The transverse upper gracilis flap for autologous breast reconstruction: patient satisfaction outcomes from a single centre experience.

Background: The transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flap procedure is an alternative procedure for autologous breast reconstruction, that is indicated in patients with a low body mass index (BMI) and small to moderate sized breasts. We investigated patient satisfaction of all TUG flap breast reconstructions at Royal Free Hospital. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients who had undergone a TUG flap procedure was performed using Electronic Patient Records between October 2010 and October 2021 in Royal Free Hospital. We collected patient demographic data and surveyed our cohort by telephone, investigating patient satisfaction with a 31-item questionnaire. Results: From 2010 to 2021, 57 TUG procedures for autologous breast reconstruction were carried out on 36 patients. One patient died 6 years postoperatively. Patient age ranged from 29-74 with an average of 49.5 years. Also, 3/57 flaps failed, and 1 patient died 6 years postoperatively. Twenty one out of 35 patients responded to the telephone call survey. Out of the survey respondents 11/21 underwent unilateral breast reconstruction and 10/21 underwent bilateral breast reconstruction. The BODY-Q scale in appraisal of thighs reported an overall patient satisfaction mean score of 75.6±27.4 points. The BREAST-Q scale in breast satisfaction reported an overall patient satisfaction mean score of 61.5±24.1 points. Overall, 19/21 of patients were satisfied with the outcome of the TUG procedure. Conclusions: Royal Free Hospital reported excellent patient satisfaction scores. The TUG procedure is a suitable method for patient's undergoing autologous breast reconstruction. However, patient expectations regarding breast satisfaction should be managed.

Prolonged operative time is a risk factor for adverse postoperative outcomes in the unilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap surgery: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Currently, one published study documented operative time (OT) as a predictor for postoperative outcomes in bilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstructions. No literature has investigated this in unilateral DIEP flaps. We aimed to determine the relationship between unilateral OT, postoperative complications, unplanned reoperations (UR), and extended length-of-stay (eLOS). METHODS: Patients who underwent elective unilateral DIEP reconstruction from 2018 to 2023 at a tertiary centre in London, United Kingdom, were retrospectively analysed. Patients were divided into four groups depending on OT quartiles to define a critical cut-off period. Data on extensive covariates, including procedural complexity, was recorded and used in univariable and multivariable regression models. RESULTS: The final cohort contained 173 patients. After risk-adjustment, ≥421-minute operations led to a significantly higher overall complication rate (HR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.26, 3.64, p = 0.005) relative to <421 min. Significantly higher odds of eLOS were observed in the ≥460-minute group (OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.07, 3.99, p = 0.03) compared to <460 min. There was no significant effect on the rate of postoperative UR across any OT group. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed OT was an independent predictor for postoperative outcomes in the DIEP flap, and demonstrated this in unilateral reconstructions. A clinical maximum threshold of 7 h was derived based on this cohort to help guide future surgical practice. Efficiency can be achieved by meticulous preoperative planning and process standardisation, multiple senior surgeons working per flap, and smooth teamwork between specialities and intraoperative staff.

A Single-center Comparison of Unipedicled and Bipedicled Diep Flap Early Outcomes in 98 Patients.

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction. One or two pedicles may be used. Our study is the first to compare unipedicled and bipedicled DIEP flaps on donor and recipient site outcomes in the same patient cohort. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study comparing DIEP flap outcomes between 2019 and 2022. Results: There were 98 patients, categorized differently for recipient or donor site. The recipient groups were unilateral unipedicled (N = 52), bilateral unipedicled (N = 15), and unilateral bipedicled (N = 31), and donor site groups were unipedicled (N = 52) and bipedicled (N = 46, including bilateral unipedicled and unilateral bipedicled). Bipedicled DIEP flaps had 1.15 times greater odds of donor site complication (95% CI, 0.52-2.55). Adjusting for operative time that was longer in bipedicled DIEP flaps (P < 0.001), odds ratio decreased, and there was a lower probability of donor site complication for bipedicled flaps (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.31-2.29). Odds of recipient area complication was not significantly different between groups. Unilateral unipedicled DIEP flaps had significantly higher rates of revisional elective surgery than unilateral bipedicled DIEP flaps (40.4% versus 12.9%; P = 0.029). Conclusions: We demonstrate no significant difference in donor site morbidity between unipedicled and bipedicled DIEP flaps. Bipedicled DIEP flaps do have slightly higher rates of donor site morbidity, which can be partly explained by longer operative times. There is no significant difference in recipient site complications, and bipedicled DIEP flaps can reduce rates of further elective surgery.

Therapeutic Breast Reconstruction Using Gene Therapy-Delivered IFNγ Immunotherapy.

After mastectomy, breast reconstruction is increasingly performed using autologous tissue with the aim of improving quality of life. During this procedure, autologous tissue is excised, relocated, and reattached using microvascular anastomoses at the site of the extirpated breast. The period during which the tissue is ex vivo may allow genetic modification without any systemic exposure to the vector. Could such access permit delivery of therapeutic agents using the tissue flap as a vehicle? Such delivery may be more targeted and oncologically efficient than systemic therapy, and avoid systemic complications. The cytokine IFNγ has antitumor effects, and systemic toxicity could be circumvented by localized delivery of the IFNγ gene via gene therapy to autologous tissue used for breast reconstruction, which then releases IFNγ and exerts antitumor effects. In a rat model of loco-regional recurrence (LRR) with MADB-106-Luc and MAD-MB-231-Luc breast cancer cells, autologous tissue was transduced ex vivo with an adeno-associated viral vector encoding IFNγ. The "Therapeutic Reconstruction" released IFNγ at the LRR site and eliminated cancer cells, significantly decreased tumor burden, and increased survival compared with sham reconstruction (P <0.05). Mechanistically, localized IFNγ immunotherapy stimulated M1 macrophages to target cancer cells within the regional confines of the modified tumor environment. This concept of "Therapeutic Breast Reconstruction" using ex vivo gene therapy of autologous tissue offers a new application for immunotherapy in breast cancer with a dual therapeutic effect of both reconstructing the ablative defect and delivering local adjuvant immunotherapy.

Evolution of Bilateral Free Flap Breast Reconstruction over 10 Years: Optimizing Outcomes and Comparison to Unilateral Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing trend for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy, but studies focusing on bilateral free flap breast reconstruction are lacking. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all bilateral free flap breast reconstructions performed from 2000 to 2010. RESULTS: Overall, 488 patients underwent bilateral breast reconstruction (bilateral immediate, n = 283; bilateral delayed, n = 93; and bilateral immediate/delayed, n = 112), which more than doubled from the years 2000-2005 to 2006-2010 [147 versus 341 (232.0 percent)]. Comparison of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy demonstrated a similar increase over the decade [139 versus 282 (203.9 percent)]. There was an increasing trend toward perforator flaps [70 versus 203 (290 percent)] compared to traditional transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps [99 versus 17 (17 percent)] between the first and second halves of the decade. Patients undergoing a bilateral immediate/delayed reconstruction were significantly more likely to undergo a revision (p = 0.05), particularly on the immediate reconstructed breast (OR, 1.59; p = 0.05). Delayed reconstruction and obesity were significantly associated with postoperative complications. Obesity, smoking, and radiation therapy significantly increased fat necrosis rates, 2.77 (p = 0.01), 2.31 (p = 0.03), and 2.38 times (p = 0.03), respectively. In comparison to unilateral reconstruction, bilateral reconstruction had significantly higher flap loss rates (p = 0.004), comparable donor-site complications, and equivalent rates of revisions. CONCLUSIONS: There has been an increase in bilateral free flap breast reconstruction. Bilateral immediate/delayed reconstruction had higher revision rates of the prophylactic breast to achieve symmetry. Obesity, smoking, and radiation therapy were associated with increased complications, including fat necrosis, but successful reconstruction can be achieved with acceptable risks. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Microsurgical reconstruction of combined tracheal and total esophageal defects.

OBJECTIVE: Lesions involving both the trachea and the esophagus are often considered inoperable because of the lack of reliable reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to review our experience of combined supercharged jejunal and other flaps for tracheal and esophageal reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective review of 5 consecutive cases with combined tracheal and total esophageal defects was performed. The esophageal defect was reconstructed with a supercharged jejunal flap, and the trachea was reconstructed with a free anterolateral thigh flap or a pedicled muscle flap. RESULTS: Primary diagnosis included tracheostoma recurrence after a total laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer in 2 patients and tracheoesophageal fistula due to esophageal stenting for complications from prior treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, parathyroid cancer, and esophageal cancer in 3 patients, respectively. Tracheal and esophageal reconstructions were staged in 4 patients, and 1 patient received simultaneous reconstruction. Tracheal necrosis developed in 1 patient with a mediastinal tracheostoma, and the patient eventually died of infection 2 months later. The other 4 patients recovered well and resumed an oral diet. CONCLUSIONS: Complex and often life-threatening lesions involving both the trachea and the esophagus are not necessarily inoperable. With careful planning, these combined defects can be safely reconstructed with multiple flaps with good functional outcomes and reasonable survival.

Saving grace: distally pedicled gracilis muscular flap in lower limb salvage.

During the 1970s, the incidence of limb amputation following surgery for sarcoma excision was as high as 50%. Two important developments have led to modern day limb salvage, namely chemotherapy and precision imaging techniques. We present a case of limb salvage in a patient with osteosarcoma plagued with recurrent infection after prosthetic revision. We discuss the use of the distally based pedicled gracilis muscular flap, which has little mention as a reconstructive option for defects around the knee.

The perils of spinning class: an open ankle fracture following a spinning exercise session.

Spinning is an increasingly popular form of cycle-based exercise. The workouts are often of high-intensity and participants are intermittently encouraged to achieve a high crank-set-cadence rate. We report a unique case of an open ankle fracture requiring free flap coverage, which highlights the potential perils of spinning class.

Nipple elevation using loupes magnification and a double-layer purse-string suture.

UNLABELLED: Nipple elevation is a procedure that enhances the projection of the nipples. The aim is to achieve an aesthetically satisfying appearance that is stable over time and at the same time to maintain the sensory and lactating functions of the nipples. The surgical technique described in this report is based on release of the retracting lactiferous ducts and fibrous bands under loupes magnification and use of two layers of sutures to secure the acquired height of the nipple. The result is a satisfying projection accompanied by preservation of the sensory and lactating functions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Minimally invasive component separation results in fewer wound-healing complications than open component separation for large ventral hernia repairs.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive component separation (CS) with inlay bioprosthetic mesh (MICSIB) is a recently developed technique for abdominal wall reconstruction that preserves the rectus abdominis perforators and minimizes subcutaneous dead space using limited-access tunneled incisions. We hypothesized that MICSIB would result in better surgical outcomes than conventional open CS. STUDY DESIGN: All consecutive patients who underwent CS (open or minimally invasive) with inlay bioprosthetic mesh for ventral hernia repair from 2005 to 2010 were included in a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Surgical outcomes, including wound-healing complications, hernia recurrences, and abdominal bulge/laxity rates, were compared between patient groups based on the type of CS repair, either MICSIB or open. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients who underwent MICSIB and 50 who underwent open CS were included. Mean follow-ups were 15.2 ± 7.7 months and 20.7 ± 14.3 months, respectively. Mean fascial defect size was significantly larger in the MICSIB group (405.4 ± 193.6 cm(2) vs 273.8 ± 186.8 cm(2); p = 0.002). The incidences of skin dehiscence (11% vs 28%; p = 0.011), all wound-healing complications (14% vs 32%; p = 0.026), abdominal wall laxity/bulge (4% vs 14%; p = 0.056), and hernia recurrence (4% vs 8%; p = 0.3) were lower in the MICSIB group than in the open CS group. CONCLUSIONS: MICSIB resulted in fewer wound-healing complications than did open CS used for complex abdominal wall reconstructions. These findings are likely attributable to the preservation of paramedian skin vascularity and reduction in subcutaneous dead space with MICSIB. MICSIB should be considered for complex abdominal wall reconstructions, particularly in patients at increased risk of wound-healing complications.

Butterfly reconstruction of the anterior scalp hairline using bilaterally apposing STA island flaps.

Traditional methods of reconstruction of the hair-bearing scalp can provide incorrect directional hair growth and may require secondary procedures to complete. We present a case of reconstruction of the anterior hairline after tumour resection in an infant. Lessons learned from the case have led to a novel method for a single stage reconstruction of the anterior hairline using pedicled superficial artery flaps.

Reanimation of the middle and lower face in facial paralysis: review of the literature and personal approach.

Facial paralysis refers to a condition in which all or portions of the facial nerve are paralysed. The facial nerve controls the muscles of facial expression, paralysis which results in a lack of facial expression which is not only an aesthetic issue, but has functional consequences as the patient cannot communicate effectively. The treatment of long-standing facial paralysis has challenged plastic surgeons for centuries, and still the ultimate goal of normality of the paralysed hemi-face with symmetry at rest as well as the generation of a spontaneous symmetrical smile with corneal protection has not yet fully been reached. Until the end of the 19th century, the treatment of this condition involved non-surgical means such as ointments, medicines and electrotherapy. With the advent and refinement of microvascular surgical techniques in the latter half of the 20th century, vascularised free muscle transfers coupled with cross-facial nerve grafts were introduced, allowing the possibility of spontaneous emotion being restored to the paralysed face became reality. The aim of this article is to revisit the surgical evolution and current options available as well as outcomes for patients suffering from facial paralysis concentrating on middle and lower face reanimation.

Treating chronic wound infections with genetically modified free flaps.

BACKGROUND: The success of antimicrobial therapy has been impaired by the emergence of resistant bacterial strains. Antimicrobial peptides are ubiquitous proteins that are part of the innate immune system and are successful against such antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The authors have previously demonstrated the feasibility of protein delivery via microvascular free flap gene therapy and here they examine this approach for recalcitrant infections. METHODS: The authors investigated the production of the human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide-LL37, delivered by ex vivo transduction of the rodent superficial inferior epigastric free flap with Ad/CMV-LL37. The vascular permeabilizing agent vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was co-administered during ex vivo transduction with adenoviral vectors in an attempt to augment transduction efficiency. A rodent model of chronic wound/foreign body infection seeded with bioluminescent Staphylococcus aureus was used to assess the biological efficacy of delivering therapeutic antimicrobial genes using this technology. RESULTS: The authors were successful in demonstrating significant LL37 expression, which persisted for 14 days after ex vivo transduction with Ad/CMV-LL37. Transduction efficiency was significantly improved with the co-administration of 5 micrograms of VEGF during transduction without significantly increasing systemic dissemination of adenovirus or systemic toxicity. They were able to demonstrate in the rodent model of chronic wound/foreign body infections a significant reduction in bacterial loads from infected catheters following transduction with Ad/CMV-LL37 and increased bacterial clearance. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates for the first time that microbicidal gene therapy via microvascular free flaps is able to clear chronic infections such as occurs with osteomyelitis resulting from trauma or an infected foreign body [corrected]