scholarly journals Implementation and Validation of Free Flaps in Acute and Reconstructive Burn Care

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 718
Author(s):  
Benjamin Ziegler ◽  
Gabriel Hundeshagen ◽  
Jan Warszawski ◽  
Emre Gazyakan ◽  
Ulrich Kneser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Free Flap ◽  
Complication Rate ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Free Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Limb Defects ◽  
Microsurgical Reconstruction ◽  
Burn Care ◽  
Flap Procedure ◽  
Burn Surgery

Microsurgical free flap reconstruction in acute burn care offers the option of reconstructing even challenging defects in a single stage procedure. Due to altered rheological and hemodynamic conditions in severely burned patients, it bears the risk of a higher complication rate compared to microsurgical reconstruction in other patients. To avoid failure, appropriate indications for free flap reconstruction should be reviewed thoroughly. Several aspects concerning timing of the procedure, individual flap choice, selection and preparation of the recipient vessels, and perioperative measures must be considered. Respecting these specific conditions, a low complication rate, comparable to those seen in microsurgical reconstruction of other traumatic limb defects, can be observed. Hence, the free flap procedure in acute burn care is a relatively safe and reliable tool in the armamentarium of acute burn surgery. In reconstructive burn care, microsurgical tissue transfer is routinely used to treat scar contractures. Due to the more robust perioperative condition of patients, even lower rates of complication are seen in microsurgical reconstruction.

scholarly journals Efficacy of the Arteriovenous Loop for Free Flap Reconstruction in Patients with Complex Limb Trauma: Case Series and Literature Review

Medicina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (11) ◽  
pp. 632
Author(s):  
Andrea Marchesini ◽  
Letizia Senesi ◽  
Francesco De Francesco ◽  
Pier Paolo Pangrazi ◽  
Andrea Campodonico ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Free Flap ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Free Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Microsurgical Reconstruction ◽  
Limb Injuries ◽  
Limb Trauma ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Arteriovenous Loop

Background and objectives: Complex limb traumas are commonly treated with microsurgical reconstruction and free flaps. However, complications are frequent in patients affected by a previous trauma or comorbidity, atheromasia and a single valid vessel. Free flap reconstruction is indeed a challenging procedure in complex injuries, which may increase the risk of limb ischemia. The Arteriovenous loop (AVL) technique may be considered an efficient alternative treatment. We herein report our procedure and previous research regarding the AVL method using a two-step reconstruction in cases of complex high-energy limb injuries. Materials and Methods: In this single center retrospective cohort study, all the patients from 2014 to 2018 who underwent to AVL reconstruction were assessed. A total of six patients were included in the study for traumatic limb trauma. The two-stage technique was performed each time. The age and sex of patient, the time between stage one and two, the length of AVL loop and rate of free flap success were evaluated. Results: A total of seven AVL reconstructions were performed. The mean age of patients was 36 years old. Eight free flaps were performed; six free flaps were transferred to the vascular loops. The average time between stage one and two was 13 days. The mean length of the pedicle was 25 cm for the upper limb and 33.7 cm for the lower limb. All the free flaps successfully take root. In one case, a surgical revision was required the second day post-operatory due to venous congestion. Conclusions: AVL is a useful and safe technique in microsurgical reconstruction which will prevent vascular complications. Our investigations suggest the efficacy and feasibility of a two-step intervention in acute post-traumatic events. A single-step procedure should be preferred in chronic situation and oncologic reconstruction.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Primary and Secondary Free Flap Desyndactylization Techniques in Hand and Digit Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 05 (02) ◽  
pp. e107-e114
Author(s):  
Michael B. Gehring ◽  
Matthew L. Iorio
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Complication Rate ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Free Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Hand Defects ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Objective Injuries of the hand often require free flap reconstruction. To minimize flap loss, evidence exists to surgically syndactylize digits when repairing multiple injuries, with delayed flap division, or desyndactylization. However, evidence suggests that division of the flap at the time of inset can be accomplished with minimal negative effect. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes, following hand reconstruction with free flaps utilizing either acute or staged desyndactylization techniques. Methods A systematic review utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed. Articles that described the use of a free flap for surgically syndactylized digits or multilobed flaps for coverage of multiple digits were included. Results One hundred sixty-one articles were reviewed with 34 fulfilling inclusion criteria. One hundred seventeen patients underwent 145 free flap reconstructions. Traumatic avulsions (49%) were the most common injuries, followed by burns (11%). Twenty-one (62%) papers described surgical syndactylization of digits, which were later desyndactylized and five (15%) papers included reconstruction of more than one digit with multilobed free flaps. Eight papers (24%) described both techniques. Overall, 100% of included flaps survived. Total complication rate was 6%, with six complications (67%) occurring in flaps with primary syndactylization. Conclusion Hand defects often require free flaps for reconstruction. Although free flaps for the reconstruction of digital defects is technically demanding, they result in better outcomes. With available evidence indicating complications rates less than those of staged desyndactylization, multidigit reconstruction with multilobed free flaps may be a more desirable technique.

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.

scholarly journals Reconstruction with free flaps in robotic head-and-neck onco-surgeries

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (03) ◽  
pp. 283-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajan Arora ◽  
Vinay Kumar Verma ◽  
Kripa Shanker Mishra ◽  
Hemant Bhoye ◽  
Rahul Kapoor
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Dissection ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Cancer Surgery ◽  
Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Free Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Good Outcome

ABSTRACT Aims and Objective: The aim of the present article is to highlight how reconstruction with free flaps is different and difficult in cases with robotic head-and-neck cancer surgery. It also highlights the technical guidelines on how to manage the difficulties. Materials and Methods: Eleven patients with oropharyngeal cancer having undergone tumour excision followed by free-flap reconstruction been reviewed here. Nine patients had tumour excision done robotically through intraoral route while neck dissection done with transverse neck crease incision. There is a problem of difficult flap inset in this group of patient. Two patients had intraoral excision of tumour followed by robotic neck dissection via retroauricular incision. With no incision directly on the neck, microvascular anastomosis is challenging in this set of patients. Free flap was used in all the cases to reconstruct the defect. Results: Successful reconstruction with free flap was done in all the cases with good outcome both functionally and aesthetically. Conclusion: Free-flap reconstruction is possible in robotic head-and-neck cancer surgery despite small and difficult access, but it does need practice and some technical modifications for good outcome.

O147 The use of free flaps based on the thoracodorsal artery for free flap reconstruction

2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 109
Author(s):  
R. Anand ◽  
M. Ethunandan ◽  
P. Ramchandani ◽  
V. Ilankovan
Keyword(s):  
Free Flap ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Free Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Thoracodorsal Artery

498 The Bristol Sign - A Technical Tip to Confirm Skin Flap Vascularity

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Schrire ◽  
Ahmed Emam ◽  
Giulia Colavitti ◽  
Umraz Khan
Keyword(s):  
Free Flap ◽  
Gold Standard ◽  
Skin Flap ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Modern Medicine ◽  
Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Free Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Central Tenet ◽  
Tissue Defects

Abstract Introduction In modern medicine, free flap reconstruction has become the gold standard when faced with soft tissue defects. The impressive cosmesis, and adaptability of free flaps means that we can securely state that we are in the era of Plastic Surgery defined by free flap reconstruction. However, as part of free flap reconstruction, clinical monitoring of the flap is a central tenet post-operatively. Different departments have different protocols for this. Method In our unit, it is practice to insert a single interrupted stitch overlying the Doppler site just before dressings. This localises the site of the pedicle for Doppler monitoring, and allows the surgeon to examine the quality of the blood droplets, demonstrating flap perfusion. Results The use of the stitch is considered practical, replicable, and safe, and aids in providing gold standard monitoring post-operatively. The additional analysis of the blood droplet is another sign, in itself, of a healthy flap, and excludes venous congestion. Conclusions The Bristol stitch is a useful adjunct to free flap reconstruction. It’s localisation of the Doppler signal allows medical and nursing staff to confidently approach post-operative monitoring, and the blood elicited by the stitch insertion is a useful sign of flap vascularity and venous status.

scholarly journals Current evidence for outcomes of free-flap reconstruction in factor V Leiden patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 58-66
Author(s):  
Isobel Yeap ◽  
Chris Ahn ◽  
Stuart Hoffman ◽  
Rowan Gillies ◽  
John Vandervord
Keyword(s):  
Free Flap ◽  
Factor V Leiden ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Factor V ◽  
Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Free Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Flap Surgery ◽  
Flap Failure ◽  
Free Flap Surgery

Background: Factor V Leiden is the most common form of inherited thrombophilic syndrome, affecting five per cent of caucasians. While increased rates of venous thromboembolic complications have been regularly reported in factor V Leiden patients, little is known about their risk of microvascular complications or flap failure rates in free-flap surgery. The aim of this review is to qualitatively review the published literature on outcomes of free-flap surgery in patients with factor V Leiden. Methods: MEDLINE®, PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane were searched from their dates of inception to March 2017. Nine studies of level IV evidence were included in this qualitative review. In total, these studies included 22 patients who underwent 24 free-flap operations. Results: Nine flap failures were reported due to thrombotic complications. Even heterozygous factor V Leiden patients had a relatively high risk of free-flap failure (3/15 free flaps), and patients who were heterozygous for factor V Leiden and had other coexistent thrombophilias had an even higher failure rate (5/6 free flaps). However, the small sample size across the nine studies, as well as the inevitable publication bias, means that definitive conclusions cannot be drawn. Conclusion: Despite factor V Leiden being a relatively common condition in Australia, current evidence for outcomes of free-flap reconstruction in this patient population is lacking.

Does Cigarette Smoking Harm Microsurgical Free Flap Reconstruction?

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (07) ◽  
pp. 492-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Heidekrueger ◽  
Elisabeth Haas ◽  
Michaela Coenen ◽  
Riccardo Giunta ◽  
Milomir Ninkovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Free Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
American Society ◽  
The Impact

Background Free tissue transfers can successfully address a wide range of reconstructive requirements. While the negative influence of cigarette smoking is well documented, its effects in the setting of microsurgical free flap reconstruction remain debated. This study evaluates the impact of cigarette smoking on microsurgical reconstructions. Methods Over a 7-year period, 897 patients underwent 969 microvascular free flap reconstructions at a single surgical center. The cases were divided into “smoker” (S) and “nonsmoker” (NS) groups according to their cigarette smoking status. The data were retrospectively screened for patients' demographics, perioperative details, surgical complications, free flap types, recipient sites, flap survival, and overall outcomes. Results Both groups were comparable regarding comorbidities including hypertension, peripheral artery disease, diabetes, American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, types of performed free flaps, and recipient sites. While patients in the NS group were significantly older and had a higher prevalence of obesity (p < 0.05), there were no significant differences regarding the rate of major or minor complications during our 3-month follow-up period (p > 0.05). Conclusion While minor and major complications were increased regarding virtually all examined parameters, cigarette smoking did not have significant effects on the overall outcomes of microsurgical free flap reconstructions.

Considerations in Free Flap Reconstruction of the Midface

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Hammer ◽  
Aurora G. Vincent ◽  
Fayette Williams ◽  
Yadranko Ducic
Keyword(s):  
Free Flap ◽  
Preoperative Assessment ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Free Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Pedicle Flap ◽  
Free Flap Surgery ◽  
Management Of Complications ◽  
Flap Design ◽  
Midface Reconstruction

AbstractMidface reconstruction has been a consistent challenge for reconstructive surgeons even with the significant advances in technology and technique achieved over the recent years. A meticulous preoperative assessment of the patient is required to properly assess the defect or anticipated defect, determine proper reconstructive surgical plan, and discuss expected functional and aesthetic outcomes with the patient. For years we have employed local flaps, regional flaps, obturators, alloplastic implants, free flaps, or a combination of the previously mentioned techniques to address complex midface reconstruction. Free flap reconstruction in the midface requires special considerations for the pedicle, flap selection, and flap design to ensure an optimal outcome. The introduction of virtual surgical planning for reconstruction has enhanced patient outcomes to include advances in immediate dental rehabilitation at the time of free flap surgery. Postoperative considerations including quality of life, functional and aesthetic outcomes, and management of complications will also be discussed.

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