Application of folded transverse superficial epigastric artery perforator flap for large penetrating defect after buccal carcinoma resection / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effectiveness of folded transverse superficial epigastric artery perforator flap in repairing the large penetrating defect after buccal carcinoma resection.@*METHODS@#Between January 2019 and June 2021, 12 patients with buccal squamous cell carcinoma were treated. There were 6 males and 6 females with an average of 66.9 years (range, 53-79 years). The pathological stage was T3a-T4b, and the preoperative mouth opening was (3.08±0.46) cm. The disease duration ranged from 6 to 24 months, with an average of 15 months. After buccal carcinoma radical resection and neck lymph node dissection, the penetrating defects in size of 8 cm×6 cm to 16 cm×8 cm and in depth of 0.5-1.5 cm were remained. The transverse superficial epigastric artery perforator flap in size of 8 cm×6 cm to 14 cm×8 cm were harvested and folded to repair the penetrating defects. The donor site was sutured directly.@*RESULTS@#All 12 skin flaps survived after operation, and the wounds healed by first intention. No internal or external fistula complications occurred. All incisions at the recipient site healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 14 months). There was no obvious abnormality in the color and texture of the flap, the oral and facial appearances were symmetrical, and there was no obvious swelling in the cheek. At last follow-up, the patient's mouth opening was (2.89±0.33) cm, which was not significantly different from that before operation ( t=1.879, P=0.087). The subjective satisfaction scores of 12 patients were 6-8 points, with an average of 7.3 points. Significant scars remained at the donor site but concealed in location.@*CONCLUSION@#The folded transverse superficial epigastric artery perforator flap can be used as a surgical method for repairing large penetrating defects after the buccal carcinoma resection, with a good recovery of facial appearance and oral function.

Effectiveness of temporal island flap pedicled with perforating branch of zygomatic orbital artery to repair the defects after periocular malignant tumor resection / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To summarize the effectiveness of the temporal island flap pedicled with the perforating branch of zygomatic orbital artery for repairing defects after periocular malignant tumor resection.@*METHODS@#Between January 2015 and December 2020, 15 patients with periocular malignant tumors were treated. There were 5 males and 10 females with an average age of 62 years (range, 40-75 years). There were 12 cases of basal cell carcinoma and 3 cases of squamous carcinoma. The disease duration ranged from 5 months to 10 years (median, 2 years). The size of tumors ranged from 1.0 cm×0.8 cm to 2.5 cm×1.5 cm, without tarsal plate invasion. After extensive resection of the tumors, the left defects in size of 2.0 cm×1.5 cm to 3.5 cm×2.0 cm were repaired with the temporal island flap pedicled with the perforating branch of zygomatic orbital artery via subcutaneous tunnel. The size of the flaps ranged from 3.0 cm×1.5 cm to 5.0 cm×2.0 cm. The donor sites were separated subcutaneously and sutured directly.@*RESULTS@#All flaps survived after operation and the wounds healed by first intention. The incisions at donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6-24 months (median, 11 months). The flaps were not obviously bloated, the texture and color were basically the same as the surrounding normal skin, and the scars at recipient sites were not obviously. There was no complication such as ptosis, ectropion, or incomplete closure of the eyelids and recurrence of tumor during follow-up.@*CONCLUSION@#The temporal island flap pedicled with the perforating branch of zygomatic orbital artery can repair the defects after periorbital malignant tumors resection and has the advantages of reliable blood supply, flexible design, and good morphology and function.

Anatomic study and clinical application of iliac crest chimeric tissue flap / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To conduct anatomical study on the iliac crest chimeric tissue flap and summarize its effectiveness of clinical application in repairing limb wounds.@*METHODS@#Latex perfusion and anatomical study were performed on 6 fresh adult cadaver specimens with 12 sides, to observe the initial location, distribution, quantity, and direction of the common circumflexa iliac artery, the deep circumflexa iliac artery, and the superficial circumflexa iliac artery, and to measure their initial external diameter. Between December 2020 and September 2022, the iliac crest chimeric tissue flap repair was performed on 5 patients with soft tissue of limbs and bone defects. There were 3 males and 2 females, with an average age of 46 years (range, 23-60 years). Among them, there were 3 cases of radii and skin soft tissue defects and 2 cases of tibia and skin soft tissue defects. The length of bone defects was 4-8 cm and the area of skin soft tissue defects ranged from 9 cm×5 cm to 15 cm×6 cm. The length of the iliac flap was 4-8 cm and the area of skin flap ranged from 12.0 cm×5.5 cm to 16.0 cm×8.0 cm. The donor sites were directly sutured.@*RESULTS@#Anatomical studies showed that there were 10 common circumflex iliac arteries in 5 specimens, which originated from the lateral or posterolateral side of the transition between the external iliac artery and the femoral artery, with a length of 1.2-1.6 cm and an initial external diameter of 0.8-1.4 mm. In 1 specimen without common circumflexa iliac artery, the superficial and deep circumflex iliac arteries originated from the external iliac artery and the femoral artery, respectively, while the rest originated from the common circumflex iliac artery. The length of superficial circumflex iliac artery was 4.6-6.7 cm, and the initial external diameter was 0.4-0.8 mm. There were 3-6 perforator vessels along the way. The length of deep circumflex iliac artery was 7.8-9.2 cm, and the initial external diameter was 0.5-0.7 mm. There were 3-5 muscular branches, 4-6 periosteal branches, and 2-3 musculocutaneous branches along the way. Based on the anatomical observation results, all iliac crest chimeric tissue flaps were successfully resected and survived after operation. The wounds at recipient and donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 8-24 months, with an average of 12 months. The tissue flap has good appearance and soft texture. X-ray film reexamination showed that all the osteotomy healed, and no obvious bone resorption was observed during follow-up.@*CONCLUSION@#The common circumflex iliac artery, deep circumflex iliac artery, and superficial circumflex iliac artery were anatomically constant, and it was safe and reliable to use iliac crest chimeric tissue flap in repairing the soft tissue and bone defects of limbs.

Application of bilateral facial perforator artery flap in repairing large area defect in middle and lower part of nose / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of bilateral facial perforator artery flap in repairing large area defect in middle and lower part of nose.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 18 patients with large area defect in middle and lower part of nose repaired by bilateral facial perforator artery flap between January 2019 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, there were 13 males and 5 females, the age ranged from 43 to 81 years, with an average of 63 years. There were 3 cases of nasal trauma, 4 cases of basal cell carcinoma, 8 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, 1 case of lymphoma, and 2 cases of large area solar keratosis. The size of the defect ranged from 3.0 cm×3.0 cm to 4.5 cm×4.0 cm; the size of unilateral flap ranged from 3.0 cm×1.3 cm to 3.5 cm×2.0 cm, and the size of bilateral flaps ranged from 3.3 cm×2.6 cm to 4.5 cm×4.0 cm.@*RESULTS@#One patient developed skin flap necrosis after operation, and a frontal skin flap was used to repair the wound; 1 case gradually improved after removing some sutures due to venous congestion in the skin flap, and the wound healing was delayed after dressing change; the remaining 16 cases of bilateral facial perforator artery flaps survived well and all wounds healed by first intention, without any "cat ear" malformation. All 18 patients had first intention healing in the donor area, leaving linear scars without obvious scar hyperplasia, and no facial organ displacement. All patients were followed up 3-12 months, with an average of 6 months. Due to the appropriate thickness of the flap, none of the 18 patients underwent secondary flap thinning surgery. All flaps had good blood circulation, similar texture and color to surrounding tissues, symmetrical bilateral nasolabial sulcus, and high patient satisfaction.@*CONCLUSION@#The bilateral facial perforator artery flaps for repairing large area defect in middle and lower part of nose can achieve good appearance and function, and the operation is relatively simple, with high patient satisfaction.

Application of indocyanine green angiography in repair of facial soft tissue defect using superficial temporal artery based forehead flap / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the feasibility of using indocyanine green angiography in mapping the superficial temporal vessels and assisting design and harvesting of the superficial temporal artery based forehead flap.@*METHODS@#A clinical data of 14 patients with facial soft tissue defects repaired with superficial temporal artery based forehead flaps between October 2015 and November 2022 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 9 males and 5 females with a median age of 9.5 years (range, 3-38 years). The forehead flaps were used to reconstruct facial soft tissue defects following excision of facial scar (8 cases) or congenital melanocyte nevus (6 cases). The size of defects ranged from 3 cm×2 cm to 24 cm×9 cm. Before operation, the indocyanine green angiography was used to map the superficial temporal artery and vein, and to analyze the relationship of the arteries and veins. The forehead flaps with unilateral superficial temporal fascia as the pedicle was transferred to repair the small facial defect in 2 cases. The facial pedicle contained the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery and 2 cm of the superficial temporal fascia around the vessel, and the tiny accompanying vein of the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery was used as the outflow of the flap. The forehead flaps with the skin pedicle including bilateral or unilateral superficial temporal fascia and the overlying skin was pre-expanded and transferred to repair the large facial defect in 12 cases. The skin pedicle contained the frontal branch of superficial temporal artery and one of main branches of superficial temporal vein. Among the 12 cases, the frontal branch of superficial temporal vein was used as the outflow in 4 cases, and the parietal branch was used as the outflow in 8 cases. The size of the flaps ranged from 3 cm×2 cm to 30 cm×13 cm. The skin pedicles were divided at 3 weeks after the flap transfer.@*RESULTS@#Indocyanine green angiography could clearly showed the course and branching of the superficial temporal artery and vein. Individual differences existed in the location where the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery entered the forehead. The superficial temporal vein had great variability and did not follow the artery. One patient had expander-related complication, which resulted in 3-cm flap necrosis. The necrotic tissue was debrided and repaired with skin grafting. The other flaps totally survived and the incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 2-24 months, with a median of 11.5 months. The color, texture, and thickness of the flaps matched well with those of recipient sites. Hypertrophic scar was not observed in recipient or donor site. All patients were satisfied with the reconstructive outcomes.@*CONCLUSION@#Indocyanine green angiography can clearly visualize the course and the branches of the superficial temporal arteries and veins, which can help surgeons understand the position, distribution, and concomitant relationship of the superficial temporal vessels, and make a rational surgical plan of the forehead flap.

Clinical effects of free peroneal artery perforator flaps in repairing forefoot skin and soft tissue defect wounds assisted with three-dimensional computed tomography angiography / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of free peroneal artery perforator flaps in repairing forefoot skin and soft tissue defect wounds assisted with three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (3D-CTA). Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From March 2017 to September 2019, 15 patients with skin and soft tissue defect wounds in the forefoot were treated in the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery of Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang, including 12 males and 3 females, with age of 18-60 years. The wound area on admission was 3.0 cm×3.0 cm-9.0 cm×8.0 cm. The 3D-CTA examination before operation was performed to select the peroneal artery perforating vessels with appropriate length of vascular pedicle and good blood perfusion. According to the wound area and the perforating vessels of the peroneal artery located by 3D-CTA, the peroneal artery perforator flaps of 3.5 cm×3.5 cm-9.5 cm×8.5 cm carried with lateral sural cutaneous nerve was designed and cut, and the nerve was anastomosed with the nerve of the wound. The wound in the donor site of the flap was directly sutured or covered with medium-thickness skin graft from the thigh. The consistencies of type, diameter, and perforating position of perforating vessel of the peroneal artery detected by 3D-CTA before the operation with those of the actual measurement during operation were observed. The length of time for flap cutting and the survival of the flap after operation were recorded. During follow-up of 12 months after the operation, the patients were instructed to evaluate the foot function according to the Maryland foot function score standard, and the wound healing in the donor area and the occurrence of complications affecting the motor function of limb were observed. Data were statistically analyzed with paired sample t test. Results: The types of peroneal artery perforating vessels in patients measured during the operation were septocutaneous perforator of 12 cases, musculocutaneous perforator of 2 cases, and musculomuscular septal perforator of 1 case, which were consistent with those measured by preoperative 3D-CTA. The diameter of the peroneal artery perforating vessel measured by preoperative 3D-CTA was (1.38±0.17) mm, which was close to (1.40±0.19) mm measured during the operation (t=0.30, P>0.05). The horizontal distance from the starting point of the perforating vessel to the outer edge of the shank was (42±6) mm, and the vertical distance from the starting point of the perforating vessel to the level of the lateral ankle tip was (219±14) mm measured by preoperative 3D-CTA, which were respectively close to (43±6) and (221±15) mm of intraoperative measurement (with t values of 0.46 and 0.38, respectively, P>0.05). The length of time for cutting flap was (31±6) min. All flaps survived post operation without vascular crisis. During follow-up of 12 months after the operation, the foot function was evaluated as excellent in 11 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 1 case, the donor site wound healed well, the scar was not noticeable with no contracture, and the motor function of joints was not affected. Conclusions: Free peroneal artery perforator flap is one of the effective methods to reconstruct skin and soft tissue defect wounds in the forefoot, and the risk of surgery can be reduced when the anatomical location of the perforating vessels is confirmed by 3D-CTA.

Per-operative fluid therapy, vasopressor and transfusion rate in DIEP-flap breast reconstruction. A series of cases / Fluidoterapia, uso de vasopresores y tasa transfusional peroperatoria en la reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo DIEP. Una serie de casos

OBJECTIVE: Anesthetic management in DIEP-flap breast reconstruction surgery may influence the appearance of postoperative complications. Fluid therapy, vasopressor use, and blood management are controversial. The aim was to audit hemodynamic management and to assess its impact on perioperative outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-seven cases of DIEP-flap breast reconstruction were reviewed. Data collected: anthropometric data; ASA score; comorbidities; timing of reconstruction (immediate/delayed), type of reconstruction (unilateral/bilateral); length of surgery; per-operative complications; per-operative fluid therapy, use of vasopressors, transfusion rate; re-intervention requirements; surgical success rate; hospital stay, and readmission rate. RESULTS: Median crystalloid infusion rate was 3.18 (2.63-3.76) ml/kg/h in the first 24 hours. Intraoperatively, colloids were administered in 35 (52%) patients at a median infusion rate of 1.40 (1.08-1.86) ml/Kg/h; 21 (60%) of them presented some postoperative complication. Hypotensive events were registered in 13 (19%) patients; 9 (69%) suffered some postoperative complication. The only vasopressor used was Ephedrine in 14 (21%) patients, at a median dose of 0 (0-6) mg. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion was required in 18 (27%) patients. All of the patients who were transfused, 11 (61%) presented some postoperative complication. Hospital stay was 7 (7-9) days. Surgery was successful in 46 (69%) patients and readmission was necessary in 11 (16%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Colloids administration, intraoperative hypotensive events, RBC transfusion, and delayed surgery are variables that could increase the risk of postoperative complications in our series.

OBJETIVO: El manejo anestésico en la cirugía de reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo DIEP podría influir en la aparición de complicaciones posoperatorias. La fluidoterapia, el uso de vasopresores y la tasa transfusional son motivo de controversia. Nuestro objetivo fue auditar el manejo hemodinámico y valorar su impacto en los resultados perioperatorios. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Analizamos 67 pacientes programadas para reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo DIEP. Datos registrados: antropométricos; ASA; comorbilidades; momento de la reconstrucción (inmediata/diferida); tipo de reconstrucción (unilateral/bilateral); duración quirúrgica; complicaciones perioperatorias; fluidoterapia, vasopresores y tasa transfusional peroperatorios; tasa de reintervención, reingresos y éxito de la cirugía; estancia hospitalaria. RESULTADOS: La velocidad promedio de infusión de cristaloides fue de 3,18 (2,63-3,76) ml/kg/h en las primeras 24 h. Intraoperatoriamente se administraron coloides en 35 (52%) pacientes a una velocidad promedio de infusión de 1,40 (1,08-1,86) ml/kg/h, presentando complicaciones posoperatorias en 21 (60%) casos. Trece (19%) pacientes presentaron eventos hipotensivos intraoperatorios, registrándose complicaciones en 9 (69%). El único vasopresor utilizado fue la efedrina en 14 (21%) pacientes, a una dosis mediana de 0 (0-6) mg. Requirieron transfusión sanguínea 18 (27%) pacientes. Del total de pacientes transfundidos, 11 (61%) habían presentado alguna complicación posoperatoria. La cirugía fue un éxito en 46 (69%) casos. La estancia hospitalaria fue de 7 (7-9) días y el reingreso fue necesario en 11 (16%) casos. CONCLUSIONES: La administración de coloides, los eventos hipotensivos intraoperatorios, la transfusión de hemoderivados y la cirugía con reconstrucción tardía son variables que podrían incrementar el riesgo de complicaciones posoperatorias.

Surgical management for large chest keloids with internal mammary artery perforator flap

Abstract Therapy for large symptomatic keloids is often plagued with complicated reconstruction manner and recurrence. This article reports a rare treatment combination for a chest keloid with internal mammary artery perforator flap reconstruction and radiation therapy. We excised the keloid and covered the defect with an internal mammary artery perforator flap. Immediate electron-beam irradiation therapy was applied on the second postoperative day. There was no sign of recurrence over the follow-up period of 18 months. The combination of internal mammary artery perforator flap and immediate radiation therapy is useful when faced with chest keloids of similar magnitude and intractability.

Perforator Flap versus Conventional Flap

The introduction of perforator flaps represented a significant advance in microsurgical reconstruction. However, confusion has developed due to the erroneous belief that perforator flaps are different from conventional flaps. The concept of the perforator is not new, but is an idea that evolved from the conventional flap. In fact, some of the flaps used by microsurgeons were perforator flaps. The only difference is the anatomical level of the blood vessels involved; the perforator concept is focused on the distal circulation, so-called 'perforator'. Therefore, thinner sections of tissue can be taken from the conventional donor sites of myocutaneous flaps. With the use of perforators, there are no longer "flap of choice" for specific reconstructions, because conventional donor sites have become universal donor sites, enabling the harvesting of a variety of flaps. Moreover, depending on the surgeon's ability, any flap can be utilized as a perforator-based island flap whose source vessel has been completely preserved. Therefore, tissues can be efficiently customized and tailored into any configuration required for reconstruction. The application of perforator flap technique enables more precise dissection, and allows more selective harvesting of thinner flaps, which will expand options in reconstructive surgery. No doubt the technique will continue to evolve.

Avaliação da sensibilidade cutânea do retalho perfurante da artéria pudenda interna nas reconstruções perineais / Evaluation of cutaneous sensibility of the internal pudendal artery perforator flap in perineal reconstructions

INTRODUÇÃO: O tratamento das neoplasias malignas anorretais exige ressecções que podem levar ao surgimento de defeitos perineais extensos. Esses defeitos necessitam de reconstrução que deve ser realizada, preferencialmente, com retalhos. Dentre eles, destacamos o retalho perfurante da artéria pudenda interna, localizado no sulco glúteo, vascularizado por vasos perfurantes cutâneos da artéria pudenda interna, e inervado por ramos do nervo pudendo e do nervo cutâneo femoral posterior. Esse retalho apresenta diversas vantagens em comparação com os outros utilizados para reconstrução perineal, e os dados relacionados à avaliação de sua sensibilidade cutânea são escassos, discrepantes e sujeitos a críticas metodológicas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a sensibilidade cutânea do retalho perfurante da artéria pudenda interna após 12 meses da reconstrução perineal em cirurgias de amputação abdominoperineal de reto, e compará-la com a sensibilidade cutânea pré-operatória do sulco glúteo (área doadora do retalho). MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo com 25 pacientes submetidos à amputação abdominoperineal de reto por neoplasias malignas anorretais e reconstruídos com o retalho perfurante da artéria pudenda interna de avanço VY bilateral. As modalidades de sensibilidade tátil, dolorosa, térmica e vibratória foram analisadas em quatro áreas do sulco glúteo no pré-operatório e nas quatro áreas correspondentes do retalho 12 meses após a cirurgia. A avaliação da sensibilidade tátil foi realizada com o Pressure Specified Sensory Device(TM) (PSSD(TM)), aparelho que quantifica a pressão aplicada à pele, estática ou em movimento. As outras modalidades de sensibilidade foram analisadas com o método de escolha forçada, utilizando ponta de agulha para sensibilidade dolorosa, contato quente/frio para sensibilidade térmica e diapasão de 128 Hz para sensibilidade vibratória. RESULTADOS: Os limiares de sensibilidade tátil medidos com o PSSD(TM) no retalho perfurante da artéria pudenda interna...

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of anorectal malignancies requires resection that can lead to extensive perineal defects. These defects require reconstruction which should be performed, preferably, with flaps. Among them, we highlight the internal pudendal artery perforator flap, located on the gluteal fold, vascularized by cutaneous perforator vessels from the internal pudendal artery, and innervated by branches from the pudendal nerve and the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. This flap has many advantages compared to others used for perineal reconstruction, and data related to the evaluation of its cutaneous sensibility are scarce, discrepant and subject to methodological criticisms. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cutaneous sensibility of the internal pudendal artery perforator flap 12 months after perineal reconstruction in abdominoperineal resection of rectum, and compare it with the preoperative cutaneous sensibility of the gluteal fold (flap donor area). METHODS: A prospective study of 25 patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection of rectum for anorectal malignancies, and reconstruction with the internal pudendal artery perforator flap, in bilateral VY advancement. The modalities of tactile, pain, thermal and vibration sensibility were analyzed in four areas of the gluteal fold preoperatively and in the four corresponding areas of the flap 12 months after surgery. Tactile sensibility was assessed using the Pressure Specified Sensory Device(TM) (PSSD(TM)), a device that measures the pressure applied to the skin, static or moving. The other types of sensibility were analyzed with the forced-choice method, using a needle for pain sensibility, hot/cold contact for thermal sensibility and 128 Hz tuning-fork for vibration sensibility. RESULTS: The tactile sensibility thresholds measured with PSSD(TM) on the internal pudendal artery perforator flap 12 months after perineal reconstruction were similar to tactile sensibility thresholds...