Time Of Flap Elevation Research Articles

Continuous External Tissue Expansion for Closure of Forehead Flap Donor Site.

Continuous external tissue expansion has been shown to be effective in the management of craniofacial wounds resulting from tumor resection, trauma, and wound dehiscence. Forehead flap donor sites are typically managed with secondary intention healing. However, this can create esthetic problems in pigmented skin because of the tendency to form thick scars. Here, the authors describe the use of continuous external tissue expansion for the management of a paramedian forehead flap donor site. A Dermaclose device was used at the time of forehead flap elevation and removed at the pedicle division and inset. Sufficient skin expansion was achieved for primary closure. The final scar was esthetically pleasing. External tissue expansion is ideal for forehead flap donor sites as the second stage of the operation provides an opportunity for expander removal and wound closure.

Comparison of Dorsoulnar Artery Perforator, Superficial Palmar Branch of the Radial Artery, and Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flaps in Volar Finger Defects.

Volar finger defects can sometimes be challenging for plastic surgeons. There are many reconstruction options from local flaps to free flaps. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present a functional and cosmetic comparison of the results of using dorsoulnar artery perforator (DUAP), superficial palmar branch of the radial artery (SPBRA), and superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flaps for repairing volar finger defects. Thirty-two patients were included in the study. The age and sex of the patients, cause of injury, defect location, defect size, and presence or absence of nerve damage were noted. The patients' defects were reconstructed with DUAP, SCIP, or SPBRA flaps. The flap size, flap elevation time, vessels, and early postoperative complications were noted. During the postoperative follow-up period, the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire scale was used to evaluate hand function, and the modified Vancouver Scar Scale was used to assess aesthetic appearance. Two-point discrimination tests and cold intolerance tests were performed to measure sensory outcomes. Donor site improvements were also noted. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, defect size, flap size, follow-up time, and 2-point discrimination. It was observed that the elevation time was significantly shorter in the SCIP flap group, and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire score was significantly lower in the DUAP flap group compared with the other 2 groups (P < 0.01). In addition, the modified Vancouver Scar Scale score was significantly higher in the DUAP flap group (P < 0.01). The findings of this study show that the use of SPBRA flaps has more advantages than the use of DUAP and SCIP flaps in many respects.

Boomerang latissimus dorsi flap in immediate or delayed breast reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is one of the most popular and common breast reconstruction techniques among Asian patients. There are increasing numbers of cases wherein breasts need to be reconstructed to moderate to large sizes among the Asian population. Most reconstructive surgeons use abdominal-based flaps-such as the deep inferior epigastric perforator and transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, or LD flap with an implant-to supplement the volume. Here, we compare the usefulness of the boomerang LD (bLD) flap-a technique developed by modifying the design of the conventional extended LD flap-with that of the LD flap with implant (LDi). This was a prospective cohort study including patients with breast cancer aged between 25 and 60 years who underwent unilateral total or skin/nipple-sparing mastectomy, or postmastectomy. The exclusion criteria were advanced breast cancer (stages 3 and 4); a history of cognitive impairment affecting ability to complete the self-reported questionnaire; a history of neurologic or musculoskeletal disorder; and a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Statistical analysis was performed, and correlations between the two technique types were analyzed [including age, body mass index, preoperative breast volume, operation time, flap elevation time, admission duration, adjuvant treatment (radiotherapy, chemotherapy), drain indwelling duration, and drain total sum volume]. In total, 85 patients who underwent immediate breast construction through the LDi group (n=63) or bLD group (n=25) techniques after total mastectomy between January 2015 and June 2022 were analyzed (mean age: LDi group, 46±7.7 years; bLD group, 45.6±7.8 years). We observed that the flap weight, operative time, mean admission duration, and drain indwelling duration were statistically significantly different in the bLD group (P<0.05). Body mass index, preoperative breast volume, specimen weight, flap elevation time, and drain total time were comparable between groups. Breast reconstruction using the bLD flap was found to be a suitable alternative technique for patients who desire an autologous tissue transfer (rather than an implant) but are contraindicated for abdominal-based flaps and do not mind long postoperative scars.

Monitor selection according to the defect location in the medial femoral condyle flap,

BackgroundMedial femoral condyle(MFC) flap is frequently used in hand reconstruction, but like other buried flaps, MFC is not easy to monitor and follow.In this study, we present our adipofascial and periosteal tissue technical modifications and results for MFC free flap monitoring and compare different monitoring methods. MethodsTwenty one patients with wrist bone or metacarpal defect reconstructed with MFC flap were included in the study. Adipofascial tissue in wrist defect and periosteal tissue in metacarpal defect were selected as MFC flap's monitor. Patient characteristics, type of injury, flap size, early or late-period complications, flap elevation time,satisfaction scale, visual analogue scale (VAS) and postoperative X-ray view were noted. ResultsThere were 3 female and 18 male patients in the study. The mean age of the patients was 50.8 (38–68). The elevation times of flaps with adipofascial and periosteal monitors were 48 and 53.3 min, respectively. The satisfaction scale averages for the adipofascial and periosteal monitor groups were 3.5 and 3.54, respectively. The VAS scores of the adipofascial and periosteal monitor groups were 2.9 and 3.9, respectively. The flap sizes with periosteal and adipofascial monitors were 10.48 cm3 and 1.36 cm3, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between flap elevation, VAS, and satisfaction scale (>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in flap sizes. (<0.05) ConclusionMFC free flap is frequently used in wrist and metacarpal reconstruction. Monitor selection according to the defect area positively affects the prognosis of the flap in the postoperative period.

Modification of the single‐tube radial forearm phalloplasty technique to allow for urinary meatal reconstruction: A report of two cases

The free radial forearm flap is the gold standard technique for transgender phalloplasty due to superior complication rates compared to other methods. However, reconstruction of the urinary tract, including urethral lengthening and creation of a pars pendula urethra within the flap, carries a high rate of complications. The risk of complications and a lack of desire for standing urination are reasons patients elect for single-tube phalloplasty. However, to date, single-tube phalloplasties lack creation of a urinary meatus, which affects the aesthetics of the reconstruction. The purpose of this report is to describe a technique for creating an aesthetic urinary meatus in single-tube phalloplasty. We herein describe the technique in the use of two healthy transgender males (ages 31 and 39). Both patients did not desire micturition through the neophallus, but still desired the appearance of a meatus at the tip of the neophallus. Single-tube radial forearm phalloplasty was performed for both patients. The radial forearm flaps for each patient were 14 × 15 cm. Meatoplasty was performed at the time of flap elevation utilizing an intact 1 × 4cm intact strip of ulnar sided skin during flap tubularization. This strip of skin was then invaginated to create a neomeatal pouch. The postoperative course was uncomplicated for both patients following at 5-day hospital stay for flap monitoring. Follow up time was 7 and 8 months. The neomeatal pouch persisted in both patients and the patients were satisfied with the appearance of the tips of the neophalluses.

Real-Time Assessment of Free Flap Capillary Circulation Using Videocapillaroscopy.

Free tissue transfer is a common method of reconstruction for various surgical defects. Many clinical assessment methods, including flap color monitoring and capillary refill time measurements, are commonly used to assess the microcirculation of the flap, yet there is no objective tool available that can clear real-time visualization of the flap microcirculation. The purpose of this study was to use a novel videocapillaroscope to evaluate the circulation changes on free flap skin surfaces while purposely clamping pedicle vessels. Ten patients who underwent free flap transfer for head and neck cancer from November of 2019 to June of 2020 were included in the study. Videocapillaroscopic observation was performed after flap elevation, and changes in the flap skin capillary circulation with artery-controlled and vein-controlled clamping were recorded. Average total surgery time was 517.91 minutes (SD, 73.3 minutes), average flap elevation time was 102.9 minutes (SD, 18.3 minutes). When the pedicle artery or vein was purposely clamped, the movement of red blood cells in blood vessels stopped; when clamps were removed after 60 seconds, the restoration of red blood cell movements was rapidly observed. When the pedicle artery was clamped, the number of visualizable blood vessels decreased and flap color became relatively white. When the pedicle vein was clamped, the number of visualizable blood vessels increased, and flap color tone had a tendency toward red. Novel videocapillaroscopy can be utilized for objective real-time flap monitoring by directly visualizing flap skin capillary microcirculation. Therapeutic, V.

Reconstruction of Lateral Malleolar Defects: Adipofascial Turnover Flap Based on the Peroneal Artery Perforator

Background: Lateral malleolar defects are a commonly encountered clinical issue, with several treatment options available from local flaps to microsurgical reconstruction. However, ankle defects are difficult to manage, especially in patients with comorbidities. We report here our experience of lateral malleolar reconstruction using adipofascial turnover flaps based on the peroneal artery perforator.Methods: A total of nine patients who underwent peroneal artery perforator-based adipofascial turnover flap coverage from December 2011 to February 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. Data were collected on the patients’ age, sex, etiology, comorbidities, anesthesia type, combined surgery, presence of osteomyelitis, bacterial profiles, vascular status, defect size, flap size, flap elevation time, follow-up period, and complications.Results: The mean age of the patients was 66.4 years. The most common cause of the wound was pressure injury. Seven patients had one or more comorbidities, and four patients were current smokers. Three patients were diagnosed with chronic osteomyelitis. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed in two patients. The mean defect size was 8.4 cm&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;, and the mean follow-up period was 30.7 months. All nine flap transfers were successful without major complications. However, in one case, partial skin graft loss occurred, requiring additional skin grafting.Conclusion: The peroneal artery perforator-based adipofascial turnover flap is a safe and reliable method to reconstruct lateral malleolar defects. The operative technique is simple and convenient to perform and hence a useful option for reconstructing lateral malleolar defects. This is especially true for patients with comorbidities who are typically not indicated for more complex procedures.

Usefulness of the LigaSure™ small jaw sealing device for breast reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi flap

Background: Seromas are the most common complication of latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstruction. Electrocautery for flap elevation can cause seromas and injure the lymph or vessels of the surrounding tissues. Positive effects of the LigaSure Small Jaw (Medtronic [formerly Covidien], Minneapolis, MN, USA) sealing device were examined.Methods: Forty-three latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstruction patients were included. Twenty-three underwent surgery with electrocautery and 21 underwent surgery with LigaSure. The seroma formation rate, total drain volume, drainage indwelling periods at the breast site and donor site, operative time, and hospital stay duration were retrospectively compared. Associations between patient characteristics and these variables were analyzed.Results: Seroma incidence rates were 9/23 (39.1%) and 3/21 (14.3%) for the control and experimental groups. One control group patient underwent surgical treatment; the rest underwent conservative treatment. A significant difference in latissimus dorsi flap elevation time was found between the control and experimental groups (105.6 minutes and 77.1 minutes; p = .026). A significant difference in the drainage indwelling periods of the latissimus dorsi donor site was found (13.1 days and 11 days; p = .006). Excised breast mass weight, latissimus dorsi flap weight, breast drain total volume/indwelling period, and latissimus dorsi drain volume/indwelling period showed statistically significant associations. Radiation and chemotherapy were not significantly associated with any variables.Conclusion: The LigaSure device for latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstruction can reduce seromas, operative time, and hospital stay. It is a reliable and useful surgical sealing device that does not cause injury to the surrounding tissues.

Comparisons of Submental and Groin Vascularized Lymph Node Flaps Transfer for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema.

Background:The vascularized groin and submental lymph node (VGLN and VSLN) flaps are valuable options in the treatment of lymphedema. This study was to compare outcomes between VGLN and VSLN transfers for breast cancer–related lymphedema.Methods:Between January 2008 and December 2016, VGLN and VSLN transfers for upper limb lymphedema were compared including flap characteristics, flap elevation time, complications, and limb circumference changes.Results:All flaps survived. Similar vein (2.6 versus 3.2 mm; P = 0.3) and artery diameter (2.1 versus 2.8 mm; P = 0.3) and number of lymph nodes (3 versus 4; P = 0.4) were found between VGLN and VSLN groups, respectively. Circumferential reduction rate was higher in VSLN than VGLN (P = 0.04) group. Vascular complication rate with salvage rate was not statistically different between the 2 groups. Donor-site complication and total complication rates were statistically higher in VGLN than VSLN flaps (7.7% versus 0%, P = 0.004; 46.2% versus 23.3%, P = 0.002). At a mean 39.8 ± 22.4 months, the circumferential reduction rate was statistically higher in VSLN than in the VGLN group (55.5 ± 14.3% versus 48.4 ± 23.9%, P = 0.04). Both flaps were effectively decreased in the episodes of cellulitis.Conclusions:Both VGLN and VSLN flaps are valuable surgical options in treating breast cancer–related lymphedema. However, the VSLN flap for breast cancer–related lymphedema is better in providing more significant improvements in limb circumference, a faster flap harvest time, decreased complication rates, and minimal donor-site iatrogenic lymphedema.

A new operative technique for dissecting perforator vessel in perforator flap: a better way to minimize donor-site morbidity

Background: The purpose of this paper was to introduce our experience on a new operative technique for dissecting perforator vascular in the perforator flap and explore its clinical outcome. Methods: Between June 2013 and December 2016, 119 patients underwent soft tissue defects reconstruction with anterolateral thigh perforator flaps (ALTPs) were included in this study. Ninety-eight patients were male, and twenty-one patients were female. The average age of those patients was 40.58 years. Results: The ALTPs were successfully elevated to reconstruct soft tissue defect for 119 patients. The size of skin paddle was 120.59±59.31 cm 2 . A total of 148 perforators were included in the ALTP (84 percent was musculocutaneous perforator, 16 percent was septocutaneous perforator). The mean flap elevation time was 60.85±20.25 minutes. The success rate of flap elevation was 98%, only three perforators were injured and one perforator occurred vasospasm during the operation. Five cases, including three venous crisis and two artery crisis, presented with vascular crisis after flap transfer. The rate of vascular crisis was 4.2%. All of flaps were completely survived except one flap had partial flap necrosis. The mean follow-up time was 13.32±8.9 months. No muscular weakness was displayed in this group. Conclusions: Orderly retrograde dissection of the perforator vessels in the perforator flap can provide with less donor site morbidity, shorter operative time and safer than the traditional methods. It is a reliable operation for elevating the perforator flap.

A Simple Way to Measure Glucose and Lactate Values During Free Flap Head and Neck Reconstruction Surgery

Evaluation of flap blood flow is necessary to detect flap blood flow abnormalities and perform salvage surgery. This study determined whether intra-flap blood glucose and lactate values measured with a simple instrument could detect impaired blood flow during head and neck reconstruction. We prospectively analyzed 82 cases of head and neck cancer reconstruction (62 men and 20 women; mean age, 64.0years [range, 20 to 88years]), of which 74 had impeded blood flow. Glucose and lactate levels were regularly measured over a period of 48hours, from the time of flap elevation, as predictor variables. Blood flow obstruction was the outcome variable. Other study variables included primary site, flap type, gender, age at operation, height, weight, body mass index, presence or absence of diabetes, ischemia time, and operative time. Logistic analysis, using glucose and lactate values at the time of blood flow failure, was performed. Cutoff values were calculated using a receiver operating characteristic analysis. The breakdown of the flaps was as follows: 20 free jejunum, 19 anterolateral thigh, 12 fibular, 11 radial forearm, 8 rectus abdominis myocutaneous, and 4 other flaps. Congestion was observed in 8 of the 82 flaps, including 3 anterolateral thigh flaps, 3 radial forearm flaps, 1 free jejunum flap, and 1 rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. The intra-flap blood glucose values in the normally progressing cases gradually decreased until 16hours postoperatively and thereafter recovered to normal levels. Intra-flap blood lactate values increased until 8hours postoperatively and subsequently decreased. The odds ratio during congestion was only significantly different for lactate (odds ratio, 2.55, P=.014), and the cutoff values for sensitivity and specificity were 4.2mmol/L and 6.7mmol/L, respectively. Intra-flap blood glucose and lactate values may reflect the transition of the postoperative circulation of free flaps. During congestion, lactate values change more sensitively than blood glucose values.

Rationale Behind the Use of Double-Layer Polypropylene Patch (G-patch) Dural Substitute During Decompressive Craniectomy as an Adhesion Preventive Material for Subsequent Cranioplasty with Special Reference to Flap Elevation Time.

Dural substitutes are used in decompressive craniectomy (DC) to prevent adhesions during subsequent cranioplasty. Current literature attributes them to reduced blood loss and reduction in operative time of cranioplasty. The use of double-layer substitute has rarely been documented. We studied the use of double-layer G-patch as a dural substitute in DC and evaluated its outcome during subsequent cranioplasty with special focus on flap elevation time and blood loss during cranioplasty. We performed emergency frontotemporoparietal decompressive craniectomy using a double layer of G-patch as dural substitute. Subsequent cranioplasty was done in these 35 patients. The development of adhesion formation between the tissue layers, amount of blood loss, and flap elevation time were recorded. During the cranioplasty, a clear and smooth plane of dissection was found between the 2 layers of G-patch in all cases. Average flap elevation time was 21.8 minutes, and average time taken for cranioplasty was 124.12 minutes. Average blood loss was 83 mL. None of the patients required re-exploration for infection of bone flap or postoperative bleed. While evaluating the use of dural substitute during DC as an adhesion preventive material for subsequent cranioplasty, flap elevation time and blood loss should be taken into account rather than operative time. Double-layer G-patch during DC facilitates subsequent cranioplasty by preventing adhesions between the layers, resulting in easier dissection and reduced blood loss.

Oral Cancer Reconstruction Using the Supraclavicular Artery Island Flap: Comparison to Free Radial Forearm Flap

To evaluate whether the pedicled supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) is a sufficient alternative to the fasciocutaneous radial forearm free flap (RFFF) for oral reconstruction in cancer surgery. The authors designed and implemented a retrospective cohort study composed of all consecutive patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction after cancer surgery at their tertiary university hospital from 2013 to 2016. Demographics and peri- and postoperative information were recorded and statistically analyzed. Of 83 patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction after cancer, 50 were identified as having stage III or IV squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx and underwent surgery and reconstruction with the SCAIF (n=25) or the RFFF (n=25). Total surgery time (411.0 vs 576.4minutes; P<.001), flap elevation time (39.00 vs 93.78minutes; P<.001), need for intensive care observation (32 vs 96%; P<.05), and rate of tracheotomy (64 vs 88%; P<.05) were significantly lower in the SCAIF group. There was no statistical difference in the postoperative complication rate or postoperative functional swallowing ability between the 2 groups. Total perioperative costs were significantly lower in patients who underwent reconstruction with the SCAIF (2,621.15 vs 4,453.77€; P<.01). The results of this study suggest that the SCAIF is a straightforward and reliable flap with shorter operative times and comparable outcomes compared with the RFFF.

Comparison of dissection with harmonic scalpel and conventional bipolar electrocautery in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap surgery: A consecutive cohort study

Reduced tissue damage is a theoretical advantage of using an ultrasonic harmonic scalpel. We hypothesized that the harmonic scalpel would outperform electrocautery in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap surgery, possibly resulting in a shorter operative time and reduced postoperative drainage and pain. Between January and August 2015, 24 consecutive patients were assigned to immediate deep inferior epigastric perforator flap elevation (12 for bipolar electrocautery and 12 for harmonic scalpel). The main outcome variables were total operative time, flap elevation time (starting from the fascia incision), and drainage volume. We compared the number of perforators isolated and the Moon and Taylor classification of the pedicle. Data were tested for normality using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test before analysis. Continuous variables were compared by Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Data were analyzed using the statistical software SAS, version 9.3 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). Both groups were comparable with respect to clinical characteristics (mean age, body mass index, and flap weights). There was a statistically significant difference in the operative time between dissection with the harmonic scalpel and electrocautery (305.2 vs. 380.3min, respectively, p=0.002). The flap elevation time was reduced, particularly when using the harmonic scalpel where its usage seems crucial for dissecting deep inferior epigastric perforators (59.8 vs. 145.9min, respectively, p<0.0001). No statistical difference was observed in the drainage volume and length of hospital stay between the groups. We conclude that the harmonic scalpel may be more reliable and efficient as an alternative to electrocautery.

Free Flap Elevation Times in Head and Neck Reconstruction Using the Harmonic Scalpel Shears.

Summary:Free tissue transfer has become the mainstay of head and neck cancer (HNC) reconstructive surgery. The objective of the study is to examine the efficacy of the Harmonic Scalpel (HS) Shears on free flap elevation time and complication rates after HNC reconstruction compared with traditional electrocautery. A retrospective review of 215 HNC patients undergoing surgical ablation and free flap reconstruction from January 2010 to April 2013 at the University of Alberta Hospital was undertaken. All patients requiring free flap reconstruction with radial forearm free flap or fibula free flap were included. Overall, there was no significant difference demonstrated between the HS and electrocautery groups for free flap elevation time for RFFFs (P = 0.563) or FFFs (P = 0.087). No differences were observed in donor-site complications. The HS is a reliable, safe, and alternative method of free flap elevation in HNC reconstructive surgery.

Tissue engraftment of hypoxic‐preconditioned adipose‐derived stem cells improves flap viability

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have the ability to release multiple growth factors in response to hypoxia. In this study, we investigated the potential of ASCs to prevent tissue ischemia. We found conditioned media from hypoxic ASCs had increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and enhanced endothelial cell tubule formation. To investigate the effect of injecting rat ASCs into ischemic flaps, 21 Lewis rats were divided into three groups: control, normal oxygen ASCs (10(6) cells), and hypoxic preconditioned ASCs (10(6) cells). At the time of flap elevation, the distal third of the flap was injected with the treatment group. At 7 days post flap elevation, flap viability was significantly improved with injection of hypoxic preconditioned ASCs. Cluster of differentiation-31-positive cells were more abundant along the margins of flaps injected with ASCs. Fluorescent labeled ASCs localized aside blood vessels or throughout the tissue, dependent on oxygen preconditioning status. Next, we evaluated the effect of hypoxic preconditioning on ASC migration and chemotaxis. Hypoxia did not affect ASC migration on scratch assay or chemotaxis to collagen and laminin. Thus, hypoxic preconditioning of injected ASCs improves flap viability likely through the effects of VEGF release. These effects are modest and represent the limitations of cellular and growth factor-induced angiogenesis in the acute setting of ischemia.

Upper extremity reconstruction using free SCIA/SIEA flap

The most suitable free flap alternative in upper extremity reconstruction has adequate and quality of tissue with consistent vascular pedicle. Free flap must provide convenient tissue texture to reconstruct aesthetic and functional units of upper extremity. Furthermore, minimal donor site morbidity is preferred features in free flap election. In our efforts to obtain the best possible outcome for patients, we chose, as a first priority, the free superficial circumflex inferior artery (SCIA)/superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap over other free flap options for the soft-tissue reconstruction of upper extremities. The authors retrospectively report the results of 20 free SCIA/SIEA flaps for upper extremity reconstruction during the past 3 years. Nineteen of 20 flaps were successful (95%): three required emergent postoperative reexploration of the anastomosis and one failed. Flap thinning (n = 4) was performed during the flap harvest, whereas some flaps were thinned with secondary debulking (n = 4). The functional and aesthetic results were evaluated as acceptable by all patients. Based on our results, a free SCIA/SIEA flap has the following advantages in soft-tissue reconstruction of the upper extremity: (1) if necessary, flap thinning may be performed safely at the time of flap elevation and (2) flaps are harvested using a lower abdominal incision so that it causes minimal donor site scar.

Preoperative Color Doppler Assessment in Planning of Gluteal Perforator Flaps

Gluteal artery perforator flaps have gained popularity due to reliability, preservation of the muscle, versatility in flap design without restricting other flap options, and low donor-site morbidity in ambulatory patients and possibility of enabling future reconstruction in paraplegic patients. But the inconstant anatomy of the vascular plexus around the gluteal muscle makes it hard to predict how many perforators are present, what their volume of blood flow and size are, where they exit the overlying fascia, and what their course through the muscle will be. Without any prior investigations, the reconstructive surgeon could be surprised intraoperatively by previous surgical damage, scar formation, or anatomic variants.For these reasons, to confirm the presence and the location of gluteal perforators preoperatively we have used color Doppler ultrasonography. With the help of the color Doppler ultrasonography 26 patients, 21 men and 5 women, were operated between the years 2002 and 2007. The mean age of patients was 47.7 (age range: 7-77 years). All perforator vessels were marked preoperatively around the defect locations. The perforator based flap that will allow primary closure of the donor site and the defect without tension was planned choosing the perforator that showed the largest flow in color Doppler ultrasonography proximally. Perforators were found in the sites identified with color Doppler ultrasonography in all other flaps. In our study, 94.4% flap viability was ensured in 36 perforator-based gluteal area flaps. Mean flap elevation time was 31.9 minutes. We found that locating the perforators preoperatively helps to shorten the operation time without compromising a reliable viability of the perforator flaps, thus enabling the surgeon easier treatment of pressure sores.

A comparison of free transfer of radial forearm and anterolateral thigh flaps for head and neck reconstruction

Anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF), since its first description, has challenged the role of the radial artery forearm free flap (RFFF) in head and neck reconstruction. The aim of our study was to objectively compare the two flaps in head and neck reconstruction. From March 2006 to January 2008, 61 head and neck reconstructions were done, 33 using RFFF and 28 using ALTF. Mean patient age was 46.93 years. There were 54 tumor and six trauma cases. Flap elevation time, pedicle length and diameter, flap failure, and re-exploration rates were not significantly different between the two flaps (p value = 0.698, 0.978, 0.832, 0.908, respectively). Significantly larger flaps were harvested from the anterolateral thigh compared to the forearm (p value = 0.000, 0.001). At the same time, the donor site complications were significantly lower in the ALTF cases (p value = 0.029). Considering the larger amount of flap available from a hidden donor site with a reliable vascular pedicle and a low frequency of donor site morbidity, we recommend that ALTF should be considered as a first choice for soft tissue defects in the head and neck region.

Augmentation of Venous Drainage by a Venous Anastomosis for Pedicled Flaps

Recently several studies have addressed the venous problem and confirmed that venous ischemia is more injurious to tissue viability than arterial ischemia of equivalent duration. There are different methods of managing venous-compromised pedicled flaps. Between June 1996 and November 2003, our center treated two submental, five Becker, nine posterior interosseous, three distally based sural, and three colon pedicled flaps (22 flaps in total), which had venous congestion either at the time of flap elevation or immediately after inset of the flap. These cases of venous congestion were managed with an immediate additional venous anastamosis. After vein anastomosis, venous congestion reduced gradually, then improved, and finally disappeared completely in the postoperative follow-up days with all flaps surviving in their entirety. Reexploration was not required for the microsurgical venous anastomosis. In conclusion, flap necrosis resulting from venous congestion causes prolonged hospitalization, multiple debridements, and additional procedures to cover the exposed structures. Additional vein anastomosis, which is a simple, rapid, and reliable auxiliary procedure, may increase complete flap survival and lead to successful end results, both functional and cosmetic.