Microvascular free flap coverage of complex soft tissue defects after revision total knee arthroplasty: a cross-sectional observation study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Soft tissue defects after total knee arthroplasties (TKA) represent a major orthopedic challenge with amputation as a feared outcome. Microvascular free flap coverage (FFC) can increase limb salvage rates, but complications related to the procedure are yet to be explored further. We aimed to review a single-center experience with FFC for soft tissue defects related to revision total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Through a retrospective chart review from 2006 to 2021, we identified all patients who had FFC of a knee with an existing TKA. Typically, patients underwent 2-stage revision arthroplasty. To identify areas of intervention, we divided the entire regimen into 2 phases divided by the free flap surgery (pre- and post-free flap). RESULTS: We identified 18 patients with a median age at free flap surgery of 69 years (range 39-85), who were followed for a median of 5.1 years (range 2 months to 10.6 years). The median duration from primary TKA to their final operation was 17.5 months (range 19 days to 7 years). Patients underwent a mean of 7.6 surgical procedures on their knee with 3.6 orthopedic revisions prior to the FFC and 0.6 after. Soft tissue coverage was achieved in all patients and no patients underwent amputation. One-third of patients experienced early complications at recipient site after free flap surgery. There were no donor site complications. CONCLUSION: Microvascular FFC of complex soft tissue defects after revision total knee arthroplasty proved achievable in all patients with successful limb salvage in all patients.

Enhanced recovery after microvascular reconstruction in head and neck cancer - A prospective study.

Objectives: Patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction after head and neck cancer typically have several comorbidities, and the procedures are often followed by complications and prolonged hospitalization. Consequently, the application of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for these patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction has gained attention in recent years. ERAS is a peri- and postoperative care concept that has repeatedly shown beneficial results for a wide variety of surgical procedures, including microvascular reconstruction. This study presents the results after the introduction of our ERAS protocol for head and neck cancer reconstruction. Methods: We prospectively treated 30 consecutive patients according to our ERAS protocol from June 2019 to December 2020 and compared the results of the treated patients with those of patients treated with our traditional recovery after surgery (TRAS) protocol. We are based on our ERAS protocol on the following core elements of recovery: improved patient information, goal-directed fluid therapy, minimally invasive surgery, opioid-sparing multimodal analgesia, early ambulation, and pre-defined functional discharge criteria. Results: The baseline characteristics of the groups were comparable. The ERAS group had a significantly shorter length of stay (13.1 vs. 20.3 days, p < 0.001), significantly shorter time to ambulation (3.0 days vs. 6.4 days, p < 0.001), shorter time to removal of nasogastric tube (13.3 days vs. 22.7 days, p = 0.05), and fewer tracheostomies performed (10% vs. 90%, p < 0.001). There were no differences in complications, flap survival, or 30-day re-admissions between the two groups. Conclusion: The introduction of ERAS in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing microvascular reconstruction seems safe and results in improved recovery. Level of evidence: 3.

Donor-site morbidity following breast reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi flap - A prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Despite a trend toward the use of perforator-based flaps for autologous breast reconstruction, the m. latissimus dorsi (LD) flap remains a popular alternative. Several studies have sought to uncover the shoulder-related donor-site morbidity, but the results are inconclusive. This study aims at evaluating what impact breast reconstruction with an LD flap has on shoulder strength, range of motion (ROM), lymphedema, sensory disturbances, and patients' ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective observational study, we examined 20 female patients undergoing delayed breast reconstruction with an LD flap. The primary outcome was a change in shoulder strength, measured with the Biodex System4 Pro-dynamometer. ROM was assessed using two-dimensional photogrammetry. Furthermore, the patients' self-reported pain, lymphedema, sensory disturbances, and ability to perform ADL were assessed using a questionnaire. Measurements were performed pre-operatively at 3 months and 12 months post-operatively. RESULTS: Of the 20 included patients, 17 completed the follow-up. At the 12 months follow-up, a significant loss of isometric shoulder strength of 17% was observed in shoulder adduction (P<0.001) and 21% in extension (P<0.001). Isometric strength and ability to perform ADL and ROM were unchanged. There was a decrease in the number of patients reporting problems with lymphedema (10 to 7) and an increase in the incidence of sensory disturbances (10 to 13). CONCLUSION: A loss of shoulder strength was observed following the transfer of the LD flap; however, the procedure did not hinder the post-operative performance of ADLs for the patients. LD reconstruction seems to be a safe procedure.

Long-term results of a standardized enhanced recovery protocol in unilateral, secondary autologous breast reconstructions using an abdominal free flap.

BACKGROUND: In 2015, we published one of the first reports using an enhanced recovery protocol (ERP) in microsurgery1, and in 2016, our final ERP setup in autologous breast reconstruction (ABR) using free abdominal flaps2. We showed that by adhering to a few simple, easy to measure, functional discharge criteria, it was possible to safely discharge the patients by the third postoperative day (POD). However, one of the challenges of interpreting studies using ERP in ABR is the often heterogenous patient populations and the need to clearly distinguish between primary and secondary and unilateral and bilateral reconstructions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the 5-year period from 2016-2020, the same surgical team, performed 147 unilateral, delayed breast reconstructions (135 DIEP, 9 MS-TRAM-2, and 3 SIEA flaps) according to our previous analgesic protocol and surgical strategy. Data were collected prospectively. RESULTS: Three flaps were lost (2%) and 82% of the patients(n=128) were discharged to home by POD 2 (n=8%) or 3 (74%). The remaining 18% (n=26) were discharged by POD 4 (12.5%) or 5 (5.5%). Ten patients (7%) were reoperated, and 17 patients (12%) had minor complications within POD 30 (infection, seroma, etc.) that did not necessitate hospital admission. CONCLUSION: Using our ERP, unproblematic discharge directly to home is possible on POD 3 in more than 80% of patients after ABR. ERP is no longer a research tool but considered standard of care in microsurgical breast reconstruction.

Enhanced recovery after breast reconstruction with a pedicled Latissimus Dorsi flap-A prospective clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: We have previously implemented and published an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program for autologous breast reconstruction using DIEP flaps. The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is another commonly used flap for autologous breast reconstruction (ABR). The aim of the present study was to use our experience from the ERAS program in DIEP flap reconstruction to optimize our LD breast reconstruction program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined our data for a 10-year period (n = 135) and compared this with two different surgical team approaches, within the same unit. One team implemented an ERAS program (n = 18), the other did not (n = 12). Data were collected prospectively. In the ERAS group, patient information was revised, multimodal analgesia was introduced, drain handling was optimised and functional discharge criteria was introduced. Fulfilment of functional discharge criteria were assessed twice daily and specified reasons for not allowing discharge registered. RESULTS: All patients had a breast reconstruction using a unilateral LD flap. Patient and surgical parameters were comparable. Length of stay was significantly shorter in the ERAS group (3.2 days) compared to the historical (6.9) and non-ERAS (TRAS) group (6.3) (p<0.0001). Drains were removed significantly faster in the ERAS group (day 3.9) vs day 6.3 (historical) and day 7.0 (TRAS) (p<0.0001). Time to drain removal was the main reason for extended LOS. There were no differences in reoperations, readmissions or complications between the three groups. All patients in the ERP group were ambulating, pain free, had abdominal function, were eating and managing personal hygiene on POD 1. CONCLUSIONS: LOS was safely reduced to 3 days for LD breast reconstruction in the ERAS group. By discharging patients with drains, it should theoretically be possible to reduce LOS to 1 day, as all other discharge criteria have then been fulfilled.

Microvascular reconstruction in head and neck cancer - basis for the development of an enhanced recovery protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Microvascular reconstructions after head and neck cancer are among the most complicated procedures in plastic surgery. Postoperative complications are common, which often leads to prolonged hospital stay. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a peri- and postoperative care concept with the aim of achieving pain- and risk-free surgery. It has been previously established as superior to conventional care for a wide variety of procedures, including microsurgical procedures such as reconstructions of the breast. Several ERAS protocols for microvascular head and neck cancer reconstructions have been proposed, although most of these are based on extrapolated evidence from different surgical specialties. Results from the implementation of ERAS for these procedures are inconsistent. METHODS: The current study investigates our clinical experience of head and neck cancer reconstruction for the period of 2014-2016 with the aim of establishing a list of functional discharge criteria. By combining these with the current published knowledge on the subject, we developed an ERAS protocol. RESULTS: We performed 89 microvascular procedures in the study period, of which 58 were in the oral cavity/sinuses and 31 were laryngopharyngeal. Most cases were squamous cell carcinoma (89%). The average LOS was 20.3 days in both groups. Postoperative complications included infection (37%), 30-days re-operations (19%), and re-admissions (17%). Furthermore, we identified the following discharge criteria: adequate pain relief, ambulation, sufficient nutritional intake, normal infection-related blood parameter results and absence of fever, bowel function, and closure of tracheostomy. CONCLUSION: Based on our retrospective analysis and identified discharge criteria, we present an approach to develop an ERAS protocol for microvascular reconstruction after head and neck cancer.

Delayed two-stage breast reconstruction: The impact of radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Despite a trend towards immediate breast reconstruction in recent years, delayed breast reconstruction using a tissue expander remains a common procedure. Radiotherapy after mastectomy but before reconstruction is a risk factor, although studies examining the effect of this are limited. The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to evaluate the impact of pre-reconstructive radiotherapy (PRT) in patients undergoing breast reconstruction using an expander/implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred twenty-three consecutive patients underwent unilateral mastectomy followed by expander-based reconstruction over a 10-year period (2004-2013). Fifty patients (22%) received radiotherapy before reconstruction (PRT group), and 173 patients (78%) did not (non-PRT group). Descriptive patient data as well as data regarding the operations, hospitalisation and complications were collected. Statistical analyses such as logistic regression, Fisher exact test and multivariate analysis were performed using R-statistics. RESULTS: PRT was a significant predictor of loss of reconstruction, and when adjusted for smoking and body mass index (BMI), it showed an odds ratio (OR) of 17.8 [95% confidence interval (CI): 5.7-70.6; p<0.01] for loss of reconstruction, with 15 (30%) in the PRT group and 7 (4%) in the non-PRT group. We found no difference in short-term reoperations or infections at either stage of reconstruction. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing delayed breast reconstruction using an expander/implant, radiotherapy is a significant risk factor for loss of reconstruction. It should be considered a relative contraindication for this reconstructive modality, and careful selection and advisement of the patient about the risks of complications and potential need for additional corrective surgery or later autologous breast reconstruction should be discussed.

[Amputation of the forefoot in a 14-year-old boy due to infiltrative glomus tumour].

Glomus tumours are rare dermal tumours, which very seldom can be seen viscerally. The majority is benign small tumours of the skin. Malignancy has been reported in very few cases worldwide. The diagnosis is made clinically supported by MRI-scans and biopsy of the lesion. We present a case story of a 14-year-old boy, who had an infiltrative glomus tumour of the foot. The tumour met the criteria for malignancy and was operated radically by amputation of the forefoot. The post-operative period was uncomplicated and no metastases were observed neither clinically nor by PET-CT scans.

[Microsurgery in plastic surgery].

The most common indication for free flap surgery is breast reconstruction. Deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps are safe, quick and provide excellent cosmetic results. The reconstruction in head and neck cancer patients is more complex. The aims are preservation of function and appearance. Free flaps are important in traumatology and the timing of intervention can make the difference between amputation and extremity conserving treatment. Due to the improvement in surgical technique failure rates as low as 2% can be seen. Post-operative monitoring is well-established in all microsurgical centres.

[Microsurgery in reanimation, lymphoedema and hand surgery].

Microsurgery is defined as surgery performed with the aid of ocular magnification. In Denmark, this is undertaken by four units. This review describes the history of microsurgery which evolved during the 1960s. Microsurgery in hand surgery is primarily replantation and revascularisation but also peripheral nerve surgery as well as brachial plexus surgery. Lymphoedema is being treated with super microsurgery on an experimental basis. Dynamic reconstruction of facial palsy is performed in a two-stage operation with cross-over nerve graft and a free microvascular muscle flap, typically gracilis.

Perioperative Optimization of Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

UNLABELLED: The authors recently showed that fast-track surgery could reduce the length of stay after a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap procedure from 7.4 days to 6.2 days without increasing complication rates or flap loss. This study improves the protocol and identifies specific factors that kept patients in the hospital. The authors present their results from the first 16 consecutive cases. Multimodal opioid-sparing analgesia was used. Nurses removed suction drains, without consulting the doctors. Fulfillment of functional discharge criteria (e.g., flap monitoring, ambulation) was assessed twice daily, and specified reasons for not allowing discharge were registered. All patients were discharged to home after approximately 72 hours, on the third postoperative day, except one patient who was discharged on day 4. Drains were removed on postoperative day 2 (n = 3) or 3 (n = 13). All patients had normal gastrointestinal tract function and minimal pain, and were eating and managing personal hygiene on the morning of postoperative day 2. All were mobilized by the afternoon of postoperative day 2. Median visual analogue scale score at discharge was 1 (range, 0 to 4). There were no reoperations and no major complications. Length of stay after autologous breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps can be reduced to approximately 3 days using the fast-track methodology. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Breast reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi flap after mastectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The latissimus dorsi (LD) myocutaneous flap has long been regarded as the second choice flap for autologous breast reconstruction following a mastectomy in our department. Despite uncertainty about donor-site morbidity, it is regarded as a relatively safe procedure; moreover, in contrast to our first choice, the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap, no microsurgical expertise is needed. METHODS: This is a systematic review of patient files for all LD breast reconstructions performed in the 2004-2013 period, at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. RESULTS: A total of 135 unilateral LD breast reconstructions were performed in 126 women during the ten-year period. The median age of the women was 48.5 years, and they mainly had secondary reconstruction (90%). The average time to removal of the last drain was 6.3 days, and the average time to discharge was 6.9 days. A total of 13 patients (10%) had local complications and were re-operated within the first 30 days. We observed one flap loss and only one systemic complication; a urinary tract infection. In all, 38 patients (28%) received antibiotic treatment after the operations and 27 (20%) developed a seroma at the donor site on the back. Patients who developed seroma were four times as likely as those who did not to be readmitted for antibiotic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: LD breast reconstruction remains a safe choice for autologous breast reconstruction. Prevention of donor-site seroma as well as improvement of the clinical pathway and post-operative regimen could be future focus-points for this procedure. FUNDING: The review was performed as part of the pre-graduate research year project, "Donor-site morbidity after m. latissimus dorsi reconstruction", funded by Concordiafonden. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.

[Breast reconstruction with m. latissimus dorsi--status and perspectives]. / Brystrekonstruktion med m. latissimus dorsi er et godt valg hos kvinder med brystkræft.

Breast reconstruction using autologous tissue is commonly used in breast cancer patients who have received radiation therapy. The use of a latissimus dorsi flap is a safe and viable alternative to the use of an abdominal flap. The cosmetic results are excellent but there is need for a better understanding of the donor-site morbidity in regard to potential loss of shoulder function. We believe that it is possible to improve the procedure through optimized surgical technique in combination with the implementation and the benefits of fast-track surgery.

[Steatocystoma multiplex in 39 year-old female]. / Steatocystoma multiplex hos 39-årig kvinde.

A clinical case of the rare disorder steatocystoma multiplex is described in a 39-year-old female. The patient was diagnosed with generalized intradermal lesions that started presenting in early adulthood. There was no family history of similar lesions.Skin examination showed multiple, skin-coloured cystic lesions on the chest, abdomen, axillae and back. The patient's clinical presentations and history were compatible with steatocystoma multiplex. Various treatment options for steatocystoma multiplex and steatocystoma multiplex suppurativum have been published and include oral antibiotics, isotretinoin, excision and incision techniques.

[Generalized dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa and development of squamous cell carcinoma]. / Generaliseret epidermolysis bullosa dystrophicans og udvikling af spinocellulært karcinom.

Severe generalized dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is described via a clinical case in an adult male. From the time of birth his skin was characterized by extensive blistering, slowly developing into chronic wounds with the formation of pseudosyndactyly. As he grew older extracutaneous involvement from other organ systems was seen. Specifically, the patient presented with chronic anaemia, growth retardation and ocular findings. At the age of 45, squamous cell carcinomas to the extremities indicate imminent amputation in an attempt to improve survival probability.

[Kabuki syndrome]. / Kabukisyndrom.

A clinical case of the rare Kabuki syndrome is described in a 2-year-old boy. At the time of birth he was diagnosed with cleft palate and from the age of six months he presented with unusual facial features and slow psychomotoric development. At the age of two he has no language and only minimal speech perception and is showing signs of growth retardation.

Blood flow autoregulation in pedicled flaps.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical work on the blood perfusion in skin and muscle flaps has suggested that some degree of blood flow autoregulation exists in such flaps. An autoregulatory mechanism would enable the flap to protect itself from changes in the perfusion pressure. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate if, and to what extent, a tissue flap could compensate a reduction in blood flow due to an acute constriction of the feed artery. Further, we wanted to examine the possible role of smooth muscle L-type calcium channels in the autoregulatory mechanism by pharmacological intervention with the L-type calcium channel blocker nimodipine and the vasodilator papaverine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pedicled flaps were raised in pigs. Flow in the pedicle was reduced by constriction of the feed artery (n=34). A transit time flow probe measured the effect on blood flow continuously. Following this, three different protocols were followed: (1) Time control (n=10): the procedure described above was repeated in the same flap to determine whether autoregulatory efficiency changed over time. (2) Nimodipine infusion (n=13): continuous intra-arterial infusion of nimodipine (0.2mg/ml, 0.5 ml/min) started when the flow had returned to the initial value. After stabilisation, the flow was reduced. When the flow had been stable for at least 5 min, the constriction was removed. (3) Nimodipine and papaverine (n=8): the infusion of nimodipine was followed by an intra-arterial bolus of papaverine (10mg). After stabilisation, the flow in the pedicle was reduced and the flow was recorded. RESULTS: The flaps showed a strong autoregulatory response with complete compensation for flow reductions of up to 70-80%. Infusion of nimodipine caused a 28+/-10% increase in blood flow and removed the autoregulation. Papaverine caused a further increase in blood flow by 61+/-19%. The time control experiments proved that the experimental procedure was reproducible and stable over time. CONCLUSIONS: A tissue flap can nearly completely compensate for repeated flow reductions of up to 70-80%. This is due to a decrease in the peripheral resistance, mediated by a local intrinsic mechanism. Nimodipine (a blocker of L-type voltage-activated calcium channels) abolishes the autoregulation, but a significant vasodilatory reserve exists, as an additional injection of papaverine (a smooth muscle relaxant) results in a further increase in the blood flow. This strongly suggests a direct role for voltage-activated calcium channels in the autoregulatory process.

Abdominal strength after breast reconstruction using a free abdominal flap.

BACKGROUND: Today, breast reconstruction with autologous tissue is most commonly done either as a free muscle sparring TRAM flap or as a DIEP flap. Studies of donor site morbidity have shown an advantage in using the DIEP flap. However, this procedure might also be associated with an increased risk of flow related complications and it is also thought to be more demanding and time consuming. A few studies have evaluated the abdominal wall strength after dissection of a TRAM flap or a DIEP flap. However, these studies do not distinguish between the various types of free TRAM flaps and they also compare TRAM procedures preformed in an early period to DIEP procedures done in a later period. METHODS: We used an isokinetic dynamometer to measure concentric, eccentric and isometric abdominal muscle strength in 32 patients who had had a unilateral breast reconstruction with a free MS-2 (15) or a DIEP (17) flap in the year 2003. RESULTS: No significant reduction in muscle strength was observed for concentric or isometric muscle strength. However, significant lower eccentric muscle strength was found in the TRAM compared to the DIEP group (p=0.05). There was no significant difference in abdominal strength between the two flap groups at low to moderate work intensity (isometric/concentric). At the greatest work intensity (eccentric muscle strength) the patients reconstructed with a DIEP flap had a clinical small, but significant advantage over the patients reconstructed with a MS-2 TRAM flap.