Free Flap Research Articles

Analysis of the Radial Forearm Phalloplasty Donor Site: Do Dermal Matrices Improve Donor Site Morbidity?

The radial forearm free flap is frequently chosen for phalloplasty; however, flap size required for phalloplasty is associated with a large scar burden and functional concerns. We sought to investigate donor site functionality, aesthetics, and volume deficits in a cohort of individuals who underwent radial forearm phalloplasty (RFP) with donor site skin grafting alone or dermal substitute and subsequent skin grafting. Donor site functionality was assessed using the quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (qDASH). Patient- and clinician-reported aesthetics were assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). An Artec Leo three-dimensional scanner was used to measure volumetric differences from the donor site forearm and contralateral forearm. Fifteen patients who underwent RFP agreed to participate. No statistically significant differences were identified between different donor site closure methods regarding qDASH, patient-reported POSAS, or total volumetric deficits. A blinded clinician reported that POSAS approached significance at 4.7 for biodegradable temporizing matrix (BTM), 4.2 for Integra, and 3.0 for split-thickness skin graft (P = 0.05). No statistically significant differences were identified regarding distal, middle, or proximal volume deficits; however, a trend was observed regarding total volumetric deficits with BTM experiencing the lowest deficit (10.3 cm3) and skin graft experiencing the highest deficit (21.5 cm3, P = 0.82). The addition of dermal matrix (BTM or Integra) to the treatment algorithm for RFP did not show statistically significant improvement in donor site volume deficits, patient-reported scar appearance (POSAS), or functionality (qDASH).

Reconstruction of Allen's type IV fingertip amputation via bilateral unequal-sized hallux osteo-onychocutaneous free flaps: A retrospective study with 5-year follow-up

PurposeThe reconstruction of Allen's type IV fingertip amputation is a clinical challenge. Our team designed bilateral unequal-sized hallux osteo-onychocutaneous free flaps for the long-term reconstruction of Allen's type IV fingertip amputation and conducted a retrospective study with a 5-year follow-up aims to evaluate the effects of this technique. MethodsA retrospective analysis with a 5-year follow-up including 13 patients with Allen's type IV fingertip amputation who were admitted to our hospital from January 2010 to January 2017 was conducted. The patients were treated with bilateral unequal-sized hallux osteo-onychocutaneous free flaps. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were recorded, and the survival rate of the transplanted flaps was calculated. During the 5-year follow-up after operation, the nail growth time was recorded and the finger appearance was observed. At the last follow-up appointment, the length, width, and girth of the reconstructed fingertip and contralateral normal fingertip, range of motion of the reconstructed fingertip and contralateral normal fingertip, Semmes-Weinstein test (for the evaluation of tactile sensation), and two-point discrimination testing results were recorded. SPSS 22.0 software was used for the statistical analysis and the data are presented as mean ± SD. ResultsThe mean operation time was (5.62 ± 0.51) h, the mean intraoperative blood loss was (34.15 ± 3.13) mL, and the survival rate of the transplanted flaps was 100%. During the 5-year follow-up, the average nail growth time was (10.14 ± 1.98) months and the average bone union time was (3.78 ± 0.91) months. The length, width, and girth of the reconstructed fingertip were (31.52 ± 3.73) mm, (17.82 ± 1.74) mm, and (59.75 ± 3.04) mm, respectively, which did not differ from those of the contralateral normal fingertip. The range of motion of the reconstructed fingertip was (12.15 ± 2.79) degrees which is different from that of the contralateral normal fingertip. The average tactile sensation evaluated via the Semmes-Weinstein test and the average two-point discrimination test of the reconstructed fingertip were (0.39 ± 0.17) g and (7.46 ± 1.14) mm, respectively, which were not different from those of the contralateral normal fingertip. The average Maryland score of feet in the donor area was 87.66 ± 7.39, which was satisfactory. ConclusionBilateral unequal-sized hallux osteo-onychocutaneous free flaps are an effective method to reconstruct Allen's type IV fingertip amputations with a satisfactory appearance and good sensory function.

A Lifeboat for Failed Nasal Reconstructions: The Supraclavicular-Submental Sandwich Flap.

Many failures in total or subtotal nasal reconstruction result from an underestimation of the amount of skin required for an adequate result, especially for sufficient lining. Such planning errors usually lead to poor results, with exposure of structural grafts, infection, scar retraction, airway obstruction, and finally loss of projection and shape of the reconstructed nose. Reconstruction options for cases in which previous attempts have failed are always limited, as well as in cases of trauma or burns affecting the soft tissues of the forehead and face. In such complex situations, one may employ free flaps or tissue expansion, but such resources may not be always available. We describe a technique indicated for salvage surgeries in patients whose previous nasal reconstructions have failed, allowing a generous amount of tissue transfer for the nasal region. The technique combines the use of supraclavicular and submental flaps, with simple execution, not requiring microsurgical skills or devices such as tissue expanders. Done in three stages, the described technique provides enough skin for a total nasal reconstruction. The final result is obtained after subsequent refinements, and the total number of procedures is equivalent to when more sophisticated techniques are employed, such as tissue expansion or microsurgery.

Predicting Complications in Head and Neck Surgery: Comparing Calculators to Surgeons.

Objectives: Surgical outcomes determine national ranking, reputation, and funding, and are often assessed with objective surgical risk calculators (SRCs). Surgeons' assessments are not considered. This study aims to determine if surgeons or SRCs are more accurate in predicting outcomes. Methods: This prospective cohort study identified a surgeon's assessment on a patient's risk preoperatively. The patient's risk was also calculated using the SRC. Predictions were compared to patient outcomes and to each other to assess whether surgeons or the SRC were more accurate. Results: Of the 101 patients included, 37 (36.6%) experienced a complication of any kind and 18 (17.8%) experienced a serious complication. Smoking resulted in a 2.49 times higher overall complication rate (P = .04). Laryngectomy patients experienced the highest rate of complications (P = .02) compared to those undergoing free flap reconstruction [odds ratio (OR) 0.9] or any other surgery (OR 0.26). Both surgeons and the American College of Surgeons (ACS) tool performed poorly on the prediction of the outcome of any complication, with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) of 0.51 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.39-0.62] and 0.58 (95% CI: 0.47-0.70), respectively, which was not statistically significant (P = .34). For the prediction of the outcome of serious complication, the AUC for surgeons and the ACS tool were 0.55 (95% CI: 0.41-0.69) and 0.60 (95% CI: 0.46-0.74), respectively, which was not statistically significant (P = .58). Conclusions: Neither validated risk calculators nor surgeons are accurate in predicting perioperative risk. The only risk factor that contributes to improving predictions for complications is preoperative smoking, although age and type of surgery are also significant predictors. Risk calculators may therefore not be appropriate metrics for assessing hospital performance. These findings can help guide preoperative counseling and may help in the development of more accurate predictive tools as the healthcare field continues to incorporate artificial intelligence into surgical planning.

Evaluación de la eficacia y concordancia de la angiografía con verde de indocianina en la cirugía oncoplástica y reconstructiva de la mama. resultados preliminares del estudio prospectivo gBREAST-22

IntroductionDuring oncoplastic procedures, the vascularization and perfusion of the skin flaps is modified, thus increasing the possibility of skin necrosis.The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of indocyanine color green angiography (ICG-A) to determine intraoperative skin necrosis after oncoplastic surgery or skin-sparing or nipple-skin sparing mastectomy (NSSM). Patients and methodProspective observational study to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of the ICG-A in women with high-risk breast cancer. Results98 women and 156 breasts were included in the study. A total of 20 women (20.4%) presented an image of ischemia in the ICG-A. 21 women (21.4%) presented ischemic events in the postoperative period, 71.4% of these events had been detected in the third ICG-A. Three of these patients (3.1%) presented a serious complication that required reintervention. The sensitivity and specificity of the A-VIC was 71.4% and 93.5%, respectively. ConclusionsICG-A has high specificity and negative predictive value for detecting areas of low perfusion. In breast units with highly complex surgery, it can be useful to plan extreme surgeries and identify skin areas of low perfusion.

Prediction of Mastectomy Skin Flap Necrosis With Indocyanine Green Angiography and Thermography: A Retrospective Comparative Study

This study investigates the predictive role of indocyanine green angiography and thermography in assessing mastectomy skin flap necrosis in the intraoperative and postoperative setting. A retrospective review of 45 patients who underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate prepectoral reconstruction was performed. Mastectomy flap viability was evaluated intraoperatively with indocyanine green angiography and thermography after placement of an implant sizer and again postoperatively at 24 hours. Fluorescence pattern was analyzed with a near-infrared camera (IC-FlowTM Imaging System, Diagnostic Green GmbH, Germania) and thermographic images with FLIR ONE device. FLIR ONE and ICG images were then transposed on macroscopic breast images with a scale 1:1. The mastectomy skin flap was evaluated using the SKIN score (Mayo Clinic Classification). Overlap between angiography and thermography images was 87.95% intraoperatively and 95.95% 24 hours postoperatively. Overlay with mastectomy flap necrosis was higher in the intraoperative angiography group with statistical significance. Contrarily, such a difference was not apparent in the postoperative period. ICG appears to be a superior tool when used intraoperatively with fundamental implications on reconstructive decision-making, while thermography could be a valuable assessment method in the postoperative setting. Further studies are necessary to confirm such results and determine their clinical applicability.

Evaluation of the efficacy and concordance of indocianine color green angiography in oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery. Preliminary results of the gBREAST-22 prospective study

IntroductionDuring oncoplastic procedures, the vascularization and perfusion of the skin flaps is modified, thus increasing the possibility of skin necrosis.The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of indocyanine color green angiography (ICG-A) to determine intraoperative skin necrosis after oncoplastic surgery or skin-sparing or nipple-skin sparing mastectomy (NSSM). Patients and methodProspective observational study to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values ​​of the ICG-A in women with high-risk breast cancer. Results98 women and 156 breasts were included in the study. A total of 20 women (20.4%) presented an image of ischemia in the ICG-A. 21 women (21.4%) presented ischemic events in the postoperative period, 71.4% of these events had been detected in the third ICG-A. Three of these patients (3.1%) presented a serious complication that required reintervention. The sensitivity and specificity of the ICG-A was 71.4% and 93.5%, respectively. ConclusionsICG-A has high specificity and negative predictive value for detecting areas of low perfusion. In breast units with highly complex surgery, it can be useful to plan extreme surgeries and identify skin areas of low perfusion.

A Systematic Review and Illustrative Case of Post- Decompressive Craniectomy Syndrome Following Traumatic Brain Injury

Post-decompressive craniectomy syndrome (PDCS) is a complication following decompressive craniectomy (DC). PDCS or also known as trephine or sunken skin flap syndrome has an indirect relationship with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The mechanism of PDCS is not yet fully understood and the clinical manifestations are diverse, causing PDCS to often be underdiagnosed. In this study, the authors aim to create a systematic review of PDCS following TBI including a discussion of incidence, clinical and radiological manifestations, management and outcome. This systematic review is conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline. The literature search included electronic databases PubMed, Cochrane, JNS and EMBASE. All studies included were available in English and full-text format. In this research, 42 case reports were obtained. The population was predominantly male (72%) with a mean population age of 44.7 ± 17.3 years. The mean interval for onset and cranioplasty procedure was 80.17 ± 77.34 days and 92.05 ± 77.06, respectively. The most common clinical manifestations were sunken skin flap in the defect area (74%) and decreased consciousness (64%). Paradoxical herniation (74%) was the most common radiological manifestation. There was no connection between the occurrence of PDCS and the size of the defect. Cranioplasty remains the mainstay of management with clinical improvement in 96% of cases. PDCS should be suspected in every patient with symptoms of new neurological deficits after DC. Early management must be carried out to prevent further deterioration.

Intraoperative Near-infrared Spectroscopy Can Predict Skin Flap Necrosis.

Intraoperative Near-infrared Spectroscopy Can Predict Skin Flap Necrosis.

Transoral robotic thyroidectomy: Lessons learned from consecutive series of 1,000 patients

BackgroundTransoral robotic thyroidectomy has gained popularity as a promising approach for thyroid surgery owing to its improved cosmetic outcomes. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the surgical and safety outcomes of 1,000 consecutive transoral robotic thyroidectomy cases. Methods1,000 consecutive patients who underwent transoral robotic thyroidectomy for thyroid disease were reviewed at a large metropolitan tertiary hospital (Seoul, Korea) between September 2012 and March 2022. ResultsThe study comprised 1,000 patients (815 women), with 891 cancer cases. Lobectomy was the most common procedure (89.4%), followed by total thyroidectomy (9.8%) and isthmusectomy (0.8%), and their respective mean total operative times were 173.8 ± 36.2, 236.8 ± 50.5, and 107.5 ± 19.8 minutes. An obvious learning curve was noted. The respective postoperative pain scores on postoperative days 0, 1, and 2 were 4.6 ± 1.3, 3.1 ± 0.8, and 2.5 ± 0.8. The mean postoperative hospital stay duration was 2.6 ± 0.9 days. Complications occurred in 3.6% of cases, including oral wound infection, skin flap burn, bleeding, chyle leakage, transient and permanent mental nerve injury, and transient and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Transient hypoparathyroidism occurred in 4.1% of total thyroidectomy cases. Thirty-seven patients (4.2%) underwent additional radioactive iodine therapy. The median follow-up period was 39 months, and there were no cases of recurrence. ConclusionsUnder the expertise of an experienced surgeon, transoral robotic thyroidectomy results in favorable cosmetic outcomes, tolerable postoperative pain, and acceptable complication rates in carefully selected patients.

Artery first and declamp it: A temporary revascularization method during microvascular anastomosis: A retrospective case series study

BackgroundThe optimal sequence of microvascular clamping during free flap transfer is yet to be established. Many surgeons are reluctant to perform temporary declamping and subsequent reclamping in the process of microvascular anastomosis; however, we usually anastomose the artery first and temporarily declamp it before venous anastomosis to confirm arterial patency and ensure proper alignment of the flap veins. Herein, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of this temporary revascularization method retrospectively in 126 patients who underwent microvascular head and neck reconstruction. MethodsA total of 127 free flaps were transferred, with the anterolateral thigh flap being the most frequently used (49 flaps). The internal jugular vein was the most frequently used recipient vein, and an end-to-side anastomosis to it was performed in 112 patients. ResultsIntraoperative re-anastomosis was required because of an arterial thrombosis in five cases (4.0%), arterial and venous thrombosis in one case (0.8%), injury of the flap artery distal to the anastomotic site in one case (0.8%), and venous twisting in one case (0.8%). Postoperatively, all the flaps survived without microvascular compromise. ConclusionsVascular kinking or twisting of the vascular pedicle is a major cause of free flap failure. However, it is difficult to place empty vessels during clamping accurately. Temporary revascularization engorges the flap vein before venous anastomosis and minimizes the risk of venous kinking and twisting. According to our results, reclamping did not increase the risk of arterial thrombosis.

Application of Flow-through Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flaps in Replantation of Complex Severed Limb

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical application value of flow-through anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flaps in replantation of complex severed limbs. MethodsThirteen severe vascular, nerve injury, and skin or soft tissue defects in patients with complex severed limbs from August 2017 to January 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The skin flap has covered the wound by using the flow-through ALTP flap technique. The main vascular defect was repaired by using the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, and the blood supply of the transplanted limb was reconstructed. The blood supply of the flap and wound healing observed were observed after the operation. Regular follow-up was performed to observe the survival and functional recovery of the replanted limb. ResultsEleven cases of replanted limb and perforator flap survived completely. Limb shortening occurred in 3 patients owing to bone defects caused by distal amputation. After the second stage of bone transplantation, the limb length and function of those 3 patients recovered well. One case showed necrosis of the little finger after replantation of the severed palm. One case showed that the crushed forearm was severed completely. The anastomotic vascular inflammatory embolism was caused by infection and necrosis of soft tissue after replantation for 2 weeks, and then the stump wound was covered with a survived skin flap in the second stage. ConclusionThe flow-through ALTP flap technique has a good therapeutic effect on the functional reconstruction of complex severed limbs with severe skin and vascular injuries.

Microsurgical breast reconstruction in the United States: a narrative review of the current state.

Breast reconstruction with microsurgical techniques allows for autologous reconstruction after mastectomy without the complications associated with alloplastic reconstruction. Autologous reconstruction has undergone significant improvement and now offers patients a variety of options depending on patient specific factors and aesthetic outcomes. This review aims to focus on the history of autologous reconstruction, operative considerations, general surgical techniques for flaps, and indications for choosing the ideal free tissue transfer for all medical specialties and not only plastic surgeons. A comprehensive review of the literature was performed using PubMed and Embase databases. Manuscripts that provided objective data with respect to history of microsurgical options, surgical techniques, patient considerations, and contraindications were utilized for this review with the objective to simplify data for all non-plastic surgeon readers. In this study, we find that patient selection is critical in successful outcomes for microsurgical breast reconstruction. We find that abdominal free flaps are now considered gold standard for autologous reconstruction. However, reliable alternatives exist for patients who are not considered ideal candidates for this reconstruction. These include thigh-based flaps such as gracilis myocutaneous flaps, profunda artery perforator flaps, lateral thigh perforator flaps and trunk-based flaps such as lumbar artery perforator flap. Postoperative considerations involve clinical monitoring and enhanced recovery after surgery. The rate of reconstructive success and flap viability is greater that 95%, even in high-risk populations, and therefore risk stratification should be performed based on an individual basis. While there are no absolute contraindications to autologous reconstruction, relative contraindications do exist including obesity and elderly populations due to the increased surgical and medical complications. While implant-based reconstruction remains the predominant method of breast reconstruction in the United States, there have been many exciting advancements in autologous reconstruction that offers high aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Current status of prepectoral breast reconstruction in Argentina.

Breast cancer is among the most common cancers diagnosed in women, affecting one in eight women per year. Immediate implant-based breast reconstruction has emerged as the predominant approach for postmastectomy reconstruction, with a growing preference for the direct-to-implant (DTI) method over the traditional tissue expander technique. While conventionally, implants were typically positioned beneath the pectoralis major muscle, recent advancements have paved the way for implant placement above the muscle, in the prepectoral plane. Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) techniques can be combined with prepectoral breast reconstruction. The presence of sufficient fatty tissue coverage is considered one of the foremost independent factors influencing the success of immediate breast reconstruction and flap viability. DTI is a safe approach for prepectoral implant-based reconstruction with a number of advantages. However, careful patient selection and judicious assessment of flap perfusion help identify an appropriate subset of patients for prepectoral DTI reconstruction. Proposed breast tissue coverage classification (BTCC) and rigorous perfusion assessment techniques will aid to minimize postoperative complications and reconstruction failure. Based on the obtained range of coverage values (distance between the Cooper's ligaments and the skin) of preoperative digital mammogram evaluation, a three-type BTCC is as follows: Type 1: <1 cm (poor coverage), Type 2: between 1 and 2 cm (medium coverage), Type 3: >2 cm (good coverage). Prepectoral DTI reconstruction provides good results with complication rates similar to those of subpectoral techniques, eliminating breast animation. A meticulous surgical technique is essential to preserve the vascular network that guarantees the survival of the skin flap and nipple-areola complex (NAC). In the good coverage group (Type 3), an immediate DTI reconstruction could be safely performed. Aesthetic complications as rippling can occur if prepectoral implants are placed in Type 1 patients. Preoperative planning for prepectoral placement should not depend on breast volume, but on breast tissue coverage. Flap evaluation based on preoperative imaging measurements may be helpful when planning a conservative mastectomy. Patient selection, preoperative and intraoperative mastectomy flap evaluation, and modifications in implant technology play a critical role in this new and rapidly growing method for implant-based breast reconstruction.

Maxillary Reconstruction with Free Vascularized Fibula: 15-Year Experience.

Reconstruction of the midface after maxillectomy is extremely challenging due to the need to reestablish the contour of the midface, maintain oronasal separation, support the orbit, and to restore the dentition. In this study, we present our specific technique, surgical and functional outcomes, and pitfalls to avoid for reconstruction of the midface with the fibula osteocutaneous free flap. A retrospective review of patients who underwent maxillary reconstruction with a fibula osteocutaneous free flap was performed. Eighty-five flaps were performed in 73 patients (61 patients received a fibula flap only; 12 patients received an additional soft tissue free flap). Reconstructions were performed for 82.2% Cordeiro type 2 and 18.8 % Cordeiro type 3a defects. Osseointegrated dental implants were placed in 95.9% of patients, 13.7% of whom underwent immediate implant placement. Concurrent orbital floor reconstruction was performed in 16.2% of patients. The rate of operative takeback was 18.9%, and total flap loss occurred in 2.7%. Hardware exposure occurred in 11.0% at a mean of 4.4 years postoperatively and palatal fistulae occurred in 5.5%, usually within the first 3 weeks following reconstruction. Functionally, 79.5% demonstrated excellent speech and 80.9% had unrestricted diet postoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 3.4 years. The present study shows that maxillary reconstruction with free fibula flap provides reliable reconstruction that restores dental, orbital, and midfacial support. Modifications and nuances to the reconstructive technique learned over time to avoid complications and improve outcomes are described herein.

"Muscle foreshortening after free gracilis transfer for smile: Where, when, why?"

Gracilis free muscle transfer (GFMT) remains the standard for smile restoration in patients with long-standing facial palsy. Resting oral commissure lateralization (ROCL) following GFMT is aesthetically unappealing and can cause functional problems including dysarthria and oral incompetence. The risk factors for ROCL following GFMT are poorly understood. Of all patients who underwent GFMT for smile restoration from 2003 - 2021, patients with subsequent ROCL were identified from a facial nerve database using pre-determined search criteria. Medical records were reviewed to identify potential risk factors for muscle foreshortening. Of 412 patients who underwent successful GFMT since 2003, we identified 41 (10%) patients who subsequently developed ROCL. ROCL rates varied significantly based on gracilis innervation source, with ipsilateral CN VII innervation and dual-innervation (cross-facial nerve graft (CFNG) plus ipsilateral nerve-to-masseter (NTM)) demonstrating the highest foreshortening rates (27.3% and 15.4%, respectively), compared to the lowest rates of foreshortening when gracilis was innervated by CNFG alone (3.2%), p=0.005. Patients with a history of radiation to the surgical field were significantly more likely to develop ROCL (22%) compared to those without a history of radiation (8.6%), p<0.001. Furthermore, the rate of ROCL was significantly higher among patients who underwent concurrent stabilization of the nasolabial fold using a wide band of fascia lata (20.8%) compared to those who did not (6.6%), p<0.001. Herein we report potential risk factors for ROCL following GFMT for smile restoration, including innervation source, radiation history, and concurrent fascia lata static suspension.

The impact of preoperative psychiatric intervention for postoperative delirium after major oral and maxillofacial surgery with free flap reconstruction

BackgroundPostoperative delirium (POD) is a severe complication associated with various adverse outcomes, especially in older patients. Although the incidence and risk factors for POD have been explored in general surgery, they have not been fully elucidated. Early identification of high-risk patients and active preoperative intervention are considered essential for the prevention of POD. Recently, psychiatric consultation intervention have been shown to prevent delirium. This study investigated the effect of preoperative psychiatric interventions on preventing POD in our specific surgical context. Materials and MethodsThis retrospective, single-center observational study included 86 patients who underwent major oral and maxillofacial surgery with free flap reconstruction between 2016 and 2023. The effect of psychiatric intervention were compared between patients with and without delirium. ResultsPreoperative psychiatric intervention did not reduce the incidence of POD. The incidence of POD was 29.1 %. Univariate analyses showed no significant associations between POD and any clinical variables. ConclusionThere was no difference in the incidence of POD between patients who received preoperative psychiatric intervention and those who did not, and further investigation is needed to determine the efficacy of preoperative psychiatric intervention in the prevention of POD.

Thrombotic Consequences of COVID-19 Infection on Microsurgical Reconstruction.

Evidence has shown increased morbidity and mortality for patients with COVID-19 infection within 7 weeks of surgery. However, no studies have specifically investigated the effects of COVID-19 in microsurgical outcomes. This study evaluated thrombotic and overall complications after free tissue transfer for a variety of indications in patients with and without previous COVID-19 infection. A retrospective cohort study was performed in adult patients with or without a history of COVID-19 infection who underwent microsurgical reconstruction between 2017 and 2022. Patients with a history of COVID-19 infection were matched to controls based on age, gender, race, body mass index, history of diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension, Caprini score, tobacco use, and flap indication. From 2017 to 2022, 35 patients had a documented history of COVID-19. Matched case analysis determined a 4.8 times increased odds ratio of postoperative complications in the COVID-19 group compared with controls (p = 0.002). Significantly, more patients with COVID-19 experienced total or partial flap loss and anastomotic issues (COVID-19: 7/35, Control: 0/35; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in incidence of VTE (COVID-19: 1/35, Control: 0/35; p = 0.493). Of note, 62.9% of the COVID-19 group were discharged on anticoagulants (versus 14.3% in the control group [p < 0.001]). COVID-19 has dire, long-lasting effects on virtually every organ system, chief among them, the microcirculation. Further studies are needed to fully determine the extent and influence of COVID-19 on complex procedures such as free tissue transfer and how to optimize the screening, workup, and postoperative care to guard against the associated thrombotic consequences.

Use of Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap and Free Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction: Comparison of Complications and Costs.

Free anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (LDMF) are well-defined flaps frequently used to reconstruct head and neck defects. Our study aimed to compare the advantages and disadvantages of these flaps regarding esthetics, complications, and cost burden. The authors retrospectively evaluated 10 patients who applied to our clinic between January 2016 and December 2021 and required free flap reconstruction for the defect in the head and neck region. The first group consisted of 5 patients with ALT flaps, and the second group had 5 patients with LDMF flaps. The average cost burden of the first group was calculated as 18,373 TL, and the second group's was 23,362 TL. Our study found that the cost and complication rates were statistically higher in the LDMF flap group, and using an ALT flap was more reasonable due to its advantages.

Volumetric Bone Changes in Double Barrel Vascularized Fibula Flap Used for Mandibular Reconstruction: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

To assess the volumetric bone changes in double barrel vascularized fibular flap used for mandibular reconstruction using 3D miniplate versus 3D titanium mesh tray. Twenty patients seeking mandibular reconstruction were selected for this 2-arm parallel randomized clinical trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Both groups underwent double-barrel fibula free flap for mandibular reconstruction with fixation of the superior barrel to the inferior barrel using a Titanium mesh (Group A) or a 3D plate (Group B). The primary outcome was volumetric bone changes (immediate to 6 months postoperatively). Eleven participants (55%) were females, and 9 participants (45%) were males. The mean age of patients in group A was (28.8±8.9) years, while group B was (30.7±11.4) years. There was a statistically significant difference within each group in the volumetric bone changes with means of -7942.1±1804.8mm3 and -6288.8±2607.3 for groups A and B, respectively. The difference between both groups was statistically insignificant with the mean of -1653.3±1002.8mm3. The percentage of mean volumetric change relative to immediate postoperatively for group A was -14.15%, while in group B was -11.01%. Both the titanium mesh tray and the 3D plate were effective in the fixation of the superior barrel of the vascularized fibular flap for mandibular reconstruction. There was no difference between both modalities regarding volumetric bone changes.