Asociación de colgajo dorsal ancho pediculado y libre para reconstrucción de grandes defectos de mama y tórax / Association of pedicled and free latissimus dorsi flap for reconstruction of large breast and thoracic defects

Introducción. Los tratamientos del cáncer de mama en estadios avanzados suelen ser tratamientos radicales. Ello implica la resección de grandes cantidades de tejido, a veces asociada a radioterapia o a procedimientos como quimioembolización intraarterial, lo que suele dar como resultado un gran defecto de cobertura cutánea que involucra no solo la mama sino también todo el hemitórax. Esto resulta un desafío para el cirujano plástico reconstructivo, ya que tiene que acudir a técnicas reconstructivas más complejas. En este trabajo proponemos, para estas pacientes, reconstrucción mamaria unilateral con la utilización de dos colgajos para cubrir el defecto completamente y así restaurar el tórax y la mama. Pacientes y métodos. Se realiza un estudio retrospectivo desde enero de 2017 a agosto de 2019. Se analizan 11 (once) pacientes con grandes defectos de cobertura cutánea. Diez pacientes reúnen la característica común de haber presentado cáncer de mama en estadio III, sometiéndose a cirugía radical + radioterapia. Una de las once presenta una necrosis extensa del hemitórax y la mama producto de una complicación de la quimioembolización intraarterial. Se realizó reconstrucción mamaria unilateral en dos tiempos con tejido autólogo mediante dos colgajos: colgajo dorsal ancho pediculado + colgajo dorsal ancho libre (6 casos). Una de ellas acude con el primer colgajo dorsal ancho pediculado realizado en otra institución; colgajo dorsal ancho pediculado + colgajo DIEP (3 casos); colgajo dorsal ancho pediculado + colgajo SGAP (1 caso), colgajo TRAM pediculado y colgajo dorsal ancho pediculado (1 caso). Resultados. Todos los colgajos sobrevivieron. El caso del paciente con colgajo TRAM fue derivado de otra institución con una vitalidad del 50%. Se presentó un caso de seroma en zona dadora de la espalda y una dehiscencia de herida en el mismo. El seguimiento promedio fue de 21,36 meses luego de la segunda instancia quirúrgica. Conclusiones. Los grandes defectos de tejidos blandos en el tórax anterior causados por resecciones extrarradicales de mama dejan defectos demasiado grandes para ser cubiertos por los colgajos de reconstrucción mamaria tradicionales. La reconstrucción mediante la asociación de un colgajo dorsal ancho pediculado y un colgajo dorsal ancho libre demostró ser una buena opción estética y funcional para poder resolver estos casos complejos que involucran no solo a la mama, sino también a la región torácica.

Large soft tissue defects in the anterior thorax cause by extraradical breast resections leave too large defects to be covered by traditional breast reconstruction flaps. Reconstruction by association of a pedicled latissimus dorsi flap and a free latissimus dorsi flap proved to be a good aesthetic and functional option, so much to be able to solve these complex cases that involve not only the breast as well also to the thoracic region.

Anterior Neck Resurfacing Using Multiple Free Flaps in Patients With Burn Sequelae of the Anterior Neck and Chest.

BACKGROUND: It has been established that patients with burn sequelae of the anterior neck and chest have a significant degree of flap descent and deficit in neck extension when resurfaced with a single free flap. A protocol was developed to avoid flap descent in these patients by resurfacing the neck with multiple free flaps. The purpose of this article is to present our protocol for treatment and long-term results of this technique. METHODS: Twenty-five 25 patients with burn sequelae of the anterior neck and anterior thorax were retrospectively identified. Ten patients were treated with a single free flap (group 1), and 15 patients were treated with multiple free flaps (group 2). Patients were followed up for an average of 7 years after their definitive reconstructive procedure at which time measurements including flap descent from sternal notch, deficit of neck extension, and subjective reports of discomfort were obtained. RESULTS: Patients in group 1 demonstrated 8 cm (interquartile range [IQR], 1.75 cm) of flap descent, whereas patients in group 2 demonstrated 0.5 cm (IQR, 0 cm) of flap descent. Patients in group 1 demonstrated 12.5 degrees (IQR, 10 degrees) of deficit in neck extension, whereas patients in group 2 demonstrated 0 degrees (IQR, 0 degrees) of deficit in neck extension. Analysis demonstrated significantly greater descent and deficit in neck extension in group 1 compared with group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with burn sequelae of the neck and anterior chest experience less flap descent and deficits in neck extension when resurfaced with multiple free flaps.

Caso clínico: aproximación a la vía aérea difícil en neonatología. Síndrome de Treacher-Collins / Clinical case: approach to the difficult airway in neonatology. Treacher-Collins syndrome

Cuando los recién nacidos presentan obstrucción de la vía aérea, requieren un manejo urgente y experto para evitar la mortalidad y la morbilidad. La definición de vía aérea difícil se relaciona con problemas en la intubación endotraqueal o en la ventilación a presión positiva con bolsa y máscara o reanimador de pieza en T. El manejo debe basarse en la comprensión del mecanismo fisiopatológico responsable de la vía aérea difícil. Las causas en el recién nacido pueden ser congénitas y/o adquiridas.Se presenta el caso de una recién nacida con síndrome de Treacher-Collins tipo 1 [OMIM #154500] con una disostosis mandibulofacial, micrognatia, hipoplasia malar, paladar hendido, sin cardiopatía congénita, asociado con intubación extremadamente difícil

f newborns have an airway obstruction, they require urgent and expert management to avoid mortality and morbidity. The definition of difficult airway includes problems in endotracheal intubation or positive pressure ventilation with bag and mask or T-piece resuscitator. Management should be based on an understanding of the pathophysiological mechanism responsible for difficult airway. The causes of difficult airway in the newborn can be congenital or acquired.We present the case of a newborn with Treacher-Collins syndrome Type 1 [OMIM # 154500] with a mandibulofacial dysostosis, micrognathia, malar hypoplasia, cleft palate, without congenital heart disease, associated with extremely difficult intubation

[Clinical case: approach to the difficult airway in neonatology. Treacher-Collins syndrome]. / Caso clínico: aproximación a la vía aérea difícil en neonatología. Síndrome de Treacher-Collins.

If newborns have an airway obstruction, they require urgent and expert management to avoid mortality and morbidity. The definition of difficult airway includes problems in endotracheal intubation or positive pressure ventilation with bag and mask or T-piece resuscitator. Management should be based on an understanding of the pathophysiological mechanism responsible for difficult airway. The causes of difficult airway in the newborn can be congenital or acquired. We present the case of a newborn with Treacher-Collins syndrome Type 1 [OMIM # 154500] with a mandibulofacial dysostosis, micrognathia, malar hypoplasia, cleft palate, without congenital heart disease, associated with extremely difficult intubation.

Cuando los recién nacidos presentan obstrucción de la vía aérea, requieren un manejo urgente y experto para evitar la mortalidad y la morbilidad. La definición de vía aérea difícil se relaciona con problemas en la intubación endotraqueal o en la ventilación a presión positiva con bolsa y máscara o reanimador de pieza en T. El manejo debe basarse en la comprensión del mecanismo fisiopatológico responsable de la vía aérea difícil. Las causas en el recién nacido pueden ser congénitas y/o adquiridas. Se presenta el caso de una recién nacida con síndrome de Treacher-Collins tipo 1 [OMIM #154500] con una disostosis mandibulofacial, micrognatia, hipoplasia malar, paladar hendido, sin cardiopatía congénita, asociado con intubación extremadamente difícil.

Utilización de colgajo radial para cobertura de exposición protésica en craneoplastias / Use of radial flap to cover prosthetic exposure in cranioplasty

Background. Cranioplasty is a procedure that provides coverage for cranial defects after bone resection because of different etiologies such as intracranial hemorrhage, trauma, tumor or infection. One of the most important postoperative complications is the exposure of the plate, that may happen after a skin wound dehiscence. These are challenging situations for the plastic surgeon. Free tissue transfer provides a solution for these patients. The forearm radial flap provides all the conditions to solve these problem Methods. A retrospective study was performed with fourteen patients at the Santojanni Hospital between January 2018 and March 2020. All of them presented exposure of the cranioplasty plate. The defect area was analyzed. The average area to be covered was 5.07 cm2 (1.5 cm2-12.8 cm2). A radial forearm free flap was performed for all patients. Homolateral facial vessels (57%) were used as the first choice; the contralateral facial vessels were used in case of previous radiation therapy (29%) and in these cases a bypass was used in one case with venous interposition in three cases and arterial in the rest; superficial temporal vessels (14%). Results. Flap vitality was 100%. Average follow-up of 12 months (23 m-4 m). One patient presented seroma in the donor area. No new exposures or dehiscences were presented. Conclusions. Free tissue transfer provides an effective coverage to exposed material. The forearm flap provides reliable, thin, well-vascularized soft tissue that can be used to seal the dura, remove dead space, cover the exposed defect, not only but also it provides a long pedicle that allows distant anastomosis in cases of radiation therapy.

Introducción. La craneoplastia es un procedimiento necesario para cubrir defectos craneales luego de resección ósea por distintas etiologías, tales como hemorragia intracraneal, traumatismos craneoencefálicos, tumores o infecciones. Una de las complicaciones frecuentes es la exposición de placas de craneoplastia por dehiscencia de herida cutánea. Estas son complicaciones frecuentes y frustrantes para el paciente y el cirujano plástico. La transferencia de tejidos a distancia brinda una solución para estos pacientes. El colgajo radial antebraquial reúne las condiciones necesarias para la cobertura. Material y métodos. Se realiza un estudio retrospectivo con un total de 14 pacientes en el Hospital Santojanni en el período comprendido entre enero de 2018 y marzo de 2020. Todos presentaron exposición de la placa de craneoplastia. Se analizó el área de defecto, siendo el área promedio a cubrir de 5,07 cm2 (1,5-12,8 cm2). Se realiza cobertura con colgajo radial antebraquial. Se utilizan vasos faciales homolaterales (57%) como primera elección; vasos faciales contralaterales, por radioterapia (29%) y en ellos se utilizó bypass en un tiempo con interposición venosa en tres casos y arterial en el restante; vasos temporales superficiales (14%). Resultados. Se logró cobertura completa en todos los pacientes. La vitalidad de los colgajos fue del 100%. Seguimiento promedio de 12 meses (4-23 meses). Un paciente presentó seroma en la zona dadora. No se presentaron nuevas exposiciones ni dehiscencias. Conclusiones. La transferencia con tejido a distancia permite una eficaz cobertura de material expuesto. El colgajo antebraquial proporciona tejido blando confiable, delgado y bien vascularizado, que se puede utilizar para sellar la duramadre, eliminar el espacio muerto, cubrir el defecto expuesto y también posee un pedículo largo que permite anastomosis a distancia en casos de defectos tratados con radioterapia. Palabras claves: complicaciones de craneoplastias, reconstruccion de cuero cabelludo,

Tratamiento quirúrgico del linfedema de miembro superior postratamiento del cáncer de mama / Surgical treatment of lymphedema of the upper limb after breast cancer

Introducción. El linfedema de miembro superior postratamiento del cáncer de mama es una afección progresiva y crónica que compromete a una gran cantidad de pacientes causando efectos físicos, psicológicos y sociales. El linfedema secundario se da en un 20-40% de los casos luego de la cirugía del cáncer de mama con vaciamiento y radioterapia. Este es un problema desafiante. El tratamiento conservador ha demostrado no ser suficientemente exitoso por lo que su tratamiento quirúrgico es una buena opción. La transferencia microquirúrgica de nódulo linfático vascularizado (TNLV) brindó una nueva esperanza para este grupo de pacientes. Material y métodos. En el periodo comprendido entre marzo 2016 y agosto 2018 se analizaron 16 pacientes con una edad promedio de 50,25. Se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico basándose en la transferencia de nódulo linfático vascularizado (TNLV) de la ingle a la axila por medio de una anastomosis microquirúrgica de la arteria circunfleja ilíaca superficial en pacientes que presentaron linfedema secundario al tratamiento del cáncer de mama. Se realizó simultáneamente a la cirugía reconstructiva de la mama con colgajo libre DIEP y también en un segundo tiempo quirúrgico. Tiempo quirúrgico de 4,3 horas y una estadía en internación de 2,3 días. Resultados. La vitalidad de los colgajos fue 100%. Como morbilidad, se presentaron cuatro casos de seroma, una infección y una dehiscencia en la zona dadora. Con un seguimiento promedio de 10,43 meses y una reducción significativa de volumen del miembro afectado del 27.47% en comparación con el preoperatorio. La incidencia de celulitis descendió. La linfografía posoperatoria indicó una mejoría en el drenaje linfático del miembro afectado. Conclusiones. La transferencia linfática vascularizada al miembro afectado en conjunto con la cirugía reconstructiva mamaria DIEP es un procedimiento seguro y eficaz en el tratamiento del linfedema de miembro superior en pacientes mastectomizadas con vaciamiento ganglionar y radioterapia.

Purpose: Upper limb lymphedema post breast cancer treatment is a progressive and chronic condition that involves a large number of patients causing psychological, physical and social effects. The incidence of secondary lymphedema is about 20-40% before breast cancer treatment. This is a challenging problem. The conservative treatment has shown not to be successful enough so the surgery is a really good option. The vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) offers some hope to this group of patients. The purpose of the investigation is to demonstrate that te VLNT is an efficacious approach to treating postmastectomy upper limb lymphedema. Methods: From March 2016 to August 2018 were analyzed sixteen patients with a mean age of 50.25 years. They all have secondary lymphedema. They underwent surgical treatment based on vascularized lymph node transfer from the groin to the axially area or elbow as a recipent site. The deep inferior epigastric perforator flap was made at the same time, as a stacked flap. In only six cases, the VLNT was made on a second surgical time. The serrato's vessels were used as a recipient vessels in the axilary area and a radial artery branch and the cephalic vein were used in the elbow. Results: The flaps vitality was 100%. There were four seroma cases, one infection and one dehiscence. At a mean follow up of 10.43, the mean circumference reduction rate of the lymphedematous limb was about 27.47% between the preoperative and the postoperative groups. The postoperative lymphoscintigrapy showed a little improvement. The follow up of the vitality of the nodes was made by a lymphatic contrast tomography, and it showed all nodes survived. Conclusions: The vascularized lymph node transfer and the DIEP flap were confirmed as an effective and safe treatment to the secondary lymphedema in this type of patients, and it really improves postmastectomy upper limb lymphedema

Bilateral Anatomic Variation of Anterolateral Thigh Flap in the Same Individual.

BACKGROUND: Anterolateral thigh flap has gained popularity for its use as a soft-tissue flap for reconstruction of regional and distal defects. There is discrepancy between the predominant skin vessels-musculocutaneous or septocutaneous. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate anatomic variation of bilateral anterolateral thigh flap vasculature in the same individual. METHODS: We performed an observational retrospective case series study in 11 patients and an observational prospective study in 7 cadavers to confirm our findings. RESULTS: We found bilateral anatomic variation in the main cutaneous branch of the descendent branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery between both thighs in the same individual. In 72.2% of cases, we observed that the main cutaneous branch was septocutaneous in 1 thigh and musculocutaneous in the contralateral thigh; in 16.7%, the main cutaneous branches were musculocutaneous in both thighs, and in 11.1%, the main cutaneous branches were septocutaneous in both thighs. CONCLUSIONS: Significant anatomic variation exists between the right and the left cutaneous branches of deep circumflex femoral arteries. Hence, preoperative imaging by computed tomography angiography (CTA) aids in determination of the vascular anatomy of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and in selection of septocutaneous branches, thereby reducing operative time.

Refining the extended circumflex scapular flap for neck burn reconstruction: A 30-year experience.

INTRODUCTION: Neck burn sequelae remain a major challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. To achieve satisfactory functional and aesthetic results, the anterior neck aesthetic unit must be covered as a single unit. In cases where free flaps are required, harvesting a flap of sufficient size can cause major donor site morbidity. In 1994, we published our favorable 6-year experience of reconstructing neck burn sequelae with an extended circumflex scapular flap (ECSF). Since then, we have made several modifications to the technique, resulting in improved long-term functional and aesthetic results. Herein, we present our 30-year, 150-patient experience with the ECSF flap for the treatment of anterior neck burn sequelae. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 150 consecutive patients who underwent ECSF procedure for neck resurfacing performed or supervised by the senior author from 1986 to 2015. All cases were assessed for function, aesthetics, satisfaction, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 160 ECSFs were used in 150 patients. Ninety-nine patients were available for updated follow-up [1-30 years (mean, 15.3)]. At the last follow-up, 92 patients regained full range of motion, and 90 patients had acceptable cervicomental angle (<110°). The mean patient satisfaction score was 4.8/5. Nine flaps (5.6%) failed completely and were successfully replaced. Twenty-two patients (15%) had distal necrosis of the flap. Fifteen of these 22 patients underwent complementary flaps to replace the necrotic area, and all 15 patients regained full range of motion. CONCLUSIONS: For neck burn sequelae, the ECSF provides safe and effective long-term functional and aesthetic results with minimal donor site morbidity.

Erratum to propeller thoracodorsal artery perforator flap for breast reconstruction.

[This corrects the article on p. 174 in vol. 3, PMID: 25207210.].

Stacked Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flaps for Unilateral Breast Reconstruction.

The thoracodorsal artery perforator flap is reliable and safe for breast reconstruction, but stacking bilateral thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps for unilateral reconstruction to achieve greater volumes has not been reported. To create a stacked thoracodorsal artery perforator flap, the ipsilateral flap is transferred as an island, and the contralateral flap is transferred as a microvascular free flap. In this article, the authors present their 8-year 14- patient experience with stacked thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps for unilateral breast reconstruction. Patients' ages ranged from 33 to 72 years (mean, 52.6 years). Mean follow-up time was 48.1 months (range, 1 to 98 months). Flaps measured between 22 × 6 cm and 32 × 8 cm and weighed between 110 and 550 g. Two of the island flaps had steatofibrosis of the distal 3 cm, which was resected and closed directly. The rest of the island flaps and all 14 free flaps healed uneventfully. At the time of follow-up, all flaps appeared healthy, and the reconstructed breast had a similar appearance and volume as the contralateral side. The donor areas had almost no functional deficit, and the final scar was aesthetically acceptable, especially when the ascending oblique design was used. This represents the first description of stacked thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps for unilateral breast reconstruction. This novel addition to the reconstructive surgeon's selection of methods is a safe and reliable option for large-volume unilateral breast reconstruction. It allows for symmetry without requiring prostheses or reduction of the contralateral side.

Antegrade Peroneal Flap through the Interosseous Membrane for Knee and Distal Femur Coverage.

BACKGROUND: Antegrade peroneal flaps can be rotated around the fibula to cover defects in the lower leg and lateral knee. However, these flaps cannot reliably cover the distal femur and anterior and medial knee. In the present article, the authors describe a novel technical modification that involves creating a tunnel through the interosseous membrane, through which the flap can be passed, circumventing the need to rotate around the fibula, allowing it to reach the entire knee and distal femur. METHODS: An anatomical study was performed in five cadaveric specimens to measure the gain in pedicle reaching distance when the flap is tunneled compared to transferred around the fibula. A clinical study in 12 patients was also performed to measure the gain in pedicle reaching distance and the long-term viability of the tunneled interosseous flap. RESULTS: In the anatomical study, the mean reaching distance was 7.4 ± 0.9 cm for the flaps rotated around the fibula and 17.0 ± 1.6 for the tunneled interosseous flaps (p < 0.001). In the clinical study, the mean reaching distance was 2.6 ± 1.4 cm for the flaps rotated around the fibula and 11.4 ± 2.4 for the tunneled interosseous flaps (p < 0.0000000001). Patients were followed for up to 4 years (mean, 2.5 years). All flaps survived completely, and there were no complications. CONCLUSION: By passing the antegrade peroneal flap through the interosseous membrane, instead of around the fibula, the flap reaching distance can be increased by approximately 8 cm, allowing for effective coverage of distal femur and knee defects. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

TDAP: Island versus propeller.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) island flap is a safe and reliable method for breast reconstruction. TDAP propeller flap has been described as a modification of the conventional island technique that saves time and does not require microsurgical skills. However, a substantial portion of the propeller flap remains under the axilla and is not used for breast augmentation. The aim of this study is to identify the differences in the reaching distances between the propeller and island TDAP flaps. METHODS: In five cadaveric specimens and 10 breast reconstruction patients, an initial propeller flap was harvested and rotated to the anterior thorax; the distance from the tip of the flap to the anterior midline was recorded as the "midline-reaching deficit;" the flap was then converted into a conventional island flap, and the new midline-reaching deficit was recorded. Differences between groups were compared with paired two-tailed t-tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: In the cadaveric specimens, the mean midline-reaching deficit was 4.8 ± 2.4 cm with the propeller TDAP and -0.6 ± 2.0 cm with the conventional island TDAP (P < 0.001). In the clinical cases, the mean midline-reaching deficit was 8.1 ± 1.0 cm with the propeller TDAP and -0.3 ± 1.1 cm with the island TDAP (P < 0.000000001). DISCUSSION: We observed that the midline-reaching deficit could be reduced by 7-9 cm with the conventional island TDAP in comparison to the propeller TDAP. This should be considered when reconstructing the medial inner part of the breast.

Extended thoracodorsal artery perforator flap for breast reconstruction.

A total of 45 patients underwent partial or total autologous breast reconstruction after skin-sparing mastectomy, skin-reducing mastectomy, and quadrantectomy using a thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap. The detailed surgical technique with its variations is explained in this report. The propeller, flip-over, conventional perforator, and muscle-sparing flaps have been described and evaluated. The flaps were partially or completely de-epithelialized. The conventional TDAP can be enlarged or "extended" as the traditional latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous (LD-MC) flap by incorporating the superior and inferior fat compartments. It can be referred to as the "extended TDAP flap". This technique augments the flap volume. In addition, this flap can serve as a scaffold for lipofilling to obtain autologous breast reconstruction in medium to large cases. There were two complete failures due to technical errors during flap elevation. Distal partial tissue suffering was observed in four flaps. These flaps were longer than usual; they reached the midline of the back. It is advisable to discard the distal medial quarter of the flap when it is designed up to the midline to avoid steatonecrosis or fibrosis. A retrospective analysis of the 39 flaps that survived completely revealed a satisfactory result in 82% of the cases. The main disadvantage of this procedure is the final scar. The TDAP flap is a reliable and safe method for partial or total breast autologous reconstruction.

Reconstruction of thoracic burn sequelae by scar release and flap resurfacing.

INTRODUCTION: In the USA, 450,000 thermal burns receive medical treatment annually. Burn scars are commonly excised and covered with skin grafts. Long-term, these treatments commonly leave patients with discomfort, reduced total lung capacity and forced vital capacity, and restriction of thoracic expansion and shoulder joint mobility. In this article, we present our experience with using scar release and immediate flap reconstruction to treat thoracic restriction due to burn sequelae. METHODS: From 1998 to 2014, we enrolled 16 patients with anterior thoracic burn sequelae that had previously been treated conservatively or with skin grafts that eventually recidivated. Preoperatively, we measured thoracic circumference in expiration and inspiration, %FVC, %FEV1, and shoulder mobility. All patients underwent anterior thoracic scar release and immediate flap resurfacing. RESULTS: At 2 weeks to 3 months postoperatively (mean, 2.6 months), mean thoracic circumference upon inspiration increased from 83.6 cm±5.7 to 86.5 cm±5.8 (p<0.0000000001). Mean %FVC improved from 76.0%±2.64% to 88.2%±4.69% (p<0.0000001). Mean %FEV1 improved from 79.2%±3.85 to 87.8%±2.98 (p<0.000001). All 14 patients who had restricted shoulder mobility preoperatively no longer had restricted shoulder mobility postoperatively. The mean patient-reported satisfaction was 4.6/5 (range, 3-5). At a mean follow up of 2.5 years, none of the contractures recidivated. Complications included 2 cases of tissue necrosis of the distal end of the flap. In one case, the flap was restored; in the other case, the patient eventually had to receive a new flap. Additional complications included two local infections that were successfully treated with oral and local antibiotics and two hematomas that were drained and eventually healed without tissue loss. CONCLUSIONS: Scar releases and flaps provide a safe and effective method for the correction of restricted thoracic expansion, respiratory restriction, decreased range of shoulder motion, and discomfort from thoracic burn sequelae.

Propeller thoracodorsal artery perforator flap for breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap has been described for breast reconstruction. This flap requires intramuscular dissection of the pedicle. A modification of the conventional TDAP surgical technique for breast reconstruction is described, utilizing instead a propeller TDAP flap. The authors present their clinical experience with the propeller TDAP flap in breast reconstruction alone or in combination with expanders or permanent implants. METHODS: From January 2009 to February 2013, sixteen patients had breast reconstruction utilizing a propeller TDAP flap. Retrospective analysis of patient characteristics, clinical indications, procedure and outcomes were performed. The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 48 months. RESULTS: Sixteen patients had breast reconstruction using a TDAP flap with or without simultaneous insertion of an expander or implant. All flaps survived, while two cases required minimal resection due to distal flap necrosis, healing by second intention. There were not donor-site seromas, while minimal wound dehiscence was detected in two cases. CONCLUSIONS: The propeller TDAP flap appears to be safe and effective for breast reconstruction, resulting in minimal donor site morbidity. The use of this propeller flap emerges as a true alternative to the traditional TDAP flap.