scholarly journals Limb Salvage Using Combined Linking Perforator Free Flaps

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-50
Author(s):  
Youn Hwan Kim ◽  
Gyeong Hoe Kim ◽  
Georgios Pafitanis ◽  
Rob Miller ◽  
Sang Wha Kim

Microsurgical free tissue transfer is the most effective method for extensive reconstruction of lower limb defects. The purpose of this report is to describe our experience of using microsurgically fabricated combined linking perforator flaps for one-stage reconstruction of extensive lower limb defects. Between April 2008 and November 2016, 16 cases of extensive lower defects were reconstructed using combined linking flaps. Of the patients, 10 were males, and the mean age was 45.3 years (range = 20-76 years). The flaps used were thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps together with deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps or anterolateral thigh flaps. There were no total flap failures; however, 3 anterolateral thigh flaps were partially lost and required skin grafts. One wound disruption healed conservatively. Donor site healing was achieved primarily without any dehiscence. The follow-up period was 15.4 months (range = 8-24 months). The use of combined linking perforator flaps for lower limb defects is uncommon; however, in cases of extensive limb defects these flaps can salvage limbs by means of one-stage operations.

2016 ◽  
Vol 49 (01) ◽  
pp. 95-98
Author(s):  
Naren Shetty ◽  
Narendra S. Mashalkar ◽  
Sunder Raj Ellur ◽  
Karishma Kagodu

ABSTRACTDouble free-flaps are necessary when tissue cover cannot be sufficed with a single flap. The other factors to be considered when using two free flaps for resurfacing of distal limb defects are the availability of more than one recipient vessel, the risk of distal limb ischaemia and the donor site morbidity of double flap harvest. If these factors are adequately addressed, double free-flaps can be safely executed for resurfacing distal limb defects with minimal morbidity. We report the simultaneous harvest and transfer of the anterolateral and anteromedial thigh flaps inset and vascularised as double free-flaps to resurface a large bimalleolar defect in a 14-year-old boy with no additional morbidity as compared to that of a single free tissue transfer.


2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 205-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Larrañaga ◽  
Alfredo Rios ◽  
Edgardo Franciosi ◽  
Eduardo Mazzaro ◽  
Marcelo Figari

Extensive defects of the scalp and forehead associated with calvarial bone resections demand complex reconstructions. Free flaps offer vascularized tissue of excellent quality and quantity. We report six patients with extensive scalp and forehead defects associated with calvarial bone resections reconstructed with free flaps. Five patients also required a cranioplasty. The flaps used were two anterolateral thigh flaps, one vastus lateralis flap, one myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap, one latissimus dorsi flap, and one radial forearm flap. All flaps survived with no partial necrosis. There were no donor site complications. One patient presented an exposure of the alloplastic material used for cranioplasty. We strongly recommend the use of free flaps for this kind of reconstruction.


2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (03) ◽  
pp. 176-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shawn Diamond ◽  
Akhil Seth ◽  
Anmol Chattha ◽  
Mathew Iorio

Background Subfascial anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap thickness can be problematic with regards to bulk, oral competence, shoe-fit, or as a potential source of recurrent wound breakdown. We have utilized distinct upper thigh fascial planes to fashion thin (suprafascial) or super-thin (periscarpal) ALT flaps to improve surface topography. We compared outcomes based on ALT flap thickness to determine any significant differences in extremity coverage and reconstruction. Methods Analysis was completed on patients who consecutively underwent ALT free tissue transfer at a single institution from May 2012 to January 2017. Patient's operative, and postoperative characteristics were evaluated. Univariate analysis determined differences among matching as well as functional outcomes. A multivariable regression identified independent risk factors associated with patient, donor site, and flap complications. Results Fifty-one patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 16 (31.4%) underwent traditional subfascial ALT flaps, and 35 (68.6%) underwent suprafascial (N = 23) or super-thin (N = 12) flaps. Thin flap patients were more likely to use tobacco (42.9% versus 6.3%; p < 0.01), have fewer perforators (1.20 ± 0.41 versus 1.64 ± 0.63; p < 0.009), and shorter mean operative times (425.9 ± 87.8 versus 511.9 ± 79.9; p < 0.002), but nearly identical flap sizes (163 cm2 versus 168 cm2). There were no significant differences in flap complications (18% versus 22%) or donor-site complications (6.3% versus 5.7%) between the thick and thin cohorts, respectively (p > 0.05). In subgroup analysis, diabetes mellitus was an independent risk factor for donor site morbidity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.23; p = 0.027) for all groups, whereas tobacco use and obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 30) failed to significantly alter outcomes independently. Conclusions Tailoring ALT thickness can be performed safely without compromising flap outcomes or patient morbidity. Suprafascial and super-thin ALTs allowed for safe, precise solutions for tissue coverage.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolas Higa Benites ◽  
Guilherme Leipner Margatho ◽  
Fernanda Ruiz de Andrade ◽  
Luis Guilherme Rosifini Alves Rezende ◽  
Amanda Favaro Cagnolati ◽  
...  

Introdução: Com a evolução da microcirurgia ao longo dos anos o Retalho Anterolateral da Coxa vem se tornando uma das principais opções para reconstruções na cabeça, pescoço, tronco e extremidades devido sua versatilidade e confiabilidade. Objetivo: Descrever dados de um hospital terciário referência em trauma na reconstrução de extremidades com o Retalho Anterolateral da Coxa. Método: Este é um estudo retrospectivo de 18 retalhos Anterolateral da Coxa microcirúrgicos realizados entre Março de 2016 e Outubro de 2019 em pacientes de todas as idades, na reconstrução de membros, onde se observou dados referentes ao paciente: idade, sexo, membro acometido, tempo entre a lesão e a confecção do retalho; ao intraoperatório: anatomia dos vasos perfurantes, tempo cirúrgico total, vasos receptores utilizados; e informações do pós-operatório: número de cirurgias relacionadas ao retalho, necessidade de reabordagem e número de perdas. Foram excluídos pacientes que perderam seguimento ou que apresentaram dados do prontuário incompletos. Realizou-se estatística descritiva e cruzamento de algumas variáveis utilizando o teste t-Student. Resultados: Nas reconstruções houve predomínio de pacientes do sexo masculino (72%), em idade produtiva, de etiologia traumática e nos membros inferiores. O tempo médio até a reconstrução foi de 21 dias e o tempo cirúrgico foi de 384 minutos. O paciente permaneceu, em média, 39 dias internado. Dos 18 retalhos, 3 evoluíram com necrose, 2 por trombose arterial e 1 por infecção. 6 retalhos necessitaram de reaborgadem de emergência, 3 por sangramento, 2 por congestão e 1 por infecção. Foram realizadas uma média de 3 cirurgias até a alta. Foram identificadas 15 perfurantes miocutâneas (83%) e 3 septocutâneas (17%). A análise do sucesso do retalho em relação ao tempo cirúrgico e dos dias até a cirurgia não mostrou significância estatística, assim como a necessidade de reabordagem em relação ao tempo cirúrgico. Conclusão: O retalho Anterolateral da Coxa mostrou-se confiável, além de apresentar diversas vantagens como: por ser retirado com uma grande ilha de pele, apresentar pedículo longo, vasos de bom calibre, não necessitar de mudança de decúbito e apresentar baixa morbidade da área doadora.Descritores: Retalho Miocutâneo; Microcirurgia; Hospitais Especializados.ReferênciasDaniel RK, Taylor GI. Distant transfer of an island flap by microvascular anastomoses. A clinical technique. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1973;52(2):111-17.Ninkovic M, Voigt S, Dornseifer U, Lorenz S, Ninkovic M. Microsurgical advances in extremity salvage. Clin Plast Surg. 2012;39(4):491-505.Tamimy MS, Rashid M, Ehtesham-ul-Haq, Aman S, Aslam A, Ahmed RS. Has the anterolateral thigh flap replaced the latissimus dorsi flap as the workhorse for lower limb reconstructions? J Pak Med Assoc. 2010; 60(2):76-81.Spyropoulou A, Jeng SF. Microsurgical coverage reconstruction in upper and lower extremities. Semin Plast Surg. 2010;24(1):34-42.Xiong L, Gazyakan E, Kremer T, Hernekamp FJ, Harhaus L, Saint-Cyr M et al. Free flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in lower extremity: a meta-analysis on microsurgical outcome and safety. Microsurgery. 2016; 36(6):511-24.Song YG, Chen GZ, Song YL. The free thigh flap: a new free flap concepted based on the septocutaneous artery. Br J Plast Surg. 1984; 37(2):149-59.Wei FC, Jain V, Celik N, Chen HC, Chuang DC, Lin CH. Have we found an ideal soft-tissue flap? An experience with 672 anterolateral thigh flaps. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002;109(7):2219-26Kimata Y, Uchiyama K, Ebihara S, Nakatsuka T, Harii K. Anatomic variation and technical problems of the anterolateral thigh flap: A report of 74 cases. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1998; 102(5):1517-23Spindler N, Al-Benna S, Ring A, Homann H, Steinsträsser L, Steinau HU et al. Free anterolateral thigh flaps for upper extremity soft tissue reconstruction. GMS Interdiscip Plast Reconstr Surg DGPW. 2015;4:Doc05.Kimura N, Satoh K, Hasumi T, Ostuka T. Clinical application of the free thin anterolateral thigh flap in 31 consecutive patients. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2001;108(5):1197-210.Collins J, Ayeni O, Thoma A. A systematic review of anterolateral thigh flap donor site morbidity. Can J Plast Surg. 2012;20(1):17-23.Kuo YR, Jeng SF, Kuo MH, Huang MN, Liu YT, Chiang YC et al. Free anterolateral thigh flap for extremity reconstruction: Clinical experience and functional assessment of donor site. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2001;107(7):1766-71Novak CB, Lipa JE, Noria S, Allison K, Neligan PC, Gilbert RW. Comparison of anterolateral thigh and radial forearm free flap donor site morbidity. Microsurgery. 2007;27(8):651-54.Pagano M, Gauvreau K. Princípios de Bioestatística. São Paulo: Pioneira Thomson Learning; 2004.SAS Institute Inc., SAS/STAT® User’s Guide. Version 9.4. Cary, NC: SAS Institute Inc.Arruda LRP, Silva MAC, Malerba FG, Turíbio FM, Fernandes MC, Matsumoto MH. Fraturas expostas: estudo epidemiológico e prospectivo. Acta ortop bras. 2009;17(6):326-30.Cunha FM, Braga GF, Drumond Jr SN, Figueiredo CTO. Epidemiologia de 1.212 fraturas expostas. Rev Bras Ortop. 1998;33(6):451-56.Court-Brown CM, Rimmer S, Prakash U, McQueen MM. The epidemiology of open long bone fractures. Injury. 1998;29(7):529-34.Shabtai M, Rosin D, Zmora O, Munz Y, Scarlat A, Shabtai EL et al. The impact of a resident’s seniority on operative time and length of hospital stay for laparoscopic appendectomy: outcomes used to measure the resident’s laparoscopic skills. Surg Endosc. 2004;18(9):1328-30.Godina M. Early microsurgical reconstruction of complex trauma of the extremities. Plast Reconstr Surg.1986;78:285-292Smit JM, Acosta R, Zeebregts CJ, Liss AG, Anniko M, Hartman EH. Early reintervention of compromised free flaps improves success rate. Microsurgery. 2007;27(7):612-16.


INTRODUCTION: The reconstruction of lesions in the distal third of the leg is one of the challenges for surgeons. In this scenario, the use of posterior tibial perforator flaps is being used more and more in surgical practice due to their versatility and aesthetic results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research consists of an integrative review carried out from a bibliographic survey in the PUBMED and Virtual Health Library (BVS) search platforms. After reading the full 20 articles in total, an overlap of four articles present in the two searches was observed, thus resulting in a total of 16 articles included in this review. RESULTS: The treatment of chronic lower limb wounds caused by infection, diabetes mellitus and osteomyelitis has always been a formidable task. Perforator-free flaps are generally recommended as the therapy of choice in the treatment of chronic lower limb wounds. DISCUSSION: The advantages of the application of the posterior tibial artery skin flap is ideal for small leg defects to reconstruct the exposed bone and tendon. As it is local tissue, it substitutes as tissue. The distal posterior tibial artery perforator flap is a beneficial technique, in the plastic and reconstructive surgery field, especially for the treatment of chronic lower extremity wounds. Keyword : CHRONIC WOUNDS, DISTAL POSTERIAL TIBIAL ARTERY, PERFORATOR FLAP, PLASTIC SURGERY


Author(s):  
Marzia Salgarello ◽  
Giuseppe Visconti

Abstract Background Lateral thoracic flaps represent a precious source for partial and total breast reconstruction, in some cases as first option and in other cases as alternative of free flaps. This article describes the ultrasound (US)-based planning of the lateral thoracic wall perforator adipocutaneous flaps and it reports our experience on 52 consecutive flaps. Patients and Methods From November 2018 to May 2021, 52 consecutive lateral thoracic wall perforator flaps were performed using the US-based method for reconstruction of partial breast defects and total breast reconstruction. High-frequency US was performed in all cases prior to surgery to select the best perforator and design the flap. Results Of the 52 cases, 41 were lateral intercostal artery perforator flaps (78.8%), and 11 were thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flaps. Of the 11 TDAP flaps, 2 cases were based on the direct cutaneous branch. Moreover, in two other cases clinically scheduled for lateral thoracic perforator flaps due to the presence of an appropriate axillary roll, no suitable local/regional perforators were detected with the preoperative US examination and the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was performed. Conclusion Preoperative planning of these flaps using US speeds the surgery and makes it easier and more efficient. Therefore, it is reasonable that the color duplex ultrasound is the operative surgeon's tool for mapping the lateral thoracic wall perforators and to appropriately plan each flap.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carrie K Chu ◽  
Michael DeFazio ◽  
Rene D Largo ◽  
Merrick Ross

Abstract The smaller volume of the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap relative to that of abdominal flaps limits the size of breast reconstruction that may be achieved. Immediate implant augmentation of abdominal free flaps has been performed, but immediate implant augmentation of PAP flaps has never been described. A 54-year-old woman with BRCA2 mutation, submuscular implants, and previous abdominoplasty presented for nipple-sparing mastectomies (NSM). Autologous tissue volume was inadequate to support reconstruction to the desired size. She wished to avoid serial expansion. Skin quality was unsuitable for direct-to-implant reconstruction. The patient underwent bilateral NSM. The previous implants were removed with capsule preservation. Bilateral PAP flaps were harvested and anastomosed to the internal mammary vessels. Moderate classic profile 170-mL smooth round silicone implants were placed into the existing capsule pockets with lateral capsulorraphy. There were no flap, implant, or infectious complications. Initial mastectomy skin and nipple ischemia completely resolved without necrosis. Donor site healing was uneventful. At 8 months, the reconstruction is supple and the implants remain well-positioned without rippling. One minor revision was performed for fat grafting and to correct lateral nipple deviation. PAP flap breast reconstruction with immediate implant augmentation is technically feasible. Advantages include improved prosthetic coverage, allowing for immediate reconstruction to a larger size with reduced concern regarding mastectomy skin necrosis and threat to the device, optimal implant camouflage, and improved substrate for secondary fat grafting if necessary. Level of Evidence: 5


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Parkes ◽  
Howard Krein ◽  
Ryan Heffelfinger ◽  
Joseph Curry

Objective. To detail the clinical outcomes of a series of patients having undergone free flap reconstruction of the orbit and periorbita and highlight the anterolateral thigh (ALT) as a workhorse for addressing defects in this region. Methods. A review of 47 patients who underwent free flap reconstruction for orbital or periorbital defects between September 2006 and May 2011 was performed. Data reviewed included demographics, defect characteristics, free flap used, additional reconstructive techniques employed, length of stay, complications, and follow-up. The ALT subset of the case series was the focus of the data reviewed for this paper. Selected cases were described to highlight some of the advantages of employing the ALT for cranio-orbitofacial reconstruction. Results. 51 free flaps in 47 patients were reviewed. 38 cases required orbital exenteration. The ALT was used in 33 patients. Complications included 1 hematoma, 2 wound infections, 3 CSF leaks, and 3 flap failures. Conclusions. Free tissue transfer allows for the safe and effective reconstruction of complex defects of the orbit and periorbital structures. Reconstructive choice is dependent upon the extent of soft tissue loss, midfacial bone loss, and skullbase involvement. The ALT provides a versatile option to reconstruct the many cranio-orbitofacial defects encountered.


2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (S 01) ◽  
pp. S34-S39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Cajozzo ◽  
Alessandro Innocenti ◽  
Massimiliano Tripoli ◽  
Giovanni Zabbia ◽  
Salvatore D'Arpa ◽  
...  

Background Technical advancements and increasing experience in the management of soft tissue defects in lower extremities have led to the evolution of decisional reconstructive algorithms. Both propeller perforator flaps (PPFs) and free flaps (FFs) proved to be useful methods of reconstruction for lower extremities defects, offering alternative reconstructive tools. We present a case series of PPFs and FFs for reconstruction of lower limbs defects, analyzing and comparing treatment and outcomes. Methods Through a retrospective analysis, we report our experience in performing PPFs or FFs for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the lower extremities, in patients admitted between 2010 and 2015 at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Palermo. In these patients, we evaluated location and causes of defects, types of flaps used, recipient vessels, complications, time to healing, and aesthetic outcome. Results A primary healing rate was obtained in 13 patients for PPF and 16 cases for FF. Revision surgery for partial skin necrosis was required in eight cases (PPF: four and FF: four). Recovery time and hospitalization period were eventually shorter in patients with FFs, due to lower rate of complications and revision surgery. Conclusion In the past years, our indications for reconstruction with PPFs in the lower limb have become more restricted, while we favor reconstruction with FFs. Recommendations are provided to orient surgical treatment in small, medium, and large lower limb defects.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenji Kawamura ◽  
Hiroshi Yajima ◽  
Shohei Omokawa ◽  
Takamasa Shimizu ◽  
Naoki Maegawa ◽  
...  

<p> </p><p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> The development of a concept of perforator flap has dramatically changed the soft tissue reconstructive surgery. The surgery with perforator flaps enables to minimize donor-site morbidity by preserving important tissues including the muscle and the major vessel. The peroneal artery perforator flap is one of perforator flaps that can be harvested from the lower leg. The peroneal artery perforator flap has been widely used as a local flap for soft tissue reconstruction in the lower extremity; however, the free peroneal artery perforator flap transfer has been little reported. Utilities of the free peroneal artery perforator flap for soft tissue reconstruction of the extremities are reported, and minimally invasive flap surgery with perforator flaps is reviewed.</span></p><p> </p>


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document