Reconstruction In Selected Patients Research Articles

Mandible Reconstruction in a Rural Population: Comparison of Radial Forearm and Free Fibula Flap Outcomes.

Comparison of microsurgical reconstructive options after mandible resection is limited in the literature. Fibula free flaps (FFFs) can be costly and have timing limitations, but dental restoration can be performed, with varied reported rates of completion. The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) with mandible plating may be an alternative in select populations. The purpose of this study was to determine if the RFFF has similar outcomes to the FFF for mandible reconstruction in a rural population. A retrospective review of patients who underwent mandibulectomy from 2017 to 2021 at a single tertiary-care academic institution was performed. Those with FFF or RFFF reconstruction were included. Mandible defects were classified using the Jewer-Boyd H-C-L system. Sixty-eight patients were included with 53 undergoing FFF and 15 undergoing RFFF. Immediate reconstruction was significantly more common with RFFF than FFF (100% versus 64.2%; P =0.01). Lateral mandible defects were most common among both groups (52.9% FFF versus 73.3% RFFF; P =0.04). Osseous defect length was similar (9.5cm FFF versus 7.7cm RFFF; P =0.07), but soft tissue defect size was significantly larger in the RFFF group (28.6cm 2 versus 15.3cm 2 ; P =0.01). Complication rates (47.1% FFF versus 46.7% RFFF; P =0.98) and disease-free status at last follow-up (96.2% FFF versus 80.0% RFFF; P =0.06) were similar. Dental restoration occurred in 21.3% of patients undergoing FFF. Patients undergoing RFFF or FFF reconstruction after mandibulectomy had similar surgical and disease outcomes, with a low rate of completed dental restoration after FFF. Our findings suggest RFFF is a reasonable alternative to FFF for mandible reconstruction in select patients.

The outcomes of peroneal artery perforator-based propeller flaps for the treatment of infected lateral malleolar bursitis

Purpose: Infected malleolar bursitis sometimes requires multiple debridements, followed by soft tissue reconstruction with a flap. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with infected lateral malleolar bursitis who were treated using peroneal artery perforator-based propeller flaps. Methods: We retrospectively included 10 patients who underwent reconstruction of the lateral malleolus with a peroneal artery perforator-based propeller flap due to infected lateral malleolar bursitis between 2014 and 2022. Results: The average follow-up time was 77.2 weeks. Six patients experienced complete healing; three developed partial flap necrosis, and one had a long-lasting seroma. All patients with complications had long-term diabetes. Conclusion: Partial flap necrosis in patients with diabetes may occur because of impaired microcirculation. A peroneal artery perforator-based propeller flap could be useful for soft tissue reconstruction in select patients without diabetes or in patients with diabetes who have infected lateral malleolar bursitis.

Multiple simultaneous free flaps for head and neck reconstruction: A multi-institutional cohort

ObjectivesTo describe the experience of two tertiary academic centers with multiple, simultaneous free flaps for complex head and neck defect reconstruction. MethodsPatients undergoing multiple, simultaneous free flaps from 2017 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. ResultsSeventy-one patients (64.8% male, median age 61 years) were identified and underwent 143 free flaps. The leading surgical indication was squamous cell carcinoma (n = 48, 67.6%). Defect sites included oral cavity, maxilla, pharynx, parotid, skull base, and scalp. The most common free flap combinations were fibula (FFF) with anterolateral thigh flap (n = 33, 46.5%), radial forearm (RFFF) with scapula (n = 11, 15.5%), and RFFF with FFF (n = 10, 14.1%). Median operative time was 12 h. Median length of hospitalization was 10 days. At last follow-up (median 6 months), 141 flaps (98.6%) survived without partial nor complete flap failure. ConclusionMultiple, simultaneous free flaps are a rare, yet reliable option for head and neck reconstruction in select patients with defects involving several tissue types, multiple functional areas, or large volumes.

The no-vertical scar technique for oncoplastic breast reconstruction

Oncoplastic reconstruction can optimize breast conserving therapy. Nipple loss is a concern in patients with significant ptosis and breast hypertrophy particularly with pedicle undermining during tumor resection. The modified Robertson technique (No-Vertical Scar reduction) has been previously described for breast reduction in large, ptotic patients using a wide, bell-shaped inferior pedicle with only inframammary fold and peri‑areolar incisions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the No-Vertical Scar (NVS) technique applied to oncoplastic reconstruction. Women undergoing oncoplastic breast reduction using a NVS, Wise, or Vertical method were assessed. Predictive variables included patient demographics, comorbidities, and sternal notch to nipple (SNN) distance. Outcome variables were delayed wound healing, surgical site infection, seroma, fat necrosis, nipple necrosis, use of a free nipple graft, and time between surgery and adjuvant radiation. Fifty patients met inclusion criteria using NVS (N=15), Wise (N=16), and Vertical (N=19) methods. The NVS group had a significantly higher BMI (p=.009), greater sternal notch to nipple distance (p=<0.001) and increased resection volume (p=<0.001) as compared to Wise and Vertical groups. There was no significant difference in complications (p=.25). No nipple necrosis occurred, and no free nipple grafts were required. The NVS approach is a useful technique for oncoplastic reconstruction in select patients with macromastia and severe Grade II or Grade III ptosis. The wide, bell-shaped pedicle is versatile for obliterating a lumpectomy cavity and optimizing nipple perfusion if pedicle undermining occurs during resection.

An Alternative Dermal Template for Reconstruction of Complex Upper Extremity Wounds.

Summary:The management of upper extremity soft-tissue defects with full-thickness skin loss and denuded tendon and/or bone traditionally requires vascularized tissue reconstruction. Herein, we present patient outcomes utilizing Novosorb Bio-degradable Temporizing Matrix (PolyNovo, Wilmington, Del.), a novel bilaminar dermal regenerative template, followed by skin grafting, for reconstruction of complex upper extremity injuries with exposed tendon and/or bone. We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated at our Level I trauma center with upper extremity trauma and exposed tendon and/or bone who had application of Novosorb Bio-degradable Temporizing Matrix over a 1-year period. At the time of surgery, all nonviable tissue was debrided, and the product was applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If required, split thickness skin grafting was performed once neodermis appeared perfused, or after the sealing layer delaminated spontaneously. Six patients (four men, two women) with an average age of 49.8 (35–60) years were included in the study. Average defect size measured 97 cm2 (10–440). Average time to complete healing was 45 days (27–57). Three patients reepithelialized spontaneously and did not require grafting; average defect size in these patients was 26 cm2 (10–42). There were no infections and no loss of the dermal matrix or skin graft, when performed. All patients healed without complication after grafting and did not require further surgical treatment. Therefore, we contend that Novosorb BTM is a dermal regenerative template that shows potential as an alternative option to flap reconstruction in select patients after upper extremity trauma and soft-tissue defects with exposed tendon and/or bone. Further studies will be required to refine indications and evaluate outcomes.

Invited commentary

Sharma and colleagues from the Brigham have shown that aortobilateral femoral bypass remains an important reconstruction in select patients with advanced aortoiliofemoral artery disease, despite the preferential use of endovascular therapy in these patients. Several important findings are evident from this analysis, some of which corroborate prior publications on this topic, and others that are new. First, experienced aortic surgeons can perform the operation with low mortality, less than 1% in the historic and contemporary cohorts. The mortality rate in this series is less than one-half that reported in broader practice assessments, such as the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Second, patency was lower in the contemporary cohort, driven by more extensive atherosclerotic disease, particularly in young patients; differences in prior aortic surgery; and a greater number of patients having aortobilateral femoral bypass for chronic limb ischemia. There is no doubt that common and deep femoral endarterectomy as an adjunct to aortobilateral femoral bypass is necessary more now than what it was two decades ago. The deep femoral artery remains the most important outflow vessel associated with long-term durability in most series. Although not mentioned by the authors, I wonder if patients whose distal anastomoses were to the superficial femoral artery had lower patency. Third, durability and limb salvage rates with this operation remain excellent. Moreover, the 10-year survival was better in the contemporary cohort, even though peripheral atherosclerotic disease burden was high. This difference likely is due to less coronary artery disease and significantly greater number of patients on statin, beta-blocker, and antiplatelet agents, as the authors note. Clearly, aggressive risk factor modification is beneficial. The study lacks in some detail, such as a comparison with matched patients treated by endovascular techniques, the extent of iliac (most had TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus Document on Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease class C and D disease) and infrainguinal disease, which impacts patency, surgeon choice for treatment, and specific technical details. Interestingly, more than one-half of the patients in the contemporary group had end-to-side aortic anastomoses for reasons that are unclear. Our preference has been for end-to-end aortic anastomoses except the rare circumstances in which there is a large inferior mesenteric artery, multiple renal arteries, or external iliac artery occlusions in which pelvic blood flow needs to be maintained. Configuration and length of the body of a graft sewn end-to-side is important to avoid buckling and kinking of the graft limbs, which impacts patency. No mention is made about aortoiliac occlusion versus diffuse disease, either of which may affect operative approach and choice of clamp position. Nonetheless, the clinical outcomes in this study are exemplary. The Brigham group rightly raises questions as to whether such results can be broadly applied to practices at large, and if there will be experienced open aortic surgeons to perform such operations in the future. There is no doubt that aortofemoral reconstruction is still necessary. The authors stress the importance of maintaining open aortic surgical skills, a challenge today in many training programs. The opinions or views expressed in this commentary are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or recommendations of the Journal of Vascular Surgery or the Society for Vascular Surgery. Thirty-year trends in aortofemoral bypass for aortoiliac occlusive diseaseJournal of Vascular SurgeryVol. 68Issue 6PreviewEndovascular intervention has supplanted open bypass as the most frequently used approach in patients with aortoiliac segment atherosclerosis. We sought to determine whether this trend together with changing demographic and clinical characteristics of patients undergoing aortobifemoral bypass (ABFB) for aortoiliac occlusive disease (AOD) have an association with postoperative outcomes. Full-Text PDF Open Archive

Unilateral Versus Bilateral Breast Reconstruction

Over the recent years, there has been an increase in prophylactic mastectomies with an associated increase in bilateral breast reconstruction. We aimed to compare outcomes in terms of patient satisfaction with unilateral versus bilateral breast reconstruction after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap and implant-based reconstruction. Patients who underwent breast reconstruction by a single surgeon between July 2011 and July 2015 were surveyed using the independently validated BREAST-Q questionnaire. Mean satisfaction scores between patients undergoing unilateral versus bilateral breast reconstruction were compared and stratified based on the type of reconstruction [eg, DIEP flap, tissue expander to implant (TE/I)]. Groups were further categorized by age (patients <55 years and ≥55 years of age) and body mass index (<24.9 and >24.9). Complications were recorded. Of the 308 patients included, 118 (38%) had unilateral reconstruction (42 TE/I and 76 DIEP) and 190 (62%) had bilateral reconstruction (124 TE/I and 66 DIEP). A total of 95 patient surveys were included (31% response rate). Overall, patients receiving unilateral reconstruction demonstrated increased satisfaction with outcome (P = 0.028), psychosocial well-being (P = 0.043), and sexual well-being (P = 0.002). Complication rates were similar between unilateral and bilateral reconstruction. No significant differences for satisfaction were found in the TE/I group (N = 58; unilateral, 10; bilateral, 48).In the DIEP group (N = 37; unilateral, 20; bilateral, 17), those receiving unilateral reconstruction had higher satisfaction with outcome (P = 0.013) and sexual well-being (P = 0.014).Additionally, younger patients (<55 years) were more likely to undergo bilateral reconstruction (P = 0.018). Body mass index did not have a significant association with unilateral or bilateral reconstruction. Patients undergoing DIEP flap reconstruction showed higher satisfaction with unilateral reconstruction, whereas patients receiving TE/I reconstruction, either unilateral or bilateral, were equally satisified. Additionally, younger women were more likely to undergo bilateral reconstruction, which is consistent with current data trends. When considering surgical options, unilateral DIEP flap reconstruction may provide improved outcomes in terms of patient satisfaction when compared with bilateral reconstruction in select patients.

Significance of Portal Vein Invasion and Extent of Invasion in Patients Undergoing Pancreatoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

IntroductionSeveral studies have confirmed the safety of pancreatoduodenectomy with portal/mesenteric vein resection and reconstruction in select patients. The effect of vein invasion and extent of invasion on survival is less clear. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between tumor invasion of the portal/mesenteric vein and long-term survival. MethodsA retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma at a single academic medical center (2000–2014) was performed. Survival was compared using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsAfter non-pancreatic periampullary adenocarcinomas and patients with non-segmental (lateral wall only) resection of portal/mesenteric vein were excluded, there were 567 eligible patients. Of these, segmental vein resection was performed in 90 (16 %) with end-to-end primary anastomosis (67) or interposition graft reconstruction (23). Patients with vein resection more likely received neoadjuvant systemic therapy (59 vs. 4 %, p < 0.0001). Histopathology of patients undergoing vein resection revealed a distribution of T stage toward larger tumors and higher rates of perineural invasion. Portal/mesenteric vein resection, however, was not associated with differences in hospital stay, postoperative complications, or operative mortality. Patients with or without vein resection had comparable overall survival rates at 1-, 3-, and 5-years. On final surgical histopathology, only 52 of 90 (58 %) vein resections had adenocarcinoma involvement of the venous wall. Of these, depth of invasion was at the level of the adventitia (9), media/intima (34), and full thickness/intraluminal (9). Venous wall invasion (52) did not significantly influence overall survival (14 vs. 21 months, p = 0.08) but was associated with significantly shorter median disease-free survival (11.3 vs. 15.8 months, p = 0.03), predominantly due to local recurrence. The extent of invasion (adventitia, media/intima, full thickness/intraluminal) did not impact overall survival or disease-free survival (14.4 vs. 15.5 vs. 7.4 months, p = 0.08 and 11.2 vs. 12.2 vs. 5 months, 0.59, respectively). Portal/mesenteric vein resection, histopathologic invasion, or the extent of invasion were not independent predictors of overall survival in Cox regression analysis. ConclusionAlthough Portal/mesenteric vein resection is associated with increased 90-day mortality, venous resection is not prognostic of overall survival. Although a subgroup analysis showed that a direct tumor invasion into the vein wall on final histopathology was associated with a higher rate of local recurrence but with no difference in overall survival (even when stratified according to extent of venous wall invasion), larger studies with an increased power will be needed to confirm these findings.

865 Significance of Portal Vein Invasion and Extent of Invasion in Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Introduction Several studies have confirmed the safety of pancreatoduodenectomy with portal/mesenteric vein resection and reconstruction in select patients. The effect of vein invasion and extent of invasion on survival is less clear. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between tumor invasion of the portal/mesenteric vein and long-term survival.

Current strategies with 1-stage prosthetic breast reconstruction.

1-stage prosthetic breast reconstruction is gaining traction as a preferred method of breast reconstruction in select patients who undergo mastectomy for cancer or prevention. Critical elements to the procedure including patient selection, technique, surgical judgment, and postoperative care were reviewed. Outcomes series reveal that in properly selected patients, direct-to-implant (DTI) reconstruction has similar low rates of complications and high rates of patient satisfaction compared to traditional 2-stage reconstruction. 1-stage prosthetic breast reconstruction may be the procedure of choice in select patients undergoing mastectomy. Advantages include the potential for the entire reconstructive process to be complete in one surgery, the quick return to normal activities, and lack of donor site morbidity.

Patient-centred decision making in breast reconstruction utilising the delayed–immediate algorithm

Delayed-immediate reconstruction is an increasingly valuable algorithm for patients anticipating post-mastectomy radiation therapy. Despite the cosmetic and long-term advantages of autologous tissue repair, a subset of patients choose implant-based reconstruction after their initial preference for autologous reconstruction. A critical evaluation of patients who initially planned to undergo delayed-immediate reconstruction but later chose to continue with implant-based reconstruction has not been previously reported. A retrospective analysis of the senior author's (M.Y.N.) patients who initially intended to undergo delayed-immediate autologous breast reconstruction following mastectomy and chose to abandon autologous reconstruction in favour of prosthetic reconstruction was completed from 2005 to 2011. Seven patients (10 breasts) met inclusion criteria. The mean patient age and body mass index were 50.2 years and 32.1 kg m(-2), respectively. Expansion required an average of 4.4 office visits to achieve adequate expansion volume, mean 483 ml (240-600 ml). The mean time from expander placement to definitive reconstruction was 14.6 months. Mean follow-up time was 20.4 months. Complications included infection (1/7), incisional dehiscence (1/7) and capsular contracture (2/7), and late revision surgery was performed in two patients. Successful reconstruction was achieved in 100% of patients (7/7) with a patient-reported satisfaction of 100%. Patient motivations for changing the reconstructive algorithm included a faster post-operative recovery in four patients (4/7) and potential donor-site morbidity in three patients (3/7). Depression or cancer-related fatigue symptoms were self-reported in 4/7. Avoiding donor-site morbidity and a simpler recovery are the main factors that influence patients to change their desire for autologous reconstruction to an implant-based reconstruction. Cancer-related fatigue and depression are prevalent in this population and may be implicated in a patient's desire to undergo less extensive reconstructive surgery. Allowing for the choice of definitive implant-based reconstruction in select patients is safe and is likely to result in high patient satisfaction with satisfactory aesthetic outcomes.

The sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous “patch esophagoplasty” for cervical esophageal stricture

Esophageal strictures may be caused by many etiologies. Patients suffer from dysphagia and many are tube-feed dependent. Cervical esophageal reconstruction is challenging for the plastic surgeon, and although there are reports utilizing chest wall flaps or even free flaps, the use of a sternocleidomastoid (SCM) myocutaneous flap provides an ideal reconstruction in select patients who require noncircumferential "patch" cervical esophagoplasty. We present two cases of esophageal reconstruction in which we demonstrate our technique for harvesting and insetting the SCM flap, with particular emphasis on design of the skin paddle and elucidation of the vascular anatomy. We believe that the SCM flap is simple, reliable, convenient, and technically easy to perform. There is minimal donor site morbidity with no functional loss. The SCM myocutaneous flap is a viable option for reconstructing partial esophageal defects and obviates the need to perform staged procedures or more extensive operations such as free tissue transfer.

Immediate Placement of Implants in Breast Reconstruction: Patient Selection and Outcomes

With the advent of skin-sparing mastectomy techniques, it became clear that immediate placement of an implant could be utilized for breast reconstruction in select patients. The authors assessed the safety, patient selection factors, and aesthetic results with this technique. Thirty-five consecutive patients (eight unilateral and 27 bilateral) who underwent immediate implant-based breast reconstruction were analyzed. Patient data and complication rates were obtained from a retrospective chart review. Postoperative photographs were evaluated by a blinded panel and scored on a four-point scale. With a mean follow-up of 15 months, complications occurred in six patients (17.1 percent). There was one episode (2.9 percent) of skin necrosis resulting in implant loss, two episodes (5.7 percent) of postoperative infection, both of which resulted in implant salvage, and three patients who developed capsular contracture (8.5 percent). A total of 13 patients (37 percent) required additional surgery for revision. Revisions were necessary significantly more commonly in patients with a history of radiotherapy (p = 0.047), D-cup breast size or greater (p = 0.018), and ptosis of grade 2 or more (p = 0.017). The mean overall aesthetic score was 3.19, and upon subgroup analysis, patients with a history of radiation treatment (2.46), D-cup breast size or greater (2.64), and ptosis or grade 2 or more (2.98) had lower mean scores. Exclusion of these subgroups resulted in a mean score 3.39. Immediate implant-based breast reconstruction is a safe and viable option that can provide a very good aesthetic result in appropriately selected candidates. The authors recommend caution and appropriate patient counseling in patients with a history of radiotherapy, larger breasts, and/or ptotic breasts.

The Use of Acellular Dermal Graft for Vulvovaginal Reconstruction in a Patient With Lichen Planus

Vulvovaginal lichen planus is an inflammatory dermatosis that can progress to an erosive form with scarring of the vulva, resorption of the labia minora, vaginal synechiae, and vaginal obliteration secondary to desquamative vaginitis. Traditionally, conservative medical therapy has consisted of topical corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. A 61-year-old woman with a history of refractory erosive vulvovaginal lichen planus presented with complete obliteration of the vaginal vault. The patient failed both medical and conservative surgical management and desired definitive management. After performing a skinning vulvectomy and simple vaginectomy, acellular dermal graft was used for grafting the vulva and creating a neovagina. Acellular dermal graft is a suitable graft material for vulvar and vaginal reconstruction in select patients, and it avoids the postoperative pain associated with graft harvest sites.

Lateral-dorsal neurovascular island flaps for pulp reconstruction.

Finger pulp loss is often observed in daily practice. When the lateral and dorsal surfaces of the injured digit remain intact, a neurovascular island flap can be designed and raised from that part of the finger for pulp reconstruction. Two types of homodigital lateral-dorsal neurovascular island flaps were used in 17 patients (13 type I and 4 type II) for reconstruction of traumatic pulp loss on an emergent basis. The type I flap was used for the pulp defect less than 2.5 cm in length; the type II flap was designed for extensive pulp loss. The size of the pulp defect varied from 1.7 x 1.2 cm to 3.8 x 1.7 cm. All flaps survived completely without any partial loss. The mean follow-up was 17.7 months. The mean static two-point discrimination was 5.2 mm in type I flaps and 9.3 mm in type II flaps. All patients except five had full range of motion of the interphalangeal joint. These five patients (3 type I and 2 type II) had 10 to 20 deg reduction in flexion of the distal interphalangeal joints. The homodigital lateral-dorsal neurovascular island flap offers a durable, well-vascularized, sensate skin flap for one-stage pulp reconstruction in select patients. This technique is relatively simple, allows early postoperative mobilization, and has an acceptable surgical outcome.