Secondary Microsurgical Reconstruction of the Cervical Esophagus: Safer Flaps and Practical Tips in a Challenging Situation.

Background: Cervical esophageal reconstruction is vital to improve the quality of life in cancer surgery patients. Microsurgery is crucial in providing vascularized tissue for defect repair, particularly in secondary cases with a higher risk of failure due to larger defects and damage from previous surgery and radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of a series of patients who underwent secondary repair of esophageal defects and provide practical information for the management and treatment of such cases based on the authors' experience and the literature review. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of the Plastic Surgery Clinic at the University of Trieste to identify cases of patients who underwent secondary esophageal microsurgical reconstructions following oncological surgery. Patient demographics, the etiology of esophageal defects, previous surgical history, and preoperative assessments were collected from medical records. Surgical techniques utilized for reconstruction, such as pedicled flaps or free tissue transfers, were documented along with intraoperative information. Postoperative outcomes, including complications, graft viability, and functional outcomes, were evaluated during follow-up. Results: We treated 13 cases of secondary esophageal reconstructions between 2011 and 2022. Most commonly, Antero-Lateral Thigh (ALT) flaps were used in 10 cases, while 2 cases employed a radial forearm flap (RFF), and 1 case employed a chimeric parascapular flap. No flap failures occurred during a median 50-month follow-up. One ALT flap patient experienced postop stricture but maintained swallowing ability. A single tracheoesophageal fistula occurred in an RFF patient with a history of radiotherapy and complete lymph node dissection. Conclusions: Cervical esophageal reconstruction significantly impacts patients' quality of life by restoring oral feeding and phonation. When local flaps fall short, microsurgical reconstruction with intestinal flaps is valuable but is burdened by limitations. For challenging secondary cases, ALT or RFF flaps emerge as safer options due to their robust pedicles, yielding low complication rates and positive functional outcomes.

Parascapular Flap for Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory disease which affects apocrine glands and hair follicles of the skin, primarily in the axillary and groin regions. This condition can be highly debilitating, causing painful lesions and a negative psychological impact on patients. While medical and minimally invasive treatments are available, surgical intervention may be necessary for severe cases. In cases involving axillary defects, the use of local flaps such as the parascapular flap is a viable option. In this case report, we present a 34-year-old woman who presented to our clinic with a history of recurrent abscesses and cutaneous infections in the axillary region. After thorough evaluation, we chose to use the parascapular flap for reconstruction. The parascapular flap is a one-stage procedure that allows for extensive resection of the axillary area without resulting in contractions or retractions over the long term. Additionally, this technique allows for preservation of the axilla's original shape with minimal donor site morbidity.

Routine Contrasted Chest CT Accurately Identifies Anatomic Variations of the Proximal Subscapular System.

OBJECTIVE: The vascular anatomy of the proximal subscapular artery has been previously classified into 2 major types depending on the presence of a common subscapular trunk. The purpose of this study was to determine the utility, reliability, and cost of routine chest imaging to identify these anatomical variations. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively at a tertiary medical center for patients who were undergoing CT chest for various indications between October 2019 and October 2020. Two independent and blinded readers interpreted CT chest with contrast of 52 patients for a total 104 sides. RESULTS: The proximal branching pattern of the subscapular system was identified to have a common trunk in 99 (95%) sides. The remaining five sides (5%) demonstrated two arterial pedicles; with one patient exhibiting the variant anatomy bilaterally. CONCLUSION: Preoperative CT chest with contrast can accurately identify anatomic variation of the subscapular vascular system. For complex reconstruction requiring a single anastomosis in the vessel depleted neck, preoperative imaging can assure selection of a type I vascular anatomy of the proximal subscapular system. Preoperative imaging with contrasted CT has value in assessing this anatomy when planning for chimeric flaps involving circumflex scapular and thoracodorsal arteries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:684-687, 2024.

[The conjoined latissimus dorsi and parascapular free flap for reconstruction of extensive soft tissue defects]. / Die freie kombinierte Musculus latissimus dorsi- und Paraskapular-Lappenplastik zur Rekonstruktion besonders ausgedehnter Weichteildefekte.

OBJECTIVE: Durable and resilient soft tissue reconstruction of vast defects of the extremities or the torso. INDICATIONS: Reconstruction of disproportionately large defects, particularly in cases of simultaneous bone and joint reconstruction. CONTRAINDICATIONS: History of surgery or irradiation of upper back and axilla, impossibility of surgery under lateral positioning; relative contraindications in wheelchair users, hemiplegics, or amputees. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: General anesthesia and lateral positioning. First, the parascapular flap is harvested, with the initial skin incision made medially in order to identify the medial triangular space and the circumflex scapular artery. Flap raising then proceeds from caudal to cranial. Second, the latissimus dorsi is harvested, with the lateral border being dissected free first, before the thoracodorsal vessels are visualized on its undersurface. Flap raising then proceeds from caudal to cranial. Third, the parascapular flap is advanced through the medial triangular space. If the circumflex scapular and thoracodorsal vessels originate separately from the subscapular axis, an in-flap anastomosis is warranted. Subsequent microvascular anastomoses should be performed outside the zone of injury, typically in an end-to-end fashion of the vein and end-to-side fashion of the artery. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Postoperative anticoagulation with low-molecular-weight heparin under anti-Xa monitoring (semitherapeutic in normal-risk and therapeutic in high-risk cases). Hourly clinical assessment of flap perfusion for 5 consecutive days, followed by stepwise relaxation of immobilization and commencement of dangling procedures in cases of lower extremity reconstruction. RESULTS: Between 2013 and 2018, 74 conjoined latissimus dorsi and parascapular flaps were transplanted to cover vast defects of the lower (n = 66) and upper extremity (n = 8). The mean defect size was 723 ± 482 cm2 and the mean flap size was 635 ± 203 cm2. Eight flaps required in-flap anastomoses for separate vascular origins. There was no case of total flap loss.

Reconstruction of the Axillary Region after Excision of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review.

Introduction Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, debilitating, recurrent, auto-inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous units of the skin. The axillary region is the most affected anatomical site and its reconstructive options include skin grafts, local random plasties, regional axial flaps, and regional perforator flaps. The main aim of this systematic review is to identify the best surgical technique for axillary reconstruction in the context of HS, in terms of efficacy and safety. Methods We adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) throughout the whole review protocol build-up. The literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane library databases, updated to March 2021. Quality was assessed for each study, through the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool. Results A total of 23 studies were included in the final analysis. We reviewed a total of 394 axillary reconstructions in 313 patients affected by HS Hurley Stage II or III. Skin grafts were associated with the highest overall complication rate (37%), and highest rate of reconstruction failure (22%). Between thoraco-dorsal artery perforator flap, posterior arm flap, and parascapular flap, the latter showed fewer total complications, recurrences, and failures. Conclusion Regional axial flaps should be considered as the best surgical approach in the management of advanced HS. The parascapular flap emerges as the most effective and safest option for axillary reconstruction. Local random flaps might be considered only for selected minor excisions, due to the higher risk of recurrence. The use of skin grafts for axillary reconstruction is discouraged.

Multiple free dorsal flaps for symmetrical peripheral gangrene of the extremities: A case report.

We present a case of symmetrical peripheral gangrene of the extremities due to acute infectious purpura fulminans that was reconstructed with four free flaps harvested from the bilateral backs. We reconstructed the right and left, upper and lower limbs using the parascapular flap and latissimus dorsi muscle flap from one side and the scapular flap and thoracodorsal artery perforator flap from the other side, in multiple stages. All four flaps survived, preserving the right and left heels and function of the bilateral wrist joints. Although there have been several reports of single-stage elevation of the combined scapular and latissimus dorsi flaps, there has been no report of multi-stage elevations of these flaps. When multiple flaps are required in multi-stage, raising the flaps based on the thoracodorsal artery and scapular circumflex artery from the ipsilateral back is a useful method because it does not require additional donor sites.

Free vascularized parascapular fat flap for parotidectomy reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The contour defect resulting after parotidectomy can be cosmetically unappealing. Multiple reconstructive efforts have been reported to mitigate this problem. We describe a novel technique of vascularized parascapular fat reconstruction based on the circumflex scapular vessels and evaluate its outcomes. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent parotidectomy with or without additional resections and vascularized parascapular fat flap reconstruction in 2020 were included. Demographic, morphologic, intraoperative, and postoperative data were assessed. RESULTS: Eight patients (3 female) were included. Median cut-to-close time was 247 (range 209-298) minutes, including tumor ablation. None of the patients had any wound complications, and all except one was discharged on postoperative day 1. Flap monitoring was not performed. None reported any significant donor site morbidity except scar formation. At last follow up, all patients reported satisfactory facial contour. CONCLUSION: Vascularized parascapular fat flap reconstruction of parotidectomy contour defects has satisfactory cosmetic outcomes with minimal morbidity and short hospitalization courses.

Application of the Spider Limb Positioner to Subscapular System Free Flaps.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the application and surgical time savings of the Spider Limb Positioner for subscapular system free flaps in head and neck reconstructive surgery. METHODS: Single institution retrospective chart review and analysis of patients between 2011 and 2019 that underwent a subscapular system free flap either with or without use of the Spider Limb Positioner. One hundred five patients in total were reviewed with 53 patients in the Spider group. The surgical times were compared between the two groups. Patient-specific information regarding average age, laterality of donor site, recipient site, gender, and flap type were reviewed. RESULTS: Forty-one patients in both groups underwent a latissimus free flap. Twelve of 53 in the Spider group and 11/52 in the control group underwent a scapula free flap. The average age in the Spider group at the time of surgery was 64 years. The recipient sites for the Spider groups were reviewed. The free flap was ipsilateral to the defect in 81% of cases. The mean surgical time for the 105 patients without the Spider was 568 minutes versus 486 minutes with a Spider P-value of .003478. CONCLUSION: Use of the Spider Limb Positioner allows for a simultaneous two-team approach during free flap elevation of the subscapular system, which eliminates both dependence on an assistant to support the arm and time consuming positioning changes during flap elevation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:525-528, 2021.

Unusual pattern of partial failure of preexpanded free parascapular flap for neck reconstruction.

The present article focuses on a relatively rare condition of a partial necrosis of free microvascular flap in a patient with severe postburn contracture of the neck region, subjected to reconstructive microsurgery. Reconstructive microsurgical staged procedure was undertaken to correct the scar contracture and restore the aesthetic unit. Substantial partial flap necrosis, requiring secondary surgery, was observed in the early postoperative period. Surprisingly only the distal 1/3 of the skin island of the parascapular flap survived. Final reconstruction of the neck reconstruction was accomplished by means of full thickness skin graft over the area of partially necrotic flap. Good final result was achieved. Overall treatment course is discussed in the light of the current trends.

Lateral Breast and Axillary Reconstruction With Pedicled Parascapular Flap.

Objective: Immediate flap reconstruction following mastectomy in patients who may require adjuvant radiation therapy can be controversial. However, exposure of vital structure or defects too large for primary closure may necessitate immediate utilization of flaps. In this setting, both functional and cosmetic outcomes must be considered. Methods: We describe a case in which the patient required a wide excision of the axillary skin and a partial mastectomy, with a resulting large axillary and lateral breast skin defect. The ipsilateral pedicled parascapular flap was used for immediate reconstruction, with primary donor site closure. Results: Seven years postoperatively, she remained disease free, contracture free, with near-normal shoulder range of motion, and good cosmesis. Conclusions: Our case supports prior studies that have demonstrated the parascapular flap to have low donor site morbidity compared with other harvest sites. Our patient did not suffer from loss of functional range of motion or limitation in physical activity. It also demonstrates the flap's utility for lateral breast and axillary coverage and its durability in the setting of adjuvant radiation therapy.

Reconstructive options for large back free flap donor sites.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of posterior thoracic and trunk defects can prove challenging even to the most seasoned surgeons. Many commonly used techniques for closing back defects include primary closure and split skin grafts. Often times, however, other techniques are needed in order to give the patient the best aesthetic and functional outcome. In this study, we focus on and evaluate donor site closure techniques for defects in the back created by harvesting scapular and parascapular flaps. METHODS: Twenty patients were operated on to remove pathologically diagnosed sarcomas using a wide local excision. The defects, ranging from 5 to 22 cm in width, were closed using donor flaps from the scapular/parascapular region. Nine donor sites were then closed primarily with wide undermining, while 11 donor sites were closed using multiple techniques, such as large transposition flaps, large rotation advancement flaps, keystone neurovascular island flaps, latissimus dorsi advancement flap and large Y-V advancement flaps. RESULTS: All recipient and donor flaps survived with good aesthetic and functional outcome. Patient satisfaction was high and only two of 20 donor site flaps required further surgery due to wound dehiscence. No other complications were seen during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The proposed advanced techniques for donor site closure in back defects have shown that primary wound healing can be achieved with the use of a variety of different techniques and the avoidance of the complications of a skin graft.

A comparative study of tissue expansion and free parascapular flaps in extensive facial burn scar reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Large post burn scars are a very difficult problem to treat. Available methods include skin grafts and tissue expansion. The reconstructive method used should be tailored according to individual patient rather than following a textbook approach in each. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was done of cases with extensive facial burn scars in whom secondary reconstruction was done with either free parascapular flap cover or tissue expansion and flap advancement following facial burn scar excision by a single surgeon (GSK) in Department of Burns, Plastic and reconstructive surgery. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients with free parascapular flap and 15 patients with tissue expansion followed by flap advancement were analyzed in the group. There were no free flap failures, but 2 patients required skin graft at donor site. In patients undergoing tissue expansion, minor complication was noted in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: Tissue expansion is a useful technique in reconstruction of post burn scars, but has its limitations, especially in patients with extensive burns in head and neck region with limited local tissue availability. Parascapular free flap may provide a good alternative option for reconstruction in such cases.

Retalho Duoescapular: uma nova opção na cirurgia reparadora do ombro / Duoscapular flap: a new option in shoulder reconstructive surgery

INTRODUÇÃO: O Dermatofibrossarcoma do Ombro é patologia incomum e seu tratamento demanda extensas ressecções. O sistema escapular é fonte de retalhos bastante utilizados nesta região. MÉTODO: Realizado estudo longitudinal, prospectivo, através da condução de um caso de Dermatofibrossarcoma Protuberans em ombro direito, submetido a ressecção e reconstrução local com Retalho Duoescapular, obtido através da associação dos retalhos escapular e paraescapular. RESULTADOS: Paciente evoluiu sem intercorrências no pós-operatório, não sendo observadas complicações sistêmicas e locais, e limitações funcionais. CONCLUSÃO: O Retalho Duoescapular é nova e relevante opção para reconstrução de feridas extensas, com exposição de estruturas nobres no ombro. Permite fechamento primário da área doadora, sem acrescentar morbidade ao procedimento.

INTRODUCTION: Shoulder cutaneous fibrosarcoma is an unusual pathology that requires extensive resections. The scapula is a source of flaps widely used in this region. METHOD: A longitudinal and prospective study was carried out in a patient with protuberans cutaneous fibrosarcoma on the right shoulder who underwent resection followed by local reconstruction with a Duoscapular Flap (a combination of scapular and parascapular flaps). RESULTS: The patient had no postoperative complications, as systemic and local complications as well as functional limitations were not observed. CONCLUSION: Duoscapular Flap placement is a novel procedure and a relevant choice for the reconstruction of extensive wounds exposing noble structures in the shoulder. It allows the primary closure of the donor area without increasing the morbidity of the procedure.

Osteochondroma of the ventral scapula causing scapular static winging and secondary rib erosion.

An osteochondroma is a benign tumour of bone, which is located mainly in the metaphysis of long bones. It does not commonly occur in the scapula. On the ventral surface of the scapula, it can produce various manifestations due to mass effect. We are reporting a rare presentation of an osteochondroma at superomedial angle of ventral aspect of the scapula in a 31-year-old female. She initially presented with a painful shoulder and radiating pain in the arm. The scapular mass produced pseudo winging of the scapula and erosion of the ribs on the same side. The patient was successfully managed by open excision, using a parascapular approach. The patient had no evidence of recurrence at one year's follow-up and is currently able to carry on her day to day activities without any discomfort.

Facial contouring with parascapular free flap: A case series of 22 cases.

BACKGROUND: The facial asymmetry correction in complex craniofacial malformations presents a challenging problem for reconstructive surgeons. Progressive hemifacial atrophy (HFA) and hemifacial microsomia (HFM) can manifest in different grades of severity. Most patients require only soft-tissue augmentation. Free flaps are the best option for correction of severe facial soft-tissue deficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients of HFM and HFA were included in this study from January 2006 to March 2009 in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, SMS Medical College and Hospital. In all cases, atrophy correction was done using de-epithelialised parascapular free flap with the de-epithelialised surface was placed under the skin. A small skin paddle was taken for monitoring. RESULTS: All cases were reconstructed with de-epithelialised parascapular free flap. There was no flap loss in this series. Hematoma was noted in five cases. Debulking and removal of skin paddle were done in all cases after 6 months. Atrophy recurrence was not observed in any of the cases on follow-up. CONCLUSION: Contouring of face in cases of HMF and HFA is satisfactorily done with the parascapular free flap. It gives better cosmetic results with minimal donor site morbidity. Facial vessels are better recipient vessels for anastomosis. Keeping de-epithelialised surface of flap under the skin helped in preventing sagging.

Pre-expanded Extended Island Parascapular Flap for Reconstruction of Post-burn Neck Contracture.

Background. Since it was described by Nassif et al. in 1982, the parascapular flap has been used as a pedicled or island flap for axillary contractures and as a free flap for neck reconstruction. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports in English describing its use as an island flap for neck reconstruction. Methods. Nine patients with severe post-burn neck contracture scars were reconstructed with pre-expanded extended island parascapular flaps. Results. All flaps survived completely, providing thin skin coverage of the neck defect with satisfactory natural appearance. The size of the flaps ranged from 32 to 44 cm in length and 11 to 16 cm in width (mean: length 38.2; width, 14.2 cm). No debulking was done but secondary revisions such as Z-plasty and scar revision were performed for all flaps. The donor site was closed primarily in all patients but delayed wound healing was recorded in two. Widening and hypertrophic scar changes developed at the donor site of seven patients. Conclusions. The utilization of pre-expanded extended island parascapular flap is an effective way for reconstruction of post-burn neck contracture. It provides a large good-quality skin flap that can cover all the aesthetic units of the neck without any microvascular anastomosis. However, the protracted time required for the procedure and the requirement of two operations, plus the repeated follow-up visits, may constitute major disadvantages.