Andrea Figus

Flap size/flow rate relationship in perforator flaps and its importance in DIEAP flap drainage ☆

The vascular architecture within a perforator flap is different from a conventional muscle or myocutaneous flap. The purpose of this paper is to understand the correlation between flow rate and flap size in perforator flaps. With extrapolation of these data, we have provided an indirect analysis of the venous drainage and its correlation with flap size. A prospective study was planned. Twenty-five patients were enrolled in this study: six patients were operated on using an anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap and 19 using a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEAP) flap. One month postoperatively, echo-colour-Doppler measurements were performed on pedicle and perforator arteries to calculate blood flow rate in the flaps. A correlation between weight and flow rate was analysed. Spearman rho statistic was calculated. A linear regression model was made from patient data of flow rate/flap weight and predicted values of flow per flap weight were calculated. Then, flow rate values of veins of various diameters were estimated using Hagen-Poiseuilles formula. Our data show that flow rate measured postoperatively on flap arteries is significantly correlated with flap weight [rho(23 d.f.)=0.725, P<0.01 (two-tailed)]. Moreover, we have calculated the minimum size of veins able to drain flaps of increasing weights with different patterns, i.e. our data show that veins of 1.30, 1.50 and 1.75 mm diameter could safely drain flaps of, respectively, 300, 500 and 900 g in weight. This can be useful preoperatively to estimate the risk of flap congestion and in planning additional drainage.

Innervated island pedicled anterolateral thigh flap for neo-phallic reconstruction in female-to-male transsexuals

Many techniques have been described to create an aesthetic and functional neo-phallus after penile amputation or in female-to-male transsexuals. Microsurgical free-flap phalloplasty seems to be the preferred method of penile reconstruction. For many years the radial forearm free flap has been considered the best procedure, but other flaps have been attempted to minimize donor site morbidity and optimize outcome. Pedicled flaps are considered to be reliable and to decrease the risk of total failure. Recently, a one-stage non-microsurgical technique was described for phallic reconstruction in a young male patient. We report successful total phallic reconstruction in a female-to-male transsexual patient using an island pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. Urethral reconstruction was left as a possible further procedure due to patients preference. A malleable soft silicone penile prosthesis was inserted within the flap and the lateral cutaneous femoral nerve stump was sutured to the dorsal clitoris branch from the pudendal nerve for flap sensation. After 6 months, the patient demonstrated successful aesthetic and functional reconstruction referring to satisfactory sexual activity. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an innervated island pedicled ALT flap used for female-to-male penile reconstruction in a transsexual patient. The pedicled ALT flap may be a reliable option to avoid visible scarring at the donor site on exposed parts of the body, and reduce the risk of total flap failure from microsurgical procedures for reconstruction of a neo-phallus in this increasing population of patients.

Treatment of muscular contraction deformities with botulinum toxin type A after latissimus dorsi flap and sub-pectoral implant breast reconstruction

Unusual and probably underestimated complications following breast reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi (LD) flap and sub-pectoral implant are the LD muscle twitching and the breast contour deformities from pectoralis major (PM) muscle contraction. Surgical muscle denervation is usually indicated for these complications. Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) infiltration has been described in reducing breast contour deformity in sub-pectoral implant after breast augmentation or reconstruction. Between January 2002 and April 2006, 71 consecutive patients underwent delayed unilateral breast reconstructions with LD flap and sub-pectoral implant after mastectomy. All patients reporting discomforting signs and symptoms from muscle contraction in the reconstructed breast were included in this prospective study. Thirteen patients (18.3%) were selected and treated with BTX-A percutaneous local injections. Signs and symptoms were evaluated, after 4, 8 and 12 months, by the patients and by a panel of three physicians not involved in the study, using a five-point scale. During the study period all patients reported a decrease or disappearance of the signs and symptoms. After 12 months, 11 patients received three BTX-A infiltrations, demonstrating considerable improvements compared to the pre-treatment status. Wilcoxon matched pairs rank sum test showed a statistical difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment scores after 14 days (P<0.01) and 12 months (P<0.001). Our experience shows that muscular contraction deformities after breast reconstruction with a LD flap plus implant are not uncommon complications. The use of BTX-A infiltrations is an effective, not surgical, low cost and low risk procedure to treat these complications. It is an easy procedure to be performed on an outpatient basis with a temporary effect but safely repeatable and reproducible; it avoids hospitalisation or further surgical procedures and demonstrates tolerable latency with satisfactory outcomes.

The increased risk of adverse outcomes in bilateral deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstruction compared to unilateral reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUNDnThe rate of bilateral mastectomy and bilateral breast reconstruction is increasing. The DIEP flap is an ideal method of breast reconstruction. The difference in risk of adverse outcomes between unilateral and bilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction is unclear. The aim of this review is to investigate this relationship.nnnMETHODSnAuthors searched Ovid EMBASE and MEDLINE from database inception to March 2012, for reports of DIEP flap breast reconstruction studies. After screening, data were extracted on flap-related, donor-site and systemic adverse events. Descriptive statistics were generated for all pooled data. We performed meta-analysis of direct comparisons to generate relative risk (RR) ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random-effects model.nnnRESULTSnOverall, 17 case-series of 2398 women were included. Compared with unilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction, bilateral reconstruction was associated with a significantly higher risk of total flap failure (RR 3.31 [95% CI 1.50-7.28]; p = 0.003) and breast seroma (RR 7.15 [95% CI 1.21-42.36]; p = 0.03). Differences between other outcomes were non-significant, although descriptive analysis appeared to favour unilateral reconstruction.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe current literature related to DIEP flap breast reconstruction appears to be of low quality. However, this is the first systematic review confirming that bilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction is associated with a significantly higher risk of total flap failure compared to unilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction. This review will allow clinicians to better inform patients of the risks of adverse outcomes in DIEP flap breast reconstruction. It also highlights the need for higher quality research in this area.

Reconstruction of anterior auricular conchal defect after malignancy excision: Revolving-door flap versus full-thickness skin graft

Skin tumours of the anterior auricular concha are not uncommon. Wider excision and immediate reconstruction are required to reduce the risks of recurrence of the disease, cartilage infection and external ear distortion. Many surgical methods have been described for reconstruction of conchal defects. Post-auricular island flaps, such as the revolving-door (RD) flap, and full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) are the most-performed procedures. Although the RD flap has been fully described, it is not widely accepted and many surgeons, in their daily practice, prefer to use FTSG. It is a common experience that FTSGs are more subjected to centripetal contraction, decreasing the structural firmness of the conchal cavity and affecting functional and aesthetic outcomes. Furthermore, FTSGs are more prone to delay in wound healing due to the difficult access to this region that hinders adequate tie-over dressings. Between March 2003 and January 2007, 40 patients affected by T1 and T2 non-melanotic skin cancer and T1 melanoma of the anterior conchal surface of the external ear were included in a prospective study and randomly assigned to the RD reconstructed group or to the FTSG reconstructed group to investigate, compare and define advantages and disadvantages of both the techniques. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the overall outcome and the colour and texture match. No flap or skin graft total loss was observed. Six patients (30%) showed partial failure of FTSG. The RD group demonstrated excellent cosmetic outcome, ideal colour match, adequate structure of external ear, projection and shape. Wilcoxon matched-pairs rank-sum test demonstrated statistically significant higher scores for the RD group compared to the FTSG group (p<0.0001). The RD harvesting technique is easy and quicker than the FTSG technique. RD flap should be considered as the first choice for reconstruction of anterior auricular conchal defects following wider excision of skin tumours.

The propeller flap for chronic osteomyelitis of the lower extremities: a case report

The goals of the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis are infection eradication with systemic antibiotic therapy and local management with radical excision of the infected tissue and obliteration of the remaining dead space. Adequate debridement and coverage with a well-vascularised tissue are mandatory for successful outcomes. Use of muscle covering for chronic osteomyelitis in the lower extremities is considered the best procedure. However, there have been instances where debridement of the bone tissue did not leave a deep cavity along the leg bones and fasciocutaneous flaps can be used in these instances to cover the defect and to restore function without recurrence of the disease. Recently, free non-muscle flaps have been used and assessed for chronic osteomyelitis or covering of exposed bone. Perforator flaps have been shown to be well vascularised due to a structural haemodynamic enhancement. In the light of these findings we report a successful case of chronic osteomyelitis of the right fibula treated with excision of the affected tissue and covering with a propeller flap. Instead of free flap covering, in order to optimise surgical reconstruction, reducing the operative time, donor and recipient site morbidity and risk of total flap failure, local perforator flaps and particularly the propeller flap may be indicated in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis in selected patients when the defect is limited and there is no need to fill a deep bone cavity or a dead space. To our knowledge, this the first report of the use of a propeller flap in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis in the lower extremities.

Surgical treatment of severe hidradenitis suppurativa of the axilla: Thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap versus split skin graft

BACKGROUNDnHidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory disease affecting the apocrine glands of the axillary, groin and mammary regions with significant physical and psychosocial sequelae. Surgical excision of the affected tissue is the gold standard treatment. Severe axillary HS is associated with high rates of recurrence and requires extensive surgical resection with challenging reconstruction associated with risk of post-operative complications. The most effective method for reconstruction of the axilla after excision of HS is yet to be identified. We present a prospective observational study comparing thoraco-dorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap and split-skin graft (SSG).nnnMETHODSnOver 4 years, we enrolled 27 consecutive patients with Hurleys Stage III HS of the axilla who underwent surgical excision with reconstruction using either SSG (n=12) or TDAP flap reconstruction (n=15). We evaluated and compared intraoperative and post-operative data, quality of life (dermatology life quality index questionnaire) and pain/discomfort (visual analogue scale) before and after surgery.nnnRESULTSnPatients who underwent TDAP flap reconstruction had significantly faster recovery, fewer complications and fewer overall number of procedures than those who underwent SSG reconstruction. All patients reported an improved quality of life (QOL) after their operation and the TDAP group showed significantly more improvement than the SSG group. All patients reported a reduction in pain/discomfort but there was no significant difference between groups.nnnCONCLUSIONnTDAP flap and SSG both improve QOL for patients with severe axillary HS. The TDAP flap showed greater benefits in terms of QOL, recovery, rate of complications and number of overall procedures.

Hemodynamic changes in the microcirculation of DIEP flaps.

Perforator flaps are widely used in reconstructive surgery, but little is known about the hemodynamic changes within these flaps. Recently, the blood velocity in the perforator artery was shown to be higher than that at the source vessel. This study was carried out to demonstrate the effect of this increased velocity within the perforators in the cutaneous microcirculation of the perforator flap. Twenty-six consecutive patients who underwent unilateral immediate breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps were selected. A 3-stage prospective study using 2 laser Doppler probes was carried out. Stage 1: preoperative measurements; Stage 2: immediate postoperative measurements; Stage 3: postoperative measurements after 3 months. Statistically significant increase of blood velocity in the microcirculation of DIEP flaps was demonstrated in stages 2 and 3 when compared with stage 1 (P < 0.01, Friedman and Wilcoxon tests). The higher blood velocity within the perforator flap microcirculation may be a favorable rheologic feature of perforator flaps.

Subacute nerve compressions after trauma and surgery of the hand.

Background: It is accepted that major injuries of the upper limb may require not only fasciotomies but also nerve decompressions. That nerve compression(s) may occur after less dramatic injuries and “routine” surgery distal to the elbow is less well documented in the literature but well known to experienced clinicians. The aim of this study was to identify a possible link between injuries or elective surgery to the distal upper limb and “subacute nerve compressions.” Methods: Over a 5-year period, data of patients who developed clinical symptoms of nerve compressions distal to the elbow within 6 months after trauma or elective surgery to the same upper limb that affected postoperative management were collected prospectively. Results: This study identified 91 patients (49 after trauma and 42 after elective surgery). Compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel was the most common syndrome (73 cases). Fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s disease was the most frequent operation involved (23 cases). The average time from injury or surgery to diagnosis of nerve compression(s) was 8 weeks (range, 1 to 24 weeks). Surgical decompression of the involved nerves was performed in 43 patients (47.2 percent), with an average time from diagnosis to surgery of 30.4 weeks (range, 28 to 44 weeks). In the carpal tunnel syndrome group (47 men and 26 women), mean age was 49 years (men, 48 years; women, 50 years) and the male-to-female ratio was 1.8:1. Conclusion: Subacute nerve compressions should be considered as a complication during the recovery period after injury and surgery of the upper limb.

Interplast Italy: a 20-year plastic and reconstructive surgery humanitarian experience in developing countries.

Background: Interplast Italy is a nongovernment, nonprofit organization with the aim of providing high-quality standard reconstructive procedures, contributing to local medical and nursing education, in those countries where this is not available or where the local resources are inadequate to meet local needs. A recent debate about the real aim and the effectiveness of this kind of health support strategy in developing countries has been raised. Methods: The authors report a 20-year experience, explaining operative strategy, activities, and results, and contributing to the development and improvement of the philosophy of humanitarian missions. Results: Since 1988, 47 missions and 5235 operations have been performed. A total of 2286 patients (43.7 percent) were younger than 18 years, and 2949 (56.3 percent) were above that age. Congenital cleft deformity was the most common diagnosis in 2415 patients (46.13 percent). Patients suffering from postburn contractures were operated on in 1956 cases (37.36 percent). The number of postburn children operated on was 922 (17.6 percent). Conclusions: Cooperation with local physicians is considered mandatory to guarantee adequate patient preselection, to organize the activity in situ, and to plan continuous effective work on a regular basis to build local capacity and facilitate sustainable models for health care. Furthermore, as local surgeons become interested in reconstructive surgery, continuous teaching through a multidisciplinary approach must be paramount. The activity of Interplast Italy contributed to building a plastic surgery service in Bangladesh. Combined multidisciplinary activities linked to established organizations such as the Interplast confederation are desirable to improve results. A link with structured organizations is needed to obtain financial resources to extend targets and to improve activities and outcomes.