Cutaneous Island Research Articles

Reparación de defecto complejo de pared abdominal con colgajo una buena alternativa quirúrgica

Reconstruction of the abdominal wall with major defects usually represents a surgical challenge, especially in cases where the defects are recurrent and have a large size that avoids the use of adjacent tissues for an adequate closure. According to each region the abdomen topography is divided into three regions: upper, middle and lower. Several reconstructive alternatives have been described according to the affected area of the abdomen that include the separation of the muscularis aponeurotic components of the abdominal rectus sheath, the flap of the rectus abdominus muscle with or without cutaneous island, the flap dependent on the dorsal muscle and muscular or musculocutaneous thigh flaps to reconstruct the lower area of the abdomen which is called anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. The ALT flap has become the best option for large recurrent defects in any of the thirds due to its great versatility. We present the case of a 50-year-old patient with an abdominal wall defect, loss of domain and exposure of prosthetic material. Patient had a surgical history of open cholecystectomy, necrosectomy due to acute pancreatitis with open abdomen management and attempted repair of the abdominal defect twice with mesh placement. The abdominal wall was reconstructed with an ALT free flap with a fascia lata component with anastomosis to superior epigastric vessels in a successful manner. Nowadays patient remains without evidence of recurrence of the hernia at 1 year follow-up. The aim of this paper is to illustrate the ALT flap with a fascia lata component anastomosed to the superior epigastric vessels as a good option to reconstruct complex defects of the upper third of the abdomen.

Early Detection of Vascular Obstruction in Microvascular Flaps Using a Thermographic Camera.

In microsurgical reconstruction, vascular obstruction occurs in approximately 20% of patients. Close monitoring is central to their care. Clinical/Doppler detection of vascular obstruction could be enhanced by thermography. A diagnostic test design included consecutive cases of hospitalized patients, ≥18 years old, who underwent surgery with free flaps. Two researchers separately evaluated patients with clinical/Doppler methods and thermographic camera hourly for 24 hours, every 2 hours for the next 24 hours, and then every 3 hours until discharge. The gold standard was visualization of thrombus or vascular obstruction during surgical reintervention. Sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive value (PPV/NPV), and a delta temperature receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated. A total of 2,364 tests were performed with a thermographic camera in 40 patients (31 females, 9 males) aged 50.12 ± 9.7 years. There were 28 deep inferior epigastric perforator, 5 anterolateral thigh, 3 radial, 2 scapular, 1 fibular, and 1 anteromedial thigh flaps included. Six (15%) had postoperative vascular obstruction (5 venous and 1 arterial). One flap developed partial necrosis and one total necrosis (overall survival 97.5%). ROC curve (area 0.97) showed the best results at ≥ 1.8°C of difference to the surrounding skin. Considering two consecutive positive evaluations, the sensitivity was 93%, specificity 96%, PPV 57%, and NPV 99%. The thermal imaging camera allows to identify the obstruction between 2 and 12 hours before the clinical method. Utilizing a thermographic camera can reduce detection time of vascular obstruction by several hours in microvascular free flaps that include the cutaneous island. This method proves useful for early diagnosis of postoperative vascular obstruction.

Use of the Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap for Bronchial Reinforcement in Patients With Previous Posterolateral Thoracotomy

The thoracodorsal artery perforator flap (TDAP flap) allows raising the same cutaneous island as in the classical latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap without its muscular part. All patients who underwent a completion pneumonectomy with reinforcement of bronchial stump with a TDAP flap from December 2009 to October 2010 were followed prospectively. The 30-day mortality and the procedure-related morbidity as well as bronchial fistula and TDAP flap were analyzed. The TDAP flap was used in 6 cases without failure or fistula formation. At 1 month, all patients were alive, and there was no morbidity (seroma, hematoma, fistula, or shoulder dysfunction). Computed tomography scans were performed at 1 month and 3 months postoperatively and showed viable nonatrophic flap. This type of flap has been described in the field of plastic surgery, and this is the first description of its use in the chest. Deepithelialized fasciocutaneous TDAP flap is safe and reliable. It is available even if the latissimus dorsi has been previously divided. It is now our first-line option to reinforce the bronchial stump.

Long-Term Efficacy of Distal Penile Circular Fasciocutaneous Flaps for Single Stage Reconstruction of Complex Anterior Urethral Stricture Disease

We determined the overall efficacy and predictors of success of the distal penile circular fasciocutaneous flap in the management of complex anterior urethral stricture disease not due to lichen sclerosus. We performed a retrospective review of all patients undergoing reconstruction of complex anterior urethral strictures without lichen sclerosus repaired from 1985 to 2006. Primary and overall stricture-free survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify univariate and multivariate predictors of flap success. A total of 124 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Median patient age was 48 years (range 16 to 83). Median followup was 7.3 years (range 1 month to 19.5 years). Median stricture length was 8.2 cm (range 0.5 to 24). At 1, 3, 5 and 10 years the overall estimated stricture-free survival rates were 95%, 89%, 84% and 79%, respectively. On multivariate analysis smoking (HR 4.0, 95% CI 1.2-12.9, p = 0.02), history of hypospadias repair (HR 4.4, 95% CI 1.3-14.6, p = 0.01) and stricture length 7 to 10 cm (HR 7.0, 95% CI 1.4-34.7, p = 0.02) were predictive of failure. Fasciocutaneous flap urethroplasty has good and durable success rates in the treatment of complex anterior urethral strictures. Predictors of failure included smoking, history of hypospadias repair and longer stricture length.

Nursing care of posterior femoral cutaneous neurovascular island flap in repairing parenchyma damage

目的 探讨股后皮神经营养血管皮瓣治疗腰骶部大面积软组织缺损术前和术后的临床护理.方法 回顾性分析2002年7月-2005年5月在我院显微创伤骨科应用股后皮神经营养血管皮瓣移位修复大面积软组织缺损6例患者康复护理的临床资料.结果 6例皮瓣全部成活,伤口均一期愈合.经2.5～12个月随访,皮瓣外形自然平整,质地柔软,感觉良好.2例褥疮患者未再出现皮肤溃疡.结论 术前做好肠道准备和心理护理,术后严密观察皮瓣血运状况、预防血管痉挛和栓塞是成功康复的有力保障。

L-Arginine Reduces Neointimal Hyperplasia in Cold-Stored Arterial Allografts in a Rabbit Low-Flow-Through Model

An "off the shelf" vascular conduit for free flap surgery that remained patent until the flap is vascularized from the recipient bed would be useful to avoid autograft donor-site morbidity and reduce operation time. To date, no successful studies of microvascular prostheses in low-flow states exist. This study investigated the effects of L-arginine on neointimal hyperplasia and the overall patency of cold-stored femoral arterial allografts implanted into a low-flow arterial defect model in rabbits. A cutaneous island flap based on the inferior epigastric artery was raised, and the femoral artery was ligated distally. Immediately proximal to the inferior epigastric artery, the femoral artery was divided and a 1-cm long cold-stored femoral arterial allograft was inserted into the defect. Half of the animals received L-arginine as a subcutaneous injection. When harvested at 4 weeks, 9 out of 11 allografts of the L-arginine-treated group and 8 out of 14 grafts of the control group were patent. Intimal thickening and graft stenosis were significantly reduced in the L-arginine group. Our findings reveal the potential of a combined approach of an arterial allograft and the use of L-arginine as a short-term vein graft substitute.

Selective Percutaneous Desiccation of the Perforators with Radiofrequency for Strategic Transfer of Angiosomes in a Sequential Four-Territory Cutaneous Island Flap Model

Research in prevention of partial flap necrosis has recently concentrated on extending the safe length of a flap by ligating vessels of known territories. To advance this approach one step further, the authors decided to reveal the least invasive surgical strategy for transfer of angiosomes. The study was arranged into three experiments. In the first experiment (n = 17 rabbits), a cutaneous island flap model spanning four adjacent vascular territories was developed. In the second experiment (n = 15 rabbits), the flap model was used to test the possibility of desiccating those vessels supplying the angiosomes to be captured percutaneously with radiofrequency. The delay procedures were performed by means of minimal skin incisions, and the flaps were elevated after a 2-week delay period. In the third experiment, the effectiveness of selective interference of these pedicles was compared to minimize the number of target vessels for successful transfer of angiosomes. The mean surviving area of the new flap model was 63 +/- 2 percent. The mean surviving flap area was 97 +/- 3 percent for the endoscopy equivalent technique and 94 +/- 4 percent for radiofrequency delay. The results were statistically insignificant between these two groups. In experiment 3, comparison of the results yielded a statistically insignificant difference for flap survival area among all four of the groups. An alternative flap model is introduced for future investigation of the vascular delay process. Percutaneous desiccation of the perforators with radiofrequency was found to be a reliable method, and selective desiccation of the perforator(s) was as efficient as destruction of all vascular sources other than the pedicle.

The proximal radial artery perforator flap (PRAP-flap): an anatomical study for its use in elbow reconstruction

We investigated the anatomical vascular basis of the proximal radial artery perforator flap (PRAP-flap) and we report here the first clinical application in a case of reconstructive surgery as an alternative to traditional regional fasciocutaneous pedicled flaps or microsurgery solutions. In 16 unembalmed cadaveric forearms, the radial artery was slowly injected with acrylic resin through the brachial artery and the superficial flexor compartment was dissected. The flap was raised from the lateral and medial sides of the forearm toward the axis represented by the radial artery, and the characteristics (number, diameter, site and interval of origin, and course) of its collaterals were evaluated. In the proximal forearm, the vessels were less numerous (mean values 8.6 vs. 11.5, P < 0.05) but larger in diameter (mean values 0.7 vs. 0.4 mm, P < 0.05) than in the distal forearm. The first four proximal perforator arteries originated within a mean distance of 4.3 cm from the origin of the radial artery, with a 95% confidence interval of 3.8-4.8 cm. The perforator arteries followed the axis of the forearm and anastomosed in the fascial plane, forming longitudinal fan-shaped arterial chains, giving rise to an epifascial vascular network. This anatomical study allowed us to plan and perform a PRAP-flap in a 35-year-old woman who was suffering from comminuted fractures of the olecranon and distal epiphysis of the humerus and soft tissue loss from traumatic injury of the elbow. From the antebrachial surface, a proximally based radial forearm fasciocutaneous flap was raised, with a vascular pedicle of 16 x 5 cm, a cutaneous island of 4 x 5 cm, and a pivot point 5 cm from the interepicondylar line. The flap showed good immediate and long-term viability: it was completely incorporated with good pliability and the patient regained good functional quality of the elbow joint. The anatomical features and the demonstrative reconstructive result obtained in the here-reported surgical case support the clinical evidence that a reliable forearm skin paddle may be raised on a subcutaneous fascial axial pedicle supplied only by proximal perforators of the radial artery. The so-obtained PRAP-flap is useful for the coverage of elbow defects when other reconstructive options are no longer available.

Selective percutaneous desiccation of the perforators with radiofrequency for strategic transfer of angiosomes in a sequential four-territory cutaneous island flap model

Background Research in prevention of partial flap necrosis has recently concentrated on extending the safe length of a flap by ligating vessels of known territories. To advance this approach one step further, the authors decided to reveal the least invasive surgical strategy for transfer of angiosomes. Methods The study was arranged into three experiments. In the first experiment (n = 17 rabbits), a cutaneous island flap model spanning four adjacent vascular territories was developed. In the second experiment (n = 15 rabbits), the flap model was used to test the possibility of desiccating those vessels supplying the angiosomes to be captured percutaneously with radiofrequency. The delay procedures were performed by means of minimal skin incisions, and the flaps were elevated after a 2-week delay period. In the third experiment, the effectiveness of selective interference of these pedicles was compared to minimize the number of target vessels for successful transfer of angiosomes. Results The mean surviving area of the new flap model was 63 +/- 2 percent. The mean surviving flap area was 97 +/- 3 percent for the endoscopy equivalent technique and 94 +/- 4 percent for radiofrequency delay. The results were statistically insignificant between these two groups. In experiment 3, comparison of the results yielded a statistically insignificant difference for flap survival area among all four of the groups. Conclusions An alternative flap model is introduced for future investigation of the vascular delay process. Percutaneous desiccation of the perforators with radiofrequency was found to be a reliable method, and selective desiccation of the perforator(s) was as efficient as destruction of all vascular sources other than the pedicle.

Le lambeau en « cerf-volant » de Foucher (À propos de 12 cas)

The "kite-flap" is a cutaneous island flap containing a triple pedicle. It is harvested from the dorsum of the index and is intended to cover skin-loss on the thumb. The purpose of our study was to evaluate 12 "kite-flaps" performed over the course of 11 years. The skin defects were on the dorsum of the distal phalanx of the thumb in 3 cases, on the dorsum of both the distal and proximal phalanges in 4 cases and on the volar aspect of the thumb in 5 cases. The associated lesions consisted of combined bone and skin in one case treated by bone graft with external fixation, and one case of septic arthritis of the interphalangeal joint treated by arthrodesis. The results of our series are very good after an average of 2 years follow-up. We have however had 4 cases of cold intolerance, 2 cases of superficial sepsis and one case of shrinkage of the first commissure. It appears that the "kite-flap" is the best solution for cover of simple or complex skin loss of the thumb. Its technical performance is easy, and it gives durable, sensate and stable skin cover.

Phalloplasty With Free (Septocutaneous) Fibular Flap Sine Fibula

The free prefabricated fibular flap has been used as a good alternative to the free radial forearm flap in female-to-male sex reassignment surgery. We describe a new technique of harvesting the flap without sacrificing the fibula. The neophallus is thinner, more elegant, less rigid and able to contain a hydraulic penile prosthesis. Five biologically female patients underwent reassignment surgery using this technique. Average patient age was 30 years (range 24 to 37) and average followup was 25 months. All patients underwent total hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomies, vaginectomy and urethral prelamination 6 months before flap surgery. The lateral calf cutaneous island was raised on the peroneal artery septocutaneous perforators without disrupting the continuity of the fibula. Urethro-urethral anastomosis was done 3 months later. All patients sustained good results with no flap loss. Voiding from a standing position was achieved and the neophallus was esthetically acceptable. Donor morbidity was minimal with no disturbance to ambulation compared to the conventional method, in which the fibula is sacrificed. The free fibular flap without the fibula is a challenging refinement of neophallus construction that confers benefits to recipient and donor sites. It is a welcomed addition to the armamentarium for neophalloplasty.

Use of the Extended V-Y Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap for Chest Wall Reconstruction in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

The extended V-Y latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap described by Micali and Carramaschi provides an innovative method of closing large anterior chest defects after resection of breast cancer. The technique provides robust chest wall coverage that is able to withstand immediate postoperative radiotherapy. The aim of this article is to confirm the usefulness of the flap's design and describe modifications to the technique. The modifications to technique include: a curvilinear design that recruited more skin for closure in patients with wounds extending laterally or superiorly, routine transposition of latissimus dorsi insertion inferio-medially onto the chest wall to maximize pedicle reach, and the use of small split skin grafts or delayed primary closure if there was tension in closing. Twelve patients who underwent resection of locally advanced breast cancer had immediate chest wall reconstruction with the extended V-Y latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. The V to Y design of the flap's cutaneous island allowed primary closure of chest wound and donor defect. There were no instances of chest wound dehiscence. The chest wounds healed, allowing patients to undergo adjuvant radiotherapy in a mean time interval of 6 weeks after surgery.

Cutaneous Island with V-Y Closure over a Gastrocnemius Muscle Flap

Cutaneous Island with V-Y Closure over a Gastrocnemius Muscle Flap

PSEF 2005 Scientific Essay Contest ??? Annual Bernard G. Sarnat, MD Junior Award, Basic Science: Selective Percutaneous Desiccation of the Perforators with Radiofrequency for Strategic Transfer of Angiosomes in a Sequential Four-Territory Cutaneous Island F

PSEF 2005 Scientific Essay Contest ??? Annual Bernard G. Sarnat, MD Junior Award, Basic Science: Selective Percutaneous Desiccation of the Perforators with Radiofrequency for Strategic Transfer of Angiosomes in a Sequential Four-Territory Cutaneous Island F

Labioscrotal island flap in feminizing genitoplasty

Background/Purpose Stenosis of the vaginal introitus is the most frequent complication after genital reconstruction for ambiguous genitalia associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). With the aim of enlarging the vaginal introitus, the authors present a technical modification of the introitoplasty that uses a bilateral cutaneous island flap based on the perineal superficial branches of the internal pudendal artery. Methods Eleven girls with CAH and Prader III to V genital ambiguity were included. Feminizing genitoplasty was performed in 1 stage. Bilateral cutaneous labioescrotal island flaps, based on the posterior labial artery, were included in the introitoplasty. The cosmetic results of the genitoplasty were evaluated by photographic analysis of the external genitalia. Results Integrity of the vaginal introitus as well as excellent integration of the flap and absence of additional scars in the donor area were assessed in all girls. Conclusions This modified island flap is technically feasible and reproducible producing no additional sequels in the donor area. It uses perineal skin that is usually excised in other techniques avoiding the use of harvesting skin from adjacent areas. Thus, it can be a useful additional procedure in the introitoplasty in association with the currently used techniques.

Use of a reverse-flow plantar marginal septum cutaneous island flap for repair of a forefoot defect

Soft-tissue reconstruction of the foot frequently requires flap coverage to preserve exposed tissues such as bones, joints, tendons, and weight bearing areas. Recently, reconstruction of skin defects in the heel has been greatly improved by use of the medial plantar sensory flap. However, forefoot coverage remains a challenge, since the alternatives for flap coverage are very limited. A case report is presented of a 52-year-old man with a chronic forefoot ulcer, successfully covered with a plantar marginal septum cutaneous island flap. This recently reported technique, which utilizes a reversed-flow flap based on the superficial branch of the medial division of the medial plantar artery, is relatively easy and disadvantages to the donor site are minimal.

Le lambeau antécubital : intérêt dans les pertes de substance du coude. Étude anatomique et expérience de cinq cas cliniques

The antecubital flap: the advantages of the antecubital fasciocutaneous flap for elbow coverage. An anatomical investigation and a study of five cases. The antecubital flap is a fasciocutaneous strip that has its blood supply provided by the first proximal collateral of the radial artery. This flap was described for the first time in 1983 by Lamberty and Cormack, but it has not been widely used and there have been only a few reports in the literature concerning this procedure. The aim of the present investigation was to demonstrate via an anatomical study and a report on five cases the viability of the various anatomical features of this cutaneous flap, and also its positive contribution to elbow reconstruction. The anatomical study involved eight fresh cadavers (eight upper limbs). An injection of colored prevulcanized latex was made in the humeral artery in the lower third of the arm. The aim was to determine which artery provided blood supply to the flap, its anatomical location, and also to look for possible distal anastomoses which would permit a distal pedicled flap to be removed. Contrary to the findings of other authors, in the present study it was found that the vessel providing blood to the antecubital flap always branched off from the radial artery. However, no anastomoses with distal vascularization were detected, which would have permitted a distal pedicled flap to be obtained. The use of the antecubital flap for elbow coverage was then illustrated by five clinical cases of soft tissue defects of the elbow. This method was found to be reliable, practical, and the flap could be rapidly dissected. Moreover, this particular technique is sensitive, and has an interesting rotational arc. The distal cutaneous island flap has the advantage of limiting scar tissue. A comparison between the antecubital flap and other pedicled flaps has then been made. In conclusion, it appears that this little-known procedure has definite advantages, and that it should be included in the range of surgical techniques that are available for soft tissue reconstruction in the case of elbow defects.

Correction of Axillary Burn Scar Contracture With the Thoracodorsal Perforator-Based Cutaneous Island Flap

Axillary scar contracture is observed frequently after severe burn insult and is usually accompanied by injuries to the adjacent area. Although many therapeutic methods, including skin grafting, Z-plasties, local flaps, island flaps, and free flaps, have been established, each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages in specific situations. The decision regarding which technique to use can only be made after consideration is given to the merits of the individual case. We applied thoracodorsal perforator-based cutaneous flaps to 5 patients with axillary burn scar contractures and damaged adjacent tissues. In 1 patient both axillae were involved. Elevated flaps as large as 11 x 27 cm in size were used. All flaps survived completely even when raised in scar tissue. The donor sites were closed primarily except one, which needed a skin graft. Three patients obtained satisfactory release with more than 160 deg shoulder abduction. In 2 patients, release was incomplete with only 110 deg shoulder abduction, but neither one required a second release. The range of motion in terms of shoulder abduction was improved preoperatively (30-90 deg) to postoperatively (110-170 deg). The thoracodorsal perforator-based cutaneous flap presents a very useful reconstructive method for the treatment of axillary defects.

A neurocutaneous island flap model: an experimental study in rats.

Neurocutaneous flaps have been popularized recently in clinical reconstructive surgery. However, controversies exist concerning their anatomy and physiology. The particular role of neural vasculature in the survival of these skin flaps is also quite undefined in the experimental setting, and additional studies on this subject are necessary. The goal of this study was to describe a neurocutaneous flap in a rat model and to investigate its blood supply. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 300 to 350 g were used in this study, which was conducted in two stages. During the first stage, the lower extremities of 10 rats were dissected for the anatomic study of the neurocutaneous flap. A constant cutaneous nerve innervating the anterolateral thigh skin was exposed. It arose either from the saphenous nerve or the superficial epigastric nerve and was accompanied by a constant longitudinal arterial plexus. The tiny neural vessels were conveyed by the superficial fascia along their course. A 30 x 30-mm cutaneous island flap, which was based only on the cutaneous nerve with its accompanying vessels and a strip of superficial fascia, was raised on the anterolateral thigh skin using an operating microscope. The well-perfused skin territory was marked after sodium fluorescein injection. The stained skin territory was located centrally and medially on the whole island flap, and it was approximately 10 x 20 mm. This finding was confirmed by the qualitative assessment of the vascularity for this skin territory in microangiography. After studying the pedicle anatomy and determining the optimal viable skin island, the second stage of the study was performed. The remaining 20 rats were divided into two groups. In the experimental group (N = 10), a neurocutaneous island flap (10 x 20 mm) was outlined on the anterolateral aspect of the thigh at its middle third. It was designed in such a way that its short and long axes lay in the center of the distance between the anterior superior iliac spine and the anterior aspect of the knee joint. After identification and dissection of the neurovascular pedicle, the flap was raised in a lateral-to-medial direction without including the deep fascia. At this point the flap remained connected only by the pedicle and a strip of superficial fascia surrounding it. It was sutured in the same place. In the control group (N = 10), the pedicle of the flap was severed and the skin island was sutured back as a composite graft. All the experimental flaps survived well. In the control group, none of the flaps survived except one that was partially viable. The flaps in the experimental group were reelevated as neurocutaneous island flaps on day 7 for microangiographic study, and specimens were processed for histologic staining. Microangiography revealed the extent of neural vasculature and vascularization of the skin through cutaneous perforators. Histologic investigation demonstrated the neural vessels that were related closely to the superficial fascia. The authors propose a neurocutaneous island flap model in the lower extremity of the rat in which the survival of the flap depended mainly on the neural arterial supply. It was also demonstrated that the superficial fascia played a role as a connective tissue framework for conveying tiny neural blood vessels to reach the skin. This model may serve as a reproducible and reliable neurocutaneous island flap model for additional studies in this field.

The myocutaneous sternocleidomastoid flap for reconstruction of the mouth cavity and pharynx

Among the myocutaneous island flaps applied for reconstruction of large soft-tissue defects after ablative surgery for malignomas, the pectoralis major flap is the one most frequently used. In comparison, the sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous island flap is not as popular. We report on our experiences with the superiorly based sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous (SCM) island flap (cutaneous island of 6-8 cm in diameter) in seven consecutive cases after resection of malignomas of the oral cavity and the pharynx. The vascularization from the occipital artery is additionally supplied by preserving the platysma during preparation of the SCM flap. Only one total cutaneous necrosis was observed in a patient who had received prior radiation. In the other 6 cases no major complications (necrosis or fistula) occurred. When the preservation of the sternocleidoid muscle does not compromise oncologic principles as in cases with limited lymphe node involvement (N0-N1), the SCM flap appears to be a useful and simple technique, particularly in female patients compared with the pectoralis major flap, in addition to others.