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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Humans , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Breast Implants/adverse effects , Epigastric Arteries/transplantation , Mammaplasty/methods , Perforator Flap/transplantation , Prosthesis Failure , Reoperation , Transplantation, Autologous , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Objective To discuss the method and clinical effect of bilobed DIEP flap for repair of degloving injuries of the hand.Methods From June, 2013 to January, 2015, the bilobed DIEP flap were designed to repair 6 cases of degloving injuries of hand, of which the small leaf flap repaired separately defect of thumb, larger leaf flap repair 2nd-5th finger and palm and dorsum.The bilobed DIEP flap design were based upon anatomic study on deep inferior epigastric artery, superior epigastric artery, intercostal artery and its anastomosis.Results The largest area of main flap was 35 cm × 12 cm, and the deputy leaves of flap was 10 cm× 7 cm.All of the 6 flaps survived.One of them experienced distal end necrosis of epidermis.But it was healed by dressing changes.All of the 6 cases were followed up for average of 12 months (range, 6-20 months).All flaps were seen with good appearance, fully recovered protectve sensation and the active motion of the thumb was recovery.Moreover, the donor sites were closed directly and the appearance were satisfactory.Conclusion The bilobed DIEP flap is a satisfying choice in repairing degloving injuries of the hand in that it has reliable blood supply, can obtain the larger area of skin and leaves small injuries in targeted area.
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Objective To investigate the reliability and effect of using the chimeric flap retrieved by laparoscopic surgery to cover the large defect of the extremities.Methods The debridement and vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) were performed on 18 patients, who were admitted due to the defects of the extremities.The free chimeric peritoneal-deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap assisted by laparoscopic surgery was transplanted to cover the defect with exposed tendons and/or skeleton.Results The remaining defects of the extremities were 12 cm × 8 cm-30 cm × 17 cm.The peritoneal component of the chimeric flaps measuring 8 cm × 6 cm -14 cm × 10 cm retrieved by laparoscopic surgery was used to cover the tendons, bones and joints.The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps measuring 13 cm × 10 cm-32 cm × 18 cm allowed the cutaneous coverage of wounds.The chimeric flaps survived completely excepting two patients.The two patients experienced partial necrosis of the chimeric flaps and received skin grafting to achieve the wound closure.The function of the injured extremities recovered partially after 6-18 months of follow-up.No abdominal pain, distension, herniation,bulging and intestinal obstruction were recorded.Conclusion The chimeric flap assisted by laparoscopy is a helpful, safe and effective method for reconstruction of large wounds in extremities with exposed tendons and bones.
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Subject(s)
Humans , Abdominal Wall , Alprostadil , Curriculum , Epigastric Arteries , Fascia , Free Tissue Flaps , Mouth , Mouth Neoplasms , Muscles , Peritoneum , Rectus Abdominis , Skin , Spine , Surgery, Oral , Tissue Donors , UmbilicusABSTRACT
Autologous breast reconstruction after mastectomy in breast cancer patient is now increasing. The deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) free flap is well known as an ideal donor site for the microsurgical breast reconstruction. The branching pattern of the DIEA was well described in the literature. In that study, DIEA has three branching patterns near the arcuate line. We describe a case in which branching variation of the DIEA before entering the posterior surface of the rectus abdominis muscle. In three cases, DIEA originated from the external iliac artery ascended as a double trunk at 1cm, 2cm, and 4cm above the originating point, respectively. In one case, DIEA ascended as a single trunk along the linea alba toward to the umbilicus until it supply overlying subcutaneous tissue. Preoperative 3D computed tomographic angiography to identify the anomaly is recommended and meticulous dissection to the originating point of DIEA is needed.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Angiography , Breast , Breast Neoplasms , Epigastric Arteries , Ethylamines , Free Tissue Flaps , Iliac Artery , Mammaplasty , Mastectomy , Muscles , Rectus Abdominis , Subcutaneous Tissue , Tissue Donors , UmbilicusABSTRACT
Breast reconstruction with autologous tissue has been generally accepted as a reliable procedure, the preferred donor site being lower abdominal tissue. To sacrifice the minimal amount of muscle tissue and to reduce donor site morbidity, the concept of a perforator flap was applied to the fields of breast reconstruction, such as the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEAp) flap. The DIEAp flap provides essentially the same soft tissue components as the transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap while significantly reducing harvesting of the rectus muscle from the abdominal wall, thereby minimizing donor site morbidity; which includes abdominal weakness, hernia, and postoperative pain, with decreased recovery time. However, there are some concerns about the tedious and risky dissection of intramuscular perforators, and the variable vascularity of the flap supplied by tiny perforators. According to our novel flap harvesting techniques, using bipolar electrocauterization for intramuscular dissection is useful in preventing injury to the tiny perforators. Including some fibers of rectus muscle and soft tissue without full isolation and skeletonization around the pedicles is also useful for prevention of vascular injury and intraoperative vessel spasms. Moreover, the flap must include 2 to 3 reliable perforators, regardless of lateral or medial rows, for prevention of postoperative fat necrosis. The superficial inferior epigastric vein can provide additional venous drainage. These surgical tips can aid in overcoming the pitfalls of the DIEA perforator flap in breast reconstruction. The DIEAp flap is an excellent choice for breast reconstruction. According to our experience, it has been shown to be a safe and reliable method for providing good results and patient satisfaction with minimal donor morbidity in breast reconstruction.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Abdominal Wall , Breast , Drainage , Epigastric Arteries , Ethylamines , Fat Necrosis , Glycosaminoglycans , Hernia , Mammaplasty , Muscles , Pain, Postoperative , Patient Satisfaction , Perforator Flap , Rectus Abdominis , Skeleton , Spasm , Tissue Donors , Vascular System Injuries , VeinsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Autologous breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue is one of the best options after mastectomy. In a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous(TRAM) or deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap, a preoperative evaluation of the precise location of perforating vessels and vascular run-off systems is required. The objective of this report is to demonstrate the usefulness of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the preoperative planning of patients undergoing breast reconstruction with abdominal flap. METHODS: From June 2006 to January 2008, 28 patients underwent MDCT evaluation before breast reconstruction. All subjects were females with an age ranged from 30 to 55 years. The CT scan was performed using a 64-slice MDCT scanner(Brilliance 64; Philips Medical Systems, Best, Netherlands). RESULTS: One perforator or two major perforators were marked on image in good relation with a hand-held Doppler examination and intraoperative findings. All vascular run-off systems were cleared before operation. CONCLUSION: Preoperative evaluation of perforator arteries with MDCT angiography is beneficial to the patients undergoing breast reconstruction. This technique provides a noninvasive approach of the vascular anatomy of the entire anterior abdominal wall.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Angiography , Arteries , Epigastric Arteries , Free Tissue Flaps , Mammaplasty , Mastectomy , Multidetector Computed Tomography , Rectus Abdominis , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
In the past decade, there has been increasing breast reconstructions after mastectomy, and the abdomen has been the gold standard for donor site. TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous), MSTRAM (muscle sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous), DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator), SIEA (superficial inferior epigastric artery) flap has been widely used nowadays. Among them, DIEP free flap spares the whole rectus abdominis muscle and anterior rectus sheath resulting in decreased donor site morbidity. Between March of 2006 and February of 2008, six patients had undergone immediate breast reconstructions using DIEP free flap. The mean age of patients was 48.5 years. All patients had unilateral breast reconstructions. We dissected two perforators which were included in the unilateral pedicle. Thoracodorsal artery and its venae comitantes were chosen as recipient vessels. For venous anastomosis, we used the GEM Microvascular Anastomotic Coupler System (Synovis Micro Companies Alliance, Inc., Birmingham, Ala.) in four cases. All flaps were survived completely except one who showed fatty abdomen in old age. She showed repetitive vascular spasm intraoperatively. None of the patients had abdominal hernia, bulge or weakness. We believe that DIEP free flap provides a reliable method for autologous breast reconstruction if the patients are selected appropriately and performed by a skillful surgeon.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Abdomen , Arteries , Breast , Diclofenac , Epigastric Arteries , Free Tissue Flaps , Hernia, Abdominal , Mammaplasty , Mastectomy , Muscles , Rectus Abdominis , Spasm , Tissue DonorsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The pedicle of transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous(TRAM) flap and deep inferior epigastric arterial perforator flap is deep inferior epigastic artery (DIEA) and accurate anatomic knowledge about perforator of DIEA is very important for the elevation of these flap. The authors investigated a detailed vascular network of perforator of DIEA in Koreans. METHODS: 24 fresh cadavers were studied. Among them, 15 were examined based on the plain X-ray examination for the distribution and location of perforator of DIEA. And 9 fresh cadavers were examined based on the 3-dimensional computed tomography(CT) study for the distance between ending point of perforator of DIEA and mother artery, the distance between most medial mother artery and midline, the distance between most lateral mother artery and midline, and the running type of perforators of DIEA. RESULTS: Based on the plain X-ray examination, suitable(external diameter> or =0.5mm) perforators of DIEA are located between the level of umbilicus and 8cm below it. Based on the 3D-CT study, average distance between the ending point of perforator of DIEA and the mother artery is 30.26mm on the left, 28.62mm on the right, respectively. The average distance between most medial mother artery and midline is 17.13mm on the left, 15.76mm on the right, respectively. The average distance between most lateral mother artery and midline is 56.31mm on the left, 50.90mm on the right, respectively. The main running course of suitable perforators of DIEA is type a, which is a direct musculocutaneous perforator vessel from main vascular axis passing outward to join the subdermal plexus, directly. CONCLUSION:3-dimensional computed tomography study as well as plain X-ray examination provided more accurate and detail informations about perforators of DIEA in Koreans. These informations will help us understand the detailed vascular anatomy and operation with ease and safe in the lower abdomen of Koreans.
Subject(s)
Humans , Abdomen , Arteries , Axis, Cervical Vertebra , Cadaver , Epigastric Arteries , Ethylamines , Glycosaminoglycans , Mothers , Perforator Flap , Rectus Abdominis , Running , UmbilicusABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator(DIEP) free flap is known to be the most advanced method of utilizing autologous tissue. The DIEP free flap method saves most of the rectus abdominis muscle as well as anterior rectus sheath. Therefore, the morbidity of the donor site is minimized and the risk of hernia is markedly decreased. METHODS: We chose the internal mammary artery and its venae comitantes as recipient vessels, and deep inferior epigastric vessels as donor vessels. The number and location of the perforators derived from medial or lateral branch of deep inferior epigastric artery(DIEA) in 23 DIEP flaps were identified. Ten patients underwent evaluation of their abdominal wall function preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively by using Lacote's muscle grading system. RESULTS: Of the 23 patients, a patient with one perforator from lateral branch of DIEA experienced partial necrosis of flap. Total flap loss occurred in one patient. Mild abdominal bulging was reported in one patient 4 months postoperatively probably because of early vigorous rehabilitational therapy for her frozen shoulder. Postoperative abdominal wall function tests in 10 patients showed almost complete recovery of muscle function upto their preoperative level of upper and lower rectus abdominis and external oblique muscle function at 6 months postoperatively. All patients have been able to resume their daily activities. CONCLUSION: The breast reconstruction with DIEP free flap is reliable and valuable method which provide ample soft tissue from abdomen without compromising the integrity of abdominal wall. Selection of reliable perforators is important and including more than two perforators may decrease fat necrosis and partial necrosis of flap.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Abdomen , Abdominal Wall , Breast , Bursitis , Fat Necrosis , Free Tissue Flaps , Hernia , Mammaplasty , Mammary Arteries , Necrosis , Perforator Flap , Rectus Abdominis , Tissue DonorsABSTRACT
Since the use of the rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was first reported by Mathes and Bostwick in 1977, its clinical utility both as an pedicled flap and a free flap has broadened reconstructive surgery. But there is a risk of postoperative abdominal hernia formation and bulkiness due to the volume of the rectus muscle and subcutaneous fatty tissue, it is pointed out as a disadvantage in the recipient site where a thin flap is required. To overcome these problems, Koshima (1989), and Itoth (1993) described the modification of this flap which contained little or no muscle or fascia. In our department , we performed deep inferior epigastric artery free skin flap in soft tissue reconstruction in three patients: we dissected one or two muscle perforator from the rectus muscle, removed the deep fatty layer, so we could elevate a thin flap. The results were good, so we are willing to describe the operative technique and its usefulness.