Abnormal obturator artery with ipsilateral inferior epigastric artery passed behind the femoral vein / Arteria obturatriz anómala con arteria epigástrica inferior ipsilateral que cruza posterior a la vena femoral

SUMMARY: Clear awareness of the vascular variations is critical in surgeries, which may cause massive hemorrhage during surgical procedures. During educational dissection of a male cadaver, we encountered a combined variation of the left obturator artery and ipsilateral aberrant inferior epigastric artery. The left obturator artery originated from the external iliac artery, then coursed inward, adherent to the superior pubic ramus. The left inferior epigastric artery originated from the femoral artery, and coursed behind the femoral vein. These anatomical variations shown in one person were extremely rare. This is particularly true with regard to these variations while performing pelvic and inguinal region surgeries.

El conocimiento claro de las variaciones vasculares es fundamental en las cirugías, ya que pueden causar una hemorragia masiva durante los procedimientos quirúrgicos. Durante la disección educativa de un cadáver de sexo masculino, encontramos una variación combinada de la arteria obturatriz izquierda y la arteria epigástrica inferior ipsilateral aberrante. La arteria obturatriz izquierda se originaba en la arteria ilíaca externa, luego discurrió hacia medial, adhiriéndose a la rama púbica superior. La arteria epigástrica inferior izquierda se originaba en la arteria femoral y discurría por detrás de la vena femoral. Estas variaciones anatómicas mostradas en una sola persona son extremadamente raras. Esto es importante de conocer estas variaciones cuando se realizan cirugías de las regiones pélvica e inguinal.

Clinical efficacy of free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap in repair of large wounds in upper limb / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To summarise the clinical efficacy of free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (DIEPF) in repairing large wounds in upper limb.Methods:From June 2016 to March 2022, free DIEPF repair surgery were performed for 9 cases with large defects in elbow, forearm and wrist in the Department of Hand Surgery, Xuzhou Renci Hospital. The patients were 3 males and 6 females at 36-65(average 50) years old. The sizes of defect ranged from 6.0 cm×7.0 cm to 25.0 cm×33.0 cm. Seven defects combined with radius-ulnar fracture, 4 with wrist fracture, 4 with metacarpal fracture and 1 with humerus fracture. All defects had various degrees of injuries of tendon, blood vessel and nerve. A total of 10 flaps were harvested, and the size of flaps were 7.0 cm×8.0 cm-12.0 cm×35.0 cm. Vessels in 7 flaps of 6 patients were anastomosed with unilateral vascular pedicles and 3 with bilateral vascular pedicles. End-to-end arterial anastomosis was performed on 1 flap, and the other 9 flaps of 8 patients had end-to-side arterial anastomoses. End-to-end vein anastomoses were performed on all flaps. Umbilical reconstruction was performed at the abdominal donor site for 3 patients, and all donor site wounds were closed in stage I surgery. Scheduled outpatient and WeChat follow-up were made after surgery.Results:Nine flaps in 8 patients survived successfully. Partial skin necrosis occurred in 1 flap and repaired by skin grafting. Follow-up lasted for 6 to 60 months(12 months in average). At the last follow-up, the colour of the flaps was found being similar to the surrounding skin with mildly bloated and soft in texture. Sensation of the flaps recovered to S 2 in 5 patients, and not detected in 4 cases. Conclusion:The free DIEPF has a relatively constant perforator and the flap can be used for repairing a large area of defect. The donor site wound can be closed in Ⅰ stage surgery. Free DIEPF is suitable for repair of large upper limb wounds.

Effect of inferior epigastric artery perforator flap transplantation in repairing traumatic soft tissue defects of lower limbs / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of inferior epigastric artery perforator flap transplantation in repairing traumatic soft tissue defects of lower limbs.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 34 patients with traumatic soft tissue defects of lower limbs admitted to Chongqing Great Wall Hospital from January 2019 to May 2021, including 31 males and 3 females; aged 12-65 years [(38.5±5.6)years]. There were 8 patients with defects on the calf and 26 on the ankle. All wounds were found with exposed tendons, muscles and/or bones. The area of soft tissue defects ranged from 10 cm×6 cm to 40 cm×11 cm. All patients were repaired with inferior epigastric artery perforator flap. The wound healing, flap survival and recovery were observed. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Orthopedic Foot and ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score were used to evaluate pain and ankle function before operation and at 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after operation. The complications were observed.Results:All patients were followed up for 12-36 months [(19.5±5.3)months]. All wounds were healed by stage I, showing the healing time of 14-24 days [(17.6±2.8)days]. All flaps survived with good color, soft texture and satisfactory appearance, with no obvious swelling. All flaps produced protective sensation. The VAS was (4.3±0.8)points, (3.3±0.7)points, (1.4±0.5)points, (1.2±0.3)points, (0.8±0.2)points and (0.4±0.1)points at 7 days, 14 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after operation, decreased gradually from preoperative (7.4±1.3)points (all P<0.05). The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was (35.6±3.1)points, (42.6±3.6)points, (50.3±4.3)points, (56.2±5.6)points, (60.3±6.8)points and (65.3±9.0)points at 7 days, 14 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after operation, increased from preoperative (22.4±2.5)points (all P<0.05). The ankle function was excellent in 25 patients, good in 5 and fair in 4 at 12 months after operation, with an excellent and good rate of 88.2%. Venous crisis occurred in 3 patients after operation, and the flaps survived completely after venous reanastomosis or venous bridging. Conclusion:For traumatic soft tissue defects of lower limbs, inferior epigastric artery perforator flap transplantation has advantages of enhanced survival of flaps, satisfactory appearance, attenuated pain, good functional recovery and few complications.

Improved three-dimensional CTA reconstruction of perforator area in the application of anterolateral thigh perforator flap and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of improved perforator area CTA three-dimensional reconstruction in design and harvest of anterolateral thigh perforator flap(ALTPF) and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap(DIEPF).Methods:Repairs of defects of oral and maxillofacial tumour resection with ALTPF for 8 patients and defects of breast tumour resection with DIEPF for 2 patients were performed from September 2021 to January 2022 in the Department of Hand and Microsurgery of Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College. According to the improved scanning parameters and drug administration protocol, patients underwent CTA scans of both thighs or abbomen before operation. The data of CTA were sent to GE AW 4.7 work station to produce three-dimensional reconstruction of perforator area and angiosome. The source artery and perforator were observed dynamically from the angiosome in the perforator area, and the specific data were measured. The perforator location was marked by HHD, and then according to the measurement data of CTA three-dimensional reconstruction marked the location, course of perforator and the course of source artery on the body surface. The data of source arteries and perforators explored during the operation were compared with preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction. The perforator locations of CTA were compared with the HHD. The harvest time and survival condition of flap were compared with the previous patients who only had the perforator location markers from HHD. The sizes of ALTPFs and DIEPFs were 4.0 cm×4.0 cm-15.0 cm×6.0 cm and 19.0 cm×7.5 cm-25.0 cm×10.0 cm, respectively. The survival of flaps and the healing of wound were observed in the postoperative follow-up in terms of appearance, texture, function of recipient site and the shape and function of the donor site.Results:Eight ALTPFs and 2 DIEPFs all survived without any adverse event. Both recipient and donor sites healed well without any complication. Seven femoral septocutaneous perforators, 2 musculocutaneous perforators and abdominal 3 perforators coursed directly, 2 tortuously perforators were seen from three-dimensional reconstruction. The types and origins of perforators explored during operation were basically consistent with three-dimensional reconstruction. The accuracy of CTA[(0.36±0.11) cm] was higher than HHD[(0.54±0.19) cm] for perforators location( t=-3.160, P<0.05). Compared with the previous group[(74.60±30.53) min], this group[(52.80±24.57) min] had a shorter time to cut out the flap of similar area( t=-9.179, P<0.05). In the previous group, one flap transfer was failed due to the thinner caliber of perforator and source artery. All the flaps survived with satisfactory outline and softness with good blood supply after 2-6 months of follow-up. The oral and maxillofacial functions were normal. The reconstructed breasts were symmetrical with the healthy side, and the shape was satisfactory. Only linear scars remained in the donor sites without dysfunction. Conclusion:The improved CTA three-dimensional reconstruction of perforator area can help to determine the detailed location, course and distribution of the perforators at the superficial fascia layer. It provides a reliable bases in the design and harvest of perforator flaps during operation, reduces the perioperative risks and has certain clinical values.

Anatomical study and clinical importance of the inferior epigastric artery / Estudio anatómico e importancia clínica de la arteria epigástrica inferior

SUMMARY: The inferior epigastric artery (IEA) is a major blood vessel that supplies the anterior abdominal wall. The aim of the current study was to provide clinicians, surgeons, and obstetricians with sufficient anatomical data on the inferior epigastric artery, such as its origin and branching pattern. The study included 20 embalmed cadavers, these cadavers were dissected, and the inferior epigastric artery and vena comitans/venae comitantes were identified and traced downwards to the external iliac vessels. The origins, caliber, course and pedicle length of both the artery and the vein(s) were studied. The inferior epigastric artery arose independently from the distal external iliac artery deep to the inguinal ligament in 19 (95 %) cadavers. The artery entered the rectus abdominis muscle at its middle third in 13 (65 %) cases and at its lower third in the remaining specimens. In this study, we found that the artery divided into two branches in 18 (90 %) of the cases; in the remaining two cases, it continued as one trunk. The average pedicle length was 7.2 cm. The mean caliber of the IEA was 3.7 mm. In 18 (90 %) dissections, the venous drainage consisted of a pair of venae comitantes that united to form a common vessel at their draining point on the external iliac vein. The average diameter was 3.9 mm. The current study focuses on the anatomical features of the inferior epigastric artery to increase the success rate of abdominal and pelvic operations in clinical practice.

RESUMEN: La arteria epigástrica inferior (AEI) es un vaso sanguíneo principal que irriga la pared abdominal anterior. El objetivo del presente estudio fue proporcionar a los médicos, cirujanos y obstetras suficientes datos anatómicos sobre la arteria epigástrica inferior, como su origen y patrón de ramificación. El estudio incluyó 20 cadáveres embalsamados, los que se disecaron y se identificó la arteria epigástrica inferior y la vena concomitante y se siguieron hasta los vasos ilíacos externos. Se estudiaron los orígenes, calibre, trayecto y longitud del pedículo tanto de la arteria como de la (s) vena (s). La arteria epigástrica inferior surgió independientemente de la arteria ilíaca externa profunda al ligamento inguinal en 19 (95 %) cadáveres. La arteria ingresó al músculo recto del abdomen en su tercio medio en 13 (65 %) casos y en su tercio inferior en las muestras restantes. En este estudio, encontramos que la arteria se dividió en dos ramas en 18 (90 %) de los casos; en los dos casos restantes, continuó como un tronco. La longitud media del pedículo fue de 7,2 cm. El calibre medio del AEI fue de 3,7 mm. En 18 (90 %) disecciones, el drenaje venoso consistió en un par de venas concomitantes las que formaron un vaso común en su punto de drenaje en la vena ilíaca externa. El diámetro medio fue de 3,9 mm. El estudio actual se centra en las características anatómicas de la arteria epigástrica inferior con el propósito de mejorar la tasa de éxito de las cirugías abdominales y pélvicas en la práctica clínica.

Application and prospect of preoperative computed tomographic angiography in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap for breast reconstruction / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To generalize the application and prospect of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap transfer for breast reconstruction. Methods: The related literature using CTA for DIEP flap reconstruction of breast in recent years was reviewed and analyzed. Results: Preoperative CTA can accurately assess the vascular anatomy of the chest and abdomen wall, precisely locating the perforator in the abdominal donor site, and identifying the dominant perforator; guide the selection of intercostal space to explore internal mammary artery and internal mammary artery perforator in the chest recipient vessels. It can also reconstruct the volume of the abdominal flap with reference to the size of the contralateral breast and pre-shape the abdominal flap, which are crucial to formulate the surgical plan and improve the reliability of flap. Conclusion: Preoperative CTA has enormous application potential and prospects in locating donor area perforator, in selecting recipient vessels, and in evaluating breast volume for autologous breast reconstruction with DIEP flap.

Application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound-assisted superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator flap to repair oral and maxillofacial defects / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the application value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) technique to assist the repair of oral and maxillofacial defects by superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator flap. Methods: Sixteen oral cancer patients, 10 males and 6 females, who were to undergo superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator flap repair between June 2018 and February 2020, were selected, with an average age of 55.8 years (range, 24-77 years). There were 13 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, 2 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma, and 1 case of mucinous epidermis-like carcinoma. The color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) and CEUS were used to screen the superficial inferior epigastric artery, assisted in the design of the flap, and compared it with the actual intraoperative exploration. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CEUS and CDUS examinations were analyzed. Fourteen of 16 patients were repaired with superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator flap, and 2 patients were repaired with superficial iliac artery flap because the source artery was not found. After surgery, regular follow-up was performed to check for disease recurrence and metastasis and to evaluate the appearance of the patien's donor area, the recovery of transoral feeding function, and the presence of complications. Results: Comparison of preoperative CDUS and CEUS findings and intraoperative exploration showed that CEUS had 100% sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for vascular exploration of the superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator flap, compared with 57%, 100%, 100%, and 25% for CDUS. The preoperative CDUS identified 25 penetrating vessels in 14 cases repaired with superficial inferior epigastric artery flaps. All vessel signals were enhanced by CEUS enhancement, and an additional 11 penetrating vessels were identified confirmed intraoperatively. The preoperative CEUS measurements of the initial diameter of superficial arteries in the abdominal wall were significantly higher than both CDUS and intraoperative measurements ( P<0.05); the difference in peak systolic velocity between CEUS and CDUS measurements was significant ( t=3.708, P=0.003). One case of superficial epigastric artery perforator flap developed venous embolism crisis at 48 hours after operation, the wound healing delayed. The other incisions in donor sites healed by first intention. All the patients were followed up 3-12 months, with an average of 8 months. No recurrence or metastasis appeared during the follow-up. There was no serious complications such as abdominal wall hernia, the location of abdominal scarring was hidden, and transoral feeding was resumed. Conclusion: The superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator flap with small injury in supply area and hidden scar location is a better choice for repairing oral and maxillofacial defects. The use of CEUS technique to assist the preoperative design of the superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator flap has good feasibility and high accuracy.

Clinical results of autologous reconstruction with DIEP flap following nipple-sparing mastectomy / 中国实用外科杂志

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical results of autologous reconstruction with DIEP flap following nipplesparing mastectomy and summarize experience.METHODS: From January 2016 to October 2018,DIEP flaps were utilized in 81 surgical cases of immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy in Huashan Hospital of Fudan University.Success rate,safety,complications and patient satisfaction of nipple-sparing mastectomy(NSM) group(38 cases) and non-NSM(NNSM) group(43 cases) were compared.RESULTS: All DIEP flaps in 81 cases were successful with a flap survival rate of 100%.No skin necrosis,infection,or seroma occurred.There were 1 case(2.6%) of vascular complication and 2 cases(5.3%)of partial fat necrosis in NSM group,and 2 cases(4.7%) of vascular complication and 2 cases(4.7%) of partial fat necrosis in non-NSM group.No statistically significant difference was found between groups.Three cases of partial NAC ischemia(7.9%) happened in NSM group with no complete necrosis.There was a greater satisfaction in NSM group(81.6%) than non-NSM group(72.1%) on the overall impression of breast reconstruction in 6 months after surgeries,but the difference was not significant(P=0.315).Over a median follow-up period of 22 months,no local recurrence or distant metastasis were observed.CONCLUSION: Autologous reconstruction with DIEP flap following nipple-sparing mastectomy is safe and reliable for carefully selected patients when operations are executed with proficient operative skills.Complications are similar in the approach compared with DIEP flap immediate breast reconstruction following non-NSM.The technique has a controllable rate of NAC necrosis and offers the advantage of cosmetic effect.

Repair of maxillofacial soft tissue defect with superficial abdominal artery flap assisted by color doppler ultrasound / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinical effect of free lower abdominal perforator flaps assisted by color Doppler ultrasound in repairing oral maxillofacial soft tissue defects.@*Methods@#From June 2018 to March 2019, five patients with oral cancer underwent surgical treatment. There were 2 males and 3 females, age from 45-69 years old. At the same time, free lower abdominal flaps pedicled with superficial circumflex iliac artery or superficial inferior epigastric artery were used to repair oral maxillofacial soft tissue defects under preoperative color Doppler ultrasound evaluation and localization.@*Results@#All the five cases survived. Three cases were repaired with superficial inferior epigastric artery flap and two cases were repaired with superficial circumflex iliac artery flaps. These flaps ranged from 5 cm ×6 cm to 7 cm×9 cm. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 12 months, with an average of 6 months. The flaps were soft, without obvious swelling, hairless growth, scarless contracture and limited mouth opening. All donor and recipient areas were healed in one stage.@*Conclusions@#The lower abdominal perforator flaps assisted by color Doppler ultrasound for repairing oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects are characterized by accurate selection and localization of blood vessels, convenient extraction of skin flaps and minimal morbidity of donor site. It is a good method for repairing oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects.

Application of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap in bilateral breast reconstruction / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the clinical application of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap in bilateral breast reconstruction of patients with breast cancer.@*Methods@#Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap was applied for breast reconstruction in four cases of breast cancer patients received radical or modified radical surgery in Hunan Provincial Cancer Hospital. All patients are female, age ranged from 31 to 53 years old (36.2±5.9).@*Results@#The length of flap was (15.1±0.4) cm, the width of flap was (12.6±0.3) cm, the thickness of flap was (4.3±0.5) cm. The length of pedicle was (12.6±0.3) cm, the outer diameter of artery was (1.8±0.2) mm, the outer diameter of vein was (2.1±0.4) mm.The average weight of flaps was 235 g(ranged from 195 g to 335 g). In one case flap fat necrosis occurred and in other one donor site fat necrosis was noted. The two flaps both healed with dressing treatment and no other complications were found. The reconstructed breasts′shape, texture and elasticity were good and no flap contracture deformation happened. Only linear scar left in the donor sites, the function of abdomen did not affected. All 4 patients were followed up for 14 to 33 months (21.7 months on average) with satisfied result. No local recurrence happened.@*Conclusions@#Free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap is suitable to reconstruct bilateral breast for breast cancer patients.

Subunit strategy for perineal defect reconstruction / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the subunit strategy for perineal defect reconstruction and flap selection.@*Methods@#This is a respective study of 21 patients, with perineal defect, during January 2008 to December 2018. All patients were admitted to the fifth section of Burn and Plastic Surgery in the Fourth Medical Center of the People′s Liberation Army General Hospital. There were 10 males and 11 females, aged from 4 to 68 years old, with the mean age of 26.4 years. The causes of injury included burn (n=11), trauma (n=2), Paget′s disease (n=2), Brown′s disease (n=2), perineal squamous cell carcinoma (n=3)and hemangioma (n=1). The perineum is divided into 4 subunits, according to the anatomical structure: a front area monsveneris or pubic symphysis, 2 middle areas (labia or scrotum) and a posterior area (anal). The defects ranged 23 cm×11 cm-5 cm×3 cm after perineal lesions were removed. Appropriate flaps were selected based on tissue defect.@*Results@#Nine patients were repaired with superficial inferior epigastric artery flap, 3 patients were repaired with superficial circumflex iliac artery flap, and 2 patients were repaired with combined superficial inferior epigastric artery flap and superficial circumflex iliac artery island flap. Internal pudendal arterial perforator flap was performed in 5 patients, and anterolateral thigh perforator flap in 2 patients. The size of flap was 25 cm×12 cm-6 cm×3 cm. All flaps survived, and incisions were primary healing. Patients were followed up for 6 months to 9 years, with an average of 13 months. The patients were satisfied with the appearances and functions of the recipient and doner sites. Scars were concealed well.@*Conclusions@#Appropriate flap can be chosen to repair perineal defects, based on the subunit principle in perineum, in order to restore function and appearance, and achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes.

A Cadaveric Study Of Variability In The Origin Of Obturator Artery

Background: The origin of obturator artery (OA) is important clinically because of its vascular role. The OA is oneof the branches of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery. The source of OA has been documented from allpossible neighboring arteries. So the course and ramification of the OA have received attention for gynecologistsand surgeons.Materials and Methods: Study was conducted on 30 bisected pelvises specimens in Department of Anatomy,Gulbarga Institute of medical sciences, Gulbarga The pattern of origin of the obturator artery was identified. Theobturator artery was traced from its origin to it extends till the obturator foramen.Results: In 80% (24 sides) the origin of obturator artery was from the internal iliac artery. In 76.7% (23 specimens),the obturator artery was originated from anterior division of internal iliac artery. Out of these, 46.7% (14 specimens),the obturator artery arouses as a single and direct branch of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery whilevariation in its origin as a common trunk was observed in 30% (9 specimens). In 20% (6 sides), it arouses from theexternal iliac artery i.e. from an inferior epigastric artery.Conclusion: Anomalous origin of OA may injure during surgical repair of hernia and fracture of superior ramus ofpubis. The sound knowledge on anatomical variations of OA is very important to the general and vascularsurgeons for successful outcome of the above mentioned surgical procedures and will help them to avoidunnecessary complication.

Research progress of venous congestion after deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction / 中华整形外科杂志

Breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP flap) is an optimal technique for massive tissue defect after breast cancer surgeries. Venous congestion is one of the main complications and the probable reasons include thrombus, lack of ramus communicans across the midline or between deep and superficial system, improper choice of anastomotic vein, et al. Clinical examination is the main method, and other auxiliary tests can also be used. Preoperative vascular evaluation is of great importance. The venous superdrainage is current preventive measure for congestion.

Classification and applications of the pedicled deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To propose a classification method and explore the indications and technical tips of the pedicled deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEAP) flap.@*Methods@#From July 2005 to December 2017, 18 patients underwent soft-tissue defect repairment using the pedicled DIEAP flap. The defect locations included abdomen (n=6), iliolumbar region (n=2), perineum (n=4), and proximal thigh (n=6). The flaps were divided into two types. The type Ⅰ flap were further subdivided into two subtypes. The type Ⅰa flap was solely based on the DIEAP. The type Ⅰb flap was also based on the DIEAP, however, the main trunk of the deep inferior epigastric vessels needs to be divided to further improve the pedicle length. The type Ⅱ flap was the traditional pedicled DIEAP flap.@*Results@#Twenty flaps were included in this series. The mean flap size and pedicle length of the 4 flaps in type Ⅰa were 19.0 cm× 6.5 cm and 2.88 cm respectively. The rotation angles were 60 degrees (n=1), 120 degrees (n=1), and 180 degrees (n=2). The 3 flaps of type Ⅰb was 26 cm × 6 cm, 20 cm × 5 cm and 24 cm × 7 cm in size, and the pedicle lengths of them were 6 cm, 7 cm and 7 cm, respectively. All flaps in this subtype were rotated by 180 degrees. The mean flap size and pedicle length of the 13 type Ⅱ flaps were 21.46 cm × 9.38 cm and 11.08 cm. 17 flaps completely survived postoperatively. Small-sized necrosis of the distal portion of the flap occurred in 3 flaps. All patients were followed up for 6 months to 5 years, with the averaged 11 months follow-up time. All patients were satisfied with the final outcomes. Tumor recurrence was not noticed for the oncological patients.@*Conclusions@#The pedicled DIEAP flap has remarkable versatility in the defect repairment for the regions including abdomen, iliolumbar region, proximal thigh, and perineal region. Combining with the " propeller flap" concept, the clinical application of pedicled DIEAP flap could be further expanded. The pedicled DIEAP flap is a reliable reconstructive method for defect repairment in abdominal and iliolumbar regions.

The clinical application of individual design deep inferior epigastric perforator flap for resurfacing the various types of soft tissue defects in extremities / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the feasibility and efficiency of deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) based on individual design which was used for reconstructing the various types of soft tissue defects in extremities.@*Methods@#From September 2009 to October 2017, ninety three patients were included for respective analysis who presented with bone and tendon exposure or dead space, and reconstructed through individualized DIEP flaps in our department. We evaluated the appearance of donor site according to patients′satisfaction.@*Results@#Eight patients had pedicle DIEP flaps, 47 patients were treated with free traditional DIEP flaps, and 38 cases underwent with special forms of DIEP flaps. The special forms of DIEP flaps included 8 chimeric DIEP flaps, 13 dual skin paddles DIEP flaps, 12 microdissection DIEP flaps, 1 conjoined DIEP flap, 2 flow-through DIEP flaps, 1 mutipaddles chimeric DIEP flap and 1 microdissection dual skin paddles DIEP. The size of flap ranged from 7 cm×4 cm to 36 cm×11 cm. All of the donor sites were primarily closed.Most of flaps survived, only two cases suffered with necrosis due to vascular crisis. Those patients have been followed-up from 5 to 24 months (average 12.4 months). A good color and texture were achieved in most of recipient sites. 16.1% of patients needed the second debulking procedure. The function of abdominal wall was normal postoperatively. Transverse flap design was performed for 32 patients, oblique design for 46 patients, irregular design for 13 patients, and longitudinal design for 2 patients. The rate of excellent donor site appearance was 86.9% in the transverse designed flaps, 70.0% for the donor site with the oblique designed flap, and 37.5% for the donor site with the irregular designed flap.@*Conclusions@#The individualized DIEP flaps based on different wound characteristics are ideal approaches for reconstruction of various types of soft tissue defects in extremities.

Establishment and application of three-dimensional model of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap based on computed tomography angiography / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective@#To explore the establishment and application of three-dimensional model of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap based on computed tomography angiography (CTA).@*Methods@#Six patients with breast absence after modified radical mastectomy because of breast cancer, 5 patients with congenital absence of vagina, and 6 patients with Paget′s disease of penis and scrotum were hospitalized in our unit from January 2012 to April 2017. The size of wounds after excision of the lesion or that of flaps needed for reconstruction ranged from 17 cm×5 cm to 25 cm×9 cm. Abdominal CTA was performed before the surgery, and data of CTA were sent to CT workstation to make three-dimensional model of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap according to shape and size of wound. The number, course, and location of deep inferior epigastric artery, vein, and their perforators, and the superficial inferior epigastric vein were observed in the above-mentioned three-dimensional model. The rectangular plane coordinate system with the umbilicus as the origin was established to locate and observe course and type of the largest deep inferior epigastric artery perforator in left and right side. Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps were designed and deep inferior epigastric artery perforators etc. were marked according to three-dimensional models of the flaps before the surgery. The condition observed in three-dimensional model of the flap was compared with the clinical condition in the surgery of free transverse bilateral deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap transplantation for breast reconstruction and longitudinal pedicled thinned unilateral deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap transplantation for vagina reconstruction and wound repair of Paget′s disease of penis or scrotum. The size of flap ranged from 17 cm×6 cm to 25 cm×10 cm.@*Results@#Seventeen three-dimensional models of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps were established, including 6 bilateral models and 11 unilateral models. Seventy-two reliable deep inferior epigastric artery perforators were observed in the three-dimensional model with 3.2±0.7 in the right and 3.1±0.8 in the left. The locations of the largest deep inferior epigastric artery perforators in the right and left were [(-3.2±1.4) cm, (-1.0±0.7) cm] and [(4.0±1.2) cm, (-1.2±1.1) cm] respectively. Fourteen largest deep inferior epigastric artery perforators coursed directly and nine coursed tortuously in the rectus muscle. Twenty-three superficial inferior epigastric veins were detected in the three-dimensional models of the flaps. The number, location, and course of deep inferior epigastric artery and vein and superficial inferior epigastric vein observed in the three-dimensional model of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap were in accordance with the condition observed in the surgery. Seventy reliable deep inferior epigastric artery perforators were detected in the surgery, and the other 2 perforators were unclear due to bleeding. Course of these perforators were in accordance with the condition observed in the three-dimensional model. Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps of all patients survived well with no complication except that 1 patient suffered from delayed healing of wound in perineum. During follow-up of 1 to 12 months, all flaps survived with good shape and texture.@*Conclusions@#The three-dimensional model of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap based on CTA can be established easily and can provide information of number, location, and course of deep inferior epigastric artery, vein, and their perforators, and superficial inferior epigastric vein to guide preoperative design and intraoperative dissection of the flap effectively.

Immediate nipple reconstruction with a local mastectomy flap following secondary DIEP flap breast reconstruction / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinical effects of immediate nipple reconstruction with a local mastectomy flap in secondary breast reconstruction by deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap.@*Methods@#A free bipedicle DIEP flap was raised and folded upward to form the breast. Meanwhile, a deepithelialized lower mastectomy flap with a distant skin paddle was elevated and pulled throughout the reconstructed breast. The skin paddle was carefully sutured to the position of future nipple. Three weeks later, the pedicle of mastectomy flap was divided, and the paddle was modeled to form the new nipple.@*Results@#From February 2011 to June 2016, 42 patients who had previously undergone unilateral modified mastectomies underwent the breast reconstructions and immediate nipple reconstructions. All flaps survived postoperatively. The average projection of the reconstructed nipple was measured as (16.3±2.4) mm immediately after the operation and gradually decreased to (8.4±1.3) mm by one year follow up. 35 patients ranked the aesthetic appearance of the reconstructed nipple and breast very good or good.@*Conclusions@#The immediate nipple reconstruction with a local mastectomy flap and breast reconstruction by DIEP flap could achieve a good breast shape and maintain a long term residual nipple projection, which results in considerable patient satisfaction.

Repair of large area skin defect of forearm with overlength thoracic umbilical conjoined perforator flap with double blood supply / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To explore the surgical method and clinical effect of repairing the large area skin defect of forearm with the perforator flap pedicle with the inferior epigastric artery perforator and the lateral cutaneous branch of the posterior intercostal artery.Methods From January,2006 to January,2016,14 cases of forearm large area of skin defects were treated with the ovedength flap at one stage.The proximal flap to the inferior epigastric artery umbilical perforation and the flap distal to the posterior interphalangeal artery perforation were used for the blood supply of superficial flap.The length of the flap was 25-43 cm (average,36 cm).The width of the flap was 5-14 cm (average,9 cm).All patients were followed-up regularly.The content of the follow-up included three aspects:appearance,hand function and the recovery of the donor site.Results Twelve cases of postoperative flaps successfully survived.Arterial crisis was seen in 1 flap 28 hours after surgery.The re-surgical exploration was adopted after conservation treatment for 1 h without remission and the proximal anastomotic flap embolization was confirmed.The flap survived.Venous crisis was seen in 1 case.The flap survived with the help of removing the suture,smoothing drainage and bleeding for 5 d.The wounds and the donor site of the thoracic and abdominal region healed at the first stage.The follow-up time was 8-72 months,with an average of 31 months.The flaps had no obvious bloated,the skin texture was close to forearm skin and the flaps were restored protected sensation.There was no ulceration,infection and other complications.The healing of skin graft was satisfactory in 2 cases in abdominal donor site.No skin graft contracture occurred.The remaining 12 cases had linear scar in the abdomen of the donor site.The edge of the scar was soft and no obvious contracture occurred.Conclusion Super long thoracic umbilical conjoined perforator flap can repair the lager area skin defect of forearm with double blood supply.The length of flap is significantly longer with enoughblood-supply of distal part of the flap.The clinical efffect is satisfactory.

Thinning of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap based on the vascular structure of the arterial perforator / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To explore flap thinning based on the study of the arterial structure and blood perfusion of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap using computed tomography (CT) angiography.@*Methods@#Clinical imaging study: Preoperative CT angiography was performed in 15 patients with DIEP flap reconstruction to investigate the vascular structure of arterial perforator. Cadaveric imaging study: 10 abdominal specimens harvested from fresh cadavers were cannulated with trocar and injected with contrast medium in the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator. During the perfusion of the contrast medium in the flap, the flap was scanned by three-dimensional CT. The CT data was then sent to CT workstation and the images were processed and reformatted to study the vascular structure of arterial perforators and the blood perfusion.@*Results@#75 artery perforators in clinical study and 40 artery perforators in cadaveric study were chosen and analyzed. The major deep inferior epigastric artery perforators run directly across the deep layer of adipose tissue without bifurcating beneath the Scarpa′s fascia. Above the Scarpa′s fascia, the artery perforators bifurcate and ultimately terminate in the subdermal vascular plexus. Blood perfusion mode: The subdermal vascular plexus served as the only pathway for blood perfusion between perforasomes. There are two different pathways for blood perfusion in the perforasome: the subdermal plexus and the existing vascular structure of perforator.@*Conclusions@#Based on the vascular structure of arterial perforator and blood perfusion of the DIEP flap, thinning of the DIEP flap under the Scarpa′s fascia is safe while thinning above the Scarpa′s fascia should performed according to the blood supply zone of the DIEP flap.

Reconstrucción mamaria terciaria con tejido autógeno tras reconstrucción fallida con implantes / Tertiary breast reconstruction with autologous tissue after failed reconstruction with implants

Objetivo: Analizar nuestra experiencia en la reconstrucción mamaria terciaria tras el fracaso de procedimientos basados en implantes. Material y métodos: Entre 2005 y 2014, los autores (BH y CA) realizaron reconstrucción mamaria terciaria en 17 casos utilizando el colgajo de perforantes de arteria epigástrica inferior profunda (DIEP). Se revisaron en forma retrospectiva las fichas clínicas de dichas pacientes, registrando edad, comorbilidades, índice de masa corporal (IMC), presencia de cicatrices abdominales, historia de radioterapia y quimioterapia. Asimismo, se registraron los detalles de las cirugías realizadas, tanto de la reconstrucción con implante como de la reconstrucción terciaria. Resultados: Las complicaciones más frecuentes que motivaron el cambio de estrategia reconstructiva fueron: contractura capsular, rotura, exposición/infección del implante, dolor crónico y el fracaso de la expansión de la piel. En la reconstrucción terciaria se utilizó el colgajo DIEP en todos los casos, presentando pérdida parcial del colgajo un solo caso, sin pérdidas totales del mismo. Conclusiones: Las opciones actuales en reconstrucción terciaria con tejido autógeno incluyen principalmente colgajos perforantes, siendo el colgajo DIEP el más utilizado. De acuerdo con los resultados de esta serie y lo reflejado en la literatura, creemos que la reconstrucción terciaria es un procedimiento seguro, con una tasa de complicaciones similar a las de reconstrucción primaria y secundaria, y que otorga una serie de beneficios a las pacientes afectadas.

Objective: Analyze our experience on tertiary breast reconstruction after failed implant-based procedures. Methods: Between 2005 and 2014, the authors (BH and CA) performed tertiary breast reconstruction with the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (DIEP) flap in 17 cases. The medical charts of these patients were retrospectively reviewed, registering age at tertiary reconstruction, comorbidities, body mass index (BMI), presence of abdominal scars and history of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Likewise, details from surgeries were also gathered, both form the implant-based procedures and tertiary autologous reconstruction. Results: Complications motivating the change of reconstructive strategy included capsular contracture, implant rupture, implant exposure/infection, chronic pain and failure of skin expansion. Regarding tertiary reconstruction, the DIEP flap was used in all cases with one partial flap loss and no total failures. Conclusions: Current options for autologous tertiary reconstruction include mainly perforator flaps with the DIEP being by far the most utilized. Additionally, tertiary reconstruction is a safe procedure, with a rate of complications similar to that of primary and secondary free flap breast reconstruction.