Correction of Temporal Hollowing Deformity Using Serratus Anterior Muscle Flap

Temporal hollowing deformity (THD) is a contour irregularity in the frontotemporal region, which results in facial asymmetry in the frontal view. Here, we present our clinical experience of correction of THD using serratus anterior (SA) muscle and fascia free flaps. Between March 2016 and December 2018, 13 patients presenting with THD were treated with SA free flap. The mean age of the patients was 47.8 years. The patients received craniectomy due to subarachnoid hemorrhage, epidural hematoma, or brain tumor. On average, correction of THD was performed 17 months after cranioplasty. The SA flap size ranged from 5 × 5 cm to 10 × 8 cm . The mean operation time was 107.3 minutes. All of the flaps survived without complications. The mean follow-up duration was 20.3 months. For correction of THD, the SA muscle and fascia flap is among the best candidates to permanently restore aesthetic form and symmetry.

Latissimus dorsi muscle flap transfer through endoscopic approach combined with the implant after tissue expansion for breast reconstruction of mastectomy patients

Background Implant-based breast reconstruction is easy to be performed but has flaws that an unnatural appearance might be presented when no sufficient coverage existing. While autologous tissue reconstruction also has disadvantages like donor site scar and skin patch effect. There is a demand for a new method to obtain natural and aesthetic appearance while surmounting drawbacks of conventional breast reconstruction surgery. Methods A retrospective review of thirty-one patients undergoing tissue expander (TE)/implant two-stage breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi muscle flap (LDMF) transfer through endoscopic approach in Peking University Third Hospital from April 2016 to August 2020 was performed. The LDMF harvest time, drain time, and complications were reviewed. The 3D volume was obtained to assess the volume symmetry of bilateral breasts. The BREAST-Q reconstruction module was used to evaluate the satisfaction. Results The mean endoscopic LDMF harvest time was 90.4 min. In the mean follow-up of 11.2 months, there were no severe capsular contracture happened. The reconstructed side achieved good volume symmetry to the contralateral side (P = 0.256). Based on the evaluation of the BREAST-Q scores, the outcome of Satisfaction with Breasts was excellent or good in 87.1% of the cases. Conclusions The novel type of two-stage breast reconstruction protocol, which includes tissue expansion followed by implant insertion with endoscopy-assisted LDMF transfer, could effectively reduce visible scars, avoid the patch effect, while require short time for LDMF harvest and present low incidence of complications. It is a promising method for breast reconstruction because it achieves good outcomes in the mastectomy patients.

Carotid-Axillary Bypass and Debridement for a Mycotic Aneurysm of the Left Subclavian Artery

Mycotic subclavian aneurysms are rare, and their presence typically mandates urgent repair due to the associated high risk of rupture and mortality. A multi-disciplinary team effort is of utmost importance in ensuring favorable results. In this case report, we present a 79-year-old male with a rapidly enlarging mycotic left subclavian artery aneurysm secondary to a retrosternal abscess and left sternoclavicular septic arthritis, who underwent aneurysmal exclusion, a left carotid-left axillary bypass and pectoralis muscle flap coverage with a good outcome.