scholarly journals Aesthetic reconstruction of the severely disfigured burned face: a creative strategy for a “natural” appearance using pre-patterned autogenous free flaps

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elliott H. Rose
Keyword(s):  
Free Flap ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Free Tissue Transfer ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Functional Rehabilitation ◽  
Flap Transfer ◽  
Creative Strategy ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Aesthetic ◽  
Autogenous Reconstruction

Abstract The author reviews his pioneering work in aesthetic restoration of the severely disfigured burn face first introduced in 1995 and refined over the past two decades. The reader will be exposed to the step by step approach to achieving cosmetic enhancement and functional rehabilitation of advanced facial burns. The “keystone” of the autogenous reconstruction is the pre-patterned, sculpted microvascular free flap designed to fit like the “piece of a puzzle” into the aesthetic units of the face to replace disfiguring burn scars. Aggressive intraoperative “sculpting” is employed both “in situ” at the donor site and during the flap transfer to simulate the normal facial contours and planes. Comparisons of the author’s approach are made to the whole spectrum of reconstructive modalities ranging from conventional grafting to expanded pre-fabricated flaps and even to CTA face transplants; advantages/disadvantages of each are discussed. The pre-patterned, sculpted microvascular (MV) free flap offers the benefit of a single-stage transfer of composite skin/soft tissue hiding the seams at the junction of facial planes. When harvested from distant donor sites, the donor deformities can easily be concealed. The MV free tissue transfer offers the substrate that can be sculpted into nuanced facial components as well as the “palette” upon which the face can be painted with creative camouflage makeup. The soft contour and texture of the autogenous patterned transfers translates into a “natural” facial appearance while preserving fluid motions of facial expression.

The Role of Free Flaps in the Treatment of Persistent Scalp Osteomyelitis

2006 ◽  
Vol 59 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. ONS-64-ONS-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willy D. Boeckx ◽  
René R.W.J. van der Hulst ◽  
Lloyd V. Nanhekhan ◽  
Francesca De Lorenzi
Keyword(s):  
Free Flap ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Muscle Flap ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Surgical Debridement ◽  
Neurosurgical Procedures ◽  
Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap ◽  
Flap Transfer ◽  
Free Flap Transfer

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the combination of an extensive surgical debridement and simultaneous free flap repair in case of troublesome cranial osteomyelitis. METHODS: Five patients with persistent, frontal bone osteomyelitis were treated with surgical debridement of the infected bone and reconstruction with a free flap. In all patients, osteomyelitis occurred after neurosurgical procedures and lasted from 1 to 7 years. A latissimus dorsi muscle flap with a split skin graft has been performed. RESULTS: No flap failure occurred and donor site morbidity was negligible. No signs of osteomyelitis or soft tissue infection were observed during the mean follow-up period of 3.2 years. Furthermore, the contour of the cranium could be preserved without a need for bone grafts or implants. CONCLUSION: In our experience, the combination of an extensive surgical debridement and a free flap transfer is demonstrated to be an effective treatment for “chronic” osteomyelitis of the cranium.

scholarly journals Microsurgical free tissue transfer as avaluable reconstructive procedure in foot reconstruction

2007 ◽  
Vol 40 (02) ◽  
pp. 141-146
Author(s):  
mohamed el-shazly ◽  
mohamed makboul
Keyword(s):  
Free Flap ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Free Tissue Transfer ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Vehicle Accidents ◽  
Tissue Transfer ◽  
Scapular Flap ◽  
Radial Forearm ◽  
Foot Reconstruction

ABSTRACT Background: owing to the limited soft tissue donor sites in the foot area, the use of microsurgical tissue transfer is frequently becoming mandatory in this area, especially in cases of massive defects due to the common motor vehicle accidents in the territory of upper egypt. free flaps offer a great variety of available tissues to cover larger, multifocal or multistructural defects. they also improve the perfusion of the infected poorly perfused areas.Objectives: in this study, we tried to evaluate foot defects according to their size, shape and site and to determine the general and specific parameters of free tissue transfer to the foot area in concomitance with the patients needs.Materials and methods: eleven patients were included in this study. for each patient, complete history was taken, general and local examination, photographic documentation, laboratory investigations, imaging and other investigations were performed. free flap transfers were applied in all cases as follows: latissimus dorsi flap in five cases, rectus abdominis flap in three cases, scapular flap in one case, gracilis flap in one case and radial forearm flap in one case.Results: nine flaps survived. no infection or donor site complications were recorded. every patient had the optimum free flap as regards the defect size, site, depth, condition, shape, donor site availability and the recipient vessels′ condition.Conclusion: the study of the optimum free flap for foot reconstruction in relation to the defect present and patient conditions is crucial to have significant results.

Novel STSG Donor Site for Forearm Flaps: Radial Skin Paddle

2008 ◽  
Vol 139 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. P31-P31
Author(s):  
Tamer Abdel-Halim Ghanem ◽  
Mark K Wax
Keyword(s):  
Free Flap ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Free Tissue Transfer ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Patch Repair ◽  
Skin Grafts ◽  
Skin Paddle ◽  
Forearm Skin ◽  
Radial Forearm

Objective Split thickness skin grafts (STSG) harvested from the thigh are often utilized to provide coverage for radial forearm donor sites. To eliminate the morbidity of the thigh STSG donor site, we assessed the feasibility of harvesting the STSG from the radial. Methods Prospective data was collected from patients undergoing forearm free flap reconstruction at a tertiary medical center in a 6-month period. The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) harvesting procedure was modified to incorporate STSG harvest from the paddle site as the first step after arm tourniquet activation. Results There were 27 patients in this cohort, with mean age of 68.2. There were 24 fasciocutaneous RFFF, 2 osteocutaneous RFFF, and 1 ulnar flap. The indications for free tissue transfer were as follows: intraoral defects (n=13), pharyngeal patch repair (n=8), total laryngopharyngectomy (n=1), external skin coverage (n=5). The mean forearm defect was 41.2 cm2 (24–77 cm2). 22 out of 27 skin grafts were non-meshed. Harvesting from the forearm skin paddle was successful in 25 patients (93%). Two patients required a thigh STSG; both patients were octagenerians with frail skin. All the forearm donor sites healed well, except one patient required a later revision procedure for exposed tendon. Conclusions Based on this study, the thigh STSG donor site can be eliminated in 9 out of 10 patients undergoing radial forearm free flaps. This translates to decreased risk of pain, infection, and wound oozing. Older patients with frail skin and atrophied forearm muscles were likely to require a thigh donor site.

scholarly journals Cosmetic Tattooing of Free Flaps following Head and Neck Reconstruction

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin D. Batstone ◽  
Carly M. Fox ◽  
Mary E. Dingley ◽  
C. Peter Cornelius
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Head And Neck Reconstruction ◽  
No Donor ◽  
Neck Reconstruction ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Aesthetic ◽  
The One

Free flap reconstruction of the head and neck is a widespread procedure. The aesthetic outcome is frequently compromised by color mismatch between the donor site skin and the complex pigmentation of the face. Various surgical procedures have been described to improve the appearance of external skin paddles. Medical tattooing is commonly used for nipple pigmentation in breast reconstruction and cosmetic procedures such as permanent makeup. This article describes the technique and its application to head and neck reconstruction. Medical tattooing can be used to improve the cosmetic appearance of head and neck free flaps. There is no donor site morbidity and subtle changes in color can be replicated. The article describes the technique of medical tattooing with the use of illustrative cases. Medical tattooing is a viable alternative for improving the appearance of cutaneous skin paddles following head and neck reconstruction with free flaps. Its advantages include no donor site morbidity, availability of an infinite range of colors, no requirement for general anesthesia, and the ability to use multiple colors in the one flap for complex pigmentation requirements. Its disadvantages include the need for specialized skills and equipment and the fading of color over time.

scholarly journals Donor Site Scar Preference in Patients Requiring Free Flap Reconstruction

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-93
Author(s):  
Graham James McLeod ◽  
Avinash Islur
Keyword(s):  
Free Flap ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Free Tissue Transfer ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Site Preference ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Free Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Tissue Characteristics ◽  
Selection Of

Introduction: In traumatic reconstruction, surgeons frequently harvest flaps from donor sites that they are comfortable performing and with favourable tissue characteristics without determining the patients preferred site. The study’s goal was to determine participants free flap donor site preference based on aesthetics as it relates to the size of the defect being reconstructed. Methodology: Participants were asked to imagine that they were in a trauma that resulted in a wound of variable sizes. They were presented with a selection of common donor site scars produced from harvesting small, medium, and large free flaps. They were instructed to rank the donor sites in order of preference and score each donor site of 10. Results: Two hundred eighty-seven participants (mean age: 28, female: 62%) completed the survey. For small reconstructions, the preferred donor site scars were on the leg or back compared to arm or abdomen. For medium size reconstructions, scars on the back and upper thigh were preferred over scars on the abdomen and anterior thigh. In small and medium reconstructions, the midline abdominal scar scored significantly lower than other donor sites. Participants preferred donor sites on the back, the thigh, and lower abdomen for large reconstructions. Conclusion: Participants preferred back, thigh, and hip locations perhaps relating to the ability to conceal these scars under clothing. If multiple flaps sites could be harvested, providing options to trauma patients undergoing free tissue transfer may result in increased satisfaction.

scholarly journals Free flaps in Surgical Dermatology: comparison between fasciocutaneous and myocutaneous free flaps in facial reconstructions

2011 ◽  
Vol 86 (6) ◽  
pp. 1145-1150
Author(s):  
Francisco Miguel Camacho-Martínez ◽  
Angel Rollón ◽  
Clara Salazar ◽  
Elena M Rodríguez-Rey ◽  
David Moreno
Keyword(s):  
Free Flap ◽  
Malignant Tumors ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Single Step ◽  
Rectus Abdominis ◽  
Original Position ◽  
Random Pattern ◽  
Recipient Site ◽  
Palmar Surface

BACKGROUND: Dermatologic surgeons routinely harvest pedicled flaps at distance with an axial or random pattern to repair facial defects. These types of skin flaps are time-consuming and have high economic, social and personal costs. These drawbacks could be avoided with the introduction of a single-step transfer of free flaps to the recipient site, with microvascular anastomosis. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that better results are obtained with myocutaneous or fasciocutaneous free flaps and which one is more suitable in surgical dermatology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected two patients of opposite sexes and similar ages who had undergone Mohs surgery to remove recurrent malignant tumors that were located in the upper cheek bordering the zygomatic zone. The woman was treated with a fasciocutaneous radial free flap and the man with a rectus abdominis free flap. RESULTS: Both patients had excellent immediate postoperative outcomes. Complications observed in the male patient were related to a previous pulmonary alteration. The fasciocutaneous radial free flap reconstruction was easier to perform than the rectus abdominis free flap; nevertheless, the radial free flap is very thin and, although the palmaris longus tendon is used, it does not yield enough volume, requiring later use of implants. In contrast, the rectus abdominis free flap transfers a wide flap with enough fat tissue to expand in the future. As for the cosmetic results regarding the donor site, the rectus abdominis free flap produces better-looking scars, since secondary defects of the palmar surface cannot be directly closed and usually require grafting - a situation that some patients do not accept. CONCLUSIONS: In surgical dermatology, each case, once the tumor has been extirpated, requires its own reconstructive technique. The radial free flap is suitable for thin patients who are willing to cover their arm with a shirt. The rectus abdominis free flap is best suited for obese patients with deep and voluminous defects, although it is necessary to dislocate the navel from its original position

Free Flap Head and Neck Reconstruction with an Emphasis on Postoperative Care

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (06) ◽  
pp. 597-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob D'Souza ◽  
Wendy King ◽  
Michael Bater ◽  
Daniel van Gijn
Keyword(s):  
Free Flap ◽  
Microvascular Complications ◽  
Free Tissue Transfer ◽  
Congenital Defects ◽  
Head And Neck Reconstruction ◽  
Functional Rehabilitation ◽  
Immediate Reconstruction ◽  
Flap Failure ◽  
Tissue Transfer ◽  
Free Flap Monitoring

AbstractMicrosurgical free tissue transfer represents the mainstay of care in both ablative locoregional management and the simultaneous reconstruction of a defect. Advances in microsurgical techniques have helped balance the restoration of both form and function—decreasing the significant morbidity once associated with large ablative, traumatic, or congenital defects—while providing immediate reconstruction enabling early aesthetic and functional rehabilitation. There are a multitude of perioperative measures and considerations that aim to maximize the success of free tissue transfer. These include nutritional support, tight glycemic control, acknowledgment of psychological and psychiatric factors, intraoperative surgical technique, and close postoperative monitoring of the patients' hemodynamic physiology. While the success rates of free tissue transfer in experienced hands are comparable to alternative options, the consequences of flap failure are catastrophic—with the potential for significant patient morbidity, prolonged hospital stay (and associated increased financial implications), and increasingly limited options for further reconstruction. Success is entirely dependent on a continuous arterial inflow and venous outflow until neovascularization occurs. Flap failure is multifactorial and represents a dynamic process from the potentially reversible failing flap to the necrotic irreversibly failed flap—necessitating debridement, prolonged wound care, and ultimately decisions concerned with future reconstruction. The overriding goal of free flap monitoring is therefore the detection of microvascular complications prior to permanent injury occurring—identifying and intervening within that critical period between the failing flap and the failed flap—maximizing the potential for salvage. With continued technique refinement, microvascular free flap reconstruction offers patients the chance for both reliable functional and aesthetic restoration in the face of significant ablative defects. The caveat to this optimism is the requirement for considered perioperative care and the optimization of those factors that may offer the difference between success and failure.

scholarly journals Use of the Anterolateral Thigh in Cranio-Orbitofacial Reconstruction

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Parkes ◽  
Howard Krein ◽  
Ryan Heffelfinger ◽  
Joseph Curry
Keyword(s):  
Free Flap ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Free Tissue Transfer ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Tissue Loss ◽  
Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Free Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
The Many ◽  
Soft Tissue Loss

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.

Elastic Wrapping of Lower Extremity Free Flaps during Dangling Improves Microcirculation and Reduces Pain as well as Edema

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (07) ◽  
pp. 522-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Kolbenschlag ◽  
Alexandra Ruikis ◽  
Lisa Faulhaber ◽  
Adrien Daigeler ◽  
Manuel Held ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Free Tissue Transfer ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Tissue Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Microvascular Reconstruction ◽  
Reconstructive Procedure ◽  
Hemoglobin Content ◽  
Edema Formation ◽  
The Impact

Background Free tissue transfer has become a common and safe reconstructive procedure. However, total or partial flap losses remain a looming threat, especially for lower extremity free flaps due to the gravitational challenge associated with dependency. Thus, the majority of microsurgical centers apply some kind of structured flap training. However, due to the lack of evidence, these differ greatly, for example, in the application of an elastic wrapping during dangling. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of an elastic wrapping on free flap microcirculation, edema, and pain during dangling. Methods Standardized dangling was performed from postoperative day (POD) 6 to 9 in 30 patients with microvascular reconstruction of the lower extremity. The first dangling per day was performed without elastic wrapping, followed by another session with 30 mm Hg of elastic wrapping. Tissue oxygen saturation (StO2), regional hemoglobin content (rHb), and blood flow (BF) were continuously measured in the free flap; the circumference of the flap as well as pain was assessed. Results During wrapped dangling, BF as well as StO2 was significantly increased, while rHb was significantly lower on all PODs. Wrapped dangling was rated significantly more comfortable and the girth of the free flaps was significantly less after wrapped dependency when compared with unwrapped dangling. Conclusion Dangling with an elastic wrapping with 30 mm Hg pressure improved flap microcirculation and reduced pain and edema formation.

Perforator Free Flap Coverage of Chronic Lower Extremity Ulcers in Patients With Autoimmune Diseases Under Immunosuppression

2020 ◽  
pp. 153473462091961
Author(s):  
Sang Wha Kim
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Autoimmune Diseases ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Wound Dehiscence ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Flap Transfer ◽  
Epigastric Artery ◽  
Free Flap Transfer ◽  
Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery

Objectives. Lower extremity ulcers are quite common in patients with autoimmune diseases. Due to chronic use of immunosuppressants, these wounds may develop into deeper wounds resulting in exposure of bone or tendon, which in turn may require free tissue transfers for coverage. The author reviewed perforator free flap transfers performed in this group of patients and analyzed the results. Methods. A retrospective review was performed on all patients who underwent perforator free flap transfer for coverage of lower extremity ulcers without trauma, over a 10-year period. Patient demographics, administered immunosuppressants, and flap and donor site complications were analyzed. Results. Twenty-two perforator free flap transfers were performed in patients with autoimmune diseases, including 18 thoracodorsal perforator flaps, 2 anterolateral thigh flaps, and 2 deep inferior epigastric artery flaps. There was no total flap loss, but there was a high rate of partial flap necrosis (40.9%) and wound dehiscence (40.9%). Intake of corticosteroids was significantly associated with postoperative complications ( P < .05). Conclusion. As partial loss of flap and wound dehiscence is much more common in this group of patients, treatment may take longer, and a fully informed consent should be obtained preoperatively. Surgeons should not avoid performing perforator free flap transfers in patients with autoimmune diseases under immunosuppression; instead, much more preparation and caution are required.

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