A prospective study of super-thin anterolateral thigh flap harvesting assisted by high-frequency color Doppler ultrasound in detecting perforators in deep adipose layers / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical application of high-frequency color Doppler ultrasound (HFCDU) in detecting perforators in the deep adipose layers for harvesting super-thin anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF).@*METHODS@#Between August 2019 and January 2023, 45 patients (46 sides) with skin and soft tissue defects in the foot and ankle were treated, including 29 males and 16 females, aged from 22 to 62 years, with an average of 46.7 years. The body mass index ranged from 19.6 to 36.2 kg/m 2, with an average of 23.62 kg/m 2. The causes of injury included traffic accident injury in 15 cases, heavy object crush injury in 20 cases, mechanical injury in 8 cases, heat crush injury in 1 case, and chronic infection in 1 case. There were 20 cases on the left side, 24 cases on the right side, and 1 case on both sides. After thorough debridement, the wound size ranged from 5 cm×4 cm to 17 cm×11 cm. All patients underwent free super-thin ALTF transplantation repair. HFCDU was used to detect the location of the perforators piercing the deep and superficial fascia, as well as the direction and branches of the perforators within the deep adipose layers before operation. According to the preoperative HFCDU findings, the dimensions of the super-thin ALTF ranged from 6 cm×4 cm to 18 cm×12 cm. The donor sites of the flaps were directly sutured.@*RESULTS@#A total of 55 perforators were detected by HFCDU before operation, but 1 was not found during operation. During operation, a total of 56 perforators were found, and 2 perforators were not detected by HFCDU. The positive predictive value of HFCDU for identifying perforator vessels was 98.2%, and the sensitivity was 96.4%. Among the 54 perforators accurately located by HFCDU, the orientation of the perforators in the deep adipose layers was confirmed during operation. There were 21 perforators (38.9%) traveled laterally and inferiorly, 12 (22.2%) traveled medially and inferiorly, 14 (25.9%) traveled laterally and superiorly, 5 (9.3%) traveled medially and superiorly, and 2 (3.7%) ran almost vertically to the body surface. Among the 54 perforators accurately located by HFCDU, 35 were identified as type 1 perforators and 12 as type 2 perforators (HFCDU misidentified 7 type 2 perforators as type 1 perforators). The sensitivity of HFCDU in identifying type 1 perforators was 100%, with a positive predictive value of 83.3%. For type 2 perforators, the sensitivity was 63.2%, and the positive predictive value was 100%. The surgeries were successfully completed. The super-thin ALTF had a thickness ranging from 2 to 6 mm, with an average of 3.56 mm. All super-thin ALTF survived, however, 1 flap experienced a venous crisis at 1 day after operation, but it survived after emergency exploration and re-anastomosis of the veins; 1 flap developed venous crisis at 3 days after operation but survived after bleeding with several small incisions; 3 flaps had necrosis at the distal edge of the epidermis, which healed after undergoing dressing changes. All 45 patients were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 13.6 months). Three flaps required secondary defatting procedures, while the rest had the appropriate thickness, and the overall appearance was satisfactory.@*CONCLUSION@#Preoperative application of HFCDU to detect the perforator in the deep adipose layers can improve the success and safety of the procedure by facilitating the harvest of super-thin ALTF.

Clinical application of Flow-through bridge anterolateral thigh flap in repair of complex calf soft tissue defects / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effectiveness of Flow-through bridge anterolateral thigh flap transplantation in the treatment of complex calf soft tissue defects.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of the patients with complicated calf soft tissue defects, who were treated with Flow-through bridge anterolateral thigh flap (study group, 23 cases) or bridge anterolateral thigh flap (control group, 23 cases) between January 2008 and January 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. All complex calf soft tissue defects in the two groups were caused by trauma or osteomyelitis, and there was only one major blood vessel in the calf or no blood vessel anastomosed with the grafted skin flap. There was no significant difference between the two groups in general data such as gender, age, etiology, size of leg soft tissue defect, and time from injury to operation ( P>0.05). The lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) was used to evaluate the sufferred lower extremity function of the both groups after operation, and the peripheral blood circulation score of the healthy side was evaluated according to the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society's functional evaluation standard for replantation of amputated limbs. Weber's quantitative method was used to detect static 2-point discrimination (S2PD) to evaluate peripheral sensation of the healthy side, and the popliteal artery flow velocity, toenail capillary filling time, foot temperature, toe blood oxygen saturation of the healthy side, and the incidence of complications were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#No vascular or nerve injury occurred during operation. All flaps survived, and 1 case of partial flap necrosis occurred in both groups, which healed after free skin grafting. All patients were followed up 6 months to 8 years, with a median time of 26 months. The function of the sufferred limb of the two groups recovered satisfactorily, the blood supply of the flap was good, the texture was soft, and the appearance was fair. The incision in the donor site healed well with a linear scar, and the color of the skin graft area was similar. Only a rectangular scar could be seen in the skin donor area where have a satisfactory appearance. The blood supply of the distal limb of the healthy limb was good, and there was no obvious abnormality in color and skin temperature, and the blood supply of the limb was normal during activity. The popliteal artery flow velocity in the study group was significantly faster than that in the control group at 1 month after the pedicle was cut, and the foot temperature, toe blood oxygen saturation, S2PD, toenail capillary filling time, and peripheral blood circulation score were significantly better than those in the control group ( P<0.05). There were 8 cases of cold feet and 2 cases of numbness on the healthy side in the control group, while only 3 cases of cold feet occurred in the study group. The incidence of complications in the study group (13.04%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (43.47%) ( χ 2=3.860, P=0.049). There was no significant difference in LEFS score between the two groups at 6 months after operation ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Flow-through bridge anterolateral thigh flap can reduce postoperative complications of healthy feet and reduce the impact of surgery on blood supply and sensation of healthy feet. It is an effective method for repairing complex calf soft tissue defects.

Anatomical classification of adductor magnus perforator flap and its application in head and neck reconstruction / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the anatomical classification of adductor magnus perforator flap and its application in head and neck reconstruction. Methods: From January 2017 to January 2020, Hunan Cancer Hospital treated 27 cases of oral tumor patients (15 cases of tongue cancer, 9 cases of gingival cancer and 3 cases of buccal cancer), including 24 males and 3 females, aged 31-56 years old. The course of disease was 1-12 months. Secondary soft tissue defects with the sizes of 5.0 cm × 3.5 cm to 11.0 cm × 8.0 cm were left after radical resection of the tumors, and were repaired with free adductor magnus perforator flaps. The flaps based on the origing locations of perforator vessels were divided into three categories: ① intramuscular perforator: vessel originated between the gracilis muscle and the adductor magnus or passed through a few adductor magnus muscles; ② adductor magnus middle layer perforator: vessel run between the deep and superficial layers of adductor magnus; ③ adductor magnus deep layer perforator: vessel run between the deep layer of adductor magnus and the semimembranous muscle. Descriptive analysis was used in this research. Results: Perforator vessels of adductor magnus were found in all cases, with a total of 62 perforator branches of adductor magnus. The anatomical classification of the perforator vessels was as follows: 12 branches for class ①, 31 branches for class ② and 19 branches for class ③. The vascular pedicles of the free adductor major perforator flaps included type ① for 3 cases, type ② for 16 cases and type ③ for 8 cases. All 27 flaps survived and the donor sites were closed directly. In 18 cases, the perforator arteries and the venae comitan were respectively anastomosed with the superior thyroid arteries and veins. In 9 cases, the pedicle arteries and the venae comitan were respectively anastomosed with the facial arteries and veins. Follow up for 12-40 months showed that the appearances of the flaps and the swallowing and language functions of patients were satisfactory, apart from linear scars were left in the donor sites with no significant affect on the functions of thigh. Local recurrence occurred in 3 cases and radical surgeries were performed again followed by repairs with pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps. Cervical lymph node metastasis occurred in 2 cases and cervical lymph node dissection was performed again. Conclusions: The adductor magnus perforator flap has soft texture, constant perforator vessel anatomy, flexible donor location and harvesting forms, and less damage to the donor site. It is an ideal choice for postoperative reconstruction in head and neck tumors.

Unusual case of a free anterolateral thigh flap partial necrosis in a COVID-19 positive young male following extremity reconstruction / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Free flap procedure provides an overall success rate of 97%, which decreases to 85% in hypercoagulable states. COVID-19, as a pro-thrombotic disorder, therefore seems detrimental to free flap survival. We encountered a case of unique pattern of free flap partial failure in a young male who underwent extremity reconstruction. The patient was diagnosed as COVID-19 positive on the 3rd day post-reconstruction. The flap survived well for the first 7 days post-operatively, but gradually the skin got necrosed and the subcutaneous fat layer was preserved when debriding. To our knowledge, this is the only case in which the skin of the free flap of a COVID-19 positive patient was necrosed almost entirely subsequently, while the subcutaneous fat was relatively preserved.

Microsurgical thinned anterolateral thigh perforator flap to repair soft tissue defects of foot and ankle / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore method and clinical effect of microsurgical thinned anterolateral thigh perforator flap to repair soft tissue defects of foot and ankle.@*METHODS@#From March 2017 to January 2022, totally 20 patients with soft tissue defects of ankle joint were treated with micro-thinning anterolateral perforator flap for free transplantation, included 13 males and 7 females, aged from 22 to 58 years old with an average of (36.45±12.36) years old. The size of flap ranged from 8.0 cm×5.0 cm to 20.0 cm×12.0 cm. Before operation, perforating vessels on the anterolateral thigh region were detected and marked with a portable Doppler detector. For the defect width less than 8 cm, 11 patients were repaired with a single flap. For the defect width more than 8 cm, the wound could not be sutured directly, and the lobulated flap technique was used in 9 patients, the width was converted to length, and the donor site was closed directly. Under the microscope, all flaps were thinened in a stepwise manner from the center of the pedicle to the periphery. After operation, survival of the flap, the shape, texture, sensory function recovery were observes, and recovery of foot function was evaluated by Maryland foot function evaluation standard.@*RESULTS@#All 20 patients with microsurgical thinned anterolateral thigh perforator flaps were survived. Venous crisis occurred in 1 patient due to subcutaneous hematoma, after removal of the hematoma, the crisis was relieved and the flap survived successfully. The wounds in the donor and recipient sites healed well, and only linear scars left in the donor sites. Twenty patients were followed up for 3 to 26 months after operation, good shape of flaps without bloated, and good texture. The two-point discrimination of free flaps ranged from 9.0 to 16.0 mm, and the protective sensation was restored. The ankle flexion and extension function recovered well and patients could walk normally. According to Maryland foot function evaluation standard, 8 patients got excellent result, 10 patients good and 2 middle.@*CONCLUSION@#Microsurgical thinned anterolateral thigh perforator flap is an ideal method to repair soft tissue defects in functional area of foot and ankle, with good appearance and texture of the flap, no need for re-plastic surgery, reduced hospitalization costs, and less donor site damage.

Effects of clinical application of free anterolateral thigh perforator lobulated flap in repair of electrical burn wounds on head based on the concept of donor site protection / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective: To explore the effects of clinical application of free anterolateral thigh perforator lobulated flap in repair of electrical burn wounds on head based on the concept of donor site protection. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. Eight patients with electrical burns with huge scalp defects and exposed skulls were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, from May 2017 to December 2019, who were all males, aged 21-57 (39±13) years, sustaining multiple deep partial thickness to full-thickness electrical burns to 5%-14% total body surface area. Among the scalp burn sites of the patients, 1 case was posterior occipital, 2 cases were parietal occipital, 4 cases were parietal temporal, and 1 case was frontotemporal. After debridement, the defect area was 10 cm×9 cm-16 cm×14 cm. The incision area of the free anterolateral thigh perforator lobulated flap was 22 cm×6 cm-30 cm×9 cm. The artery and vein of flap were anastomosed with superficial temporal artery and vein or facial artery and vein, and the other vein of skin flap was anastomosed with superficial vein of recipient area. The donor site of skin flap was closed by layer interrupted tension-reducing suture. After the operation, the survival of flop, donor site wound healing and complications were observed. The flap appearance, wound healing of donor sites, long-term complications and functional recovery of donor sites were observed on follow-up. Results: After the operation, the flaps of 8 patients survived completely without vascular crisis. The donor sites of flaps in all the patients healed well with no osteofascial compartment syndrome. Seven patients were followed up for 3 to 12 months, and 1 case was lost to follow up. During follow-up, the flaps of the patients' heads were in good appearance but with alopecia. The donor sites showed linear scars, which were well hidden. There were no significant differences in sensory and motor functions between the two sides, and no complications were found such as muscle hernia. Conclusions: Free anterolateral thigh perforator lobulated flap has a good clinical effect in the early repair of electrical burn wounds with huge scalp defect and skull exposure on head, and the donor wounds can be directly closed and sutured, greatly reducing the damage to the donor area.

Comparison of three kinds of free flaps used in patients with oral and oropharyngeal tumors / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To compare the recovery and quality of life of patients with oral and oropharyngeal tumors treated with three kinds of free soft tissue flaps. Methods: The clinical data of 103 patients, including 66 males and 37 females, aged 26-74 years, who underwent primary repair of defects after resection of oral and oropharyngeal tumors in Sichuan Tumor Hospital from July 2014 to August 2020 were analyzed. Anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) was used in 43 patients, radial forearm free flap (RFFF) in 45 patients, and lateral arm free flap (LAFF) in 15 patients. Postoperative qualities of life of patients were evaluated by the university of Washington quality of life questionnaire and oral health impact scale (HIP-14 Chinese edition). SPSS 23.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The T staging of RFFF or LAFF group was significantly lower than that of ALTF group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in mean flap areas between ALTF group ((55.87±27.38) cm2) and LAFF group ((49.93±19.44) cm2), while RFFF group had smaller mean flap area ((33.18±6.05) cm2) than ALTF group (t=5.311, P<0.001) and LAFF group (t=3.284, P=0.005). In terms of oral functions including swallowing, mastication, taste and spitmouth, there were no significant differences between LAFF group and RFFF group (P>0.05), but both groups had better oral functions than ALTF group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in appearance scores between LAFF group (75(75, 75)) and ALTF group (75(75,75) vs.75(75,75),Z=-1.532, P=0.126), and both groups had higher scores than RFFF group (50(50, 75),Z values were -3.447 and -3.005 respectively, P<0.05). RFFF group had higher speech score (100(67, 100)) than LAFF group (67(50, 76),Z=-2.480, P<0.05) and ALTF group (67(33, 67),Z=-5.414, P<0.05). ALTF group had lower mean score of quality of life than RFFF group [72(56,77) vs.79(69, 89),Z=-3.070, P<0.05), but there was no statistical difference in the mean scores of qualities of life between ALTF group and LAFF group (Z=1.754, P=0.079). According to the evaluation of oral health impact scale (HIP-14 Chinese version) 1 year after surgery, individual item scores and the average score of all items in ALTF group were lower than those in RFFF and LAFF groups (P<0.05), with no significant difference between RFFF group and LAFF group (P>0.05). Conclusions: RFFF has unique advantages for small tissue defects, while ALTF is suitable for large tissue defects, such as buccal penetrating defect, whole tongue and near whole tongue defect, and LAFF is a compromise choice between ALTF and RFFF. ALTF is inferior to RFFF and LAFF in oral functional reconstruction, including swallowing, chewing, taste and spittle. ALTF and LAFF are superior to RFFF in postoperative appearance.

Classification and reconstruction of complex defects after lateral facial tumor surgery / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To explore the classification and reconstruction strategy of defects in lateral face region after operation of malignant tumors. Methods: Eighteen cases with the reconstruction of complicated defects after resection of tumors in the region of lateral face from January 2015 to January 2018 in Hunan Cancer Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. There were 14 males and 4 females, aged from 32 to 68 years. According to the presence or absence of bony scaffold, complicated defects were divided into two main categories: soft tissue perforating defects and soft tissue defects combined with bony scaffold defects. All soft tissue perforating defects in 5 cases were repaired with free anterolateral femoral flaps. Among 13 cases with soft tissue plus bony scaffold defects, 3 were repaired with free fibular flaps, 6 with free fibular flaps combined with free anterolateral femoral flaps, and 4 with chimeric deep circumflex iliac artery perforator flaps combined with anterolateral femoral flaps. Results: All flaps survived well. Two patients complicated with fistula in floor of mouth, but the wound healed after dressing change. Transoral feeding was resumed within 2 weeks after surgery in all patients. One year follow-up evaluation showed that 14 cases had symmetrical face and 10 cases had mouth opening more than 3 transverse fingers. After 36-50 months of follow-up, 6 patients died, with an overall 3-year survival rate of 66.7%. Conclusion: The classification of defects with or without bony stent loss is conducive to the overall repair design, the recovery of facial contour stent, the effective fill of dead space and the maintain of residual occlusal relationship. Good reconstruction results require a multi flap combination of osteocutaneous and soft tissue flaps.

Clinical application of thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps in the repair of head and neck defects / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To analyse the clinical application of thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps (TDAPF) in the repair of head and neck defects. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 38 patients with oral and maxillofacial head and neck malignant tumors who underwent radical resection of oral and oropharyngeal carcinoma and TDAPF repair in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Head and Neck Oncology of the Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from June 2017 to November 2018. Among them, 32 were males and 6 were females, aged 30-74 years. Flap size, vessel pedicle length, diameter and number of perforators, and flap fat thickness were recorded and counted. Elasti Meter and Skin Fibro Meter were applied to measure the skin elasticity and hardness in the donor areas of 4 kinds of skin flaps before the flap preparation. SPSS 19.0 statistical software was used for statistical analysis of the data. Results: All the flaps survived (100%). The mean elasticity of TDAPF [(41.2±12.9) N/m] was significantly lower than that of anterolateral thigh [(77.6±23.3) N/m, χ²=88.89, P<0.05], anterolateral thigh [(62.6±17.7) N/m, χ²=59.99, P<0.05] and or forearm flap [(51.7±8.6) N/m, χ²=37.82, P<0.05]. The hardness of TDAPF [(0.037±0.016) N] was also significantly lower than that of anterolateral femoral [(0.088±0.019) N, F=93.27, P<0.05], anteromedial femoral [(0.059±0.020) N, F=25.71, P<0.05] or forearm flap [(0.062±0.016) N, F=29.11, P<0.05]. Follow-up period ranged from 2 to 14 months. The 38 patients treated with TDAPF had a good recovery of the functions in the recipient areas, and the scars of the donor areas were not obvious after surgery, without serious complications. Conclusion: TDAPF is suitable for reconstruction of head and neck defect, with ductile texture and good recovery of the morphology and function of head and neck.

Free anterolateral thigh flap with superficial temporal vessels as recipient vessels for reconstruction of defect after maxillectomy in malignant tumor / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To study the effects of superficial temporal artery and vein as recipient vessels for the free anterolateral thigh flap on the appearance and functions after maxillectomy. Methods: Clinical data of 21 patients with malignant maxillary tumors in Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2014 to November 2019, who were treated by free anterolateral thigh flap with temporal superficial vessels as the recipient vessels were analyzed retrospectively. There were 18 males and 3 females, with the age ranging from 29 to 73 years old, including 19 cases of squamous carcinoma, 1 case of adenoid cystic carcinoma and 1 case of osteosarcoma. Of those 7 patients underwent primary surgery, 14 patients received resurgery, and 6 patients had a history of postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Among 14 patients with resurgery, 13 had recurrent ipsilateral second site tumor and 1 had recurrent tumor, and all of them received the maxillectomy and reconstructive surgery with the free anterolateral thigh flap. Patients were evaluated with water swallow test and speech intelligibility score in 1, 3 and 6 months after operation. The data were statistically analyzed with SPSS 22.0 statistical software. Water swallow test results before and after operation were compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. The mean speech intelligibility scores before and after operation were compared by the paired t test. Results: Patients were followed up for 10-60 months. All free flaps survived after operation. No diplopia occurred. Breathing, swallowing and speaking functions were normal. No movement disorders caused by the donor of thigh flap. Water swallow test showed no phenomenon of water flowing into the nasal cavity or oral and nasal leakage with level Ⅰ for 4 cases, level Ⅱ for 13 cases, level Ⅲ for 3 cases and level Ⅳ for 1 case. The mean speech intelligibility scores before surgery and 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery were 4.31±0.13, 1.46±0.21, 2.15±0.45 and 2.87±0.76 respectively. There was statistically significant difference in the mean speech intelligibility scores between 1 and 6 months after surgery (F=78.456, P<0.05). Conclusion: It is safe and reliable to use the superficial temporal vessels as recipient vessels for free anterolateral thigh flap in the reconstruction of defect after maxillectomy in malignant tumors, with good outcomes of functions and a satisfactory restoration of outward appearance.

Retalho anterolateral da coxa reverso: uma opção de reconstrução para os membros inferiores / Reverse anterolateral thigh flap: a reconstruction option for the lower limbs

Introdução: A reconstrução cutânea e de tecidos moles na região ao redor do joelho é frequentemente desafiadora para o cirurgião plástico e tem como objetivo fornecer uma boa função articular do joelho com aparência estética aceitável. O planejamento cirúrgico requer considerar a técnica mais simples que leve ao fechamento da ferida, com mínima morbidade na área doadora. Há poucos relatos do uso do retalho anterolateral (ALT) reverso na literatura, em se tratando de defeitos na fossa poplítea, joelho e porção proximal da perna. O objetivo é descrever uma serie de casos de pacientes submetidos à reconstrução de ferida em fossa poplítea, joelho e terço superior da perna com retalho ALT reverso. Métodos: Quatro pacientes, dos quais 3 eram reconstruções de fossa poplítea e 1 reconstrução de joelho e terço proximal da perna. Todos submetidos à ressecção ampla da ferida/ tumor, dissecção do retalho ALT reverso, e transposição para o defeito. Resultados: Follow-up de 2 a 18 meses, evidenciando-se morbidade mínima para área doadora, com cobertura total do defeito e ótimo resultado funcional do membro afetado, com bom resultado estético. Apenas em um dos casos evidenciou-se sofrimento e necrose parcial (15%) do retalho devido a hematoma e compressão do pedículo, nos demais não foi evidenciado sofrimento dos retalhos, deiscência, seroma ou infecção. Conclusão: O retalho ALT da coxa reverso mostrou-se uma opção viável, apresentando bom resultado funcional e estético para a reconstrução cutânea e de tecidos moles na região de fossa poplítea, joelho e terço superior da perna.

Introduction: Cutaneous and soft tissue reconstruction in the region around the knee is often challenging for the plastic surgeon and aimed at providing good knee joint function with acceptable aesthetic appearance. Surgical planning requires considering the simplest technique that leads to wound closure, with minimal morbidity in the donor area. The literature has reported only few cases of the use of the reverse anterolateral (ALT) flap for defects in the popliteal fossa, knee, and leg proximal portion. The objective is to describe a series of cases of patients who underwent reconstruction with a reverse ALT flap for wounds in the popliteal fossa, knee, and upper third of the leg. Methods: Among four patients, three received popliteal fossa reconstructions and one received knee and leg proximal third reconstructions. All the patients underwent wound/tumor extensive resection, dissection of the reverse ALT flap, and transposition to the defect. Results: During follow-up for 2 to 18 months, minimal morbidity was observed in the donor area, with a total coverage of the defect, optimal functional result of the affected limb, and good aesthetic result. Only one case had a partial necrosis (15%) of the flap due to hematoma and pedicle compression. In the other patients, no evidence of flap failure, dehiscence, seroma, or infection were found. Conclusion: The reverse ALT flap was a viable option, presenting good functional and aesthetic results for cutaneous and soft tissue reconstructions in the popliteal fossa, knee, and upper third of the leg.

Scrotal reconstruction with superomedial fasciocutaneous thigh flap / Reconstrução escrotal com retalho fasciocutâneo superomedial da coxa

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the use of a superomedial fasciocutaneous thigh flap for scrotal reconstruction in open areas secondary to the surgical treatment of perineal necrotizing fasciitis (Fournier's gangrene). Methods: retrospective analysis of cases treated at the Plastic Surgery Service of Santa Casa de Misericórdia, São Paulo, from 2009 to 2015. Results: fifteen patients underwent scrotal reconstruction using the proposed flap. The mean age was 48.9 years (28 to 66). Skin loss estimates in the scrotal region ranged from 60 to 100%. Definitive reconstruction was performed on average 30.6 days (22 to 44) after the initial surgical treatment. The mean surgical time was 76 minutes (65 to 90) to obtain the flaps, bilateral in all cases. Flap size ranged from 10cm to 13cm in the longitudinal direction and 8cm to 10cm in the cross-sectional direction. The complication rate was 26.6% (four cases), related to the occurrence of segmental and partial dehiscence. Conclusion: the superomedial fasciocutaneous flap of thigh is a reliable and versatile option for the reconstruction of open areas in the scrotal region, showing adequate esthetic and functional results.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever a utilização do retalho fasciocutâneo superomedial da coxa para a reconstrução escrotal em áreas cruentas secundárias ao tratamento cirúrgico da fasceíte necrosante do períneo (gangrena de Fournier). Métodos: análise retrospectiva de casos atendidos no Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica da Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, no período de 2009 a 2015. Resultados: quinze pacientes foram submetidos à reconstrução escrotal utilizando o retalho proposto. A média de idade foi de 48,9 anos (28 a 66). A estimativa de perda cutânea da região escrotal variou de 60 a 100 %. A reconstrução definitiva foi realizada em média 30,6 dias (22 a 44) após o tratamento cirúrgico inicial. O tempo cirúrgico médio foi de 76 minutos (65 a 90) para a realização dos retalhos, bilaterais em todos os casos. O tamanho dos retalhos variou de 10cm a 13cm no sentido longitudinal por 8cm a 10cm no sentido transverso. O índice de complicações observado foi de 26,6% (quatro casos), referentes à ocorrência de deiscências segmentares e parciais. Conclusão: o retalho fasciocutâneo superomedial da coxa é uma opção confiável e versátil para a reconstrução de áreas cruentas na região escrotal, apresentando resultados estéticos e funcionais adequados.

Acompanhamento por telefone de idosos submetidos a cirurgias de coxa e quadril: Estudo-piloto / Monitoring for elderly subject phone to thigh and hip for surgery: Pilot study / Acompañamiento por teléfono de ancianos sometidos a cirugías de muslo y cadera: Estudio piloto

Este estudo-piloto analisa o acompanhamento por telefone comparado ao tratamento convencional em idosos no pós-operatório de cirurgias de coxa e quadril. Observou-se uma redução sob o ponto de vista clínico entre a primeira e a última avaliação para "perda do apetite sem náuseas", "dificuldade para movimentar-se" e "fadiga". Houve tendência de queda da "dor" e da "infecção pós-operatória no local da incisão". As atividades de intervenção exercidas através do telefone mostram-se acessíveis à população, com boa adesão e baixo custo.

This pilot study analyzes the telephone follow-up compared to the conventional treatment in the elderly in the postoperative period of thigh and hip surgeries. He observed a clinical reduction between the first and last evaluation for "loss of appetite without nausea," "difficulty to move" and "fatigue". There was a tendency for "pain" and "postoperative infection at the incision site to drop." Intervention activities carried out through the telephone are accessible to the population, with good adherence and low cost.

Este estúdio-piloto analiza el seguimiento por teléfono comparado al tratamiento convencional en ancianos en el postoperatorio de cirugías de muslo y cadera. Se observó una reducción desde el punto de vista clínico entre la primera y la última evaluación para "pérdida del apetito sin náuseas", "dificultad para moverse" y "fatiga". En la mayoría de los casos, se observó un aumento de la mortalidad por rotavirus en el momento de la vacunación.

Aplicabilidade do retalho anterolateral da coxa pediculado nas reconstruções complexas da parede abdominal em oncologia: relato de 2 casos / Applicability of the pedicled anterolateral thigh flap in complex reconstructions of the abdominal wall in oncology: report of 2 cases

INTRODUÇÃO: Há um grande empenho na busca por soluções reconstrutivas para as áreas de perda cutânea ou muscular que exijam cobertura ou preenchimento cavitário estável. O retalho anterolateral da coxa, descrito na China por Song et al. (1984), é considerado por muitos como o retalho ideal nas grandes reconstruções. OBJETIVO: Relatar a aplicabilidade do retalho anterolateral da coxa como recurso versátil nas reconstruções da parede abdominal. MÉTODOS: Dois pacientes foram selecionados para serem submetidos à ressecção tumoral de cólon direito com invasão da parede abdominal pela equipe de cirurgia oncológica em conjunto com a equipe de cirurgia plástica, que foi a responsável pela reconstrução da parede abdominal. Em ambos os casos, utilizou-se o retalho anterolateral da coxa pediculado, que foi transposto para o defeito após a ressecção parcial da parede abdominal no mesmo tempo cirúrgico. Entre as vísceras abdominais e o retalho, foi fixada tela de PROCEEDTM para reforço da parede abdominal. Resultados: Ambos os pacientes tiveram boa evolução pós-operatória e encontram-se em acompanhamento, sem sinais de recidiva tumoral e com boa qualidade de vida. CONCLUSÃO: O retalho anterolateral da coxa mostrou-se recurso útil dentro do arsenal terapêutico reconstrutivo da parede abdominal devido a grandes ressecções tumorais em oncologia.

INTRODUCTION: There is a strong commitment in pursuing reconstructive solutions for areas of skin or muscular loss that require covering or stable cavity filling. The anterolateral thigh flap, described in China by Song et al. (1984), is considered by many as the optimal flap in large reconstructions. OBJECTIVE: To report the applicability of the anterolateral thigh flap, as a versatile resource in reconstructions of the abdominal wall. METHODS: Two patients were submitted to tumoral resection of the right colon with invasion of the abdominal wall by a team of oncologic surgeons in conjunction with the plastic surgery team that was responsible for the reconstruction of the abdominal wall. In both cases, the pedicled anterolateral thigh flap was used, which was transposed to the defect after partial resection of the abdominal wall at the same surgical time. A PROCEEDTM surgical mesh was fixed between the abdominal viscera and the flap to reinforce the abdominal wall. RESULTS: Both patients had good postoperative evolution and are in follow-up, with no signs of tumor recurrence and with a good quality of life. CONCLUSION: The anterolateral thigh flap is a useful resource for the reconstruction of the abdominal wall due to large tumor resections in oncology.

Meralgia parestésica por compressão de cinta modeladora / Meralgia paresthetica by compression from a modeling girdle

Meralgia parestésica é caracterizada por dor, parestesia ou queimação e diminuição da sensibilidade tátil e dolorosa na face anterolateral da coxa. Isto ocorre por uma neuropatia do nervo cutâneo femoral lateral (NCFL). O tratamento conservador é frequentemente bem-sucedido, aliviando os sintomas na maioria dos pacientes. Descrevemos o caso de uma paciente de 44 anos de idade que apresentou os sintomas descritos após uso pós-operatório de malha modeladora por cirurgia estética.

Meralgia paresthetica is characterized by pain, paresthesia or burning sensation, and reduction of tactile and pain sensitivity in the anterolateral surface of the thigh. This disability is caused by a neuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). Conservative treatment is often successful at relieving the symptoms in the majority of patients. We describe the case of a 44-year-old patient who presented with these symptoms caused by postoperative use of a surgical girdle after aesthetic surgery.

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction for Recurrent Patellar Instability Using a Gracilis Autograft without Bone Tunnel

BACKGROUND: Several tendon graft and fixation methods have been introduced in medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for recurrent patellar dislocation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of MPFL reconstruction using a gracilis autograft fixation without bone tunnel in patients with recurrent patellar instability. METHODS: Nine patients (four males and five females) diagnosed with recurrent patellar instability from July 2009 to January 2013 and had MPFL reconstruction using a gracilis autograft were included. The average age of the patients was 24.6 years (range, 13 to 48 years), and the average follow-up period was 19.3 months (range, 12 to 30 months). For every patient, femoral attachment was fixed using suture anchors securing the patella by suturing the periosteum and surrounding soft tissue. Clinical evaluation included the Kujala, Lysholm, and Tegner scores; in addition, patients were examined for any complication including recurrent dislocation. The congruence angle and patella alta were assessed radiologically before and after surgery. RESULTS: The Kujala score improved from an average of 42.7 ± 8.4 before surgery to 79.6 ± 13.6 (p = 0.008) at final follow-up; the Lysholm score improved from 45.8 ± 5.7 to 82.0 ± 10.5 (p = 0.008); and the Tegner score improved from 2.8 ± 0.8 to 5.6 ± 1.5 (p = 0.007). The Insall-Salvati ratio changed from 1.16 ± 0.1 (range, 0.94 to 1.35) before surgery to 1.14 ± 0.1 (range, 0.96 to 1.29; p = 0.233) at the final follow-up without significance. The congruence angle significantly improved from 26.5°± 10.6° (range, 12° to 43°) before surgery to -4.0°± 4.3° (range, -12° to 5°; p = 0.008) at final follow-up. Subluxation was observed in one patient and hemarthrosis occurred in another patient 2 years after surgery, but these patients were asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: We achieved good results with a patellar fixation technique in MPFL reconstruction using a gracilis autograft employing soft tissue suturing in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation.

Tofo intramuscular del vasto externo en el muslo izquierdo / Tophus intramusculaire du vaste externe de la cuisse gauche / Intramuscular tophus in the external vastus of the left thigh

Introducción: la gota es una alteración del metabolismo de las purinas caracterizada por hiperuricemia, con rara implicación de la región del muslo y en específico intramuscular. Objetivo: presentar este caso por la rareza de este tipo de tumoración en la porción intramuscular. Descripción: se presentó el caso clínico de un varón de 64 años, sin el diagnóstico previo de gota, que fue intervenido quirúrgicamente por una masa tumoral de partes blandas en el muslo izquierdo, con resección muscular en bloque. Se hizo una revisión de la literatura y se analizó su presentación clínica, hallazgos histológicos, pruebas diagnósticas de imagen y tratamiento terapéutico. Conclusiones: el estudio anatomopatológico confirmó el diagnóstico de tofo gotoso intramuscular del músculo vasto externo. Actualmente, el paciente se encuentra libre de síntomas y en seguimiento por el servicio de reumatología y de ortopedia.

Introduction: gout is a disorder of purine metabolism characterized by hyperuricemia, with rare involvement of the thigh region, let alone intramuscular involvement. Objective: present this case due to the rarity of this type of tumor in the intramuscular portion. Description: a clinical case is presented of a male 64-year-old patient with no prior gout diagnosis, who had been operated on for a tumor mass of soft parts in the left thigh with en bloc muscle resection. A bibliographic review was conducted and an analysis carried out of the clinical presentation, histological findings, diagnostic imaging tests and therapeutic treatment. Conclusions: anatomopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of intramuscular gout tophus of the external vastus muscle. At present the patient is free of symptoms and is being followed-up by the rheumatology and orthopedics service.

Introduction: la goutte est une altération du métabolisme des purines, caractérisée par une hiperuricémie et une rare implication de la région de la cuisse, spécifiquement de la région intramusculaire. Objectif: présenter un cas manifestant la rareté de ce type de tumeur sur la portion intramusculaire. Description: le cas d'un patient du sexe masculin, âgé de 64 ans, sans diagnostic antérieur de goutte, traité chirurgicalement par résection musculaire en bloc d'une masse tumorale des parties molles de sa cuisse gauche, est présenté. Une révision de la littérature est effectuée, et sa présentation clinique, les résultats histologiques, les tests diagnostiques par image, et le traitement thérapeutique, sont analysés. Conclusions: le diagnostic de tophus gouteux intramusculaire du muscle vaste externe est confirmé par l'examen anatomopathologique. Le patient est actuellement libre de ces symptômes au suivi du Service de rhumatologie et d'orthopédie.

Post-bariatric thighplasty: result assessment / Coxoplastias pós-cirurgia bariátrica: avaliação dos resultados

BACKGROUND: Patients who experience massive weight loss often require a thighplasty procedure to reduce excess skin and reshape thighs and lower body contour, improving movement, hygiene, posture, self-image, and quality of life. METHODS: After weight loss and stabilization of weight, eight patients in the postoperative period of gastric bypass were subjected to a thighplasty. Measurements of upper and lower circumferences of the thighplasty and thigh heights were obtained in the preoperative and postoperative periods of 60 and 180 days for comparison of volume change after the surgical procedure. RESULTS: The average volume reduction of each thigh at a postoperative period of 180 days was 1,135 cm³ or 1.135 liters. All patients had small areas of dehiscence along the scars on the medial thigh, and dressings were applied for healing by secondary intention. One (12.5 percent) patient had cysts in both thighs, confirmed by ultrasound, and required surgical intervention for resection and subsequent resolution. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to demonstrate significant reduction in the volume of each thigh after plastic surgery for contour refitting. Patient satisfaction and complications associated with the procedures performed were also documented.

INTRODUÇÃO: Pacientes que apresentam perda maciça de peso muitas vezes precisam reduzir o excesso de pele e remodelar o contorno das coxas e parte inferior do corpo, melhorando os movimentos, higiene, postura, autoimagem e qualidade de vida. MÉTODO: Oito pacientes em pós-operatório de gastroplastia redutora, após perda e estabilização do peso, foram submetidas a coxoplastia. Medidas das circunferências superior e inferior e da altura das coxas foram obtidas em pré-operatório e pós-operatório de 60 dias e 180 dias, para comparação de alteração de volume consequente ao procedimento cirúrgico. RESULTADOS: A redução média de volume de cada coxa, aos 180 dias de pós-operatório, foi de 1.135 cm³ ou 1,135 litro. Todas as pacientes apresentaram pequenas deiscências ao longo das cicatrizes em face medial das coxas, sendo realizados curativos com cicatrização por segunda intenção. Uma (12,5 por cento) paciente apresentou cistos em ambas as coxas, confirmados por ultrassonografia, sendo necessária intervenção cirúrgica para ressecção e consequente resolução. CONCLUSÕES: Foi possível demonstrar redução significativa do volume de cada coxa após cirurgia plástica para readequação do contorno, além de documentar a satisfação das pacientes e as complicações associadas aos procedimentos realizados.

Evaluation of superomedial fasciocutaneous thigh flap in replacement of scrotal and penile skin

Skin loss of perinioscrotal region may result from severe infections, avulsion trauma or crush wounds. Replacement with sensible durable cover is mandatory for functional, cosmetic and psychological reasons. Wide range of flap techniques have been reported for these purposes. To evaluate the use of superomedial fasciocutaneous thigh flap for replacement of scrotal and penile skin loss. 7 male patients aged between 25 and 69 years [mean=53.4] were included in this study. All of them presented, in the period between2007-2010, with scrotal and penile skin loss. Four of them were with Fournier's gangrene, one was with history of agriculture accident, one with crush wound, and the last one was with penile skin loss after improper use of penile clamp. Superomedial fasciocutaneous thigh flaps were planned, elevated at subfascial plane, then transferred to close the wounds. Bilateral flaps were used in five patients for total scrotal reconstruction. All patients were followed for 3-13 months. 12 flaps were used for the 7 patients with complete survival. These provided nice durable covers of the testes with good sensation. The flaps were moderately bulky in one patient. Other complications included serous fluid collection in one patient, wound dehiscence in two patients, paresthesia of the anterior aspect of thigh in 2 patients, and mild leg edema in one patient. All complications were transient and responded well to conservative treatment. Superomedial fasciocutaneous thigh flap is a good choice for scrotal and penile reconstruction that could provide a sensible, durable cover that fulfills patient satisfaction

Vaginoplasty with bilateral islanded pudendal thigh flaps

Vaginal agenesis is the most common congenital deformity of female pelvis and vaginal reconstruction remains a surgical challenge. There are various surgical and non-surgical techniques described for the reconstruction of neovagina. We have used pudendal thigh flaps raised on either side of the labia to reconstruct the vagina in 19 patients. This study is carried out in the Department of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Hayatabad medical complex Peshawar to evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcome of vaginoplasty with bilateral pudendal thigh flaps. Vaginal reconstruction was done with bilateral islanded pudendal thigh flaps, in 19 consecutive patients with vaginal atresia, during 5 years, from Aug 2004 to Aug 2009. The flaps were raised on either side of labia and sutured to each other in midline to form a vaginal tube. This neo-vagina was inserted into the space between the rectum and bladder and anchored to the deep pelvic tissues. Out of 19, eleven patients [58%] were diagnosed with Mayer Rokitansky Kauser Hauser Syndrome and 8 [42%] with isolated vaginal atresia. The mean vaginal length and width was 9.2 and 4.3 cm respectively one year post operatively. This method of vaginoplasty is simple, safe, and reliable and has shown satisfactory functional and cosmetic results. The reconstructed vagina has a natural angle and is sensate in its lower part. No postoperative stenting or dilatation is required. The donor site in the groin can be closed primarily and the scar is well hidden in the groin crease