Total Flap Loss Research Articles

Scalp Reconstruction after Malignant Tumor Resection: An Analysis and Algorithm.

Background An oncologic tumor resection of the scalp can result in complex wounds that result in challenging scalp reconstructions. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of microvascular-based scalp reconstructions (MSR) in oncologic patients and to propose an algorithmic treatment approach. Methods Within a 5-year period, 38 patients having undergone 41 MSR (15 anterolateral thigh (ALT), 15 gracilis muscle (GM), and 11 latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) flaps) after extensive scalp tumor resections fulfilled inclusion criteria for this study. Results Malignant skin disease included superficial and/or deep infiltration of the calvarium in 26 and combined intracranial infiltration in 12 patients. In case of bone replacement (24 patients), MSR was done concomitant, otherwise MSR was performed after pathological confirmation of tumor-free margins. LDM flaps were used in cases with defect sizes of 400 to 1250cm 2 , whereas ALT- and GM flaps were chosen for defects ranging from 40 to 350cm 2 . The average length of the pedicle was comparable in ALT- and LDM flaps and longer than in GM flaps. Total flap loss with need for revision surgery and minor donor site morbidity occurred in four and three patients, respectively. Conclusion Microsurgical reconstruction of moderate-to-extensive scalp defects remains a reliable method with overall low risks and satisfactory aesthetic results, while, according to our experience, muscle flaps show the best functional and aesthetic results. However, in cases of central scalp defects and in situations when a long vascular pedicle of the flap is important, the ALT flap seems to be the best solution.

Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Pathway for Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The enhanced recovery after surgery pathway was introduced in 1997 as a multimodal approach to reduce preventable postoperative harm and shorten hospital length of stay. However, there is yet no widely accepted enhanced recovery after surgery protocol for microsurgical breast reconstruction. The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature on enhanced recovery after surgery for microsurgical breast reconstruction with regard to postoperative length of stay and morbidity. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for all studies published before June of 2016 containing original data on enhanced recovery after surgery in microsurgical breast reconstruction in relation to postoperative length of stay and morbidity. Studies were screened using eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis, odds ratio, and 95 percent confidence interval were used to pool acquired data. The initial search identified 86 studies. Two independent screeners identified four original articles with a total of 676 patients. Length of stay was significantly shorter for patients on an enhanced recovery after surgery pathway (mean difference, -1.23; 95 percent CI, -1.50 to -0.96; p < 0.001; I = 0 percent; random effects model). Enhanced recovery was not associated with changes in 30-day postoperative morbidity; specifically, no significant difference was observed in rates of partial flap loss (p = 0.44), total flap loss (p = 0.91), breast hematoma (p = 0.69), donor-site infection (p = 0.53), urinary tract infection (p = 0.29), and pneumonia (p = 0.42). The authors' review suggests that enhanced recovery after surgery in microsurgical breast reconstruction is associated with a reduced length of stay, and is not associated with increased postoperative morbidity.

Choice of recipient vessels in muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap breast reconstruction: A comparative study.

BackgroundThoracodorsal vessels (TDVs) and internal mammary vessels (IMVs) have both been widely employed as recipient vessels for use in free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) flaps. However, whether TDVs or IMVs are preferable as recipient vessels for autologous breast reconstruction with a free MS-TRAM flap remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes when TDVs were used as recipient vessels to those obtained when IMVs were used as recipient vessels for autologous breast reconstruction with a free MS-TRAM flap.MethodsA retrospective matched-cohort study was performed. We retrospectively reviewed data collected from patients who underwent a free MS-TRAM flap for autologous breast reconstructions after mastectomy between March 2003 and June 2013. After a one-to-one matching using age, 100 autologous breast reconstructions were selected in this study. Of the 100 breast reconstructions, 50 flaps were anastomosed to TDVs and 50 to IMVs. Patient demographics and clinical outcomes including operation time, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and aesthetic score were compared between the two groups.ResultsNo statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in patient demographics and clinical outcomes, including the complication rates and aesthetic scores. There were no major complications such as total or partial flap loss in either group.ConclusionsThe results of our study demonstrate that both TDVs and IMVs were safe and efficient as recipient vessels in terms of the complication rates and aesthetic outcomes.

Single Versus Simultaneous Double Free Flaps for Head and Neck Reconstruction: Comparison of Flap Outcomes and Donor-Site Morbidity.

Ablative procedures of the head and neck often result in substantial defects that require large-volume tissue transfer for restoration of form and function. Multiple simultaneous free flaps may be required for complex defects, but these procedures are often avoided because of the perception of an increase in associated surgical complications and morbidity. We present our experience with the use of simultaneous multiple free flaps as compared with single free flaps (SFFs) for head and neck reconstruction. Thirty-seven patients with a history of head and neck malignancy underwent SFF reconstruction, and 21 patients underwent double free flap (DFF) reconstruction. Statistical analysis was conducted comparing demographics, comorbidities, etiology of disease, and surgical outcomes between the 2 patient groups. Operative time and length of hospital stay were both significantly longer in the DFF group versus the SFF group. Despite significantly higher rates of preoperative radiation, osteoradionecrosis, and operation for secondary malignancy in DFF group, no significant differences in flap survival, partial flap loss, recipient site complications, or donor site complications were found. Overall flap-related reoperation rates were low, as were total flap losses. There were 10 complications (24%) that required reoperation in the DFF group, and 1 total flap loss (2.4%), on per-flap basis. There were 10 complications (27%) that required reoperation in the SFF group and 3 total flap losses (8.1%). Per-flap incidence of donor site morbidity in the DFF group was significantly lower than that in the SFF group (23.8% vs 56.8%, respectively, P = 0.011). The use of multiple free flaps for reconstruction of major head and neck tissue defects is sometimes necessary to achieve adequate reconstructive results. These procedures have no significant associated increase in overall flap-related complications. Our findings suggest that donor site morbidity can be minimized in double-flap reconstructions by thoughtful flap selection.

Free tissue transfer with the free rectus abdominis flap in high-risk patients above 65 years: A retrospective cohort study

Though technically feasible, free tissue transfer carries the risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. To minimize the operative treatment time and complication rates, we choose the rectus abdominis muscle (RAM) flap. Between 2012 and 2017, 34 patients (mean age: 74±7 years, range: 65-89 years) with comorbidities underwent defect reconstruction with a free RAM flap. Recipient-sites were: lower extremity (65%), trunk (18%), upper extremity (12%), and head and neck (6%). The ASA status was 2 in 11 patients, 3 in 21 patients, and 4 in 2 patients. Twenty patients (59%) received additional vascular surgery. Three patients (9%) underwent simultaneous restoration of fractures. The mean operative time (OT) was 325±75min. There was no total flap loss. Partial flap loss occurred in one patient (3%). The incidence of surgical and medical complications was 32% and 38%: 11 patients experienced a total of 22 surgical complications, of which 15 were major (requiring additional surgery) and 7 minor (conservative treatment). One patient died postoperatively because of progressive respiratory failure. Prolonged OT was highly associated with hematoma formation requiring re-operation (p = 0.01). ASA status was a significant predictor for postoperative critical care monitoring (p = 0.03). Reconstruction was successful in 31 out of 34 patients (91%) during a mean follow-up time of 17.7 ± 8.8 months (range: 2-51 months). The free RAM flap has proven as a reliable and efficient tool in the armamentarium of reconstructive microvascular surgeons with some advantages in the treatment of multimorbid patients older than 65 years.

A New Concept of Interval TRAM for Immediate Breast Reconstruction in Obese Women.

Performing pedicled TRAM in obese women carries risk of flap loss or native breast envelop necrosis. Our technique depends on performing total flap delay at the same setting with mastectomy with flap suture in situ to be followed 1week later by flap transfer. This study included 24 operable women who were candidates for skin sparing or modified radical mastectomy. In one case, delay was only done and followed by mastectomy and flap transfer. In later experience, delay plus mastectomy was done first and followed later by flap transfer. Operative data and postoperative complications were recorded. The mean BMI was 37 ± 2.75. The mean total operative time was 200 ± 20.37. The mean total hospital stay was 9.1 ± 3.35days. The mean total volume of blood loss was 380 ± 82.33ml. Breast envelop necrosis was encountered in four cases; three of them were replaced by the TRAM skin. There was no total flap loss while partial loss was recorded in five cases. Fat necrosis occurred in eight cases. Most of mastectomy bed and abdominal complications were in average. Most of cases showed satisfactory esthetic outcome. Our new concept of "Interval TRAM" enables safe immediate breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM in obese women and ensures presence of a skin pack up for the native breast envelop skin. We recommend this technique in every obese female who undergoes skin sparing mastectomy with immediate pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction.

A New Technique in Tamai Zone 1 Reconstruction: Reverse Dorsal Terminal Vein Flap (Hat Flap)

Introduction The aim of this study was to determine usability of the reverse dorsal terminal vein flap (hat flap) in the reconstruction of Tamai zone 1 defects.Materials and Methods A total of 31 patients with fingertip amputation in Tamai zone 1 defect in the finger operated upon between 2014 and 2016 were included in this study. Flaps were designed from the proximal end of the nail bed to the middle phalanx according to the defect size. After passing through the skin, the proximal parts of the dorsal vein and branches were knotted. The flap was harvested by preserving the paratenon and dorsal digital terminal vein. Then, the flap was rotated and the defect was closed.Results A total of 32 patients were included in this study. The average size of the defects was 2 × 2.2 cm. Loss of epidermis in five patients and partial flap loss in two patients were observed (7/32, 21.8%), but total flap loss was not observed in any patient.Conclusion The reverse flow terminal dorsal vein-based pedicle flaps can be used as a viable surgical technique in the reconstruction of Tamai zone 1 amputations.Level of Evidence This is a Level IV study.

Microsurgical Reconstruction of Traumatic Lower Extremity Defects in Pediatric Patients: Is Fasciocutanous Flap A Versatile Tool to Replace Musculocutaneous Flap?

The purpose of this report is to evaluate the outcome ofmicrosurgical reconstruction of traumatic lower extremitydefects in children and compare fasiocutenous flaps withmuscle and musculocutaneous flaps. At Al-Azhar UniversityHospitals (Al-Hussien and Sayed Galal Hospitals) in the lasttwo years. 50 free tissue transfers had been performed in 50children. Patients ranged in age from 3 to 16 years old, Thedefect location included the dorsum of foot in 24 cases, medialaspect of foot in 4 cases, lateral aspect of foot in one case,forefoot in 2 cases, heel in 5 cases, ankle in one case, upperthird of leg in 3 cases, middle third of leg in 6 cases, lowerthird of leg in 4 cases and the knee in 2 cases. Flaps used inthis study were myocutenous and muscle flaps (L.D and R.F)in 38 cases, fasciocutenous flaps (A.L.T) in 7 cases, andchiemeric flap (L.D+S.A) in 5 cases. Hospital stay was rangedfrom 5 days to 14 days with an average of 8.8 days. Therecipient's vessels were anterior tibial vessels in 38 cases,posterior tibial vessels in 7 cases, femoral vessels in 2 cases,dorsalis pedis vessels in 2 cases, and popliteal vessels in onecase. The postoperative complications were seen in 13 patientsin the form of venous congestion in three cases, superficialinfection in five patients, delayed wound healing in threepatients, partial necrosis in one case, graft loss in one case,with total flap loss in three cases. One could conclude fromour report that a free fasciocutaneous flap is an excellentoption for lower extremity reconstruction. Our data indicatethat it can be successfully used in all clinical settings, withoutoutcomes equivalent to the more traditional muscle flap.

Perineoscrotal reconstruction following fournier's gangrene using the upper medial thigh perforator flap

Background: Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a synergistic necrotizing fasciitis that involves the genitalia, perineum, or anal region and can be life threatening and generally necessitates urgent surgical intervention. It often causes scrotal defects that require reconstruction after surgical debridement. The reconstruction of these serious scrotal defects poses certain challenges for surgeons. In this study, reconstruction of scrotal defects caused by FG with medial circumflex femoral artery perforator (MCFAP) flap evaluated. Patients and Methods: Seventeen patients with FG reconstructed using a MCFAP flap, admitted to our hospital between February 2003 and March 2017, are included in this study. Reconstruction with MCFAP flap results, mean debridement number, comorbid diseases, and length of hospital stay are analyzed together. Patients with FG reconstructed using techniques other than MCFAP were not included in this study. Results: Eighteen MCFAP flaps were performed in 17 patients. The mean duration of operation was 2 h 55 min. Diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbid disease. The mean days of hospital stay were 19.9. Total flap loss was not seen in 17 patients. Donor area of the flap is closed primarily, by V-Y advancement flaps or by split-thickness skin grafts. Acceptable cosmetic results and scrotal contours were obtained in all patients. No major complications were observed. Conclusions: Using a MCFAP flap, a method that has minimal donor site morbidity, requires single session surgery, provides good skin quality and color similar to the scrotum, is an easy-to-perform process, proving to be a reliable flap for scrotal reconstruction.

Lower Eyelid Reconstruction Using a Nasolabial, Perforator-based V-Y Advancement Flap: Expanding the Utility of Facial Perforator Flaps.

Reconstruction of the lower eyelid represents a unique challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. Studies evaluating the utility of the nasolabial V-Y advancement flap in lower eyelid reconstruction are limited and techniques to optimize outcomes following eyelid reconstruction with this technique are not well described. We seek to evaluate our experience and outcomes with lower eyelid reconstruction using the nasolabial perforator-based V-Y advancement flap. After institutional review board approval, medical charts of all patients who underwent lower eyelid reconstruction using the nasolabial perforator-based V-Y advancement flap between February 2013 and October 2017 were reviewed. Data regarding etiology, location of the lesion, lower eyelid defect, methods of reconstruction, postoperative complications, and follow up duration were collected and analyzed. Over the study period, 5 patients (3 male) underwent lower eyelid reconstruction after oncologic resection of melanoma (n = 1) and nonmelanoma (n = 4) skin cancer using the nasolabial perforator-based V-Y advancement flap at a mean age of 69 years (range, 56-82 years). Median follow-up duration was 5.9 months (interquartile range, 2.25-25.9). A mean of 5.4 (range, 2-10) perforators were included in the initial flap design. After completion of flap dissection and perforator division, a mean of 4.4 (range, 2-7) perforators were preserved and included in the flap. All flaps demonstrated clinical viability with no cases of partial or total flap loss. One patient developed an asymptomatic ectropion during the follow-up period. The nasolabial, perforator-based V-Y advancement flap is a reliable reconstructive method for lower eyelid defects.

A Modification in the Shape of the Skin Island of Fasciocautaneous Flaps in the Distal Extremities

Background: Distally based (reversed flow) fasciocautaneousflaps are used for coverage of distal extremity softtissue defects. However, there is a high incidence of venouscongestion that may lead to partial or total flap loss. Variousmodifications for these flap design have been made aimingto improve flap survival.Aim of Work: In this paper, a tongue like extension fromthe skin island was done aiming to improve its versatility anddecrease complication rate especially venous congestion.Patients and Methods: Eight patients (five males andthree females), average age thirty years old. Most cases wherepost traumatic, one case necrotizing fasciitis of heel, one casewith squamous cell cancer of dorsal hand skin. Five patientsunderwent reversed sural flap and three patients underwentradial forearm flap.Results: All cases had viable flaps with good woundhealing. However female patients complained of the scarringlater on. One case of reversed sural flap had minimal distalcongestion that improved later on.Conclusion: Advantage of this modification is that it actsto stabilize the critical vascular pattern of the pedicle duringits axial rotation minimizing the post insetting vascularproblem. It improves the venous drainage through the subdermaland subcutaneous venous plexuses and limits the excesskinking of the fascial pedicle. This tongue of tissue can alsoserve as an extra tissue to be used for coverage in some cases.It also has a superior cosmetic appearance when compared toskin grafting of the pedicle. The use of this modified techniquecan be extended to any island flap that has to pass through atight tunnel to reach the defect.

Reconstruction of Spinal Soft Tissue Defects With Perforator Flaps From the Paraspinal Region.

Reconstruction of spinal soft tissue defects is challenging, especially when neural structures or prosthetic material are exposed. They should be covered with well-vascularized tissue such as paraspinal perforator flaps. This is a retrospective study of soft tissue reconstructions with paraspinal perforator flaps from 2011 to 2018. The technique is described and risk factors for poor wound healing were assessed. Postoperative complications are reported. Twenty patients with a mean age of 63.65 years were included. Defects had an average size of 47 cm2 and were mainly located in the lumbosacral region (9 patients). Twelve patients suffered from infection following spinal stabilization, seven of whom were diagnosed with osteomyelitis, two patients presented with pressure sore and one patient experienced wound dehiscence. One partial flap necrosis with a lumbar defect occurred, which required revision surgery. No total flap loss occurred. Stable, closed wounds were achieved at their final follow-up. Perforator paraspinal flaps are suitable for immediate reconstruction of spinal defects.

The Stacked Hemiabdominal Extended Perforator Flap for Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

Options for bilateral autologous breast reconstruction in thin women are limited. The aim of this study was to introduce a novel approach to increase abdominal flap volume with the stacked hemiabdominal extended perforator (SHAEP) flap. The authors describe the surgical technique and analyze their results. A retrospective study was conducted of all SHAEP flap breast reconstructions performed since February of 2014. Patient demographics, operative details, complications, and flap reexplorations were recorded. The bipedicled hemiabdominal flap was designed as a combination of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) and a second, more lateral pedicle: the deep or superficial circumflex iliac perforator vessels, the superficial inferior epigastric artery, or a lumbar artery or intercostal perforator. A total of 90 SHAEP flap breast reconstructions were performed in 49 consecutive patients. Median operative time was 500 minutes (range, 405 to 797 minutes). Median hemiabdominal flap weight that was used for reconstruction was 598 g (range, 160 to 1389 g). No total flap losses were recorded. Recipient-site complications included partial flap loss (2.2 percent), hematoma (3.3 percent), fat necrosis (2.2 percent), and wound problems (4.4 percent). Minor donor-site complications occurred in five patients (10.2 percent). Most flaps were harvested on a combination of the DIEP and deep circumflex iliac artery vessels. This study demonstrated that the SHAEP flap is an excellent option for bilateral autologous breast reconstruction in women who require significant breast volume but have insufficient abdominal tissue for a bilateral DIEP flap. The bipedicled SHAEP flap allows for enhanced flap perfusion, increased volume, and abdominal contour improvement using a single abdominal donor site. Therapeutic, IV.

The infrahyoid myocutaneous flap for reconstruction after oral cancer resection: A retrospective single-surgeon study.

ObjectiveTo review our experience with infrahyoid myocutaneous flap in reconstruction after oral cancer resection.MethodsChart reviews were completed for all patients who underwent oral reconstruction with an infrahyoid myocutaneous flap by a single surgeon in the Department of Otolaryngology at Chonburi Cancer Hospital from 2011 to 2017. Characteristics of the patients and postoperative complications were analyzed.ResultsOf the 34 patients in the study, 10 (29.4%) developed partial flap loss and 1 (2.9%) developed total flap loss. All cases of partial flap loss resolved with conservative treatment. Apparent cancer involvement of a cervical lymph node was significantly associated with flap failure (odds ratio: 5.0, 95% CI: 1.03–24.28).ConclusionsThe infrahyoid myocutaneous flap is a fairly reliable reconstruction method. The flap should be performed with caution in cases with gross lymph node involvement.

Outcome and Complications following Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap Surgery to Reconstruct Sacrectomy Defects

The vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap has been used to reliably reconstruct posterior soft-tissue defects following resection of high sacral tumors, providing skin and soft-tissue bulk. Current literature examining the use of these flaps for high sacral reconstruction is limited. The purpose of this study was to report the authors' institution's outcome on the use of the vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap to reconstruct a high sacral defect following an oncologic resection. Eighty-seven patients (29 female and 58 male) underwent vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap surgery to reconstruct a posterior wound following high sacral tumor resection from 1994 to 2016. The mean age and body mass index were 52 years and 27.8 kg/m(2), respectively. The mean follow-up was 6 years. Sixty-eight patients (79 percent) sustained a complication, most commonly a wound complication [n = 41 (47 percent)]. Twenty patients (23 percent) sustained a donor-site wound complication, most commonly a wound dehiscence (n = 10). Complications resulted in a reoperation in 44 patients (51 percent), with total flap failure occurring in one (1 percent). Preoperative radiotherapy and obesity were found to increase the risk of wound complications (p = 0.004 and p = 0.02, respectively) and deep infection (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively). Complications were common following vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap surgery; however, total flap loss was not. Patients with obesity and preoperative radiotherapy should be cautioned on their increased risk of complications. Currently, the vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap is the authors' preferred means of soft-tissue reconstruction following high sacral tumor resection. Therapeutic, IV.

Lower Extremity Free Tissue Transfer in the Setting of Thrombophilia: Analysis of Perioperative Anticoagulation Protocols and Predictors of Flap Failure.

No consensus exists regarding the optimal strategy for perioperative thromboprophylaxis in high-risk microsurgical populations. We present our experience with lower extremity free tissue transfer (FTT) in thrombophilic patients and compare outcomes between non-stratified and risk-stratified anticoagulation protocols. Between January 2013 and December 2017, 57 patients with documented thrombophilia underwent FTT for non-traumatic, lower extremity reconstruction by a single surgeon. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on the introduction of a novel, risk-stratified algorithm for perioperative anticoagulation in July 2015. Demographic data, chemoprophylaxis profiles, flap outcomes, and complications were retrospectively compared across time periods. Fifty-seven free flaps were performed in hypercoagulable patients treated with non-stratified (n = 27) or risk-stratified (n = 30) thromboprophylaxis. Patients in the risk-stratified cohort received intravenous heparin more often than non-stratified controls (73 vs. 15%, p < 0.001). Lower rates of total (3 vs. 19%, p = 0.06) and partial (10 vs. 37%, p = 0.025) flap loss were observed among risk-stratified patients, paralleling a significant reduction in the prevalence of postoperative thrombotic events (1.2 vs. 12.3%, p = 0.004). While therapeutic versus low-dose heparin infusion was associated with improved flap survival following intraoperative microvascular compromise (86 vs. 25%, p = 0.04), salvage rates in the setting of postoperative thrombosis remained 0%, regardless of protocol. On multivariate analysis, recipient-vessel calcification (odds ratio [OR]: 16.7, p = 0.02) and anastomotic revision (OR, 3.3; p = 0.04) were independently associated with total flap failure. Selective therapeutic anticoagulation may improve microsurgical outcomes in high-risk patients with thrombophilia. Our findings highlight the importance of meticulous technique and recipient-vessel selection as critical determinants of flap success in this population.

The Versatility of Nasolabial Flaps in Maxillofacial Surgery.

The nasolabial flap can be used for reconstruction of the orofacial region. The procedure is of a short duration and treats orofacial soft tissue defects of small to moderate size, especially when microsurgical free flaps are less feasible due to lack of infrastructure, expertise or financial constraints. To study the effectiveness of the nasolabial flaps in reconstruction of orofacial defects of various origins. In this prospective study, 10 patients (18 nasolabial flaps) were selected randomly regardless of age, sex and need for reconstruction-whether it being requirement of tissue coverage following traumatic loss of soft tissue, soft tissue coverage after resection of a benign or malignant tumor, or resection of soft tissue defects after excision of submucous fibrosis bands. Patients were treated under general anesthesia following routine investigations, using either inferiorly or superiorly based, unilateral or bilateral nasolabial flaps for local extraoral and intraoral reconstruction. Patients were evaluated for postoperative complications, flap uptake, donor site morbidity and postoperative extraoral scarring. In all cases, postoperative complications were relatively minor except in one flap where total flap loss was encountered. The average time taken for preparation of recipient site, flap elevation and closure was 72min. The nasolabial flap proved itself to be extremely vascular and thus safe and suitable with satisfactory cosmetic outcomes. The nasolabial flap proves to be a versatile flap with a proven blood supply from the facial, transverse facial and infraorbital vessels. It establishes itself as a simple procedure to execute to reconstruct the various defects of the anterior orofacial region. It is considered to be a safe flap with a low complication rate, and most importantly it offers a cosmetically pleasing and functionally satisfactory solution.

Effect of Prior Radiotherapy on the Outcome of Submental Island Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction.

The submental island flap is a new alternative to the reconstruction of various head and neck defects. But there has been a relative paucity of information about the use of this flap in irradiated patients. The authors present their preliminary experience in the use of this flap in irradiated and nonirradiated patients. Eighty-one patients (53 nonirradiated and 28 irradiated patients) underwent reconstruction with the submental island flap between March 2011 and August 2017. The authors have 13 patients of venous congestion (7 in nonirradiated and 6 in irradiated group), 7 patients of partial necrosis of the flap (4 in nonirradiated and 3 in irradiated group). The authors also have 3 patients of transient paralysis of marginal mandibular nerve (2 in the nonirradiated and 1 in irradiated group), and 2 patients of pharyngo-cutaneous fistula in nonirradiated group. The authors have no cases of total flap loss, permanent paralysis of marginal mandibular nerve but have dehiscence of the submental area after harvesting the flap in an irradiated patient. When combined with the reported experience of other surgeons, the authors' preliminary experience showed that the submental island flap was an excellent alternative in the reconstruction of head and neck defects in both irradiated and nonirradiated patients because of its reliability, versatility, and relatively acceptable complications.

Bridging the Gap: A 20-Year Experience with Vein Grafts for Free Flap Reconstruction. The Odds for Success

Successful free tissue transfer requires tension-free microvascular anastomosis. Vein grafts are used when this cannot be obtained, which increases microsurgical complexity and the chance of vessel thrombosis. Previous studies on vein grafts are limited to low numbers and selected techniques, making it difficult to draw conclusions. A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients who underwent vein grafts in free flap reconstruction from 1995 to 2015. Information on patient and flap characteristics, returns to the operating room, and flap loss was analyzed. Seventy-two free flap reconstructions requiring 122 vein grafts were performed in the genitourinary/perineal (49 percent) and head and neck (38 percent) regions. The majority were performed in the initial operation (82 percent) and, of those, the majority were planned (71 percent). The most common vein graft types used were transposition arteriovenous loops (57 percent) and interpositions (26 percent). Of the initial cases, 22 percent returned to the operating room, resulting in a 7 percent total flap loss rate and a 7 percent partial flap loss rate. On univariate analysis, graft timing/planning, gap type, vein graft type, and reconstruction location were significantly associated with take-backs and flap loss. However, gap type and location seem to be strongly associated with graft timing/planning and vein graft type. Graft type and planning/timing do not have as strong a relationship and seem to independently relate to flap loss. Vein grafts are more successful when planned and when performing transpositions and arteriovenous loops over interpositions. These graft types should be considered over interpositions when possible. Therapeutic, IV.

Traumatic corneal flap avulsion and loss 13 years after LASIK

Postoperative flap displacements after Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) are uncommon complications, and flap losses are even less frequent, occurring most commonly within 24 hours after the procedure. Although cases of late subluxation have been reported up to 14 years after the surgery, the longest reported time after surgery for late flap loss is four years after LASIK. We report a case of a 54-year-old man that presented a traumatic total flap avulsion and loss 13 years after LASIK. According to our knowledge, this is the longest time reported in such a case in the literature. Medical treatment yielded an acceptable visual result. This case reinforces the concept that there could be a lifelong potential risk of traumatic corneal flap loss after LASIK.