Strategic Approaches to Intraflap Anastomosis: Navigating Conjoined DIEP Flap Reconstruction-A Comprehensive Roadmap.

Background: For patients desiring autologous breast reconstruction without adequate abdominal tissue volume, the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap may be stacked or combined with other flaps for bilateral reconstruction. Various combinations of anastomoses have been described in the literature. We sought to describe a framework for intraflap anastomoses. Methods: A retrospective review of 17 patients who underwent conjoined DIEP flaps with intraflap anastomoses with a single surgeon was performed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, operative details, and complications were reviewed. A framework scheme was developed for the type of intraflap anastomosis performed. Results: Between 2016 and 2020, 17 patients underwent conjoined DIEP flaps for unilateral breast reconstruction. Fourteen patients had delayed reconstruction. Eleven patients underwent an intraflap anastomosis in which a medial perforator on the left hemiabdomen flap was anastomosed with a distal lateral row perforator in the right hemiabdomen flap (type A). Four patients underwent an intraflap anastomosis in which a left lateral perforator was anastomosed to a right distal lateral row perforator (type B). Two patients underwent an intraflap anastomosis in which the left superficial inferior epigastric vessel was anastomosed to a right lateral row perforator (type C). Complications included reoperation (11.8%), partial flap loss (5.9%), seroma (23.5%), and hematoma (11.8%). Conclusions: We report a detailed framework for intraflap anastomoses of conjoined DIEP flap reconstruction including superficial inferior epigastric artery/superficial inferior epigastric vessel options. Knowledge of this comprehensive framework will allow surgeons to identify the type of intraflap anastomoses required for the anatomy they encounter and will standardize reporting of surgical technique in the literature.

Evaluation of Intraoperative Anastomotic Patency with Angiography in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction.

Background: Microsurgical breast reconstruction is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding procedures performed by plastic surgeons. Several measures are taken to ensure safe elevation of the flap, preparation of recipient vessels, microvascular anastomosis, and flap inset. Reestablishing proper blood flow to the flap tissue after microvascular anastomosis is one of many critical steps for surgical success. Several measures to assess blood flow to the flap have been used; however, the use of indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) of the anastomosis in breast reconstruction has not been well documented. We present a series using ICGA for the evaluation of microvascular anastomosis success in breast reconstruction. Methods: Cases from patients who underwent microsurgical breast reconstruction between March 2022 and January 2023 and who had intraoperative ICGA were retrospectively reviewed. We compared the intraoperative findings on ICGA to flap success. Results: Sixteen patients underwent bilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstruction with intraoperative ICGA of the microvascular anastomosis, constituting 32 deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps. The ICGA demonstrated return of blood flow in all the flaps after microvascular anastomosis and no flap loss in our sample population. Nine flaps required additional drainage using the superficial inferior epigastric vein, and the superficial circumflex vein was used for additional drainage in one of the flaps. Conclusions: The use of intraoperative ICGA provides reliable visual feedback regarding the patency and direction of the blood flow through the microvascular anastomosed vessels. ICGA can be used as an additional tool in the plastic surgeon's armamentarium for successful breast reconstruction.

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation of the Supraclavicular Nerve to the Motor Branch of the Omohyoid Muscle in Patients Undergoing Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Procedures.

Transection of the supraclavicular nerve (SCN) through supraclavicular incisions can lead to debilitating neuroma formation. Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) proved to be an effective technique for the prevention and treatment of neuroma. In this case series, we propose the TMR of the SCN to the motor branch of the omohyoid muscle (OM) to prevent the formation of neuroma and avoid chronic pain at the supraclavicular area after thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) procedures. A total of 10 patients underwent the procedure. Dissection of the SCN and its branches was performed through a supraclavicular incision. The branches were transected close to the clavicle. The inferior belly of the OM was identified and its motor branch isolated. Coaptation of the SCN branches with the motor branch of the OM was performed under the microscope and the wound was closed in layers. All the patients denied pain or hypersensitivity at the supraclavicular area on follow-up. In summary, the motor branch of the OM is a viable recipient for the TMR of the SCN and can prevent and treat painful neuromas at the supraclavicular area with minimal morbidity.

Pyoderma gangrenosum after deep inferior epigastric perforator flap: How prompt diagnosis and treatment can avoid surgical debridement and further morbidity.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a skin disorder characterized by painful, enlarging necrotic ulcers with bluish borders surrounded by advancing zones of erythema. The key histologic feature is neutrophilic infiltration of the superficial and deep layers of the dermis and the absence of microorganisms. Although rare and associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, the diagnosis is commonly missed at presentation and patients are often treated for infection with antibiotics and surgical debridement. We present a case of PG in a 51 year-old woman after a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap for breast reconstruction who was promptly diagnosed and treated with steroids with appropriate response. Our case highlights the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment of this disease to avoid incorrect management including surgical debridement, which can exacerbate the disease and increase its morbidity.

Deep venous thrombosis in a 41-year-old female with May-Thurner syndrome following abdominoplasty and medial thigh lift.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a feared occurrence following body contouring surgery as it can result in pulmonary embolism. Acute presentation can range from lower extremity edema and pain to being totally asymptomatic. Surgical literature reports reveal many risk factors for developing DVT, and surgeons must risk stratify their patients to best prevent this outcome. However, there are conditions which place patients at risk that are difficult to account for when making such decisions as they can be undiagnosed and are not a part of standard screening protocols. We present a case of DVT in a 41-year-old female with undiagnosed May-Thurner syndrome following abdominoplasty and medial thigh lift for massive weight loss. The authors discuss the current literature as well as challenges faced by surgeons who strive to appropriately risk stratify their cosmetic surgery patients to avoid complications such as venous thromboembolism.

Mamoplastia de aumento: correlação entre o planejamento cirúrgico e as taxas de complicações pós-operatórias / Breast augmentation: correlation between surgical planning and complication rates after surgery

INTRODUÇÃO: Os implantes mamários continuam sendo uma opção muito popular tanto para pacientes de cirurgia plástica estética quanto reconstrutora. Existem múltiplos fatores que podem afetar os resultados de cirurgias com implante mamário. Um adequado planejamento sobre o posicionamento da incisão, necessidade de associar mastopexia, plano de inserção e modelo do implante aumentam a probabilidade de resultados adequados e minimizam a necessidade de tratamento cirúrgico secundário. Estudo realizado para descrever a experiência do serviço de Cirurgia Plástica do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre entre 2011 e 2016 correlacionando o planejamento cirúrgico realizado com as taxas de complicações e reintervenção cirúrgica. MÉTODOS: Coorte retrospectiva que analisou os pacientes submetidos a implantes mamários no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre entre 2011 e 2016, sendo incluídos somente casos de mamoplastia de aumento estética, associada ou não à mastopexia. Todos os pacientes tiveram seu prontuário analisado; posteriormente, realizou-se uma ligação telefônica para complementar as informações do questionário. Finalizou-se com uma consulta com um cirurgião plástico do serviço, que examinou a paciente e confirmou os dados coletados para o questionário, não sendo em nenhum caso o cirurgião assistente. RESULTADOS: Não há diferença significativa entre a variação no planejamento cirúrgico e a incidência de complicações. CONCLUSÃO: Ainda não há consenso quanto à melhor via de acesso e plano do implante mamário, sendo necessários estudos comparando as diferentes rotinas de cada serviço. No momento os melhores resultados ainda são baseados numa rotina sistematizada, dissecção cirúrgica precisa e contaminação mínima.

INTRODUCTION: Breast implants remain a very popular option both for aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeries. A number of factors can affect the results of breast implant surgeries. The adequate planning on incision placement, need to associate mastopexy, insertion plane, and implant model increase the likelihood of adequate outcomes and reduce the need for secondary surgical treatment. This study describes the experience of a Plastic Surgery Service at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre from 2011 to 2016 by correlating surgical planning with complication rates and surgical reintervention. METHODS: A retrospective cohort that analyzed patients who underwent breast implants at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre between 2011 and 2016, and included only cases of aesthetic breast augmentation, associated or not with mastopexy. All patients had their records analyzed, and after that an interview by phone was conducted to complement the information of the questionnaire. The analyzed was concluded with an appointment with a plastic surgeon of the service who examined the patient and confirmed the data collected for the questionnaire. No patients was evaluated by the assistant surgeon in last examination. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between variation in surgical planning and incidence of complications. CONCLUSION: Still, no consensus exists regarding the best access route and plan for the breast implant. Further studies are necessary to compare the different routines of each service. Currently, best results are still based on routine systematization, precise surgical dissection and minimal contamination.

Manejo da deformidade auricular de Stahl: um relato de caso / Management of Stahl's ear: a case report

Descrita no século XIX, a deformidade auricular de Stahl consiste em uma má formação auricular rara, caracterizada por hipoplasia da raiz da anti-hélice com o alargamento de sua base e uma terceira raiz da anti-hélice conectando-a à parte posterior da hélice, deformando a porção posterossuperior do pavilhão auditivo. A correção cirúrgica é o tratamento definitivo, porém, pela diversidade de apresentações clínicas, não há uma técnica padrão para todos os casos. O método descrito neste relato é mais uma opção de tratamento e consiste na ressecção da terceira cruz e confecção da raiz superior da anti-hélice.

Stahl's ear deformity was first described in the 19th century and it consists of a rare auricular deformity characterized by hypoplasia of the antihelix crus with enlargement of its base and a third crus of the antihelix connected to posterior portion of helix crus, which deforms the posterolateral wall of the external auditory canal. Reconstructive surgery is the definitive treatment, however, because of the diversity of clinical presentations, no standard technique exist for all cases. The method described in this report is another treatment option and entails the resection of the third crus and reconstruction of superior crus of the antihelix.