DIEP Flap for Breast Reconstruction Using Epidural Anesthesia with the Patient Awake.

BACKGROUND: Many articles have been published about breast reconstruction using the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap; however, few articles have been published in plastic/reconstructive surgery journals describing the difference between anesthetic techniques and recovery in microsurgical patients. METHODS: We analyzed 16 patients who underwent DIEP flap for breast reconstruction. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1: general anesthesia (n = 9); group 2: epidural block with the patient awake (n = 7). In group 2, the peridural block was done at 2 levels: thoracic (T2-T3) and lumbar (L2-L3). RESULTS: The success rate was 100% with no partial or total loss of the flap. There was no difference between groups in regard to postoperative pain in the first 5 days (Visual Analog Scale). Analgesia used in group 1 was buprenorphine and ketorolac, and in group 2, only ketorolac without opioid derivatives. Immediate postoperative recovery was better in the peridural group than in the group administered general anesthesia (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: DIEP flap with peridural block and the patient awake during surgery is a feasible technique with better recovery in the immediate postoperative period, achieving good analgesia level with minimal intravenous medication.

Forequarter Amputation and Immediate Reconstruction with a Free Extended Humeral-Radial Forearm Flap.

A forequarter amputation is a radical ablative surgical procedure that includes the entire upper extremity with its shoulder girdle. We present a 53-year-old woman with a solid slow growing tumor in her right shoulder of 15 x 20 cm in diameter. Resection and immediate reconstruction with a free radial forearm flap extended from the distal third of the arm to the midpalmar region, taking the humeral artery and the cephalic vein as a main peddicle. The final outcome is shown at six weeks after the surgery.

Total maxillary reconstruction using a double-barreled and double skin paddle fibular flap after total maxillectomy.

Chondroblastomas are rare entities accounting for approximately 1% of all primary bone tumors. We describe a case of a 7-year-old girl with a giant chondroblastoma of the maxilla, treated with bilateral class III maxillectomy and reconstruction with a double-barreled and double skin paddle fibular free flap. We show evidence of an excellent aesthetic outcome at 6 months' follow up with no evidence of tumor recurrence.