Recipient Vessels For Anastomosis Research Articles

Facial contouring with parascapular free flap: A case series of 22 cases

Background:The facial asymmetry correction in complex craniofacial malformations presents a challenging problem for reconstructive surgeons. Progressive hemifacial atrophy (HFA) and hemifacial microsomia (HFM) can manifest in different grades of severity. Most patients require only soft-tissue augmentation. Free flaps are the best option for correction of severe facial soft-tissue deficiency.Materials and Methods:Twenty-two patients of HFM and HFA were included in this study from January 2006 to March 2009 in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, SMS Medical College and Hospital. In all cases, atrophy correction was done using de-epithelialised parascapular free flap with the de-epithelialised surface was placed under the skin. A small skin paddle was taken for monitoring.Results:All cases were reconstructed with de-epithelialised parascapular free flap. There was no flap loss in this series. Hematoma was noted in five cases. Debulking and removal of skin paddle were done in all cases after 6 months. Atrophy recurrence was not observed in any of the cases on follow-up.Conclusion:Contouring of face in cases of HMF and HFA is satisfactorily done with the parascapular free flap. It gives better cosmetic results with minimal donor site morbidity. Facial vessels are better recipient vessels for anastomosis. Keeping de-epithelialised surface of flap under the skin helped in preventing sagging.

Immediate reconstruction using free medial circumflex femoral artery perforator flaps after breast-conserving surgery

Recent advances in perforator flap surgical techniques have allowed for safe and reliable autologous tissue transfer with minimal donor-site morbidity. Between April 2012 and January 2013, we performed immediate breast reconstruction using free medial circumflex femoral artery perforator (MCFAP) flaps in 15 patients after breast-conserving surgery. The flaps were harvested from patients in the lithotomy position, while a second surgical team simultaneously conducted tumour resection. Of the 15 procedures performed, three flaps were dissected as true perforator flaps, while 12 flaps were dissected as muscle-sparing perforator flaps. The mean flap weight was 138.5 g (range, 77-230 g) and the mean pedicle length was 5.7 cm (range, 3.0-9.0 cm). Recipient vessels for anastomosis were serratus branches in 10 patients, internal mammary vessels in three patients and thoracodorsal vessels in two patients. The mean duration of surgery was 6.74 h (range, 5.65-9.45 h). There were no major complications requiring surgical intervention. Researchers observed partial flap necrosis, which manifested as small firm lesions in two patients, as well as local wound infection and dehiscence in one patient, which resolved spontaneously. There were no instances of donor-site seroma formation or lymphoedema in any of the patients. An objective assessment of postoperative photographs showed that cosmetic results were mostly satisfactory. Donor-site scars along the medial groin crease were inconspicuous and readily concealed by clothing. Given its reliable vascularity and minimal donor-site morbidity, the free MCFAP flap can be a good alternative for partial breast reconstruction after breast-conserving surgery.

Complications and Outcome of Free Flap Transfers for Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction: Analysis of 213 Cases

Microvascular free flap transfers have become a preferred reconstructive technique; however, rare complications may still prove devastating. This study reviewed 213 consecutive freetissue transfers in order to assess the incidence and causes of complications in patients undergoing microvascular free flap reconstruction in the oral and maxillofacial region. In most cases, reconstruction was undertaken after resection of a malignant tumor. The flap donor sites were the radial forearm (n=111), rectus abdominis (n=88), scapula (n=13), and latissimus dorsi (n=1). The superior thyroid artery and the external jugular vein were commonly used as recipient vessels for anastomosis. The overall flap success rate was 99%. There were 7 cases of postoperative vascular thrombosis (6 venous and 1 arterial), constituting 3.3% of the entire series. Five flaps were salvaged, representing a 71.4% successful salvage rate in cases of vascular complications. Most of the successful salvage attempts were made within 24 hours of the end of the initial operation, and the successful salvage rate for re-exploration was 100%. Finally, the total flap loss rate was 0.9% and the partial flap loss rate was 2.3%. We conclude that early re-exploration should be the first choice for management of vascular compromised flaps. Complications at the donor site occurred in 17 cases (8.0%), the most common complication of which was partial skin graft loss after harvesting a radial forearm flap (n=10; 9.0%). Recipient and donor site morbidity was limited and considered acceptable.