Microvascular free flaps from the lower abdomen for preservation of amputation length in the lower extremity

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Raphael Wenny ◽  
Manfred Schmidt ◽  
Maximilian Zaussinger ◽  
Isabel Zucal ◽  
Dominik Duscher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Lower Abdomen ◽  
Direct Closure ◽  
Amputation Stump ◽  
First Choice ◽  
Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery ◽  
Bone Shortening

BACKGROUND: The length of the amputation stump is crucial for optimal prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation. Especially in traumatic amputation, direct closure of the stump may be challenging, and bone shortening is frequently needed. To avoid excessive bone shortening, coverage of exposed bone with free flaps is a versatile option. OBJECTIVE: Here we present our experience with the utilization of free flaps from the lower abdomen for the coverage of amputations stumps of the lower extremity. METHODS: Between March 2008 and October 2010, five patients (three female, two male) with complex wounds on amputation stumps of the lower extremity were treated with a mean age of 50 years (range: 15–72 years). Six abdominal free flaps were performed in five patients (one bilateral case), including four deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEP-) and two muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis muscle (ms-TRAM-) flaps. Patient’s and operative data were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: One complete flap failure occurred (overall success rate: 83.3%). Three of five patients gained full ambulatory status. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the low donor site morbidity a long vascular pedicle and the large amount of available tissue, abdominal based free flaps represent our first choice for microsurgical reconstruction of lower extremity stumps.

scholarly journals Perforator-Pedicled Propeller Flaps for Lower Extremity Reconstruction

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (03) ◽  
pp. 200-206
Author(s):  
Mohamed A. Ellabban ◽  
Ahmed I. Awad ◽  
Geoffrey G. Hallock
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Peripheral Vascular ◽  
Perforator Flaps ◽  
Vascular Insufficiency ◽  
Lower Extremity Reconstruction ◽  
Extremity Reconstruction ◽  
Bone Exposure

AbstractReconstruction of the lower extremity is considered a major challenge due to frequent bone exposure and the absence of local tissue redundancy, as well as often due to the presence of vascular insufficiency. Many surgeons have preferred free flaps especially for reconstructing the more distal lower limb defects until the evolution of pedicled perforator flaps and propeller flaps in particular provided a like-with-like reconstruction of the lower extremity without affecting the main vessels of the limb or the underlying muscles, and without the risk of any microanastomosis especially in patients with multiple comorbidities. Perforator-pedicled propeller flaps as local flaps in the lower extremity are best suited for small- and medium-sized defects with minimal donor-site morbidity, regardless of the cause of the defect. Any of the three source vessels of the leg can provide reliable perforators for propeller flap coverage of the distal leg and foot. The three main risk factors that are relative contraindications may be advanced age, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease.

scholarly journals Suprafascial Free Flaps: Classification and Comprehensive Review of the Literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 247275122110205
Author(s):  
Sebastian Rios ◽  
María Isabel Falguera-Uceda ◽  
Alicia Dean ◽  
Susana Heredero
Keyword(s):  
Survival Rate ◽  
Preoperative Planning ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flap ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Search Terms

Study Design: Suprafascial free flaps have become common place in reconstructive surgery units. Nomenclature related to these flaps has not been uniform throughout the scientific literature, especially in regard to planes of dissection. This study is designed as a comprehensive review of the literature. Objectives: Our study highlights which flaps are used most frequently, their main indications, their survival rate, and how they have evolved in the last few decades as innovations have been introduced. Methods: A review of the literature was performed using keywords and Medical Subject Headings search terms. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched using the appropriate search terms. Data collected from each study included flap type, dissection plane, preoperative planning, area of reconstruction, as well as complications, donor-site morbidity and survival rate. Results: Seven hundred and fifty-five studies were found based on the search criteria. After full-text screening for inclusion and exclusion criteria 34 studies were included. A total of 1332 patients were comprised in these studies. The most common types of flaps used were superficial circumflex iliac perforator flap (SCIP), anterolateral thigh flap (ALT), and radial forearm flap. The most common areas of reconstruction were head & neck and limbs. There was no significant difference in survival rates between flaps that were raised in different planes of dissection. Conclusions: Based on the author’s review of the literature, suprafascial flaps are reliable, they have low donor site morbidity, and there is a wide selection available for harvest. The use of new technologies for preoperative planning, such as CT-Angiography and UHF ultrasound, have contributed to have more predictable results. We propose a standardized classification for these flaps, in order to create a uniform nomenclature for future reference.

Free Flaps in the Reconstruction of Hand and Distal Forearm Injuries

1992 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. REIGSTAD ◽  
K. R. HETLAND ◽  
K. BYE ◽  
M. RØKKUM
Keyword(s):  
Donor Site ◽  
Hand Surgery ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Nerve Grafts ◽  
Partial Necrosis ◽  
Tendon Grafts ◽  
Large Skin ◽  
Forearm Injuries

We report a series of 32 free flap reconstructions following acute hand and forearm trauma. The series consists of two dorsalis pedis flaps, four scapular flaps and 26 lateral arm flaps. One flap became infected and failed completely, and a partial necrosis occurred in another flap. The transfers covered large skin defects, exposed tendons, tendon grafts, bone, bone grafts, joints, nerves and nerve grafts. The donor site morbidity was negligible. Our study shows that free microvascular flaps are a safe and convenient alternative to conventional flaps in hand surgery. The lateral arm flap seems very suitable for small and medium size defects.

scholarly journals Skull Base Reconstruction in the Pediatric Patient

2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (01) ◽  
pp. 081-090 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irit Duek ◽  
Alon Pener-Tessler ◽  
Ravit Yanko-Arzi ◽  
Arik Zaretski ◽  
Avraham Abergel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Soft Tissue Reconstruction ◽  
Cumulative Impact ◽  
Skull Base Reconstruction ◽  
Unique Challenge ◽  
First Choice

Introduction Pediatric skull base and craniofacial reconstruction presents a unique challenge since the potential benefits of therapy must be balanced against the cumulative impact of multimodality treatment on craniofacial growth, donor-site morbidity, and the potential for serious psychosocial issues. Objectives To suggest an algorithm for skull base reconstruction in children and adolescents after tumor resection. Materials and Methods Comprehensive literature review and summary of our experience. Results We advocate soft-tissue reconstruction as the primary technique, reserving bony flaps for definitive procedures in survivors who have reached skeletal maturity. Free soft-tissue transfer in microvascular technique is the mainstay for reconstruction of large, three-dimensional defects, involving more than one anatomic region of the skull base, as well as defects involving an irradiated field. However, to reduce total operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and donor-site morbidity, locoregional flaps are better be considered the flap of first choice for skull base reconstruction in children and adolescents, as long as the flap is large enough to cover the defect. Our “workhorse” for dural reconstruction is the double-layer fascia lata. Advances in endoscopic surgery, image guidance, alloplastic grafts, and biomaterials have increased the armamentarium for reconstruction of small and mid-sized defects. Conclusions Skull base reconstruction using locoregional flaps or free flaps may be safely performed in pediatrics. Although the general principles of skull base reconstruction are applicable to nearly all patients, the unique demands of skull base surgery in pediatrics merit special attention. Multidisciplinary care in experienced centers is of utmost importance.

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.

Time and Speed of Vascular Pedicle Dissection in Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap Elevation

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (08) ◽  
pp. 557-562
Author(s):  
Ji Yim ◽  
Yeon Lee ◽  
Young Kim ◽  
Eun Kim ◽  
Taik Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Free Flap ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Perforator Flap ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Vascular Pedicle ◽  
Inferior Epigastric Artery ◽  
Epigastric Artery ◽  
Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Artery Perforator

Background Breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) free flap is widely used because of the advantages of minimizing donor-site morbidity, but it requires technical competency in vascular dissection. This study evaluated the influence of patient factors and vascular status on the time and speed of dissection of the vascular pedicle. Methods DIEP free flap procedures were performed in 49 patients assigned to immediate or delayed reconstruction groups. Factors that significantly influenced the time required and the speed of dissection were evaluated. Results The average total dissection time was 55.9 minutes (34.5 minutes for the intramuscular dissection and 21.4 minutes for the submuscular dissection). The dissection speed for the total vascular pedicle was 2.65 cm/10 minutes (1.71 cm/10 minutes for the intramuscular dissection and 4.30 cm/10 minutes for the submuscular dissection). The presence of a Pfannenstiel scar, length of the vascular pedicle in the intramuscular area, and the number of microclips used significantly correlated with the total dissection time. Conclusion The length of the intramuscular pedicle, number of microclips used, and presence of a Pfannenstiel scar significantly correlated with the total dissection time of the vascular pedicle. An assessment prior to the surgery can reduce the time of operation and make it easier to elevate the flap.

Comparison of sub- versus suprafascially raised anterolateral thigh free flaps with regard to donor-site morbidity, function and aesthetics

Microsurgery ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 444-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Fischer ◽  
Yannick Diehm ◽  
Christoph Hirche ◽  
Thomas Kremer ◽  
Adrien Daigeler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Donor Site ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh

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 Sole Reconstruction Using Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap: A Review of 4 Cases

1970 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Parintosa Atmodiwirjo ◽  
Afriyanti Sandhi
Keyword(s):  
Free Flap ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Common Procedure ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Protective Sensation ◽  
And Function

Background: The ideal technique for sole reconstruction should meet such requisite as a durable and comfortable weight-bearing surface, solid anchoring to deep tissue for resistance to shear force and adequate protective sensation. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator free flap provides a large, pliable skin island and sufficient bulk, allowing three-dimensional tailoring to complex defects. The present article is about our experience of sole reconstruction ALT perforator free flap. Patient and Method: Total of 4 flaps in the foot defects was performed in February 2009 to December 2012. We reconstructed soft tissue defects in the sole using ALT free flaps, the complications, aesthetic and function results were monitored. Result: ALT perforator free flap provided stable and durable long-term wound cover in all patients, resulting in early rehabilitation and function outcomes were completely achieved. Complications were few and manageable in all cases. Summary: ALT perforator free flap has become common procedure in many centers around the world. The numerous advantages include stable wound coverage; improve aesthetic and functional outcomes, and minimal donor site morbidity. In our experiences, we found that the use of ALT perforator free flap in sole defect reconstruction, to be technically affordable, reliable and have resulted in excellent outcomes.

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