmus Dorsi Muscle Flap in Reconstruction of Mutilating Leg Injuries Using End-to-Side Anastomosis.

Background Free tissue transfer is considered the gold standard option for the reconstruction of distal leg defects. Free tissue transfer using recipient vessels in the contralateral leg (cross-leg bridge) is a potential option to supply the flap if there are no suitable recipient vessels in the injured leg. Most studies have described this technique using end-to-end anastomosis which sacrifices the main vessel in the uninjured leg. This study evaluated the use of a cross-leg free latissimus dorsi muscle flap for the reconstruction of defects in single-vessel legs, using end-to-side anastomosis to recipient vessels in the contralateral leg without sacrificing any vessel in the uninjured leg. Methods This is a retrospective study that included 22 consecutive patients with soft tissue defects over the lower leg. All the reconstructed legs had a single artery as documented by CT angiography. All patients underwent cross-leg free latissimus dorsi muscle flap using end-to-side anastomosis to the posterior tibial vessels of the contralateral leg. Results The age at surgery ranged from 12 to 31 years and the mean defect size was 86 cm 2 . Complete flap survival occurred in 20 cases (91%). One patient had total flap ischemia. Another patient had distal flap ischemia. Conclusion Cross-leg free latissimus dorsi muscle flap is a reliable and safe technique for the reconstruction and salvage of mutilating leg injuries, especially in cases of leg injuries with a single artery. As far as preservation of the donor limb circulation is concerned, end-to-side anastomosis is a reasonable option as it maintains the continuity of the donor leg vessels.

Repair of Fingertip Degloving Injuries Using the Extended Reverse Second Dorsal Metacarpal Artery Flap.

This study aimed to introduce modified reverse second dorsal metacarpal artery flap (MRSDMAF) transfer for the treatment of fingertip degloving injuries. From January of 2004 to March of 2020, 31 patients with fingertip degloving injuries underwent MRSDMAF transfer. The mean defect and flap size were 4.5 × 1.6 cm and 4.7 × 1.7 cm, respectively. Nerve repair was performed in 18 fingers. Flap sensation, function restoration of the reconstructed fingers, and donor-site morbidity were assessed. For comparison, we reviewed a cohort of 45 patients undergoing modified cross-finger flap (MCFF) transfer. Complete flap survival was achieved in 28 fingers, and partial distal flap necrosis was noted in 3 fingers. After a mean of 24 months, the static 2-point discrimination was 8.6 ± 1.0 mm and 7.2 ± 0.8 mm in the MRSDMAF and MCFF groups, with a significant difference ( P < 0.0001). Sensory restoration of the MRSDMAF group was inferior to that of the MCFF group. In addition, the MRSDMAF group presented a higher incidence of fingertip pain ( P = 0.019) and suboptimal appearance of the reconstructed finger ( P = 0.036). On the donor site, the MRSDMAF group presented a lower incidence of scar pain ( P = 0.030) and better appearance ( P = 0.025). MRSDMAF transfer is an alternative treatment for fingertip degloving injuries, especially when MCFF transfer is not feasible. Therapeutic, III.

The Pedicled Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Donor Site Closure after a Large Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap Harvest

Summary: The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap is useful for covering defects in the extremities because its pedicle size can match many recipient options. However, when harvesting a large flap, skin grafting of the donor site is not highly recommended because of the mobility of the hip joint and occasional lymphorrhea. Here, we present a case of a successful reconstruction of a defect in the lower leg after sarcoma resection, using a large SCIP flap. A 58-year-old man underwent resection of a large soft tissue tumor in the lower leg, resulting in a 16 × 14 cm defect. A 25 × 14 cm SCIP flap was harvested from the groin, and the superficial circumflex iliac artery and the superficial circumflex iliac vein were anastomosed to the saphenous artery and the great saphenous vein, respectively, in an end-to-end fashion. For coverage of the groin donor site, a 25 × 8 cm pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap was harvested from the ipsilateral lateral thigh and was pulled through a subcutaneous tunnel to the groin. The additional operative time for pedicled ALT flap elevation and transfer was approximately 15 minutes. With this pedicled ALT flap, the donor site of the SCIP flap could be closed directly over a drain. The follow-up at 3 months showed complete survival of both flaps, and the patient was able to walk with a cane. The pedicled ALT flap allows for direct closure of the donor site after a large SCIP flap harvest.

Head and Neck Reconstruction With 2-Stage External Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap Transfer.

In head and neck surgery cases where skin is severely scarred or adhered to surrounding tissue, reconstruction can be difficult to perform using microsurgical tissue or conventional pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) transfer given the risks, which include damage to major vessels when manipulating scarred skin. For such cases, we perform a 2-stage external PMMF transfer, whereby the PMMF is directly sutured to the defect over the neck skin (without manipulation the hardened skin), and the flap division is then performed secondarily. A total of 30 patients who had histories of radiotherapy (60-70 Gy) and prior neck dissection received the 2-stage external PMMF transfer procedure. Indications for the flaps included pharyngeal fistula closure in 12 patients, reconstruction for mandibular necrosis after radiotherapy in 8 patients, salvage surgery for partial or total necrosis of the free flap in 4 patients, and simultaneous reconstruction after tumor excision in 6 patients. Two patients underwent a second external PMMF transfer from the contralateral side because of postoperative complications, yielding a total of 32 flap transfers. Twenty-nine flaps showed complete flap survival, whereas 3 had partial necrosis. Other complications, despite complete flap survival, included large fistulas requiring additional surgery for fistula closure (1 patient) and small fistulas that were closed without requiring reoperation (7 patients). External PMMF transfer offers a safe, simple, and effective option in cases where free flap surgery is considered difficult or the risks associated with neck manipulation are high.

Assessment of Flap Viability and Post-operative Hand Function After Resurfacing of Acute Soft Tissue Injury onthe Palm of Hand byGroin Flap and Reverse Pedicled RadialForearm Flap

Background: Many flaps have been described and used for coverage of various soft tissue defects of hand, which can be regional or distant. Objective: In this study main goal is to evaluate the assessment of flap viability and post-operative hand function by Total Active Motion (TAM) and Hand grip strength. Method: This was a comparative observational study, conducted at department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Burn and Plastic surgery in Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital (SOMCH) from January 2018 to October, 2019. A total of 16 patients with acute hand injury or pathology in the palm which may create surgical wound, admitted in the study place during the study period were the study population. Where those who had Acute wound in palm with exposed tendon, nerve and bones or degloving hand injury were included in the study. Patient were divided into two group namely Group-A and Group-B. Patient chosen for groin flap were allocated in group-A and for reverse pedicled radial forearm flap were in group-B. Results: During the study, complete flap survival was 100% in both group A and B. At all the follow-ups hand grip strength was more in group B and the difference was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05, obtained by unpaired t-test). At final follow-up (12 weeks) hand grip strength was 22.38 (SD±5.26) kg in Group A and 30.13 (SD±10.15) kg in Group B.There is no(0.0%) excellent result of index and middle finger in group A patient compared to 3 (37.5%) and 6 (75.0%) patients respectively in group B. Ingroup A3 patient had excellent outcome in ring fingercompared to 7 (87.5%) patients in group B. Majority (87.5%) patient‘s little finger was excellent in group A and 8(100.0%) in group B.The difference of index finger and middle finger were statistically significant between groups (p&lt;0.05 obtained by Fisher Exact test). Conclusion: From this study we can say that, both the handgrip strength and TAM score was better in patients who underwent radial forearm flap and the difference was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). It is concluded that reverse pedicled radial forearm flap has better outcome regarding flap viability and post-operative hand function than groin flap.

Single-Stage Reconstruction of Maxillectomy and Midfacial Defects in Cases of Covid Associated Mucormycosis.

ObjectiveTo advocate a single stage reconstruction in cases of maxillectomy and midfacial defects operated for covid associated mucormycosis to enable a favorable overall outcome within a shorter duration in terms of survival, quality of life, speech, deglutition and aesthetics.MethodIn our series of six patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of covid associated mucormycosis with diabetes as a predisposing factor had undergone Contrast enhanced CT and MRI with biopsy confirming the diagnosis, were then subsequently posted for resection and reconstruction depending upon extent of disease and defect left behind. Out of six, three were revision cases and the other three were primary cases. All had undergone single stage reconstruction using free flap (5/6) and pedicle (1/6) after intra-operative margins and distal most part of recipient vessels was found negative for mucormycosis on histopathology. Post-operative Liposomal Amphotericin B with Oral Posaconazole along with antibiotics and supportive treatment were given and were then followed up.ResultsAll the cases have complete flap survival after a mean follow-up of 90 days with no recurrence of mucormycosis. We had a survival rate of 100% with patients having good quality of life, speech, deglutition and acceptable aesthetical outcome.ConclusionStepping up on the reconstruction ladder to provide a single stage management in patients of covid associated mucormycosis by adequate surgical debridement, intraoperative negative margins on histopathology and subsequent reconstruction using autologous flaps is the need of the hour to provide within a shorter duration, favourable overall outcome in terms of survival, quality of life, speech, deglutition and aesthetics.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-022-03121-1.

SERRATUS ANTERIOR MUSCLE FLAP FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF EXTREMITY INJURIES.

ABSTRACTObjective:To report the use of the serratus anterior free tissue transfer in the treatment of traumatic injuries.Methods:Twenty-six free flaps or serratus pedicled flaps were performed for reconstruction of traumatic extremity injuries.Results:Complete flap survival was recorded in 20 limbs and 3 patients had circulatory complications. Even with the review of vascular anastomoses, partial flap necrosis could not be prevented and required a skin graft after debridement in the necrotic area. Another flap also required reexploration as a result of heavy congestion due to impaired venous return. Superficial wound infection was found in three patients and treated with conservative measures. Regarding the donor area, seroma formation was found in 8 cases; drainage was necessary in 2, and the others were resolved spontaneously. In 2, bruises formed and were later drained. In 1 limb there was long thoracic nerve injury and scapular winging.Conclusion:According to this study, the serratus anterior muscle flap is an excellent tool for treating small complex lesions in the extremities. Level of Evidence IV; Case series .

Comparison Between Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap and Free Medial Sural Artery Perforator Flap in Reconstruction of Post Traumatic Soft Tissue Defects of the Dorsum of the Foot

Abstract Background: The objective of this study is to compare between the free anterolateral thigh flap and free medial sural artery perforator flap in reconstruction of post traumatic soft tissue defects of dorsum of the foot as regard the function, the aesthetic outcome, the complications and the patient satisfaction.Method: The study was conducted on 40 patients with post traumatic soft tissue defects of the dorsum of the foot between August 2018 and August 2019. Patients were allocated randomly into two groups. In group1 (20 patients), the defect was reconstructed with free anterolateral thigh perforator flap. In group 2 (20 patients), reconstruction was done by free medial sural artery perforator flap.Result: In group 1 (ALT flap), Complete flap survival was achieved in all cases. Thirteen patients required secondary debulking procedures and scar revisions.In group 2 (MSAP Flap), Complete flap survival was achieved in 17 cases with one flap totally lost and two flaps had distal necrosis. One patient needed scar revision and another patient needed flap advancement.Conclusion: MSAP flap is good alternative in soft tissue reconstruction of the dorsum of the foot. It has many advantages: it is thin, pliable, fitted to normal footwear, less hairy and there is no need for secondary procedures in most cases. ALT flap is better than MSAP flap in larger defects coverage but may need secondary debulking procedures or primary thinning at the time of reconstruction.

Comparison between Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap and Free Medial Sural Artery Perforator Flap in Reconstruction of Post Traumatic Soft Tissue Defects of Dorsum of the Foot

Background: The objective of this study was to compare the pliability, the function, aesthetic outcome, complications and patient satisfaction between free anterolateral thigh flap and free medial sural artery perforator flap in reconstruction of post traumatic soft tissue defects of dorsum of the foot. Method: The study was conducted on forty patients with post traumatic soft tissue defects of the dorsum of the foot between August 2018 and August 2019. Patients were divided randomly into two groups. In group1 (20 patients), the defects were reconstructed with free anterolateral thigh perforator flap. In group 2 (20 patients), reconstruction was done by free medial sural artery perforator flap. Result: In group 1 (ALT flap), Complete flap survival was achieved in 100% of cases. Thirteen patients required secondary debulking procedures and scar revisions. In group 2 (MSAP Flap), Complete flap survival was achieved in 85% with one flap totally lost and two flaps had distal necrosis. One patient needed scar revision and another patient needed flap advancement. Conclusion: MSAP flap is superior to ALT flap. It has many advantages: it is thin, pliable, fitted to normal footwear, less hairy and there is no need for secondary procedures in most cases.

Same-Admission Microvascular Maxillofacial Ballistic Trauma Reconstruction Using Virtual Surgical Planning: A Case Series and Systematic Review.

Retrospective case series; systematic review. It is unknown whether the use of virtual surgical planning (VSP) to facilitate same-admission microsurgical reconstruction of the mandible following acute maxillofacial ballistic trauma (MBT) is sufficient to achieve definitive reconstruction and functional occlusion. A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted for patients who underwent microsurgical reconstruction of the mandible using VSP after acute MBT. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases were systematically reviewed using blinded screening. Studies were evaluated via thematic analysis. Five patients were treated by same-admission and microsurgical reconstruction of the mandible using VSP. We observed an average of 16.4 ± 9.1 days between initial presentation and reconstruction, an average length of stay of 51.6 ± 17.9 days, 6.2 ± 2.8 operations, and 1.6 ± 0.9 free flaps per patient. Four types and 8 total flaps were employed, most commonly the anterior lateral thigh flap (37.5%). Care yielded complete flap survival. Each patient experienced at least 1 minor complication. All patients achieved centric occlusion, oral nutrition, and an approximation of their baseline facial aesthetic. Follow up was 191.0 ± 183.9 weeks. Systematic review produced 8 articles that adhered to inclusion criteria. Consensus themes in the literature were found for clinical goal and function of VSP when practicing MBT reconstruction, yet disagreement was found surrounding optimal treatment timeline. Same-admission microsurgical reconstruction after MBT is safe and effective to re-establish mandibular form and function. VSP did not delay reconstruction, given the need for preparation prior to definitive reconstruction.

The Gracilis Muscle Flap: A "Work Horse" Free Flap in Diabetic Foot Reconstruction.

BACKGROUNDDiabetes is a leading cause of foot ulcers and lower limb amputation throughout the world. Adequate wound debridement and cover is the standard of care, but lack of adequate vascularised local tissue poses a major challenge. The gracilis flap offers various advantages in this respect, which we would like to discuss in this study, and hence makes it an attractive option in diabetic foot patients.MATERIAL AND METHODSThis retrospective study was conducted over a period of 2 years, from 2018 to 2020 in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Kauvery Hospital, Trichy, India. The flap harvest time, total operation time, flap take and complications associated with the procedure were noted.RESULTSOverall, 56 patients were enrolled. The average flap harvest time was 55 +/- 10 min and the average overall operation time was 240+/- 30 minutes. There was complete flap survival in 42 (75%) patients, a partial survival in 12 (21.42%) patients and complete flap loss in 2 (3.57%) patients. In the donor site complications hypertrophic scarring was reported in 5 (8.92%) and donor site seroma in 3(5.3%) patients.CONCLUSIONThe free gracilis flap offers good wound healing and excellent foot contour besides being safe and effective in small to medium sized defects makes it an excellent free flap in diabetic foot reconstruction.

Safety and efficacy of secondary mandibular reconstruction using a free osteo-cutaneous fibula flap after segmental mandibular resection: a retrospective case\u2013control study

BackgroundFree osteocutaneous fibula flap (FFF) is currently considered the best option for segmental mandibular reconstruction; however, there are only a few reports comparing secondary with primary reconstructions using FFF. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of secondary mandibular reconstruction using FFF when compared with primary mandibular reconstruction.MethodsFrom October 2018 to February 2020, patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction using FFF after segmental mandibulectomy were retrospectively reviewed. The size and location of the mandibular defect, the segment length and number of osteotomies in the fibula, types of the mandibular plating system, kinds and laterality of the recipient vessels were recorded from the surgical notes. Flap survival, duration of nasogastric tube use, and implant installation after reconstruction were recorded as postoperative evaluation indices.ResultsTwelve patients underwent mandibular reconstruction using FFF during the study period. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics other than body mass index between the primary (n = 8) and secondary (n = 4) reconstruction groups. No significant differences were observed in the size and location of defects, the segment length and number of osteotomies in the fibula, and the types of mandibular plating system. There was no significant difference in the kinds of recipient vessels; however, the laterality of recipient vessels was ipsilateral in all cases of primary reconstructions and contralateral in all cases of secondary reconstructions. Three out of eight patients with primary FFF reconstruction developed partial flap necrosis. Four patients in the secondary FFF reconstruction group achieved complete flap survival. The duration of use of the nasogastric tube and implant installation after reconstruction was comparable between the two groups.ConclusionSafe and effective secondary mandibular reconstruction can be performed in this clinical case study using FFF.

The Use of Local Medial Plantar Artery Flap for Heel Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Background: Soft tissue reconstruction of the heel represents a daunting challenge for reconstructive surgeons, given the weight-bearing role and anatomical properties of the glabrous skin on the plantar surface. For soft tissue defects in this area, the medial plantar artery (MPA) flap has been described as an optimal reconstructive option. Many studies have reported on the use of the medial plantar artery flap for soft tissue coverage of the heel. There currently exists no systematic review on the topic.Aim: The aim of this article is to review the literature on the use of local medial plantar artery flap for heel reconstruction with a focus on overall flap viability and selected outcomes.Method: The authors performed a systematic literature review using EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Ovid Medicine, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, PubMed database, and grey literature. Studies were identified between 1981 and 2019. Peer-reviewed articles published in the English language were included. Articles were eligible if they contained original clinical outcomes on patients who underwent local medial plantar artery flap for reconstruction of heel defects.Results: A total of 135 unique studies were identified. Eighteen (18) articles were included in the review and analyses, yielding a total of 277 local medial plantar artery flaps for heel coverage. The most common etiology for the reconstructed heel defect was ulcers (45.3%) followed by trauma (35.8%). The overall complete flap survival rate was n=272/277 (98.2%). The incidence of minor flap complication was n=26/277 (9.4%). Most of the flaps maintained protective sensation (n=147/148 [99.3%]), although the protective sensation tended to be inferior to the contralateral normal side. The rate of donor site morbidity was n=14/269 (5.2%).Conclusion: Local medial plantar artery flap for heel defect reconstruction is associated with a very high flap survival rate with very few flap related complications including donor site complications.

Combining free tissue transfer with pedicled flap in reconstruction of extensive oromandibular malignancy defects: a clinical study

Background: Extensive composite defects of the oromandibular site involve skin, mandible, soft tissue and oral mucosa. Though many opine that with the coming on of free flap surgery, the pedicled flap is an outdated surgical option, the latter still has its uses. Free flaps are criticized as being medically risky, expensive, and time-consuming. Combining both these flaps in a single surgery would bring in the baggage of all negatives along with the benefits of these flaps.Methods: Over a period of 3 years, 13 patients with expected large composite oral defects after ablative surgery for malignancy were included in the study requiring both skin cover and mucosal lining. A one-stage reconstructive procedure employing combination of free and pedicled flaps was used. Data was abstracted pertaining to cancer demography and surgical outcome.Results: The free fibula osteocutaneous flap (FFOCF)- deltopectoral fasciocutaneous flap (DPF) combination was most commonly used (n=5), secondly by free radial forearm flap (FRAFF)-DPF combination (n=4), FRAFF- pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) amalgamation and FFOCF-PMMF (n=2). The complete flap survival rate was 88.5 percent with 3.8% percent total (1 of 26 flaps) and 7.7% partial (2 of 26 flaps) flap failures. Minimum follow-up period was 6 months with 2 (7.7%) recurrences and 2 (7.7%) mortalities.Conclusions: We believe that in combined use of free-flap and pedicled flap procedure for one-stage reconstruction of massive mandibular defects with through-and-through cheek defects is justified because it is safe and effective and improves the quality of life for these patients albeit a bit prolonged surgery which can effectively be shortened with 2 reconstructive team approach as in our study.

Monitoring Vascular Compromise Using Ultrasound After Free Tissue Transfer.

To report the clinical utility of high-resolution ultrasound (US) for monitoring vascular compromise after free tissue transfer. Fifty-two tissue transfers in the extremities were included in this study. Blood flow around the anastomotic pedicle and subcutaneous tissue of the grafted flap was monitored with pulsed color and power Doppler US whenever the conventional monitoring method, comprising the bedside assessment of the temperature, capillary refill, and flap color, showed abnormalities until 1 week after reconstruction. All flaps were indicated for US monitoring, with 44 flaps showing Doppler signals in each position, even though conventional flap monitoring showed an abnormality. Forty of the 44 flaps showed no flap failure, whereas the remaining 4 flaps developed partial necrosis. Abnormal US findings were noted in 8 of the 52 flaps. Ultrasound revealed interruption of venous blood flow around the anastomotic pedicle in 6 of 8 flaps. Emergent exploration revealed venous occlusion at the anastomotic pedicle, similar to the US finding. In 2 of the 8 flaps, US showed no blood flow to either the anastomotic pedicle or subcutaneous tissue. Emergent exploration revealed arterial occlusion at the anastomotic pedicle. Seven of the 8 reexplored flaps were salvaged after revision surgery with complete flap survival. Partial flap survival was noted in 1 case, but complete flap failure was avoided. Ultrasound is a useful adjunct that enables a direct assessment of perfusion in grafted tissues, which may reduce unnecessary exploration when conventional flap monitoring shows an abnormality.

Superficial temporal artery based flaps for reconstruction of postburn scar facial defects

The facial tissues restoration for cicatricial defects after burns and injuries is one of the complex problems of reconstructive surgery. Preformed flaps are not widely used because of the complicated application, frequent complications and uncertain postoperative effect.The aim — to improve the results of surgical treatment in patients with postburn facial deformities with superficial temporal artery and the superficial fascia based expanded flaps in the neck region.Materials and methods. The study included 3 patients with total and subtotal face scar deformities. Expanded flaps from intact anterolateral areas of the neck with based on superficial temporal artery with the superficial fascia were applied. The defects of the face were closed for 5 — 6 weeks after the flap’s formation.Results and discussion. There was complete flap survival in 3 cases. Venous congestion was observed in 1 case. In another 1 case, due to necrosis and retractor prolapse, flap formation was stopped. The possibility of neck flaps pre­formation based on the superficial temporal artery and the superficial fascia was shown.Conclusions. The method of flaps pre­formation in the neck area improves their blood supply, and pre­expansion increases the amount of plasty material. The best vascular supply for the neck flaps formation is the superficial temporal artery and the superficial fascia. The use of preformed flaps allows the substitution of large subtotal or total facial defects.