Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flap Research Articles

Current status of autologous breast reconstruction in Argentina.

Although the most common procedure for breast reconstruction in Argentina is tissue expansion and implant devices, autologous tissue is frequently utilized. Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (DIEP) is the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction and, whenever possible, it is the first option. However, there are clinical or other circumstances, when a local or vicinity flaps for autologous reconstruction is preferred, even if exists a surgical and hospital facility for doing microsurgical procedures. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe our experience with the use of local and vicinity flaps for volume and surface replacement in different requirements-autologous breast reconstructions post oncologic resections, volume replacement in weight loss patients and implant-explantation cases. We have utilized the modification of latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap (LD) described by Hammond with excellent results and high patient satisfaction. Thoraco-dorsal artery perforator flap is indicated on skin sparing mastectomies (SSMs), immediate reconstruction of the nipple areolar complex and simultaneous coverage of an implant or tissue expander, in irradiated or to be irradiated patients. Lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap has gained popularity because the unique position of the perforator at the lower lateral corner of the breast. It allows harvesting immediate vicinity tissue and easy rotation to the breast mound. We have used a modification towards the lateral thoracic wall of the anterior intercostal artery perforator flap for volume reconstruction after implant explantation.in patients who required volume preservation. Medial intercostal artery perforator flap is advantageous whenever the sub-mammary tissue can be used deepithelialized for volume reconstruction with a medial base. The same submammary area harvested as a medially based flap can be irrigated by the LICAP as a reverse LICAP flap that might be designed toward any direction from the piercing point of its perforator. The rest of the donor areas described for breast autologous reconstruction are rarely reported. When surgical facilities and adequate surgical teams are available, the lower abdominal wall is the main donor area, and DIEP, the most common technique utilized.

Anatomical bases of the latissimus dorsi flap to close of cerebrospinal fluid fistulas

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas are a real problem for their resolution. Due to the formation and constant pressure, added to the effect of the liquid on the tissues where the fistula is located, they do not close. Repair of the meninges must be carried out (generally with synthetic materials) and it is also necessary to provide vital tissues for definitive closure. Among the options described is the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous or myocutaneous flap (LD flap) – musculus latissimus dorsi (TA) for the immediate reconstruction of dorsal defect fistulas, providing a good volume of tissue. The flap bases its circulation on the primary pedicle (subscapular vessels) with mobilization of the muscle towards the dorsal column. The present work presents the anatomical principles in fresh dissections of the LD flap. Detailed dissections of the pedicles that supply the flap are shown, as well as surgical bases to elevate the flap and transpose it towards the dorsal region. A clinical case is presented where LD flap was successfully used to close a cerebrospinal fluid fistula after oncological surgery for a dorsal column tumor

Outcomes and Complications of Sole Reconstruction Using Lateral Thoracic Free Tissue Transfer.

The complex structure of the sole of the foot makes the repair of extensive defects challenging. The present study, therefore, aimed to address a gap in current research by evaluating the potential of the lateral thoracic free flap, including perforator options and chimeric configurations, to be used as an advanced solution for comprehensive sole reconstruction. We retrospectively collected the following data from the charts of patients with sole defects, due to various causes, who underwent lateral thoracic free tissue transfers: patient demographics; etiologies; comorbidities; flap types and dimensions; pedicle length; operative time; follow-up period; complications; and management. The present study included 54 patients who underwent lateral thoracic free tissue transfer, citing infection, trauma, tumor, and posttraumatic sequelae as the major etiologies. We used the following techniques for the reconstruction of sole defects: thoracodorsal artery perforator free flap (83.3%); latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap (1.9%); and various chimeric pattern flaps (14.8%). Free tissue transfer in the lateral thoracic region offers versatility for reconstruction, as well as low donor site morbidity. Complications observed in the present study included wound dehiscence (9.3%), partial necrosis (9.3%), and pressure ulcers (22.2%), although most patients healed favorably without flap loss. The lateral thoracic free flap is a viable option for the reconstruction of the sole of the foot and allows for the effective reconstruction of complex defects. It contains a sustainable skin paddle, and multiple components can be easily included as a chimeric type. Further studies should seek to identify ways to prevent pressure ulcers, which was the only known long-term complication in the present study.

Mapping of Thoracodorsal Artery Perforators: Accuracy of Thermography and Handheld Doppler.

The versatile musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap and the thoracodorsal artery (TDA) perforator flap have developed into indispensable approaches in reconstructive surgery. While the anatomy of the TDA is consistent, the skin perforators vary in location and course. Dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT) recently gained popularity for perforator identification; however, its use and accuracy in thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) mapping is yet to be determined. TDAPs were visualized in 50 cases by DIRT. Based on the thermographic hotspots, the corresponding perforators were then identified by color duplex ultrasound (CDU) and handheld Doppler in a blinded fashion by two separate examiners. The midpoint of all perforator fascia passages was localized 99.7 mm caudal and 13.5 mm medial of the posterior axillary fold. The positive predictive value of perforator identification by dynamic infrared thermography was 86.5% and the correlating perforator fascia passage was 9.9 ± 5.8 mm from the hotspot midpoint, with a maximum of 29 mm. The positive predictive value of perforator identification by handheld Doppler was 95% and the signal was 7.2 ± 5.1 mm from the perforator fascia passage. DIRT precisely localizes TDAPs. The fusion with CDU combines both modalities' advantages. The combination with handheld Doppler is a fast way of perforator imaging, decreasing the handheld Dopplers' high false positive rate.

Extended arc of rotation of Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flap providing well-vascularized tissue for reconstruction of complete defects of the sternum: An anatomical study of flap pedicle modification.

Deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) following cardiothoracic surgery represent a life quality endangering sequelae and may lead to sternal osteomyelitis. Radical debridement followed by Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) may achieve infection control, provide angiogenesis, and improve respiratory function. When stable wound conditions have been established a sustainable plastic surgical flap reconstruction should be undertaken. This study analyses a method to simplify defect coverage with a single Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap (LDMF). Preparation of 20 LDMF in ten fresh frozen cadavers was conducted. Surgical steps to increase pedicle length were evaluated. The common surgical preparation of LDMF was compared with additional transection of the Circumflex Scapular Artery (CSA). Alteration of the surgical preparation of LDMF by sacrificing the CSA may provide highly valuable well-vascularized muscle tissue above the sensitive area of the Xiphisternum. All defects could be completely reconstructed with a single LDMF. The gain in length of flap tissue in the inferior third of the sternum was 3.86±0.9 cm (range 2.2 to 8 cm). By sacrificing the CSA in harvesting the LDMF a promising gain in length, perfusion and volume may be achieved to cover big sternal defects with a single flap.

Latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap grafting to the infected recipient site in a patient with irradiated locally advanced breast cancer and multiple lung metastases

BackgroundMusculocutaneous (MC) flaps are more resistant to infection than implants, but no clinical results have been reported so far about the grafting of MC flap to the overtly infected sites.Case presentationA 66-year-old woman had received radiotherapy, a total dose of 50 Gy, to her large mucinous breast cancer to control bleeding from the tumor and was referred to our hospital for further treatment. On her first visit to our hospital, her left breast showed radiation-induced total necrosis with Pseudomonasaeruginosa infection. Removal of the necrotic breast tissue resulted in direct exposure of the left ribs and intercostal muscles with intractable chest pain requiring analgesics. The presence of concomitant life-threatening multiple lung metastases made us change the treatment from letrozole and palbociclib to bevacizumab and paclitaxel, leading to marked regression of the lung metastases. To alleviate her chest pain and get local wound healing, we treated the patient with latissimus dorsi (LD)-MC flap grafting to the exposed chest wall after four months of taxane-containing chemotherapy. The patient has got marked pain relief immediately after the operation. Skin island of the grafted LD-MC flap showed no problems for 4 days just after the operation but gradually turned out to be edematous to ill-colored in the distal part of the skin island. Post-operative clinical outcome suggested that Pseudomonasaeruginosa infection might have had some adverse effect, e.g., microemboli, on MC flap blood flow. Partial necrosis of the LD-MC flap made the patient receive conservative wound management for a very long period of 11 months, finally leading to complete wound healing. After palliative surgery, the patient has been receiving fulvestrant and palbociclib for 14 months and doing well with good control of multiple lung metastases.ConclusionsBreast surgical oncologists should note that partial flap necrosis can occur when a LD-MC flap is grafted to the infected recipient site and consider the anti-coagulant therapy just after the operation to avoid the adverse effects of the infection.

Reconstruction of an abdominal wall defect using a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap after high-intensity focused ultrasound: a case report

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation is a safe and effective minimally invasive option for treating uterine fibromas, but it can cause complications such as abdominal wall defects. Reconstruction of such defects can be challenging, but a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap can be used to restore the integrity of the myofascial layer and provide external cutaneous coverage. Herein, we present a case report of a 37-year-old woman who underwent HIFU for an 8-cm uterine fibroma and subsequently developed a large abdominal wall defect with necrosis of the rectus muscle. The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap was used to reconstruct the rectus muscle and cover the abdominal soft tissue, resulting in successful engraftment without complications. We present our experience using a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap to reconstruct a large HIFU-induced composite defect in the abdominal wall.

Scarless Donor Site for Breast Reconstruction by Endoscopically Assisted Extended Latissimus Dorsi Flap plus Lipofilling.

Breast reconstruction using endoscopically assisted latissimus dorsi (LD) flap leaves no scar on the back; however, the small amount of tissue obtained makes this procedure less practical. This study aimed to propose a new technique of endoscopically assisted extended LD (eeLD) flap plus lipofilling, which could secure a large breast volume. Lateral thoracic adipose tissues supplied by the thoracodorsal artery branches and the LD muscle were elevated as a single unit only through the mastectomy scar and three ports through the lateral chest. Furthermore, fat was simultaneously injected to support the volume and shape of the breast. Changes in the volume of the reconstructed breast over time were measured using three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry. Overall, 15 breasts of 14 patients who underwent breast reconstruction using an eeLD flap exhibited no serious complications. On average, 281.9 ± 32.4 g of flap and 74.7 ± 19.4 mL of lipofilling were used. Within 8 weeks after the procedure, the volume of the reconstructed breast decreased to 69.5 ± 7.5% and then plateaued. Seven patients needed a subsequent session of lipofilling to acquire adequate breast volume and projection. Notably, according to the BREAST-Q back scores, patients who underwent eeLD flap surgery were significantly more satisfied than those who underwent conventional LD musculocutaneous flap surgery using a skin paddle on the back at the same institution (82.8 ± 9.2 versus 62.6 ± 6.3; P < 0.0001). Despite the limitations in volume, eeLD flap plus lipofilling is advantageous because it does not leave a noticeable donor-site scar. Therapeutic, IV.

Usefulness of Free Tissue Transfer for the Reconstruction of Extensive Thigh Defects.

Despite the increasing popularity of free tissue transfer, thigh defects have been alienated from their potential indication, owing to the abundance of regional reconstruction options. However, some challenging situations where locoregional modalities may lead to suboptimal outcomes often require free flap. Due to lacking studies regarding microvascular reconstruction of thigh defects, this study aimed to investigate the versatility of free tissue transfer for reconstruction of thigh defects. A retrospective review was performed for patients who underwent microvascular reconstruction of thigh defects between 2003 and 2021. Their demographics and operation-related data were summarized and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Sixty-five patients were analyzed, with a median follow-up period of 15.5 months. Most common situations requiring free tissue transfer were extensive defects, followed by large dead space with exposure of major neurovascular bundle and chronic wounds surrounded by unhealthy regional tissue. Defects were most frequently located in the anterior compartment horizontally and in the distal thigh vertically. The median surface area of the defects was 180.0 cm2. The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous and thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps were the two most commonly used flaps. Reliable recipient vessels could generally be easily found in the vicinity of defects. Overall complications developed in 12 cases (18.5%), including two of partial flap necrosis. No total flap loss was encountered. Free tissue transfer could provide reliable outcomes and facilitate rapid recovery, and could be actively considered for reconstruction of thigh defects in situations unfavorable to the locoregional option.

30 Years of Experience in Musculocutaneous Latissimus Dorsi Flap Phalloplasty with Reinnervation: Optimal Principles.

We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent shaft-only, two-stage or one-stage latissimus dorsi flap phalloplasty with or without reinnervation at a single institution from 1991 through 2020. Patients with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up were included. Data on the patient's demographics, the procedure, and the results of the operation were maintained. In total, 592 latissimus dorsi flap phalloplasties were performed during the entire study period. Of the phalloplasties, 494 (83.5%) were performed for gender-affirming surgery, of which 470 were performed for transgender patients and 24 for intersex patients. Twenty-five patients (4.2%) had congenital malformations, 17 (2.9%) had oncologic resections, and 56 had posttraumatic loss (9.5%). Latissimus dorsi flap total phalloplasty with reinnervation is currently one of the few methods that can solve not only an aesthetic problem, but also a functional one without the use of an endoprosthesis if the level of reinnervation and muscle contraction is sufficient.

Volume Prediction of Extended Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flap for Breast Reconstruction Using a Computed Tomography Volume-Rendering Technique with an X-ray Contrast Thread Marking.

The extended latissimus dorsi (ELD) musculocutaneous flap is one of the surgical techniques used for breast reconstruction. Preoperative preparation to determine the exact amount of flap tissue to be harvested is important to achieve a good outcome with autologous tissue reconstruction. However, few reports exist on objective preoperative volume prediction of ELD flaps. The purpose of this study was to quantify the elevated ELD volume as a preoperative plan. Patients who underwent immediate or delayed breast reconstruction with ELD flap after mastectomy between March 2015 and January 2022 are included. (1) The ELD flap was designed preoperatively, X-ray contrast thread was applied along the design, and CT imaging was performed in the same lateral supine position as the surgical position. 3D images were constructed, and the volume-rendering method was used to obtain the integrated volume. (2) Intraoperative ELD flap volume was calculated using the water displacement method. The correlation between (1) and (2) was examined. (1) The mean preoperative predicted value was 290.2 mL and (2) the mean intraoperative ELD flap volume was 298.3 mL. The correlation coefficient between the two volumes was 0.93, indicating that they were correlated. We could quantify the ELD flap volume using the volume-rendering method with X-ray contrast threads. This study could be a useful method for preoperative prediction planning of the ELD flap in breast reconstruction. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Milky secretion after late breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap with implant

Milky secretion after late breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap with implant

Two stages of salvaging an extensively necrotic foot with chronic limb‐threatening ischemia by arterialization of great saphenous vein and free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap transfer for wound coverage with the arterialized vein as the recipient vessel: A case report

Patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) without other options for adequate arterial revascularization could undergo deep (or distal) venous arterialization for limb salvage. Additionally, patients with extensive foot wound with CLTI sometimes require free flap transfer for limb salvage. We herein report a case of successful reconstructive limb-salvage surgery for an extensively necrotic foot with CLTI, using a two-stage operation involving venous arterialization using foot-perforating veins and subsequent free flap transfer (with preservation of the arterialized vein). The patient was a 59-year-old man with CLTI. The patient's right foot had dry necrotic tissue after Lisfranc joint amputation. Only one straight-line to the posterior tibial artery was achieved after endovascular therapies (four times). At the first stage of surgery, an arterial-venous shunt bypass from the superficial femoral artery to the distal great saphenous vein (GSV) (near the foot-perforating vein) was created. Arterial blood supply reached the necrotic area via the foot venous circulation system. At the second stage of surgery, free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap (8 × 27 cm) transfer with preservation of the arterialized vein was performed. The pedicle artery was anastomosed to the bypass graft (end-to-side). The pedicle vein was anastomosed to the proximal stump of the GSV (end-to-end). The flap and residual foot survived completely, at a one-year follow-up postoperatively. An indocyanine green bypass-through angiography revealed the angiosome through the venous arterialization bypass graft, which included the flap; entire forefoot; and partial regions of the midfoot and heel. This two-stage operation might be considered a useful option for limb-salvage and complete wound-healing in patients with severe non-healing wound with CLTI. The two methods could compensate and overcome the problems of either method: incomplete wound-healing after venous arterialization, and the absence of a recipient artery for free flap transfer.

A Case of Multiple Radiation-related Complications during Long-term Follow-up after Sacral Ulcer Surgery

We report the clinical course of a patient who developed a sacral radiation ulcer 19 years after treatment for cervical cancer. The patient's postoperative course after a free latissimus dorsi muscle flap transfer was favorable, but various late radiation complications, including rectal perforation, a rectal fistula, sacral necrosis, a rectointestinal fistula, and sacroiliac joint osteomyelitis, occurred within 11 years. Plastic surgeons who treat such ulcers need to know that patients may develop other serious radiation-related complications. Being aware of these complications will allow appropriate measures to be taken and aid decisions regarding future surgical strategies. More careful assessment of sacral necrosis and bone resection may have ameliorated some of the complications. When encountering similar patients, we believe that careful magnetic resonance imagery (MRI) and intraoperative evaluation are warranted, as sacral necrosis may be detectable in some patients.

Cranioplasty Using Three-Dimensional-Printed Polycaprolactone Implant and Free Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flap in a Patient with Repeated Wound Problem following Titanium Cranioplasty.

Titanium mesh is an alloplastic material widely used for the reconstruction of moderate-to-large skull defects. Repeated wound problems or infection following these reconstructions inevitably lead to the replacement of the cranioplasty material. Among the various alloplastic materials, polycaprolactone implants are usually used for the coverage of small defects such as burr holes. 1 Herein, we present a case of a large cranial defect successfully reconstructed with three-dimensional-printed polycaprolactone implant and a free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. Until 1-year follow-up, the patient showed a favorable esthetic outcome with no complications or wound relapse.

Ilizarov Bone Transfer for Treatment of Large Tibial Bone Defects: Clinical Results and Management of Complications

The purpose of this study is to present our clinical experience using the Ilizarov bone transfer technique and free-flap technique in the reconstruction of large tibial bone and soft tissue defects, including an evaluation of both the management of postoperative complications and long-term outcomes. From January 2010 to May 2020, 72 patients with tibia bone and soft tissue defects were retrospectively evaluated. Either an anterolateral thigh perforator flaps (ALTP) or latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps (LD), solely or in combination, were used to cover soft tissue defects. Once the flap was stabilized, an Ilizarov external fixator was applied to the limb. Follow-up was postoperatively performed at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Postoperatively, there were two cases of total and five of partial flap necrosis, and two cases of subcutaneous ulcers, which were caused by vascular crisis, infection, and hematoma, respectively. All the patients underwent Ilizarov external fixator surgery after flap recovery. A total of 16 complications occurred, including 3 cases of simple needle tract infection (antibiotic treatment) and 13 cases of complications requiring reoperation. A correlation factor analysis revealed that the main factors affecting the healing time were the defect length and operative complications. All patients with complications treated with the vascularized iliac flap eventually healed completely. The Ilizarov method used together with an ALTP, LD, or a combination thereof yields good clinical results for repairing large bone and soft tissue defects of the tibia, thus reducing the incidence of amputations. However, longer treatment times may be involved, and postoperative complications can occur. The vascularized iliac flap may be a suitable choice for the treatment of postoperative complications of this type of Ilizarov bone transport.

Variations of Extended Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flap for Reconstruction of Large Wounds in the Extremity.

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to report a novel nomenclature system for extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous (LD) flaps. To evaluate the clinical application and surgical efficacy of the different extended LD flaps for large wounds in the extremities.MethodsFrom January 2004 to December 2018, 72 consecutive patients who received extended LD flaps were retrospectively analyzed. Patients' ages ranged from 2 to 68 years with 37 males and 35 females. All wounds were extensive in either the upper or lower limbs, while the skin defect area ranged from 18 cm × 10 cm to 37 cm × 21 cm. Forty‐one wounds were located in the calf, 18 in the foot and ankle, six in the shoulder and upper arm, four in the thigh, and three at the knee joint. Twenty‐eight patients had fractures, and six of these patients with segmental bone defects (ranging in size from 3 to 7 cm) required secondary orthopaedic procedures. Single‐ and double‐wing extended LD flaps were designed and harvested according to the shape of the wounds.ResultsThe flaps received consisted of 64 single‐wing and eight double‐wing extended LD flaps, and the mean flap harvest time was 56.2 min. The donor sites were closed primarily for all patients. Additional subcutaneous veins were anastomosed to the recipient's vessels in 14 patients. The venous crisis was noticed on the first postoperative day in four cases. Two flaps were salvaged after emergency re‐exploration, and another two patients' flaps were necrosed. In these two patients, lower limb amputation and extended LD flap on the other side were used, respectively, for the final treatment. The wounds healed well, providing reliable soft tissue coverage and good contour in the reconstructed areas. Six patients had segmental bone defects that required secondary orthopaedic procedures, two patients were repaired with vascularized iliac crest bone grafts, and another four patients were reconstructed by the Ilizarov technique. All the patients' bone defects achieved union and most patients achieved good functional recovery at the recipient site. The mean follow‐up was 15.7 months (range, 10–56 months). No significant donor site morbidities limiting patients' daily activities occurred during the follow‐up. Eight patients developed a donor site hypertrophic scar, three patients on the back, and five on the anterolateral thigh.ConclusionSingle‐ and double‐wing extended LD flaps are simple and reliable methods for large skin and soft tissue defects in the extremity, with good functional and aesthetic results.

Reconstruction of Large Soft Tissue Defects in the Distal Lower Extremity: Free Chain-Linked Bilateral Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flaps versus Extended Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flaps.

Background: Reconstruction of the large soft-tissue defects in the lower extremity still constitutes a challenge for plastic surgeons. This retrospective study was conducted to compare the surgical and clinical outcomes of the chain-linked bilateral anterolateral thigh perforator flaps and extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap in the reconstruction of the large soft tissue defects of the lower extremity. Methods: From January 2012 to December 2021, 34 patients aged between 20 and 66 years received chain-linked bilateral anterolateral thigh perforator flaps (15 cases) or extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps (19 cases) for the reconstruction of extensive soft-tissue defects in the lower extremity. The two groups were homogeneous in terms of age, etiology, comorbidities, and flap area. In addition, the intraoperative data, outcomes, complications, and long-term follow-up results were collected and analyzed. Results: The extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap group had a shorter operation time (271.8 ± 59.5 min vs. 429.6 ± 51.9 min), harvest time (58.9 ± 24.8 min vs. 152.7 ± 41.4 min), and anastomosis time (27.2 ± 10.4 min vs. 53.7 ± 8.1 min) than the chain-linked bilateral anterolateral thigh perforator flaps group (p < 0.05). Based on patient self-assessment, the donor site temporary muscle weakness in the extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap group was significantly more than that in the chain-linked bilateral anterolateral thigh perforator flaps group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Both methods can repair large defects and restore the function of the injured limbs at a single stage. However, considering the operation time and flap-harvesting time, the authors recommend the extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap, especially for those who cannot tolerate a prolonged surgery.

Scalp Reconstruction and Cranioplasty using the Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flap in a Patient with Recurrent Wound Dehiscence Accompanied by MRSA Infection

The latissimus dorsi flap has high vascularity and is helpful for the reconstruction of infected areas. Herein, we present a patient with recurrent infections and soft-tissue defects who underwent cranial reconstruction using a free latissimus dorsi flap. The patient had undergone craniectomy and reconstruction using alloplastic bone 18 years previously. A scalp defect accompanied by infection occurred five years ago, and patient underwent reconstruction using a free flap at another hospital; however, the problem persisted. After debridement and bone flap removal, the right latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap was elevated, and the thoracodorsal artery and vein were anastomosed end-to-end to the right superficial temporal artery and vein. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was eradicated, and the flap survived. Cranioplasty was performed eight months later, and one year follow-up proceeded without complications. Effective reconstruction and cranioplasty are possible using the free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap, even on scalp with persistent infections and soft-tissue defects.

Vaginal reconstruction: Progress by perforator flaps

ABSTRACT Introduction Gracilis and rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps have been used for reconstruction of a wide range of vaginal defects, but recently, minimally invasive reconstruction with various perforator flaps has become popular. Vaginal reconstruction for the past 41 years is reported. Patients Summary 15 cases of vaginal defects were surgically treated. The case was that the age at surgery was 23 to 87 years, with an average of 55 years. The original disease is vesico-vaginal fistula 6 cases, Paget cancer 4 cases, labial1 cancer 1 case, pudendal radiation ulcer associated with lymphedema 1 case, Rokitansky syndrome 1 case, GID (Male to female)1 case, vaginal stenosis 1 case. Flaps for reconstruction are: gracilis musculocutaneous flap 5, superficial circumflex artery perforators (SCIP) flap 4, pudendal artery perforator flap 3, medial femoral perforator Flap 2, scrotal flap 1, gracilis perforator flap 1, free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap 1. Reconstruction using multiple flaps was performed for extremely widespread defects. Results and Conclusion Postoperative follow-up was 2weeks to 20 years with an average of 2.5 years. As complications, recurrence of bladder-vaginal fistula occurred in 2 of 6 cases (33%), and partial necrosis of the flap was observed in 1 of 16 cases (6%). For vaginal reconstruction, the surrounding myocutaneous flap or perforator flap can be selected depending on the depth and extent of the defect. Donors can be closed by using combined flaps, especially for a wide range of defects. Irradiated bladder-vaginal fistulas may require a bilateral approach from the bladder and vagina. In the future, reconstructive surgery that considers sexual function will be required for GID as well. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no. A consultant, employee (part time or full time) or shareholder is among the authors (Luxanos).