ABSTRACT
The instep flap and medialis pedis flap are both originate based on the medial plantar artery. The medialis pedis flap is based from the deep branch and the instep flap is based from the superficial branch. To increase the axial rotation, it is acceptable to ligate the lateral plantar artery. However, this can partially affect the blood supply of the plantar metatarsal arch. We restored the blood flow with a vein graft between the posterior tibial artery and the ligated stump. From 2012 to 2020, 12 cases of heel reconstruction, including seven instep flaps and five medialis pedis flaps, were performed with ligation of the lateral plantar artery. The stump of the lateral plantar artery was restored with a vein graft and between the posterior tibial artery and the ligated stump. Patients were followed for 18 months. Long-term results showed the vascular restoration of the lateral plantar artery remained patent demonstrated by doppler ultrasonography. Restoring blood flow to the lateral plantar artery maintains good blood supply to the toes. If the patient in the future develops a chronic degenerative disease, with microvascular complications, bypass surgery can still be performed because of the patency of both branches.
ABSTRACT
In this report, we discuss the postoperative protocol for patients undergoing lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) in our unit. Immediately after LVA, the incision site is closed over a small Penrose drain and a simple gauze dressing is applied without compression. In the first 5 days, ambulation is allowed, but limb elevation is actively encouraged to promote lymphatic flow across the newly formed anastomosis. Prophylactic antibiotics are routinely given to prevent infection because this patient group is susceptible to infections, which could trigger thrombosis in the anastomosis.
ABSTRACT
In this report, we discuss the postoperative protocol for patients undergoing lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) in our unit. Immediately after LVA, the incision site is closed over a small Penrose drain and a simple gauze dressing is applied without compression. In the first 5 days, ambulation is allowed, but limb elevation is actively encouraged to promote lymphatic flow across the newly formed anastomosis. Prophylactic antibiotics are routinely given to prevent infection because this patient group is susceptible to infections, which could trigger thrombosis in the anastomosis.
ABSTRACT
Hypospadias is a congenital malformation of the male genitalia. The reconstructive objectives are to obtain voiding with laminar flow and satisfactory sexual function. Several urethroplasty techniques have been described, but for perineal or revisional cases no single technique has shown robust success. In this study, we describe the expanded use of intestinal flaps for urethral reconstruction and report a peculiar request from a patient to undergo peno-urethral separation after successful hypospadias repair with a free ileum flap. A 51-year-old male patient with perineal hypospadias underwent several urethral reconstructive procedures with poor outcomes. A free ileum flap was attempted as a substitute for the urethra. Following successful reconstruction, separation of the neo-urethra (ileum) from the penile body was performed to address the patient's sexual expectations. A free ileum flap proved to be a reliable urethral substitute in perineal hypospadias reconstruction, with a successful outcome. The peno-urethral separation with the creation of an “accessory penis,” however peculiar, optimized the results in terms of both sexual and urinary function. Anatomical restoration of the urethra and patient-reported expectations are the key to successful hypospadias reconstructive procedures. Sexual function outcomes and the patient's perception of success should not be underestimated, even when urinary function has been restored.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Genitalia, Male , Hypospadias , Ileum , Methods , Penis , UrethraABSTRACT
Due to the fact that it reliably results in positive outcomes, lymph node flap transfer is becoming an increasingly popular surgical procedure for the prevention and treatment of lymphedema. This technique has been shown to stimulate lymphoangiogenesis and restore lymphatic function, as well as decreasing infection rates, minimizing pain, and preventing the recurrence of lymphedema. In this article, we investigate possible additional benefits of lymph node flap transfer, primarily the possibility that sentinel lymph nodes may be used to detect micro-metastasis or in-transit metastasis and may function as an additional lymphatic station after the excision of advanced skin cancer.
Subject(s)
Carcinogenesis , Free Tissue Flaps , Lymph Nodes , Lymphedema , Melanoma , Neoplasm Metastasis , Recurrence , Skin NeoplasmsABSTRACT
Lymphedema is a chronic disorder characterized by lymph stasis in the subcutaneous tissue. Lymphatic fluid contains several components including hyaluronic acid and has many important properties. Over the past few years, significant research has been performed to identify an ideal tissue to implant as a filler. Because of its unique composition, fat harvested from the lymphedema tissue is an interesting topic for investigation and has significant potential for application as a filler, particularly in facial rejuvenation. Over a 36-month period, we treated and assessed 8 patients with lymphedematous limbs who concurrently underwent facial rejuvenation with lymphedema fat (LF). We conducted a pre- and post-operative satisfaction questionnaire survey and a histological assessment of the harvested LF fat. The overall mean general appearance score at an average of 6 months after the procedure was 7.2+/-0.5, demonstrating great improvement. Patients reported significant improvement in their skin texture with a reading of 8.5+/-0.7 and an improvement in their self-esteem. This study demonstrates that LF as an ideal autologous injectable filler is clinically applicable and easily available in patients with lymphedema. We recommend the further study and clinical use of this tissue as it exhibits important properties and qualities for future applications and research.