Assessment of Tissue Perfusion Following Conventional Liposuction of Perforator-Based Abdominal Flaps

BACKGROUND: The effect of liposuction on the perforators of the lower abdominal wall has been investigated in several studies. There are controversial results in the literature that have primarily demonstrated the number and patency of the perforators. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of liposuction on the perfusion of perforator-based abdominal flaps using a combined laser–Doppler spectrophotometer (O2C, Oxygen to See, LEA Medizintechnik). METHODS: Nine female patients undergoing classical abdominoplasty were included in the study. Perforators and the perfusion zones of the deep inferior epigastric artery flap were marked on the patient's abdominal wall. Flap perfusion was quantitatively assessed by measuring blood flow, velocity, capillary oxygen saturation, and relative amount of hemoglobin for each zone preoperatively, after tumescent solution infiltration, following elevation of the flap on a single perforator, and after deep and superficial liposuction, respectively. RESULTS: The measurements taken after elevation of the flap were not significantly different than measurements taken after the liposuction procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The liposuction procedure does not significantly alter the perfusion of perforator-based abdominal flaps in the early period. The abdominal tissue discarded in a classic abdominoplasty operation can be raised as a perforator flap and has been demonstrated to be a unique model for clinical research.

Potential Use of Transferred Lymph Nodes as Metastasis Detectors after Tumor Excision

Due to the fact that it reliably results in positive outcomes, lymph node flap transfer is becoming an increasingly popular surgical procedure for the prevention and treatment of lymphedema. This technique has been shown to stimulate lymphoangiogenesis and restore lymphatic function, as well as decreasing infection rates, minimizing pain, and preventing the recurrence of lymphedema. In this article, we investigate possible additional benefits of lymph node flap transfer, primarily the possibility that sentinel lymph nodes may be used to detect micro-metastasis or in-transit metastasis and may function as an additional lymphatic station after the excision of advanced skin cancer.