Flap Harvest Site Research Articles

Implications of the composite free flap harvest site on quality of life after head and neck surgery: a prospective series

Quality of life (QOL) has become a primary determinant of the treatment outcome. There is a poor evidence base regarding the QOL implications of free flap harvest from the various different osseous composite donor sites. This prospective study assessed the impact of free flap harvest on QOL and compared QOL morbidity between fibula, scapula, and iliac crest (deep circumflex iliac artery; DCIA) donor sites in head and neck reconstructive surgery. This was a single-site prospective cohort clinical research study. Fifty-nine patients were recruited between 2017 and 2021; 30 underwent fibula flap reconstructive surgery, 17 scapula flap, and 12 DCIA flap. The patients were assessed using the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire version 4 (UW-QOL v4) preoperatively and again at >12 months postoperatively. The results showed no significant change in the mean global QOL score postoperatively when compared to the preoperative baseline in any of the donor site groups. However, the mean postoperative scores for the appearance domain were significantly lower than the preoperative scores in all of the donor site groups. In addition, fibula flap patients had significantly reduced physical activity and recreation QOL domain scores postoperatively when compared to the preoperative scores.

Modified Martius Flap Urethroplasty: A New Technique

Introduction: Female urethral strictures are rare, and there is no consensus on proper surgical treatment. The literature is primarily limited to case reports and small case series. Surgical treatment has frequently been extrapolated from male urethroplasty techniques. However, female urethroplasty differs significantly from male urethroplasty because it is performed directly across the urinary sphincter.1 We describe our rationale and technique for female ventral urethroplasty utilizing a modified Martius flap. Materials and Methods: Two female patients, aged 46 and 58 years, with chronic urethral strictures underwent a ventral modified Martius flap urethroplasty. After guidewire and open-ended ureteral stent placement across the stricture, an inverted U-flap incision was made from the distal urethra to the bladder neck. A full thickness incision into the urethral lumen was made, extending past the bladder neck, and sounded with a 30F urethral sound. An ~5 × 2 cm portion of nonhair bearing inner labia tissue was harvested and mobilized on the anterior pedicle of a Martius flap. This was then tunneled under the vaginal wall and rotated over the area of the urethral defect. The flap was sutured in place with two 4-0 polyglactin running suture lines, covering the entire gap in the urethra with good mucosal apposition. The remaining fatty tissue of the Martius flap was rotated over the suture lines, adding an extra layer to the repair. The inverted U flap incision was closed over the repair and the skin edges of the Martius flap harvest site were closed in two layers with a deep 2-0 polyglactin layer and a superficial 4-0 poliglecaprone subcuticular suture, resulting in a cosmetic closure. Results: Postoperative voiding cystourethrogram revealed an open bladder neck and no recurrent stricture for both patients. Average Uroflow peak flow was 18 mL/s. The patients had no complaints of stress incontinence (SUI) and a negative cough leak test at 1 month follow-up. At 6 months follow-up, both patients continued to deny any SUI and had no obstructive voiding complaints with minimal post-void residuals. Conclusions: Our technique using a ventral approach to urethroplasty in women with a Martius flap is effective in the management of female urethral stricture disease. This approach offers lower risk of damage to the sphincter, avoids possible clitoral nerve injury, allows for better maintenance of urethral support, and is an approach familiar to most female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgeons. Music utilized in video obtained royalty-free from (www.bensound.com). No competing financial interests exist. The authors have received and archived patient consent for video recording and publication in advance of video recording procedure. Runtime of video: 6 mins 33 mins This project was presented at the following academic conferences: Arizona Urological Society, August 1, 2021; Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU), February 25, 2022; American Urological Association (AUA) General Meeting, May 14, 2022 (https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002586.08).

Virtual Resection Specimen Interaction Using Augmented Reality Holograms to Guide Margin Communication and Flap Sizing.

Head and neck surgeons often have difficulty in relocating sites of positive margins due to the complex 3-dimensional (3D) anatomy of the head and neck. We introduce a new technique where resection specimens are 3D scanned with a smartphone, annotated in computer-assisted design software, and immediately visualized on augmented reality (AR) glasses. The 3D virtual specimen can be accurately superimposed onto surgical sites for orientation and sizing applications. During an operative workshop, a surgeon using AR glasses projected virtual, annotated specimen models back into the resection bed onto a cadaver within approximately 10minutes. Colored annotations can correspond with pathologic annotations and guide the orientation of the virtual 3D specimen. The model was also overlayed onto a flap harvest site to aid in reconstructive planning. We present a new technique allowing interactive, sterile inspection of tissue specimens in AR that could facilitate communication among surgeons and pathologists and assist with reconstructive surgery.

Continuous Ropivacaine Peroneal Nerve Infiltration for Fibula Free Flap in Cervicofacial Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Introduction: Pain after cervicofacial cancer surgery with free flap reconstruction is both underestimated and undertreated. There is a rational for regional anesthesia at the flap harvest site, but few studies describe it. We assessed the influence of common peroneal nerve infiltration on pain and opioid consumption in patients having oropharyngeal cancer surgery with fibular free flap mandibular reconstruction. Methods: After institutional review board (IRB) approval and written informed consent, fifty-six patients were randomly allocated to perineural catheter with ropivacaine infiltration (ROPI) or systemic analgesia (CONTROL). In the ROPI group, an epidural catheter was placed by the surgeon before closure, and ropivacaine 0.2% 15 mL, followed by 4 mL/h during 48 h, was administered. The primary outcomes were pain scores and morphine consumption during the 48 h postoperative period. We also measured ropivacaine concentration at the end of infusion. Finally, we retrospectively assessed long-term pain up to 10 years using electronic medical charts. Results: Perineural infiltration of ropivacaine significantly reduced pain scores at the harvest site only at day 1, and did not influence overall postoperative opioid consumption. Ropivacaine assay showed a potentially toxic concentration in 50% of patients. Chronic pain was detected at the harvest site in only one patient (ROPI group), and was located in the cervical area in the case of disease progression. Discussion: Although the catheter was visually positioned by the surgeon, continuous ropivacaine infiltration of the common peroneal nerve did not significantly reduce postoperative pain, but induced a blood concentration close to the toxic threshold at day 2. Further studies considering other infiltration locations or other dosing schemes should be tested in this context, both to improve efficacy and reduce potential toxicity.

Merits of the free periosteal femoral condyle flap in the management of advanced mandibular osteoradionecrosis

The management of advanced mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is poorly codified and requires repeated time-consuming, morbid surgical procedures. The free periosteal medial femoral condyle flap could be used for the management of extensive mandibular ORN with fracture, to avoid non-conservative surgery such as mandibulectomy. The purpose of this study was to report the authors' experience using periosteal flaps for advanced ORN and to assess the therapeutic effectiveness of these flaps in this context. A series of 10 patients who underwent bone revascularization with a free periosteal femoral flap for the management of advanced ORN (Notani class III) is reported. The onset of bone consolidation, length of hospital stay, duration of surgery, donor site morbidity, and the option of dental rehabilitation in the event of a successful outcome were assessed. Osteogenesis was observed in 70% of cases. Thirty percent of patients benefited from dental implant rehabilitation. The mean follow-up was 73.1 months. No patient experienced any sequelae at the flap harvest site. In the authors' opinion, the free periosteal medial femoral condyle flap appears to offer a therapeutic solution for patients with advanced stages of ORN.

V06-08 MODIFIED MARTIUS FLAP URETHROPLASTY

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022V06-08 MODIFIED MARTIUS FLAP URETHROPLASTY Jacob Rust, and Christian Twiss Jacob RustJacob Rust More articles by this author , and Christian TwissChristian Twiss More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002586.08AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Female urethral strictures are rare, and there is no consensus on proper surgical treatment. The literature is primarily limited to case reports and small case series. Surgical treatment has frequently been extrapolated from male urethroplasty techniques. However, female urethroplasty differs significantly from male urethroplasty because it is performed directly across the urinary sphincter. We describe our rationale and technique for female ventral urethroplasty utilizing a modified Martius flap. METHODS: A 50-year-old female with a chronic proximal to mid-urethral stricture requiring daily intermittent catheterization to maintain urethral patency underwent a ventral Modified Martius Flap Urethroplasty. Following guidewire and open-ended ureteral stent placement across the stricture, an inverted U-flap incision was made from the distal urethra to the bladder neck. A full thickness incision into the urethral lumen was made, extending past the bladder neck, and sounded with a 30 French urethral sound. A 5x2 cm portion of non-hair bearing inner labia tissue was harvested and mobilized on the anterior pedicle of a Martius flap. This was then tunneled under the vaginal wall and rotated over the area of the urethral defect. The flap was sutured in place with two 4-0 vicryl running suture lines, covering the entire gap in the urethra with good mucosal apposition. The remaining fatty tissue of the Martius flap was rotated over the suture lines, adding an extra layer to the repair. The inverted U flap incision was closed over the repair with 2-0 vicryl suture. The skin edges of the Martius flap harvest site were then closed in two layers with a deep 2-0 vicryl layer and a superficial 4-0 monocryl subcuticular suture, resulting in a cosmetic closure. RESULTS: Postoperative VCUG revealed an open bladder neck and no recurrent stricture. Uroflow peak flow was 20cc/s. The patient had no complaints of stress incontinence (SUI) and a negative cough leak test at 1 month follow-up. At 6 months follow-up, the patient continued to deny any SUI and had no obstructive voiding complaints with PVR=2cc. She had mild postoperative dyspareunia which had resolved by the 6-month follow-up appointment. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique using a ventral approach to female urethroplasty with a modified Martius flap is feasible and effective in the management of female urethral stricture disease. This approach offers potentially less damage to the sphincter, avoids possible clitoral nerve injury, allows for better maintenance of urethral support, and is an approach familiar to most FPMRS surgeons. Source of Funding: None © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e567 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Jacob Rust More articles by this author Christian Twiss More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Characteristics and outcomes of primary interposition vascular grafts in free flap breast reconstruction

There is paucity of data on primary interposition vascular grafts (IVG) use in microsurgery. Our study examines the characteristics, indications and outcomes of IVG in free flap breast reconstruction. All cases of breast reconstruction with free flaps between January 2013 and June 2018 were examined and cases with primary IVG were included. Data were collected on patient, flap and graft characteristics, indications and outcomes. A total of 76 IVG, specifically 65 vein grafts and 11 arterial grafts, were used for 49 (of 1547) flaps in 48 (of 1346) cases. Of these, 52 grafts were primarily used to lengthen the pedicle and aid flap inset and 24 grafts to augment venous flow; 49 grafts were harvested from the flap harvest site, 7 from the anastomosis recipient site and 20 from a separate site. Of the total, 16.7% (8/49 flaps) required salvage procedures - seven cases for venous congestion and one for ischaemic compromise - in comparison to 4.3% in cases without IVG (65/1498) (p<0.0001). Out of 49 IVG flaps, three (6.1%) failed in comparison to 1.7% (26/1498), where IVG flaps were not used (p<0.05). Two were transverse upper gracilis flaps with vessel calibre mismatch, and one lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flap with past infected implant and failed deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEP). We present the largest number of primary vascular grafts for free flap breast reconstruction in the literature. Primary IVG were used for at-risk flaps and had a success rate of 93.9%. This shows that IVG are a viable option to prevent venous congestion and lengthen the pedicle to aid inset and shaping; they are associated with higher complication rates bearing in mind the high-risk profile of the flaps these are used for.

Combined Anterolateral Thigh and Tensor Fasciae Latae Flaps: An Option for Reconstruction of Large Head and Neck Defects

The advent of microvascular free tissue transfer has provided the reconstructive surgeon with an enormous array of treatment options for reconstruction of large head and neck defects. However, when indicated by defect size, the need for more than 1 flap not only increases surgical complexity but also patient morbidity. The combination of the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap and the tensor fascia latae (TFL) flap can be used to reconstruct such complex head and neck defects, thereby minimizing any additional morbidity that would be imposed by an additional flap harvest site. The present study reports on the use of the combined ALT-TFL flap to reconstruct large and complex head and neck defects. A retrospective chart review was conducted of all microvascular head and neck reconstructions performed by the Maxillofacial Tumor and Reconstructive Surgery Service at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System (Miami, FL) from 2013 through 2016. Inclusion criteria for the study were head and neck defects at least 20m × 10cm and reconstruction with soft tissue flaps using perforating vasculature to the TFL and ALT vascular territories. Other study data included disease history, location of defect, flap size, recipient vessels, harvest time, ischemia time, surgical complications, and overall flap survival. Seven patients met the inclusion criteria. Five patients were treated for the diagnosis of stage III osteoradionecrosis and 2 patients underwent reconstruction in conjunction with ablative surgery for head and neck carcinoma. All 7 patients underwent successful head and neck reconstructions using the ALT-TFL flap. There was no partial or total flap failure. One patient had a wound healing complication at the donor site that did not require surgical intervention. Reconstruction of a large head and neck soft tissue defect with a combined ALT-TFL flap is a reliable method with minimal donor site morbidity and no major postoperative complications. This combined flap should be considered when the defect size extends beyond the bounds allowed by the ALT flap alone.

Use of Martius flap in the complex female urethral surgery.

IntroductionObjectives were to evaluate safety and patient reported perception of the Martius fibroadipose flap for complex female urethra reconstruction.Material and methodsPatients operated with a Martius flap were contacted again via telephone to rate their self–perception on cosmetic appearance, pain or numbness of the flap harvest site.Results37 women (mean age of 46.8 yrs.) were operated with Martius flaps. Complications were limited to bleeding from the flap bed in 19% (7/37); hematomas – 5.4% (2/37); and lymphorrhea from the labial incision in 13.5% (5/37) and labial wound infection in 5.4% of cases (2/37). For self–perception 65% of patients (24/37) were phone interviewed (mean follow up – 54.2 months). Only 17% of women (4/24) complained to cosmetic problems. Two patients (8%) complained to a periodical mild pain. And 12.5% (3/24) of the women had decreased sensation or numbness at the labia.ConclusionsMartius flap is safe and it is not causing significant complications during female urethral reconstruction. However, an informed consent for decreased sensation and numbness at the flap harvesting area should be obtained.

Scapular free flap harvest site: recognising the spectrum of radiographic post-operative appearance

Scapular free flap harvesting for oral cavity cancer reconstruction is an increasingly used and versatile option. We aim to describe the appearance of the scapula harvest site on chest radiograph and CT. We retrospectively reviewed a surgical database of 82 patients who underwent scapular osteocutaneous flap harvesting for oral cavity cancer reconstruction and had imaging performed at our institution. We searched the picture archiving and communications system for all associated imaging. Characteristic radiographic appearance in the immediate post-operative period as well as in the remote post-operative period is described, including an upside-down V-shaped paraglenoid notch, rectangular (or triangular) lateral border defects and a sharply pointed inferior scapular body. Additionally, common CT appearances are discussed, including an abrupt gleno-scapular interval, an absent axillary rim bulge and a Z-shaped scapula. The altered appearance of the scapular defect following surgical harvest is easily recognised. Although the description of this defect may not alter management and may reasonably be omitted, a radiologist's comfort with these appearances may potentially enhance the understanding of patient management and recognition of superimposed complications, such as infection. Scapular osteocutaneous free flap reconstruction is an increasingly used technique after oral cavity surgery. Very few radiologists reported in our review the surgical scapular defects, and there is apparent ignorance of their appearance. We described characteristic radiographic and CT signs of scapular free flap harvesting to increase radiologists' familiarity with these defects, which may provide clinical information and possibly contribute to detection of complications.

Remote ischemic preconditioning improves the survival of rat random-pattern skin flaps

Random-pattern flap transfer is one of the most popular procedures for covering soft tissue defects. Ischemic preconditioning is a protective endogenous mechanism capable of reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury, and it has been shown that preconditioning by proximal pedicle clamping can improve flap survival. However, the method is not suitable for random-pattern flap transfer in the clinical setting. The present study evaluates the effect of ischemic preconditioning of Wistar rat hind limbs upon dorsal random-pattern skin flap survival. Ischemic preconditioning was induced by ischemia of the right hind limb during 10 min, followed by 30 min of reperfusion. Thirty-two animals were divided in two groups. In group 1, a dorsal random-pattern skin flap measuring 2 × 7 cm was raised immediately after the induction of ischemic preconditioning. The animals in group 2 (controls) received the same treatment, but without ischemic preconditioning. The survival area was defined as the surface of the viable tissue (square centimeter) on the fifth postoperative day. The average survival area was 6.57 ± 0.18 cm2 in group 1 and 4.44 ± 0.21 cm2 in group 2. All preconditioned animals presented significantly higher flap survival areas than the controls (p ≤ 0.01, Student’s t test). Our findings show that flap necrosis was reduced by the induction of ischemic preconditioning in a body area distant from the flap harvest site, and that ischemic preconditioning has a systemic protective effect on dorsal random-pattern skin flaps and increase survival. A better understanding of the mechanism involved may improve the clinical condition of patients requiring random-pattern skin flap transfer, especially in high-risk groups.

Laparoscopic Mesh Repair of Transverse Rectus Abdominus Muscle and Deep Inferior Epigastric Flap Harvest Site Hernias

The transverse rectus abdominus muscle (TRAM) flap is one of the treatment options for breast reconstruction. TRAM flap reconstruction donor site herniation rates range from 1% to 8.8%. Traditionally, these hernias were treated by an open primary repair with or without the addition of onlay mesh. We report laparoscopic approach to treat TRAM and deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) harvest site hernias with mesh. We treated 5 patients, 4 from TRAM and 1 from DIEP flap harvest site hernias during the period of October 2003 to January 2006. Two of these patients underwent previous open mesh repair with recurrence. All of these patients underwent laparoscopic hernia repair using polytetrafluoroethylene dual mesh. Follow-up ranged 6 to 31 months without any recurrences. Laparoscopic mesh repair of ventral hernias located at TRAM and DIEP flap harvest sites can be performed safely and with a low rate of recurrence.

Martius Flap Harvest Site: Patient Self-Perception

Martius Flap Harvest Site: Patient Self-Perception

Martius Flap Harvest Site: Patient Self-Perception

We elucidated patient perception of the external genitalia after Martius flap harvesting. We identified 8 women in whom a Martius interposition flap was used in association with transvaginal urethrolysis. Patients were contacted by an independent nurse and asked to evaluate the cosmetic appearance of the labium majus harvest site. They were also queried on any associated pain, numbness or altered sensation, or perceived interference with vaginal sexual relations. Of the 8 patients 2 (25%) believed that the harvest site appeared to be identical to its preoperative appearance, 2 (25%) believed that there were only minimal changes from the preoperative appearance, 1 (12%) believed that it appeared markedly different from the contralateral side and 3 (38%) stated that they had never performed self-examination. Of the 8 patients 1 (13%) complained of dyspareunia, 3 (38%) had intermittent discomfort in the harvest area 1 year after the operation and 5 (62%) perceived permanently decreased sensation or numbness at the harvest site. The Martius flap is not associated with a significant amount of perceived cosmetic disfigurement. It has relatively little effect on sexual relations. Postoperatively discomfort is minimal but there may be associated numbness or decreased sensation at the harvest site.

Pulmonary function after pectoralis major myocutaneous flap harvest.

The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is widely used in the reconstruction of surgical defects in the head and neck region. Pulmonary atelectasis has been reported in patients undergoing these procedures, and many of these patients are heavy smokers and drinkers and have associated cardiopulmonary disorders. Flap harvest and donor site closure may lead to impairment of pulmonary function before and after the use of pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMC) in surgical reconstruction in patients with cancer of the head and neck. Patients undergoing extirpation of head and neck tumors with PMC reconstruction were prospectively evaluated. Patient age, smoking history (pack-years), anesthesia duration, percentage predicted pre- and postoperative FEV1, percentage-predicted pre- and postoperative FVC (forced vital capacity), and preoperative SaO2 (oxygen saturation) were evaluated. Preoperative FEV1/FVC ratio was calculated. Chest x-rays were reviewed. Only 11 patients, 5 of whom smoked, could be evaluated postoperatively. Preoperative FEV1/FVC was more than 70 and FEV1 more than 75% predicted in all patients. A decrease in FVC was observed in 7 of the 11 patients, which ranged between 2% and 27% without any clinically obvious respiratory manifestations. A baseline SaO2 of more than 96% was noted in all patients. Four of 9 postoperative chest x-rays demonstrated atelectasis. PMC harvest and donor site closure may lead to the recorded decrease in FVC measurements. These changes did not manifest clinically. Nevertheless, alternative methods of surgical defect closure should be considered in patients with severe preexisting pulmonary disorders.