Reverse-supercharged, distally based latissimus dorsi flap for lumbar defect: A case report.

Well-vascularized tissue is required for successful reconstruction of a soft tissue defect in the lumbar region. There are several options for reconstruction; however, controversy exists regarding the optimal technique. Here, we present a case of a lumbar defect following tumor resection in a 75-year-old patient that was repaired using a reverse-supercharged, distally based latissimus dorsi flap. The defect of size 15 × 12 cm2 was localized to the lumbar region. An 11 × 7 cm2 -sized, distally based latissimus dorsi flap was designed cephalad to the latissimus dorsi muscle. After the flap was tunneled to the defect, vascular insufficiency of the skin flap was observed. Supercharging was subsequently performed by anastomosing the serratus anterior branch in a reverse manner to the lumbar perforator. The diameters of the vessels at the end-to-end anastomosis site were 1.0 mm (artery) and 1.2 mm (vein), respectively, and there was slight discrepancy in their calibers. After microvascular anastomosis, the vascular supply of the flap improved, and the flap survived uneventfully, without venous congestion. The patient was discharged 17 days after the surgery, and no recurrence of the tumor was observed at the 2-year follow-up. We report a case of successful salvage of a distally based latissimus dorsi flap by the reverse-supercharge technique based on a serratus anterior branch. This flap might be a suitable alternative for use in the lumbar region in the case of limited availability of reconstructive choices.

Recurrent branch of anterior interosseous artery perforator-based propeller flap for distal forearm injuries: Report of 2 cases.

Despite various options for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the distal forearm, perforator-based propeller flap is rarely used. Here, we presented 2 cases of distal forearm injuries that were repaired using the recurrent branch of anterior interosseous artery perforator-based propeller flap. Patients in these cases were 57 and 67 years of age. Wounds resulting from farming machine injury and pyogenic extensor tenosynovitis following cat bite wounds were localized to the distal forearm and dorsum of the hand. Defect dimensions were 5 cm × 10 cm and 5 cm × 8 cm. The 12 cm × 7 cm and 21 cm × 4 cm sized recurrent branch of anterior interosseous artery perforator-based propeller flap was designed adjacent to the wounds. In the latter case, the absence of the posterior interosseous artery in the distal forearm was observed. One perforator from the recurrent branch of the anterior interosseous artery emerged through the septum between the extensor digiti minimi and extensor carpi ulnaris 7.5 cm and 6.0 cm proximal to the ulnar head in cases 1 and 2, respectively. Perforators were identified using multidetector computed tomographic angiography and handheld Doppler. Extending to two-thirds or almost the full length of the forearm, the flaps were raised and rotated by 90° and 120° to cover the defect. The donor sites were closed using free skin graft. Both flaps survived. Except for minor wound dehiscence and hemarthrosis, no other postoperative complications occurred. Patients returned to work or daily activities at 3- and 4-month follow-up after surgery.