Pitfall management of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans on right leg

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, locally invasive soft tissue sarcoma. The local recurrence rate is high, in some studies upwards of 60%, likely reflecting a failure to remove occult extensions of tumor. Surgical excision has been the treatment of choice for the resection of DFSP. Any pitfall on management therapy of DFSP not only increase the recurrence rate but also add new problems to patients with DFSP. 58-year-old male patient, came with a local recurrent of DFSP on his right leg. Then performed excision with margin one centimetre, and closing defect using pedicle sural flap, durante surgery turned pedicle on the flap is too short and because of poor soft tissue handling pedicle was injured. It consulted into the vascular division for evaluated and treatment pedicle. Postoperative evaluation, the flap experiences bluish due to vascularization compromised. It was decided to expose the flap and the defect was covered with skin graft. 2 months postoperative evaluation found local recurrent on skin graft area. Excision margins between 2 to 5 cm can reduce the recurrence rate. Proper planning in designing flaps to cover defects and the ability of good soft tissue handling is required to avoid new problems on management DFSP.

Colgajo fasciocutáneo sural para la cobertura del tercio distal de pierna y pie / Fasciocutaneous sural flap for soft tissue coverage in the third distal leg, ankle and foot

Introducción: Los traumatismos de alta energía en miembros inferiores se asocian, con frecuencia, a defectos de partes blandas y su reconstrucción puede presentarse como una tarea desafiante. En el extremo distal de la pierna y el pie, los colgajos de perforantes representan la mejor opción de cobertura. El motivo de este trabajo es comunicar el resultado del tratamiento de lesiones de partes blandas de pierna distal, tobillo y talón utilizando exclusivamente el colgajo de perforantes fasciocutáneo sural. Materiales y Métodos: Entre marzo de 2008 y febrero de 2016, en nuestro Hospital, se realizaron 37 colgajos fasciocutáneos surales en 35 pacientes. El criterio de inclusión fue todo paciente con defecto tegumentario en el tercio distal de tibia y talón con exposición ósea, tendinosa o defecto de la almohadilla plantar. La edad promedio fue de 49.6 años y el seguimiento promedio, de 18 meses. Resultados: Se logró la cobertura completa de defecto de tejidos blandos en 29 casos. Se detectaron tres colgajos con necrosis parcial y cinco con necrosis completa; cuatro de estos pacientes tenían antecedentes de enfermedad vascular. El tamaño del defecto fue de 9,6 x 6,7 cm (15 x 9). Conclusiones: Aunque esta serie no es extensa, los resultados coinciden con los publicados. Creemos que este colgajo es una alternativa viable para lesiones distales de pierna y pie, con una baja tasa de complicaciones y de morbilidad en el miembro afectado, y con resultados satisfactorios. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: High energy injuries in lower limbs are frequently associated with soft tissue defect and soft tissue reconstruction can be a challenge. Perforator flaps are the best option to cover soft tissue defects in the lower leg, ankle and foot. The objective of this paper is to report the results after the use of a distally-based reverse fasciocutaneous sural flap in the reconstruction of soft tissue loss around the distal leg, ankle and foot. Methods: A total of 37 fasciocutaneous pedicled reverse sural flaps were performed in 35 patients between March 2008 and February 2016, in our Hospital. The inclusion criterium was a soft tissue defect of the lower third of the leg, ankle and heel in which bone, tendons and sole are exposed. Average age: 49.6 years and average follow-up: 18 months. Results: Complete soft tissue defect coverage was achieved in 29 cases. Three flaps with partial necrosis and five with complete necrosis were observed; four of these patients had history of vascular disease. Defect size averaged 9.6 x 6.7 cm (15 x 9). Conclusions: Although this series is not extensive, results are consistent with those reported in the literature. We consider that this flap is a valid alternative for lesions involving the distal leg, ankle and foot, with a low rate of complications and morbidity, and satisfactory results. Level of Evidence: IV

Colgajo fasciocutáneo sural inverso para cobertura de defectos de partes blandas en pierna, tobillo y pie / Reverse fasciocutaneous sural flap for soft-tissue coverage in leg, ankle and foot

Introducción: El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar los resultados obtenidos con la utilización del colgajo fasciocutáneo sural de base distal para la reconstrucción de defectos de partes blandas alrededor de la tibia distal, el tobillo y el pie. Materiales y Métodos: Se evaluaron, en forma retrospectiva, 20 colgajos pediculados fasciocutáneos surales inversos realizados entre 2007 y 2013. la edad promedio de los pacientes era de 42 años (rango 6-79); 14 hombres y 5 mujeres. las causas de los defectos fueron: postraumáticas (17 casos, un caso bilateral) y secundarias a resecciones oncológicas (2 casos). la muestra incluyó tres pacientes diabéticos, una mujer obesa y ocho pacientes tabaquistas. en 10 casos, las heridas presentaban exposición tendinosa y, en 10 casos, exposición ósea. el diámetro promedio de los defectos fue de 8,9 x 5,75 cm. Resultados: El seguimiento promedio fue de 16 meses. se logró una exitosa cobertura completa del defecto en los 20 casos. el tiempo promedio de internación fue de 3.15 días. tres colgajos presentaron necrosis parcial superficial, en un caso el colgajo sufrió necrosis en su tercio distal y, en un paciente, se decidió amputar la extremidad por persistencia de la osteomielitis. Conclusiones: Pese a que se han descrito múltiples opciones de cobertura en defectos de tejidos blandos alrededor de la tibia distal, el tobillo y el pie, el colgajo sural inverso es, en la actualidad, uno de los procedimientos más frecuentes para cubrir estos defectos. se evaluaron 20 colgajos surales inversos y se logró la cobertura completa de los defectos de tejidos blandos, tanto en defectos postraumáticos como en los resultantes de resecciones oncológicas.

Background: The objective of this paper is to evaluate the results after the use of distally-based reverse fasciocutaneous sural flap in the reconstruction of soft-tissue loss around the distal tibia, ankle and foot. Methods: Twenty fasciocutaneous pedicled reverse sural flaps performed between 2007 and 2013 were retrospectively evaluated. Average age of the patients: 42 years (range 6-79), 14 were male and 5 were female. soft-tissue loss was post-traumatic in 17 cases (one bilateral) and secondary to oncologic resections in two cases. the series included three diabetic patients, one obese woman, and eight smokers. ten cases had exposed tendons and ten had bony exposure. defect size averaged 8.9 x 5.75 cm. Results: Follow-up averaged 16 months. complete soft tissue defect coverage was achieved in all 20 cases. Hospital stay averaged 3.15 days. three flaps had superficial necrosis, one flap suffered necrosis of its distal third, and the lower extremity was amputated in a patient due to persistent osteomyelitis. Conclusions: Although multiple coverage options have been described for soft-tissue coverage around the distal tibia, ankle and foot, the reverse sural flap is one of the most frequently used procedures to cover these defects. We evaluated 20 reverse sural flaps, achieving complete soft-tissue coverage in post-traumatic lesions as well as in those defects resulting from oncologic resections.

Fascial versus fascio-cutaneous pedicled sural flaps in the reconstruction of distal leg, ankle and foot soft tissue defects

BACKGROUND: The coverage of soft tissue defects of the distal leg, ankle or foot poses several challenges to the reconstructive surgeon. Reconstructive procedures may range from simple skin grafting to complicated free tissue transfers. The reverse sural flap has been one of the most dependable methods for soft tissue coverage of such complex wounds. The purpose of this paper was to compare the clinical results of reverse sural flaps harvested with a fascial versus a fasciocutaneous pedicle. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of twenty-six patients who underwent a reverse sural flap procedure for complex wounds of the distal lower extremity was examined from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2009, with a minimum follow-up of one month. Fifteen patients had a fascial pedicled flap, while eleven patients had fasciocutaneous pedicled flaps with a minimum of one month follow-up. The primary outcome was flap-related complications. Fisher's exact test was used to determine the differences between the two groups and the level of significance was set at p?0.05. RESULTS: All flaps survived. Flap-related complications were more common in the fascial pedicled flap (6/15) compared with the fasciocutaneous pedicled flap (1/11). The difference was not significant (p=0.09). In terms of cosmetic acceptability, 11 patients (11/15) in the fascial pedicle group and five patients (5/11) in the fasciocutaneous pedicle group expressed that the sural flap was acceptable. CONCLUSION: Reverse sural flap was a reliable reconstructive procedure for coverage of soft tissue defects of the distal leg, ankle or foot. There was no significant difference in terms of complication rates for those with fascial compared with those with fasciocutaneous flaps. Cosmetic acceptability was higher for the fascial pedicled flap.

Clinical Application of the Delayed Procedure in the Distally Based Sural Flap

PURPOSE: Reconstruction of soft tissue defects with osteomyelitis in the lower third of the leg represents a challenge to plastic surgeons. Moreover, it is more arduous in multimorbid patients. One excellent option for reconstruction of these defects is to use a delayed distally based sural flap. METHODS: We successfully used delayed distally based sural flap with a two-step procedure. During the first operation, radical debridement and elevation of flap were performed. The raised flap was fixed again at the donor site. The delay period ranged from seven to ten days. Between August 2008 and July 2009, we underwent operations for five patients using this technique. The size of flap varied from 10 x 6 cm to 12 x 14 cm. RESULTS: All flaps successfully survived. Partial skin loss of the grafted site was seen in two patients but no further surgical procedure was required for wound healing. Complaints of hypoesthesia on the lateral part of the foot was observed. In a three month follow-up period, hypoesthesia was resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSION: Delayed procedure improves the viability of distally based sural flap in high risk, critically multimorbid patients. We recommend that, if a two-stage operative approach is required, the delayed procedure should be considered.

Soft Tissue Reconstruction of the Foot Using the Distally Based Island Pedicle Flap after Resection of Malignant Melanoma

BACKGROUND: We report on our experience with using a distally based island flap for soft tissue reconstruction of the foot in limb salvage surgery for malignant melanoma patients. METHODS: A distally based sural flap was used for 10 cases for the hindfoot reconstruction, and a lateral supramalleolar flap was used for 3 cases for the lateral arch reconstruction of the mid- and forefoot after wide excision of malignant melanomas. RESULTS: The length of the flap varied from 7.5 cm to 12 cm (mean, 9.6 cm) and the width varied from 6.5 cm to 12 cm (mean, 8.8 cm). Superficial necrosis developed in four flaps, but this was successfully treated by debridement and suture or a skin graft. All thirteen flaps survived completely and they provided good contour, stable and durable coverage for normal weight bearing. CONCLUSIONS: The distally based sural flap is considered to be useful for reconstructing the hindfoot, and the lateral supramalleolar flap is good for reconstructing the lateral archs of the mid- and forefoot after resection of malignant melanoma of the foot.

Reconstruction of the Soft Tissue Defect of the Lower Leg by Distally Based Superficial Sural Artery Fasciocutaneous Island Flap Using Supercharged Vein

PURPOSE: Distally based superficial sural artery island flap has some disadvantages such as postoperative flap edema, congestion, and partial necrosis of the flap margin. Venous congestion is an area of considerable concern in distally based superficial sural artery fasciocutaneous flap and is one of the main reasons for failure, particularly when a large flap is needed. However, we could decrease these disadvantages by means of venous superdrainage. METHODS: From June of 2006 to June of 2007, a total of two patients with soft tissue defects of lower one third of the leg underwent venous supercharging distally based superficial sural artery island flap transfer. The distal pivot point of this flap was designed at septocutaneous perforator from the peroneal artery of the posterolateral septum, which was 5cm above the tip of the lateral malleolus. Briefly, this technique is performed by anastomosing the proximal end of the lesser saphenous vein and collateral vein to any vein in the area of the recipient defect site. RESULTS: No venous congestion was noted in any of the two cases. No other recipient or donor-site complications were observed, except for minor wound dehiscence in one case. In 3 to 6 months follow-up, patients had minor complaints about lack of sensation in the lateral dorsal foot. CONCLUSION: The peroneal artery perforator is predictable and reliable for the design of a distally based superficial sural artery island flap. Elevation of the venous supercharging flap is safe, easy, and less time consuming. In conclusion, the venous supercharging distally based superficial sural artery island flap offers an alterative to free tissue transfer for reconstruction of the lower extremity.

Reconstrucción de lesiones de extremidad inferior con Colgajo de Arteria Sural Superficial, experiencia de 10 años / Reconstruction of lower extremity lesions with superficial sural artery flap: a ten-year experience

La cobertura de heridas complejas en extremidades inferiores es un desafío de difícil manejo. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, analizando el resultado y las complicaciones en el uso del colgajo sural a pedículo distal para cobertura de defectos de extremidad inferior. Material y Método: Revisión de fichas clínicas de todos los pacientes sometidos a colgajo sural en los Hospitales Militar y Trabajador de Santiago entre los años 1995 y 2005, analizando características epidemiológicas, técnica quirúrgica y complicaciones del procedimiento. Resultados: Colgajos surales totales: 40 casos. Etiología de lesión: Fracturas: 33 casos (82,5%), heridas complejas (infectadas, inestables) 4 casos (10%), desforrramiento: 2 casos (5%) y quemadura: 1 caso (2,5%). En 20 casos no hubo complicación, y dentro de las complicaciones se encontraron necrosis parcial: 8 casos (20%), infección: 5 casos (12,5%), epidermolísis: 4 casos (10%) y seroma en 3 casos (7,5%). No se reportaron casos de necrosis total. Conclusión: El colgajo sural a pedículo distal es una alternativa válida de cobertura en lesiones complejas de extremo distal de extremidad inferior, con complicaciones de manejo aceptables, y con buen resultado a largo plazo.

Background: The covering of complex wounds of lower extremities is a difficult challenge. Aim: To analyze the results and complications on the use of sural flaps with distal pedicle for the covering of lower extremity defects. Material and Methods: We reviewed the clinical records of all the patients that had sural flaps between 1995 and 2005 at the Military Hospital and Workers Hospital of Santiago, Chile. We analyzed the epidemiologic characteristics, surgical techniques and complications of the procedure. Results: We found 40 cases of sural flaps. The etiology of the lesions were fractures in 33 cases (82.5%), complex wounds: four cases (10%), skin tearing and muscle laceration in 2 cases (5%) and burns 1 case (2.5%). In 20 cases there were no complications. Eight cases had partial necrosis (20%), five had infections (12.5%), four had epidermolysis and three had a seroma (7.5%). There were no reports of total necrosis. Conclusions: Sural flaps with a distal pedicle are a valid alternative for the covering of complex wounds of the distal portion of lower extremities, with a low rate of complications and good long term results.