Application of arterial end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis in superficial branch of the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap transfer / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore a comparative study of arterial end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis in superficial branch of the superficial circumflex iliac artery(SCIA) perforator flap transfer.Methods:Between November, 2019 and December, 2020, 21 patients with the soft tissue defects in the limbs were repaired with superficial branch of the SCIA perforator flaps. The size of flaps ranged from 3.5 cm×7.0 cm to 9.0 cm×18.0 cm. According to the upper or anterior wall of the main artery in the recipient area having branches that matched the flap artery, 2 groups were established. End-to-end group 10 cases were anastomosed end-to-end between the flap artery and branch of the main artery in the recipient area; End-to-side group 11 cases were anastomosed end-to-side between the flap artery and side mouth of the main artery in the recipient area. The vein of flap was anastomosed end-to-end with the accompanying vein to the main artery in the recipient area. All of the donor sites were sutured directly. All patients were followed-up for 6-12 months and the survival of the perforator flap, the appearance and function of the perforator flap and the donor site were observed. All data of the 2 groups were conducted statistical analyzed. P<0.05 was statistically significant. Results:All 10 flaps in end-to-end group survived successfully. In end-to-side group, 2 cases had venous crisis in 11 cases of flaps,the exploration revealed venous thrombosis, and the arterial end-to-side anastomosis had smooth blood flow had embolism. One flap survived after re-anastomosis of the vein, and 1 flap was changed to a pedicled abdominal flap during the re-venous crisis. The postoperative follow-up was 6 months to 1 year. The appearance and function of the flap and donor site were satisfactory, without difference between the 2 groups. The SCIA superficial branch artery caliber, recipient artery branch or lateral caliber was not statistically different between the 2 groups( P>0.05). The time of anastomosis for end-to-end group was[(16.70±1.34) min]. It was lower than that of anastomosed end-to-side group[(23.73±1.68) min]. The difference was statistically significant( P<0.01). Conclusion:In superficial branch of the SCIA perforator flap transfer, if the upper or anterior wall of the main artery in the recipient area has a branch that matches the flap artery, the flap artery should first be anastomosed with its end. Because it dose not required to make a side port, and makes the operation more convenient with a short anastomosis time; Otherwise, perform end-to-side anastomosis with the main artery of the recipient site.