Vertical Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap Research Articles

MP42-14 BIOLOGIC MESH BUTTRESS WITH VERTICAL RECTUS ABDOMINIS MUSCLE FLAP TO REESTABLISH PELVIC INTEGRITY DURING CYSTECTOMY FOR ANTERIOR URINARY FISTULA

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP42-14 BIOLOGIC MESH BUTTRESS WITH VERTICAL RECTUS ABDOMINIS MUSCLE FLAP TO REESTABLISH PELVIC INTEGRITY DURING CYSTECTOMY FOR ANTERIOR URINARY FISTULA Syed M. Alam, Jordan Stiverson, and Hadley Wyre Syed M. AlamSyed M. Alam More articles by this author , Jordan StiversonJordan Stiverson More articles by this author , and Hadley WyreHadley Wyre More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003280.14AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Post-radiation puboprostatic and pubourethral fistulae are devastating conditions, and surgical intervention remains highly morbid. Here, we describe a novel technique using a mesh buttress and vertical rectus abdominis muscle flap (VRAM) to restore pelvic integrity during cystectomy for anterior urinary fistulae. METHODS: Patients having undergone cystectomy with ileal conduit were identified in a prospectively maintained database. Those having undergone VRAM harvest with placement of a mesh buttress for anterior urinary fistula were selected for analysis. Following supratrigonal cystectomy, all patients underwent a left-sided VRAM harvest. After the bladder plate was fulgurated, a biologic mesh was tailored to the pelvic defect and sutured to the posterior trigone. It was then incorporated circumferentially around the levator muscles and anteriorly to the pubic bone and underside of rectus fascia. Prior to circumferential closure of the underlying space, a VRAM flap was secured in the pelvis. The remainder of the mesh was then secured, creating a tunnel for the flap pedicle. Surgical metrics and post-operative outcomes were evaluated using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Between 2019-2021, eleven patients underwent this technique, of which five carried a diagnosis of post-radiation anterior urinary fistula with pubic osteomyelitis. The median age was 73 years, and all patients were male. Three patients previously underwent radical prostatectomy, all of whom underwent subsequent endoscopic intervention for vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis. One patient underwent transurethral resection of the prostate after radiation. One patient had no prior surgical history. Median operative time was 387 minutes and median blood loss was 500cc. Average length of stay was five days. No patients developed an immediate post-operative complication. All patients had positive intra-operative bone cultures. No patients reported persistent pubic, groin, or thigh pain after surgery. No fistula recurrence occurred at a median follow-up of 264 days. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a mesh buttress in conjunction with pelvic VRAM flap is a novel technique designed to restore pelvic integrity for patients undergoing cystectomy for an anterior urinary fistula. Source of Funding: N/a © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e573 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Syed M. Alam More articles by this author Jordan Stiverson More articles by this author Hadley Wyre More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Soft tissue reconstruction strategy for sacral tumor resection

Objective: To investigate the clinical strategy and effect of soft tissue reconstruction after sacral tumor resection in different planes. Methods: The data of 27 consecutive patients who underwent primary or secondary sacral tumor resection and soft tissue reconstruction from June 2012 to June 2021 at Dongnan Hospital of Xiamen University (the 909th Hospital) were retrospectively analyzed. There were 11 males and 16 females, aged (M(IQR)) (46.2±23.6) years (range: 16 to 72 years). Sacrospinous muscle, gluteus maximus and vertical rectus abdominis muscle flap were selected for soft tissue reconstruction according to the tumor site and the size of tissue defect. the postoperative follow-up was performed. The operative methods, intraoperative conditions, complications and disease outcomes were summarized. Results: Among the 27 patients with sacral tumor, the tumor plane was located in S1 in 8 cases, S2 in 5 cases and S3 or below in 14 cases. There were 12 patients with tumor volume≤400 cm3 and 15 patients with tumor volume>400 cm3. Operation time was 100(90) minutes (range: 70 to 610 minutes), intraoperative blood loss was 800(1 600) ml (range: 400 to 6 500 ml). Soft tissue reconstruction was performed by transabdominal rectus abdominis transfer repair in 2 cases, extraperitoneal rectus abdominis transfer repair in 1 case, gluteus maximus transfer repair in 5 cases, gluteus maximus advancement repair in 13 cases, and sacrospinous muscle transfer repair in 6 cases. Postoperative complications occurred in 6 cases, including 1 case of incision infection, 4 cases of skin border necrosis, and 1 case of delayed infection due to fracture of internal fixator 3 years after operation, all of them were cured. The follow-up time was (35±21) months. Among the patients, 6 patients had recurrence, 2 patients with Ewing sarcoma died of lung metastasis 1 year after operation, 4 patients with metastatic cancer died of primary disease, and the remaining patients survived without disease. Conclusion: Choosing different soft tissue reconstruction strategies according to sacral tumor location and tissue defect size can effectively fill the dead space after sacral tumor resection, reduce postoperative complications and improve the prognosis of patients.

P-047 PERINEAL HERNIA: RECTUS ABDOMINIS MUSCLE FLAP REPAIR

Abstract Aim Perineal hernia (PH) is a rare complication of pelvic surgeries. We present two cases of male patients with symptomatic PH following abdominoperineal resection (APR), repaired with rectus abdominis muscle flap. Cases presentation N1: 66-year male, 1 year after laparoscopic-assisted APR was treated with rectus abdominis muscle flap repair (RAM) by open abdominal approach. In postoperative period, heavy bronchitis leaded to the disruption of the muscle flap and need of reoperation. The patient healed completely two months after the repair. No recurrence of PH within 5 years has been registered. N2: 64-year male, underwent chemoradiotherapy and open APR for rectal carcinoma. 2 years later, CT showed a PH and 2cm wide mass suspicious of cancer recurrence in pelvis. By the open abdominal – perineal approach, the mass of recurrence was excised, and PH was repaired with vertical rectus abdominis muscle flap (VRAM). The postoperative period was uneventful and 1 year after the surgery, the patient is cancer and PH free. Discussion Treatment of more advanced carcinomas or wide use of radiotherapy can lead to an increased number of PH. Abdominal, perineal or combined approaches exists. The pelvic floor reconstruction is mostly realized by mesh implantation or flap repair. In our presented cases, we took advantage of long existing cooperation with plastic surgeon team and chose rectus abdominis muscle flap reconstruction. We proved its feasibility and good effect on PH repair. Conclusion Perineal hernia repair is challenging. No consensus regarding the ideal method exists. Every case must be assessed individually.

Successful Reconstruction of a Lower Chest Wall Defect with Delayed Fungal Deep Sternal Wound Infection following a Blast Injury in South Korea: A Case Report

Although blast injuries have been considered a problem unique to military practice or warfare, accidental civilian blast-related injuries due to misplaced landmines have been reported in South Korea. A 71-year-old man was admitted to the emergency room due to multiple severe blast injuries after the detonation of an unknown explosive device. After shrapnel that penetrated the pericardium was removed via median sternotomy in an emergency operation, an extensive defect remained on the lower third of the anterior chest wall. After debriding the contaminated wound several times, chest wall reconstruction with a skin-paddled vertical rectus abdominis muscle (VRAM) flap was successfully performed. However, the patient presented a delayed fungal infection of the deep sternal wound 28 days postoperatively. To salvage the previous flap, antifungal agents were administered and negative-pressure wound therapy was performed between serial radical debridement. The previous flap was successfully salvaged with infection control, and the final defect was covered by re-rotating the previous flap. This case presents the successful reconstruction of a chest wall defect using a skin-paddled VRAM flap notwithstanding a delayed sternal wound infection from a rare civilian blast injury in South Korea.

Laparoscopic pelvic surgery after reconstructive surgery with vertical rectus abdominis muscle flap: A case report.

IntroductionPatients who have experienced vertical rectus abdominis muscle (VRAM) flap reconstruction are under risk of the abdominal incisional hernia (donor site hernia), and laparotomy increases the risk.Presentation of the caseWe present the case of a 71-year-old nulliparous woman who experienced radical vulvectomy against extramammary Paget disease and reconstructive surgery with VRAM flap 7 years ago and developed right ovarian tumor. In this case, right ovarian tumor was removed with laparoscopic surgery, instead of laparotomy, and the risk of incisional hernia was successfully minimized.DiscussionIncisional (donor site) hernia after reconstructive surgery using VRAM flap has been reported in between 2 and 10%. While VRAM flap can fill larger amount of skin and subcutaneous tissue to recipient site, the risk of postoperative incisional hernia of abdominal wall is substantial.ConclusionReconstructive surgery of with VRAM flap is required for extramammary vulvar Paget disease expanding wide range, and develops the risk of incisional hernia.Laparoscopic surgery should be applied in patients who have experienced VRAM flap reconstruction and developed pelvic tumor for avoiding the risk of incisional hernia as long as it can be allowed on oncologic aspects such as recurrence.

Focused Arterial Anastomotic Assessment in a Novel Univariate Design of a Vertical Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap in a Pig Model

Background Microsurgical anastomosis is the basis for free tissue transfer. The goal of this study was to create an animal model that mimics free tissue transfer but would focus on the arterial anastomotic assessment alone, without additional bias of a venous anastomosis. Methods A vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (VRAM) flap based on the left deep superior epigastric artery (DSEA) was raised in six large white pigs. The right DSEA was raised and used as the donor vessel. An arterial end-to-end microsurgical anastomosis was then performed between the right and the left SEA artery. The lateral deep epigastric vein (DIEV) was left intact to drain the flap. Perfusion of the flap was confirmed clinically by laser Doppler and by flowmetry. Results One flap failure was observed in this study that occurred on postoperative day (POD) 5 as a consequence of venous occlusion due to hematoma. There was a significant initial drop in arterial flow across the anastomosis in comparison to preanastomotic flow measurements (p < 0.05); however, this was normalized by the seventh POD (p > 0.05). Flow measurements in the vein significantly increased after the arterial anastomosis was completed and the seventh POD (p < 0.05). Laser Doppler assessment demonstrated adequate tissue perfusion of the skin island flap. Conclusion This modified VRAM flap is a viable procedure to simulate a free flap transfer and assess the arterial anastomosis alone, while maintaining the flap's innate venous drainage. This method can allow the investigation of new arterial anastomosis techniques and devices.

Plastic surgery of extended defects after exenteration of the pelvis

Extended resections of pelvic malignancies, especially in cases of recurrent malignancies, result in the formation of large tissue defects in the region of the pelvic floor and perineum, which are difficult to deal with. Both after extra levator rectal excision and pelvic exenteration, wound healing deficiencies and local infections of the perineal wound are frequent. Primary closure is often impossible due to a lack of tissue substance after resection and an additional previous radiotherapy in most cases. This can result in poor or non-healing wounds, a consecutive need of complex care and an increased risk of secondary problems including tumour recurrences. A permanent wound closure of good quality can therefore only be achieved by plastic surgery. This can be done by local or distant muscle flaps with or without skin, for example, the gluteus maximus flap, the vertical rectus abdominis muscle flap (VRAM) or free flaps such as the latissimus dorsi flap.

The vertical pedicled DIEP flap: an alternative for large perineal reconstructions after tumour excision

Traditionally, the vertical rectus abdominis muscle (VRAM) flap has been used as a robust and effective loco-regional reconstruction for perineal defects. We present a unique approach using a vertical skin paddle pedicled deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap for the management of large perineal defects following colorectal tumour excision. As a colorectal and plastic surgery tertiary referral centre, over the last 5 years, we have developed a vast experience in reconstructing these defects in collaboration with our general surgical colleagues in the multidisciplinary setting. Our main reconstructions consisted of pedicled VRAM flaps, although we have used other local and free flap options when and as required. We have since moved towards this improved technique of the pedicled DIEP flap reconstruction and present our initial experience, highlighting its main advantages, particularly over the VRAM flap.

The Use of Biomaterials for Chest Wall Reconstruction 30 Years After Radical Surgery and Radiation

The combination of titanium plates and acellular collagen matrix was used to restore anterior chest wall integrity in a 68-year-old woman more than 30 years after a Halsted mastectomy and radiation treatment. A vertical rectus abdominis muscle flap was used for myocutaneous coverage of the reconstructed chest wall. Partial necrosis of the flap caused prolonged exposure of the collagen matrix and the titanium plates, which were then covered with a free skin graft. Long-term results were satisfactory despite continued infection treated with vacuum-assisted closure and surgical debridement. Recently introduced materials for chest wall reconstruction may offer resilience to infection, tolerability, and stability, and their use may be contemplated when the potential for local morbidity is high.

Perineale Rekonstruktion nach zylindrischer Rektumexstirpation

In advanced lower rectal cancer tubular abdomino-perineal resection (APR) in combination with simultaneous extended distally pedicled vertical rectus abdominis muscle flap (VRAM) facilitates a more radical tumor resection. Additionally a prolapse of small intestine into the pelvis can be blocked and a perineal defect coverage can be achieved. 4 patients have been treated with an interdisciplinary one stage combined tubular APR and extended VRAM. In all cases a R0 resection and a complete defect closure could be achieved.The extended VRAM is an appropriate technique to close the pelvic defect because it originates from a non irradiated area, has a monitor island, and the donor site does not handicap the patient as much as local flaps. This interdisciplinary approach facilitates a more radical tumor resection and thus reduces the risk of recurrence.

Use of the Vertical Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap for an Open Pelvic Fracture Secondary to a Blast Injury: A Case Report.

Open pelvic fractures as a result of high-energy blasts are relatively uncommon, and, to our knowledge, management of these injuries has not been previously described in the literature. Complex open fractures of the pelvis benefit from a multidisciplinary approach that can minimize morbidity1,2. The high complication rate associated with these injuries is usually the result of local wound contamination and lack of soft-tissue coverage. Depending on the severity of the open injury, options for tissue coverage include delayed primary closure, skin-grafting, a pedicled flap, or a free flap3-5. The vertical rectus abdominis muscle (VRAM) flap has historically been utilized for the surgical reconstruction of large pelvic or perineal defects associated with the resection of gastrointestinal, gynecological, and urologic neoplasms4,6-9. Reports of its use in the setting of traumatic wounds are limited. In this case report, we present the use of a pedicled VRAM flap for definitive coverage of an open pelvic fracture with substantial soft-tissue loss as a result of a blast injury. Our review of the literature revealed no reports of the VRAM flap utilized in this context. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and he provided consent. A twenty-six-year-old man on active duty sustained a blast injury after a C-4 explosion during a military training exercise. Injuries included an open left iliac crest fracture, a left comminuted ischial wing fracture, a left sacroiliac fracture, and an open fracture of the proximal part of the left ulna. Initial evaluation and computed tomographic (CT) imaging studies obtained on the day of injury confirmed the left iliac wing fracture 10 mm superior to the acetabulum, coupled with a 35 × 15-cm soft-tissue defect of the pelvis and thigh with …

Single port-assisted fully laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (APR) with immediate V-RAM flap reconstruction of the perineal defect

Abdominoperineal resection (APR) of anorectal cancers after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy may incur significant perineal morbidity. While vertical rectus abdominis muscle (V-RAM) flaps can fill the pelvic resection space with health tissue, their use has previously been described predominantly in association with laparotomy. Here, we describe a means of combination laparoscopic APR with V-RAM flap reconstruction that allows structural preservation of the entire abdominal wall throughout the oncological resection and of the deep parietal layers after V-RAM donation. Furthermore, a single port access device used at the end colostomy site allows a second senior surgeon assist with an additional two working instruments for the purpose of improved pelvic tissue retraction, especially useful in obese patients.

Chest Wall Reconstruction of Severe Mediastinitis With Intercostal Artery–Based Pedicled Vertical Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap With Oblique-Designed Skin Pedicle

Recurrent poststernotomy mediastinitis has significant morbidity and mortality. Reconstructive treatment begins with pectoral muscle or omental flaps. When these options are unavailable or inadequate, surgeons resort to internal mammary artery-based vertical rectus abdominis muscle flap. If the internal mammary artery is harvested for coronary artery bypass grafting, surgeons are reluctant to use the muscle for pedicled flap because of the elevated risks. However, recent reports suggest that if enough time passes for intercostal artery collaterals to develop, they would support the viability of the flap. Moreover, recent improvements in defining flap microvasculature and proposed surgical techniques have enabled us to further refine the procedure. Although it appears that the intercostal artery-based pedicled vertical rectus abdominis muscle flap with oblique-designed skin pedicle is safe and effective for chest wall reconstruction, potential for failure remains elevated until sample size accumulates.

The versatility of the pedicled vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap in oncologic patients

The vertical rectus abdominis muscle (VRAM) flap is considered a safe and simple option to cover defects of the trunk and proximal thigh. Detailed long-time follow-up studies in oncologic patients including complications and donor site morbidity are rare. In this study, complications and donor site morbidity were analysed. Data of 78 consecutive patients with oncologic disease, having received VRAM flaps, were analysed retrospectively. Patients with soft tissue sarcomas (n = 38), radiation ulcers (n = 18), carcinoma (n = 10), wound-healing difficulties after tumour resection (n = 8), breast reconstruction after ablation (n = 3) and malignant melanoma (n = 1) were included. Statistics concerning patients' satisfaction, the occurrence of wound-healing difficulties, incisional herniation, loss of abdominal wall strength in correlation to operative and (neo)adjuvant treatment and patients' history were performed. The mean follow-up time was 5.5years. No complete flap loss was observed. A body mass index over 30 was positively correlated with wound-healing difficulties; radiation had no negative effect. A contralateral cutaneous pedicle could reduce the risk of lymphoedema in groin defect patients. Incisional hernia was present in 13%. Strength endurance of the abdominal wall was reduced compared to an age-matched control. Most patients were satisfied with the postoperative result. VRAM flaps are reliable tools for defect coverage in the oncologic patient to prevent chronic ulceration, lymphangitis or more severe complications like septic rupture of femoral vessels and hip disarticulation. Donor site morbidity is tolerable, and patients' satisfaction is high.

Reconstruction of sternal defects with pectoralis major muscle flap

The earliest treatment of the median sternotomy defects was serial debridements and secondary healing. The muscle flaps that can be used in reconstruction of the presternal defects are pectoralis major muscle flap, rectus abdominis muscle flap, vertical rectus abdominis muscle flap, latissimus dorsi muscle flap with or without skin island, bipedicled pectoralis-rectus muscle flap, and external oblique muscle flap. Pectoralis major muscle flap can be used either as bilateral or unilateral rotation advancement flap, island flap, turnover flap, split turnover flap, and segmental muscle flap. Forty-eight patients with median sternotomy defects, who were treated with pectoralis major muscle flap, were included in this study. The complications were mortality, flap loss, flap dehiscence, persistent infection, and hematoma. The patients were evaluated in terms of functional loss after the operation by shoulder movement measurements. Various techniques of flap transfer can be used for the closure of a presternal defect; almost all presternal defects can be covered with the pectoralis major muscle in a single stage operation. In our opinion, the pectoralis major muscle flap should be the first choice of treatment for sternal defects.

Chirurgische Therapieoptionen bei Weichteildefekten der Leiste

Treatment of groin defects remains challenging due to their location and origin. Such defects commonly result from resection of tumours but can also occur after surgical or medical therapy. From 2003 to 2005, 11 patients were treated with groin defects following radiation therapy and resection of lymph node metastasis, primary carcinoma, and sarcoma. Seven patients received wound closure with rectus femoris muscle flaps, and three had vertical rectus abdominis muscle flaps. One patient was amputated at the hip, and the defect was covered with dorsally pedicled muscle and skin flaps. All flaps healed primarily. There were no secondary infections or lymphorrhea. The flaps described here are well vascularised standard flaps which are easily harvested with no major donor site morbidity. They provide sufficient coverage for the groin, reduce long-term conservative treatment, hospitalisation, and problems such as scar contracture.

Our experience using the vertical rectus abdominis muscle flap for reconstruction in 12 patients with dehiscence of a median sternotomy wound and mediastinitis.

The vertical rectus abdominis (VRAM) flap has been used for reconstruction of sternal defects, particularly in the inferior third, since it was first described 20 years ago. We describe 12 patients with mediastinitis or chronic sternal osteomyelitis after sternotomy treated between 1994 and 1997, nine performed at the Royal Hospitals Trust, London. Sternal osteomyelitis and mediastinitis after median sternotomy is an uncommon (0.4%-8.4%) but often fatal condition. Vascularised pedicles are the treatment of choice, and VRAM flaps were used in all cases. We report good long-term outcome with a follow up of 2-5 years, and no long-term morbidity relating to the VRAM reconstruction. We had only one partial failure of a flap. The operations were largely done in hospitals away from the plastic surgical unit in extremely sick patients, which illustrates the importance of multidisciplinary management to reduce hospital stay, mortality, and morbidity. We argue that early involvement of plastic surgical specialists in the treatment of sternal dehiscence is essential to ensure a successful outcome.

Muscle Flap Reconstruction of Pediatric Poststernotomy Wound Infections

Sternal wound infections following pediatric open-heart procedures occur infrequently. Four of our last 600 consecutive pediatric open-heart median sternotomies (1991 to 1996) required muscle flap reconstruction for treatment of deeply infected sternotomy wounds. Risk factors included multiple sternotomies, previous superficial infection, and immunocompromised states. Two patients were closed with bilateral pectoralis muscle flaps. The 2 other patients were closed with vertical rectus abdominis muscle flaps; 1 including an attached skin paddle. While the pectoralis major muscle flap is the first flap of choice utilized in adult patients, in pediatric patients a different hierarchy of flap selection is often necessary. The chest wall often has multiple scars from previous procedures, limiting use of the pectoralis muscle. In small infants the pectoralis muscle can be thin and inadequate for large sternal defects. All patients achieved healed wounds. Muscle flap reconstruction of pediatric sternal wounds can be an effective one-stage treatment for deep sternal wound infections with sternal instability.