Flap Hematoma Research Articles

Novel Challenges and Opportunities for Anesthesia and Perioperative Care in Microvascular Flap Surgery: A Narrative Review.

Complex microvascular techniques and in-depth knowledge of blood rheology and microanastomosis function are required for success in microvascular flap surgery. Substantial progress has been achieved in preventing complications, but the rate of flap loss is still significant and can have significant adverse effects on the patient. Flap thrombosis, flap hematoma, and flap loss are the most frequent and severe major surgical complications. Advances in understanding the pathophysiology of different flap complications, the use of preoperative risk assessment and new treatment concepts could improve the perioperative care of microvascular flap surgery patients. Our aim was to outline novel avenues for best practice and provide an outlook for further research of anesthesia and perioperative care concepts in microvascular flap surgery.

Relocation of polyotia tissue to reconstruct the tragus and fill the preauricular depression

ObjectivesThe present article introduces a lingual composite tissue flap based on the tragus-like structure for correcting polyotia deformity, with the aim of providing a surgical technique that involves relocating polyotia tissue to reconstruct the tragus and fill the preauricular depression. MethodsThe study included a total of 21 patients with polyotia who underwent lingual composite tissue flap reconstruction between January 2020 to December 2022. Patients were retrospectively assessed through a comprehensive review of their medical records and photographic data. Tragus morphology was evaluated based on the measurements of tragus length and width. The Aesthetic Outcomes Scale (AOS), modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were employed for the assessment of surgical outcomes. ResultsThe follow-up period for all patients ranged from 6 to 15 months. The length and width of the normal tragus were not significantly different from those of the reconstructed tragus. The mean preoperative AOS score was 2.73 ± 0.51, while the mean postoperative AOS score increased to 7.61 ± 0.65. The mVSS yielded an average score of 1.80 ± 1.43, indicating inconspicuous scarring post polyotia surgery. The preoperative VAS satisfaction score was recorded as 1.57 ± 0.67, while the postoperative VAS score significantly increased to 8.33 ± 0.91. The flaps all successfully survived post-operation without any occurrences of flap hematoma, necrosis, infection, or wound dehiscence. ConclusionThe reconstruction of the tragus should be given careful consideration when addressing polyotia. The utilization of a lingual composite tissue flap for correction can achieve excellent aesthetic results for the tragus, with high patient satisfaction and minimal complications.

Imaging of Antepartum and Postpartum Hemorrhage.

Severe obstetric hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Major hemorrhage in the antepartum period presents potential risks for both the mother and the fetus. Similarly, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) accounts for up to a quarter of maternal deaths worldwide. Potential causes of severe antepartum hemorrhage that radiologists should be familiar with include placental abruption, placenta previa, placenta accreta spectrum disorders, and vasa previa. Common causes of PPH that the authors discuss include uterine atony, puerperal genital hematomas, uterine rupture and dehiscence, retained products of conception, and vascular anomalies. Bleeding complications unique to or most frequently encountered after cesarean delivery are also enumerated, including entities such as bladder flap hematomas, rectus sheath and subfascial hemorrhage, and infectious complications of endometritis and uterine dehiscence. ©RSNA, 2024 Test Your Knowledge questions for this article are available in the supplemental material. See the invited commentary by Javitt and Madrazo in this issue.

Conservative Management of a Large Bladder Flap Hematoma Post Cesarean Section: A Case Report and Mini Review of Literature

Conservative Management of a Large Bladder Flap Hematoma Post Cesarean Section: A Case Report and Mini Review of Literature

Multidetector computed tomography evaluation of postcesarean section acute complications

Background: Cesarean delivery is the most commonly performed major abdominal operation in women. Its rate ranges from 3% to 5% in Africa to 33% in the United States and 43.9% in Brazil with a reported worldwide global estimation of 15%. Although it is a safe procedure, cesarean delivery has a variety of acute and chronic complications. The various acute complications of cesarean section are hematomas, infection, uterine dehiscence or rupture, and pelvic thrombophlebitis. The overall complication rate is around 14.5%. Aim and Objectives: The aim and objective of this study is to evaluate the imaging findings of acute complications of cesarean section. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was done in the Department of Radiodiagnosis Govt Medical College, Srinagar from June 2019 to February 2020 in collaboration with department of general surgery and gynecology and obstetrics. All patients with suspected complication in immediate postcesarean period were evaluated with contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Results: Out of 25 patients evaluated for suspected immediate postcesarean complications, five patients had bladder flap hematoma only, 8 had uterine dehiscence, six patients had uterine rupture, 3 had ureteric injury, one had gossypiboma while as 2 had pelvic sepsis. Conclusion: MDCT plays an important role in the detection and confirmation of multiple postcesarean acute complication and can also help in guiding the management of complication as well.

Post-Supravaginal Hysterectomy for Bladder Flap Hematoma in P3A0 Preterm Delivery by Cesarean Section due to Fetal Distress

Introduction: Bladder flap hematoma (BFH) is a rare complication of cesarean section (CS). BFH appears between the bladder and the lower uterine segment (LUS) when the visceral peritoneal is closed during traditional CS techniques and decreased uterine contractions. Surgery is the treatment of choice for the management of peritoneal closure in CS and the decrease in uterine contractions that cause BFH.Case Presentation: A 35-year-old G3P2A0 underwent a cesarean delivery due to fetal distress. CS was performed with the visceral peritoneal sutured as in the traditional technique. Six hours after CS, there was an increase in abdominal circumference, muscle defenses, hypotension, tachycardia, anemia, and leukocytosis. She had to undergo repeated laparotomy with acute abdomen after CS and hysterectomy because uterine atony was found.Conclusions: BFH can be caused by peritoneal closure during CS and decreased uterine contractions or uterine atony. Although there is no standard protocol for management, surgical approaches for cases with infection or bleeding and hysterectomy are performed to save the patient’s life from uterine atony.

Application of VSD technique in adults with chronic osteomyelitis of the extremities combined with soft tissue defects.

To investigate the clinical application of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) in chronic osteomyelitis of the extremities combined with soft tissue defects in adults. This study retrospectively included 32 adult patients with clearly diagnosed chronic osteomyelitis of the extremities combined with local soft tissue defects, and the trauma was covered by VSD after debridement, osteotomy, and vancomycin-laden bone cement filling of the occupancy, and the trauma was covered by selecting a suitable flap transfer repair according to the site and extent of the soft tissue defect after the trauma condition was suitable, and the secondary trauma was taken from the abdominal full-thickness skin free skin slice graft, according to whether the skin graft area was performed. The skin flap hematoma and infection rate, as well as the skin flap survival rate and implant fixation time were compared and analysed between the two groups. The primary outcome is the implant fixation time, and the secondary outcome is the skin fragment survival rate. In 32 patients, VSD was performed on the bone cement surface to cover the trauma, and 33.2 to 39.8kPa continuous vacuum sealing drainage was set. The average VSD time duration before soft tissue coverage was 47.87 ± 23.14 days, and the average number of VSD use was 7.18 ± 3.23. The use of VSD before soft tissue coverage did not cause complications such as negative pressure could not be maintained, vacuum sealing drainage was not smooth, skin blistering, trauma. Among the 32 patients, 12 cases of soft tissue coverage were followed by trauma free skin grafting with packing + VSD, and 20 cases were fixed with packing alone, and the duration of continuous packing and fixation of free skin pieces in the VSD group was significantly less than that in the control group (P=.006). The survival rate was significantly higher than that of the control group (P=.019). VSD in adult patients with chronic osteomyelitis of the extremities combined with soft tissue defects can effectively improve the trauma condition, provide the possibility of second-stage soft tissue coverage, and significantly shorten the preparation time for soft tissue coverage. In addition, when soft tissue coverage trauma is performed, VSD combined with skin graft packing technique can significantly improve the survival rate of skin pieces, shorten the time of skin graft fixation.

Morbidity of the Donor Site and Complication Rates of Breast Reconstruction with Autologous Abdominal Flaps: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Numerous studies have evaluated the use of autologous abdominal tissue for breast reconstruction; nevertheless, complications and donor site morbidity rates vary significantly. The study aims to compare the literature regarding morbidity of the donor site and complication rates of breast reconstruction with autologous abdominal flaps. Methods The databases of MEDLINE, EBSCO, Scopus, Wiley Library, and Web of Sciences were searched for studies that compared different flaps in terms of complications and donor site morbidity. The procedures studied included pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (pTRAM), free TRAM (fTRAM), deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP), and superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator (SIEA) flaps. A total of 34 studies were included. Of these, 28 were retrospective studies and 9 were prospective cohort studies. Results When compared to DIEP, fTRAM flaps were found to have a decreased incidence of flap fat necrosis, hematoma, and total thrombotic events, yet a higher risk of donor site hernia/bulging. pTRAM flaps were also associated with an increased risk of hernia/bulging at the donor site, as well as wound infection, yet flap hematoma was less common. On the other hand, SIEA flaps showed the lowest risk of donor site hernia/bulging while still having a high risk of wound infection. Conclusion fTRAM procedures comparatively had the least complications. However, regarding flap choice, patients would benefit most from a case-by-case analysis, taking into consideration individual risk factors and preferences.

Pelvic ultrasonography of the postpartum uterus in patients presenting to the emergency room with vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain.

Pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding are common symptoms in postpartum women presenting to the emergency room (ER). Pelvic ultrasonography plays a crucial role in evaluating symptomatic postpartum patients by allowing a rapid diagnosis and treatment initiation. The main goal of imaging is to distinguish between causes of pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding that may be managed conservatively and those requiring emergent intervention. This pictural essay focuses on the ultrasonographic features of common postpartum conditions for which patients may present to the ER with vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain, including retained products of conception, endometritis, uterine arteriovenous malformation, uterine artery pseudoaneurysm, ovarian vein thrombosis, bladder flap hematoma, and uterine dehiscence/rupture.

Clinical Observations of a Surgical Method Comprising a Combination of Cross Flap and Autologous Auricular Cartilage Transplantation in the Treatment of Type I to III Congenital Concha-Type Microtia.

The present study attempted to investigate the clinical efficacy of a surgical method involving a combination of cross flap with autologous auricular cartilage transplantation in the treatment of type I to III congenital concha-type microtia. The present retrospective study was conducted on the clinical and postoperative data of 50 patients with unilateral type I to III concha-type microtia treated with a combination of cross flap and autologous auricular cartilage transplantation at the Plastic Surgery Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2018 to December 2021. The postoperative perimeters of malformed ears were significantly larger than the preoperative perimeters (P < .05). Of the total, 2 patients exhibited incision dehiscence, 3 patients exhibited incision infection, 2 patients exhibited flap hematoma, and 1 patient exhibited ischemic necrosis at the flap tip. The satisfaction rate of the patients and their families was 100%. The surgical method involving a combination of cross flap and autogenous auricular cartilage transplantation was effective in treating patients with type I to III congenital concha-type microtia, and therefore, this surgical approach can be applied widely to correct this deformity.

Multidetector Computed Tomography Evaluation of Uncommon Acute Post-Caesarean Section Complications

Introduction. The most common major abdominal surgery in women is caesarean section. Despite being a safe procedure, a variety of complications, both acute and chronic, can occur. About 14.5% of caesarean sections result in complications. Infection followed by postpartum haemorrhage is the most frequent complication. Imaging modalities such as ultrasonography and multidetector computed tomography are often used in the evaluation of suspected uncommon post-caesarean complications. Computed tomography has been found to be a good initial modality for assessing acute postoperative complications after caesarean delivery.&#x0D; The objective of the research was to evaluate the imaging findings and the characteristic visual manifestations of atypical acute complications of caesarean section, other than common complications such as postpartum haemorrhage, wound infection, etc.&#x0D; Materials and Methods. This prospective study was carried out at the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, Government Medical College, Srinagar from June 2019 to February 2020 in collaboration with the Department of General Surgery and Gynaecology and Obstetrics of the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences. All patients with suspected complication in the immediate post-caesarean period were evaluated with contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography.&#x0D; Results. Out of 427 patients who underwent caesarean section, 25 patients were suspected of having uncommon acute complications. Out of 25 patients evaluated for suspected immediate post-caesarean complication, only 5 patients had bladder flap hematoma, 8 patients were diagnosed with uterine dehiscence, 6 patients had uterine rupture, 3 patients suffered from ureteral injury, 1 patient had gossypiboma, 2 patients developed pelvic sepsis.&#x0D; Conclusions. Multidetector computed tomography plays an important role in detection and confirmation of multiple acute complications after caesarean delivery and can also help in guiding the management of complications as well.

Pedicled Myocutaneous Flap Breast Reconstruction in the Community Hospital Setting: An Analysis of Cost and Complications

BackgroundFree tissue transfer breast reconstruction is an option for breast cancer patients that is precluded by a number of factors. The authors’ objective was to assess the use of pedicled myocutaneous breast reconstruction in the community hospital setting, with more limited resources, as a viable option with comparable rates of complications, cost, and outcomes.MethodsThe authors performed a retrospective cohort review of pedicled myocutaneous breast reconstructions of a single surgeon at a community-based institution from 2015 to 2019. Rates of complications, including partial and total flap failure, infection, seroma/hematoma, and reoperation were evaluated, as well as initial hospital cost, readmission cost, and subjective patient satisfaction. Statistical analysis was performed on the data and compared to published data on free flap breast reconstruction with regards to similar data points.ResultsThere were ten patients included in the analysis. This data demonstrated an immediate reoperation rate of 0%, with no incidence of partial or total flap loss, infection, seroma, hematoma, or medical complication. Delayed complications included delayed wound healing of the donor site (10%), abdominal wall bulge (10%), and umbilical partial necrosis (10%). The average length of initial stay was 5.7 days and the average initial hospital costs were $94,717.ConclusionsAs demonstrated at St. Barnabas Hospital, this type of breast reconstruction does not require the presence of a microsurgery fellowship program, high volumes, significant ancillary staff training, or other costly resources to monitor the patient, yet yields comparable or favorable rates of complications when compared to free tissue reconstruction. This allows more reconstructive options to be available to patients who may not have access to large tertiary centers for free flap reconstruction.

Efficacy and safety of topical nitroglycerin in the prevention of mastectomy flap necrosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Flap necrosis is a common complication after mastectomy, and nitroglycerin (NTG) ointment has been used successfully to treat it. However, it is not clear whether topical NTG can completely prevent the occurrence of flap necrosis after breast cancer surgery, and it is also unclear whether this treatment may cause side effects. Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two retrospective cohort studies (RCSs) were included in our investigation. This meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We found that NTG significantly reduced the rates of mastectomy flap necrosis, full-thickness flap necrosis, and debridement as well as the rate of early complications other than flap necrosis. However, there was no significant difference in drug-related adverse reactions, explantation, superficial flap necrosis, infection, hematoma or seroma between the NTG and placebo groups.

Fresh Frozen Amniotic Membrane and Buccal Pad of Fat for Reconstruction of Oral Mucosal Defect After Surgical Excision of Leukoplakia

Objective: To compare the use of Fresh Frozen Amniotic Membrane (FFAM) and Buccal Pad of Fat (BPF) for reconstruction of oral mucosal defect after surgical excision of leukoplakia. Material and Methods: Twenty patients were randomly selected and divided into two groups. Group 1 use amniotic membrane graft and Group 2 BPF. Both groups were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. Incisal opening, epithelialization and fibrosis were evaluated after one month of surgery. Chi square and Student t tests were used. Results: According to the presence of smoking habits, the highest frequencies were for smoking (30%) and betel leaf areca nut with tobacco (30%). Regarding the diameter of oral leukoplakia, in 40% of the participants it was 2x3 cm 2 . In Group1, after one month of surgery preoperative and postoperative inter-incisal opening values were 44.20 ± 3.37 and 42.05 ± 3.47 (p 0.05). When FFAM was used complete epithelialization in 70% and incomplete epithelialization in 30% patients. When BPF was used the results were almost similar. Fibrosis occurred in 30% in Group 1. There were no complications like flap necrosis, infectiona and hematoma formation. Conclusion: Incisal opening was significantly better in Fresh Frozen Amniotic MembraneGroup, epithelialization and fibrosis were almost same in both groups after surgical excision of oral leukoplakia.

Cesarean Delivery: A Multimodality Imaging Review of Acute and Chronic Complications

Cesarean deliveries account for approximately 30% of deliveries in the United States yearly.1 Approximately 14% of cesarean deliveries have associated short-term complications, most commonly endometritis or incisional cellulitis.2 Other complications include rectus sheath and bladder flap hematomas, endometrial hemorrhage, superficial and deep abscess formation, uterine dehiscence or rupture, ovarian vein thrombophlebitis, and, rarely, retained products of conception. Long-term risks include an increased incidence of ectopic implantation at the uterine scar site and potential invasive placentation, intrauterine device malpositioning, and endometriosis within the abdominal wall incision site.2 Familiarity with both the normal appearance and the potential acute and chronic complications of the patient with postpartum cesarean delivery will facilitate timely and accurate diagnosis and expedite appropriate patient care.

Chest wall reconstruction for traumatic chest wall lesions

Background The study was conducted to project the different available surgical modalities of chest wall reconstruction for different traumatic chest wall lesions. Patients and methods Sixty patients were divided into two equal groups of 30 patients each. In the first group, skeletal tissue reconstruction was performed using plates and screws in 15 patients. In the second group, soft tissue reconstruction was performed using latissimus dorsi flap in 15 patients and using pectoralis major flap in the other 15 patients. The mandibular plate was the type used in fixation with three interlocking screws on each side of fracture. The prolene mesh was sutured to margins of skeletal defects with interrupted prolene sutures and then covered with muscle flap. The latissimus dorsi flap was used to cover lateral and anterior soft tissue defects. In addition, pectoralis major flap was used to cover superioanterior and upper lateral soft tissue defects. Each patient was assessed for primary outcomes such as ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and hospital stay and secondary outcomes such as deformity, redo surgery, and death. Results The need for mechanical ventilation, ICU admission, seroma formation, redo surgery, hospital stay, and deformity are more decreased in the plates and screws subgroup than in prolene mesh reconstruction, but no difference was found in chest infection, wound infection, and death between the two subgroups. However, flap hematoma, seroma formation, and residual deformity are more decreased in pectoralis major flap than in latissimus dorsi flap. Conclusion Fixation of fractures with metal plates and screws decrease morbidity. Most skeletal chest wall defects can be reconstructed with prolene mesh. The latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major flaps are the most versatile and reliable flaps used in reconstruction today.

The current status of robotic transaxillary thyroidectomy in the United States: an experience from two centers.

Few studies exist regarding the state of robotic transaxillary thyroidectomy (RT) and its outcomes at high-volume institutions. Eighty-nine patients underwent RT between January 2009 and September 2015 at two tertiary centers. Data were collected from prospectively-maintained IRB-approved databases. Patient demographic and clinical data, and trends were evaluated. Indications for RT included biopsy-proven or suspicion for malignancy in 20.2%, atypical cells or follicular neoplasm in 27.7%, multinodular goiter in 26.6%, thyrotoxicosis in 8.5%, need for completion thyroidectomy in 5.3%, and non-diagnostic FNA in 3.2%. 56% underwent total thyroidectomy and 44% lobectomy. Operative time (OT) was 153.5 minutes for lobectomies and 192.6 minutes for total thyroidectomy. The complication rate was 11.7%: temporary RLN neuropraxia in 2 patients, permanent hypoparathyroidism in 1 patient, temporary hypoparathyroidism in 6 patients, flap seroma in 1 patient, and flap hematoma in 1 patient. Pathology showed malignancy in 43 patients. At a mean follow-up of 31.9 months, there were no recurrences. Since 2013, the number of RTs performed has risen. The number of out-of-state patients increased from 18% to 37% after 2011. RT was performed without compromising outcomes in selected patients. There remains interest among patients seeking this procedure in expert centers.

Multidetector CT appearance of the pelvis after cesarean delivery: normal and abnormal acute findings.

Cesarean section (CS) may have several acute complications that can occur in the early postoperative period. The most common acute complications are hematomas and hemorrhage, infection, ovarian vein thrombosis, uterine dehiscence and rupture. Pelvic hematomas usually occur at specific sites and include bladder flap hematoma (between the lower uterine segment and the bladder) and subfascial or rectus sheath hematoma (rectus sheath or prevescical space). Puerperal hemorrhage can be associated with uterine dehiscence or rupture. Pelvic infections include endometritis, abscess, wound infection, and retained product of conception. Radiologists play an important role in the diagnosis and management of postoperative complications as a result of increasing use of multidetector CT in emergency room. The knowledge of normal and abnormal postsurgical anatomy and findings should facilitate the correct diagnosis so that the best management can be chosen for the patient, avoiding unnecessary surgical interventions and additional treatments. In this article we review the surgical cesarean technique and imaging CT technique followed by description of normal and abnormal post-CS CT findings.

A Case of Bladder Flap Hematoma Presenting With Hematuria

A Case of Bladder Flap Hematoma Presenting With Hematuria

Arteriovenous fistulas for microvascular head and neck reconstruction

Background In head and neck cancer patients, multiple surgeries and radiation can leave the neck depleted of recipient vessels appropriate for microvascular reconstruction. The creation of temporary arteriovenous fistulas using venous interposition for subsequent microvascular reconstruction has rarely been reported in the head and neck. The authors report the largest series of temporary arteriovenous loops for head and neck reconstruction in vessel-depleted necks. Methods The authors performed a case series of major head and neck reconstructions using temporary arteriovenous fistulas with a saphenous vein graft. A subclavian surgical approach was used. All reconstructions were performed at least two weeks after the creation of the initial fistula. Results The authors have performed nine reconstructive cases for malignancy using five different free flaps. The subclavian and transerve cervical arteries were used, and the subclavian, internal jugular and cephalic veins were used for microanastomosis. Two cases of flap hematoma and one case of venous pedicle compression were recorded. No cases of flap failure were reported. Conclusions Reconstruction using temporary arteriovenous fistulas is a reliable technique that can be used in the vessel-depleted neck, with excellent outcomes in experienced hands.