[Preoperative computed tomographic angiography and perforator flaps: a standardization of the protocol]. / Angiotomodensitométrie préopératoire dans les lambeaux perforants: standardisation du protocole.

INTRODUCTION: Perforator flaps have an increasing role in reconstructive surgery. The preoperative analysis of perforator arteries enables the precise identification of their caliber and course, and so to select the optimal one(s), in order to improve the flap's design therefore reducing operating time. This study aims to propose a standardized protocol of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) before DIEAP flap, ALT flap, TAP flap and SGAP flap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study focuses on CTA before conducting a perforator flap. Together with radiologists, a CTA protocol has been developed. It specifies the patient's positioning, the intravenous contrast's concentration, flow rate, acquisition start and slice thickness as well as techniques used for mapping and 3D reconstruction. RESULTS: Patient positioning must be the same as the operating positioning during acquisition. His skin should be free of any cloth, clothing or bandages. The intravenous contrast must have a concentration between 350 and 400mg/ml for a flow rate of 4 ml/sec and its injection followed by a rinçure with 30 ml of saline water. The region of interest (ROI) should be defined for each flap. Its definition makes it to follow the contrast's progression through it. Acquisition begins when the contrast bolus arrives at the ROI. Slice thickness should be of 0.625 mm. CONCLUSION: CTA gives information on the caliber and the septal or intramuscular course of perforator as well as on its source vessel. By making a mapping of perforators, it prepares surgical procedure and dissection. The CTA protocol enhances reliability of perforator flaps.

[Retrospective study of third degree cervico-facial burns]. / Étude rétrospective des brûlures cervico-faciales du troisième degré

INTRODUCTION: Cervical and facial burns can be responsible of social and professional exclusions, functional limitations and psychological repercussions. Composite allotransplantation has become a reality for complex facial reconstructions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the sequelae of third degree facial burns that might fit into a facial transplant program. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study in our burn unit from May 2006 to July 2009. We included all the patients with third degree cervico-facial burns. One hundred and eighty seven patients were selected. We excluded 87 patients for insufficient initial photography or lack in the medical data. The topography of the facial burns was analysed for each patient and separated into different aesthetic sub units. A questionnaire was mailed to the patients evaluating the psychological, functional and aesthetic sequelae. RESULTS: The follow-up was of 12 months at least. Of the 100 patients, 82 presented with partial facial burns and 18 with full facial burns. Of the 82 patients with partial burns, 48% had burns in the chin area, 45% in the neck area, 41% in the cheeks and 37% in the ears. The sub units associated with functional sequelae were the neck (32%) and the peri-buccal and peri-orbital region (11-14%). On the 100 questionnaires, 28 patients responded. CONCLUSION: Third degree burns sequelae concerned mainly the neck and the lower third of the face. The indication of facial allotransplantation remains rare in the burn patient. The deep carbonisation and the very extensive burn patient with severe functional sequelae where the standard reconstructive procedures are inefficient might be eligible for a facial allotransplant program.

[Foot defect with vascular and neural injury due to freshwater stingray sting: reconstruction with a lesser saphenous vein adipo-fascial flap]. / Perte de substance du pied avec lésion vasculonerveuse suite à une piqûre de raie d'eau douce : reconstruction par lambeau adipofascial de veine petite saphène.

The emergency care to stingrays envenomation permits, in the majority of cases, to limit the damage caused. In the case of delayed medical care, we can meet deep and extensive lesions that need to be thoroughly explored in order to better address their reconstruction. We report the case of a patient injured by freshwater stingray. He presented a necrotic defect of 6 cm in diameter under the right medial malleolus with bone exposure and neurovascular injury. We opted for a therapeutic strategy in two steps. The first step consisted in a large debridement of the necrotic defect, under appropriate antibiotics and negative pressure therapy. Three weeks later, we covered the defect with a distally based lesser saphenous vein veno-fascia-subcutaneous flap, covered with a split-thickness graft. The coverage of the defect was satisfactory. The infection was controlled with antibiotics, which we prolonged for one month. The patient presented, initially, hypoesthesia of the upper lateral foot in relation with a neurapraxis of the sural nerve. The symptoms resolved at two months. The foot edema due to venous stasis also resolved at two months. The donor site healed without complications. The ability to wear normal shoes was preserved. The patient resumed his daily activities promptly.