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A frozen neck is a scarred neck with severe fibrosis with a loss of tissue planes secondary to prior irradiation with or without surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of cervicofacial reconstruction in patients with soft tissue defects and bone flap and reconstruction plate exposure with the upper trapezius myocutaneous flap. Fifteen oncologic patients with prior surgery and radiotherapy developed soft tissue dehiscence with bone and osteosynthesis material exposure. All patients had either a frozen neck or a vessel-depleted neck. The soft tissue defects were reconstructed, the osteosynthesis material was removed and the bone flap exposure was covered in all patients. One patient developed a seroma and 1 patient reported wound dehiscence. In terms of esthetic results, 6 patients referred a good esthetic result, whereas 8 patients referred a fair result and 1 patient a poor result. Two patients with prior radical neck dissection reported a poor functional result in the ipsilateral shoulder, previously to secondary reconstruction. Functional neck dissection was performed in 10 patients, 8 patients referred a good functional outcome and 2 patients reported a fair result. The upper trapezius flap is an extremely reliable source for secondary cervicofacial soft tissue reconstruction in "frozen neck." In comparison with other locoregional flaps, the upper trapezius flap fulfills all aesthetic and functional criteria for secondary cervicofacial soft tissue reconstruction.

BACKGROUND To describe a technique in which the anterior jugular vein is preserved in the infrahyoid myocutaneous flap (IHMCF) to augment skin paddle venous drainage. METHODS From April 2018 to December 2019, 14 patients with primary oral cancer underwent radical resection and IHMCF reconstruction. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the anterior jugular vein was used to assess the venous drainage of the skin paddle preoperatively. The anterior jugular vein was preserved during dissection of the flap. Healing of the recipient and donor sites was observed. RESULTS Total flap necrosis occurred in one patient and marginal skin paddle necrosis occurred in one patient. No flap complications occurred in the other 12 patients. CONCLUSION This new approach to augment venous drainage of the IHMCF appears to be effective for decreasing risk of flap necrosis.

Lid-sharing approaches are often advocated for repair of large full thickness lower eyelid defects, however result in temporary visual obstruction and the need for a second-stage procedure. The authors describe and report outcomes using a one-stage technique utilizing a free tarsoconjunctival graft (TCG) and musculocutaneous transposition flap (MCT) to repair defects up to 90% of the lower eyelid.A retrospective chart review on patients that had undergone full thickness lower eyelid reconstruction using a TCG and MCT between the dates of 1/1/2015 to 3/1/2020 was performed. Demographic and clinical information including indication for repair, size of defect, post-operative complications, and outcomes were recorded and analyzed.Six cases of lower eyelid reconstruction using this technique were identified. Fifty percent were male, average age was 61.3 years (range 36-91, SD = 18.9), and follow up was 36.7 weeks (range 3-129, SD = 48.1). All defects were due to malignancy (4/6 for basal cell carcinoma, 1/6 each for sebaceous cell carcinoma and merkel cell carcinoma). Average horizontal defect size was 80% of lower eyelid width (range 57%-90%, SD = 12.3), while average vertical defect size was 8 mm (range 5-10 mm, SD = 1.7). There were no instances of post-operative infection, lid malposition, or dehiscence. A pyogenic granuloma was noted in one case and was managed with excision.A single-stage procedure using a TCG and MCT can be used to repair laterally based full-thickness lower eyelid defects up to 90% with satisfactory outcomes and few complications.

Background Autologous reconstruction after mastectomy became more and more popular, so this study aimed to obtain up-to-date and comprehensive data on autologous reconstruction in China. Methods An electronic questionnaire was sent to 110 hospitals, which were chosen depending on geographical distribution and hospital types. The questionnaire investigated the demographics, characteristics, breast cancer treatment and reconstruction situation of these hospitals through different modules. We only focused on the autologous breast reconstruction module data. Results 96 hospitals have performed breast reconstruction surgery. The proportion of the hospital performing latissimus dorsi flap (LDF, N = 91), pedicle transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (pTRAM, N = 62), free abdominal flap (N = 43) and other kinds of flap decreased in sequence. Of the overall reconstruction cases, only 34.3% were autologous reconstruction and LDF was still the most popular option for autologous reconstruction. Related factors of hospital performing different procedures included years of performing breast reconstruction, breast surgical volume, and establishment of an independent plastic surgery department. Compared with LDF, abdominal breast reconstruction was associated with a higher flap necrosis rate. Conclusions This cross-sectional survey offers real-life autologous reconstruction information on a large population and covers the national surgical landscape in China. Autologous reconstruction is still an important part of breast reconstruction. Nevertheless, its low proportion and lower proportion of abdominal flap reconstruction in each institution, demonstrates that special training should be developed for breast surgeons and multidisciplinary cooperation would be promoted in the future.

Purpose. Xanthelasma palpebrarum manifests as a yellowish placoid on the medial aspect of the upper eyelids, often in middle and old age. Aggravated lateral hooding of the eyelid might cause a deformity with conventional surgery, which appears to be more deficient on the medial side with excess hooding of the lateral skin. The authors suggest a novel surgical technique to solve this problem and reconstruct the defect appropriately. Methods. From July 2017 to December 2018, our method of combining excision with blepharoplasty was performed on 8 patients, consisting of 15 lesions on the upper eyelid and 6 lesions on the lower lid. Lesion removal incorporating blepharoplasty incision was done. After resection, the orbicularis oculi musculocutaneous flap was widely elevated extending through the whole upper eyelid with the lateral flap first along with fat maneuver. The flap was advanced into the defect, with even distribution of tension, after lower flap fixation to the required height of the eyelid fold. Taping was done with a hydrocolloid bandage and kept for 2 weeks. Results. The wounds were healed primarily, and no cases of recurrence, lagophthalmos, hypertrophic scar, pigmentation, or remarkable deformity were noted. All patients were satisfied, and the functional outcomes were excellent. Two patients had trivial complications specific to our method, that of triple fold and neo-Mongolian fold, which were simply revised later. Conclusions. This modality overcame the drawbacks of eyelid deformity observed in previous surgical methods, giving excellent results without any critical complications.

Background Flap monitoring in reconstructive surgery is particularly important because flap failure is a dramatic event for the patient and for the medical team. Noninvasive deep tissue oxygenation monitoring is a challenge. The aim of this experimental study was to assess the performance of time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy compared with continuous-wave near-infrared spectroscopy and with invasive oxygen partial pressure measurement in pigs. Methods Thirty fasciocutaneous flaps based on the superficial epigastric inferior pedicle were harvested and buried under the transcutaneous dorsal muscle (approximately 1 cm thick). An optical probe was placed on the skin above each buried flap. For each pig, two buried flaps were performed, one submitted to arterial occlusion and one to venous occlusion. Oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations were observed for over 40 minutes before clamping, almost 20 minutes during clamping and during a period of release of approximately 20 minutes. Variations in time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy were compared to the oxygen partial pressure and continuous-wave near-infrared spectroscopy variations. Results All vascular events were detected by the time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy. During arterial clamping, oxyhemoglobin decreased rapidly, whereas deoxyhemoglobin increased moderately. The divergence of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin curves indicated arterial occlusion. During venous clamping, deoxyhemoglobin increased, whereas oxyhemoglobin increased briefly then remained stable or decreased moderately. The initial increases in the oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin curves indicated venous occlusion. Oxygen partial pressure failed to detect vascular events in three cases. Continuous-wave near-infrared spectroscopy could not clearly identify vascular occlusions. Conclusions Thus, the authors demonstrated the relevance of time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy to buried flap monitoring. Time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy could differentiate between arterial occlusion and venous occlusion.

Background Vulvoperineal defects resulting from surgical treatment of (pre)malignancies may result in reconstructive challenges. The vertical rectus abdominis muscle flap and, more recently, the fasciocutaneous lotus petal flap are often used for reconstruction in this area. The goal of this review is to compare the postoperative complications of application of these flaps.Methods:A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases was performed until 6 June 2020. Search terms included the lotus petal flap, vertical rectus abdominis muscle flap and the vulvoperineal area. Articles were independently screened by two researchers according to the PRISMA-guidelines.Results:A total of 1074 citations were retrieved and reviewed, of which 55 were included for full text analysis. Following lotus petal flap reconstructions, the complication rate varied from 0.0% to 69.9%, with more complications concerning the recipient site compared with the donor site complications (26.0% versus 4.5%). Following vertical rectus abdominis muscle flap reconstructions the complication rate varied between 0.0% and 85.7% with almost twice the number of recipient site complications compared to donor site complications (37.1% versus 17.8%).Conclusions:Overall, the lotus petal flap has lower complication rates at both the donor and the recipient site compared with the vertical rectus abdominis muscle flap. When both options seem viable, the lotus petal flap procedure may be preferred on the basis of the reported lower complication rates.

Introduction With increasing popularity of minimally invasive approaches to abdominoperineal resection (APR), thigh-based flaps are becoming the preferred option for reconstruction. The gluteal-thigh flap provides sufficient bulk, albeit with a high complication rate. We reevaluated the vascularization and design of the gluteal-thigh flap. The purpose of this study is to highlight the importance of the vascularization of the posterior thigh skin by the descending branch of the inferior gluteal artery (IGA) and the profunda femoris artery (PFA) perforators to design a more reliable and versatile gluteal thigh flap. This flap is indicated in selected cases in which use of vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap is not feasible. Methods Eleven fresh cadavers were used. The course, distribution, and diameter of IGA and PFA perforators were recorded. A wide posterior gluteal-thigh propeller flap (WPGTPF) was designed including the distance between the ischiatic tuberosity and greater trochanter; and extending it to within 8 cm of the popliteal fossa to improve flap reliability. Ten patients (mean age of 58.7 ± 10.6 years) underwent APR due to anal cancer (2) and rectal cancer (8); the approach was open in 3, laparoscopic in 6, and robotic in 1. All 10 patients received unilateral flap with a width of 12 ± 3.3 cm and surface of 405.5 ± 175.9 cm2 . Results The descending branch of the IGA was dominant in 72.7% of the specimens. In 22.7% of the specimens, the pedicle of the flap derived from the first or second PFA perforators. In one case, there was a double vascularization. Descending branch of the IGA was mapped at 46 ± 7.96 mm on the X-axis (horizontal line from the ischial tuberosity [IT] to the greater trochanter) and -12.1 ± 17.9 mm on the Y-axis (vertical line from the IT to the Medial Femoral condyle). Its average caliber measured 2.18 ± 0.3 mm. The first and second PFA perforators were located at 101.6 ± 17.9 mm and 104.5 ± 15.5 mm on the X-axis; 35.9 ± 27.1 mm and 89.2 ± 37.6 mm on the Y-axis. Their average diameters were 1.84 ± 0.41 mm and 1.48 ± 0.3 mm. In two cases, the flap was based on the first PFA perforator, the rest were on the descending branch of the IGA. Neither complete nor partial flap necrosis was observed. One patient developed coccyx osteomyelitis treated and resolved with bone debridement and one patient developed a seroma of the lateral thigh that was treated conservatively. Three patients underwent a debulking procedure by a combination of liposuction and resection to improve the gluteal symmetry. All ten flaps survived completely. Conclusions Harvest of a wide flap that includes the PFA perforators and implementation of the propeller design increase the survival and versatility of the flap.

Treating frontal sinusitis refractory to endoscopic sinus surgery and complicating frontal bone defect remains a challenge. One surgical option determined is free flap transfer, which has the versatility to accommodate adequate sinus obliteration and reconstruct skin and bone defects. After successful free flap transfer, forehead recessus deformity can emerge as an esthetic problem for patients waiting for cranioplasty. Hence, the authors examine three cases in which they performed free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous (LDM) flaps for chronic frontal sinusitis with frontal bone defect. All LDM flaps survived without complications, and all patients achieved passable forehead contours without cranioplasty and with no occurrence of infection. In our procedure, the muscle portion of the LDM flap was used to obliterate the frontal sinus, which is similar to conventional free LDM flap. Conversely, our procedure also uses the de-epithelialized skin paddle of the LDM flap filled with the frontal bone defect, which is distinct from conventional free LDM flap. Thus, preventing postoperative forehead recessus deformity has been the identified as primary advantage of our procedure. The use of the free de-epithelialized LDM flap transfer fulfills two goals: controlling chronic frontal sinusitis and restoring a passable forehead contour.

Attempting traditional cosmetic blepharoplasty in a sunken eyelid may cause complications such as multiple folds, irregular or high placement of fold. Additional surgical procedures, such as orbital fat repositioning or free fat grafting, are introduced to correct the sunken appearance. The study sought to introduce a novel orbicularis oculi muscle flap (OOMF) rotation procedure for the correction of the sunken eyelid during blepharoplasty.Retrospective chart review was performed on patients who presented with sunken eyelid(s) and underwent cosmetic blepharoplasty. All patients underwent OOMF rotation to fill the sunken area during blepharoplasty. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 12 to 15 months - the esthetic outcome and complication rates were recorded at each visit.The sunken appearances of eyelids were improved, and smooth double eyelid folds were achieved in all 62 patients (62 females, mean age 24.1±5.2 years, range: 19-34 years). The mean sunken depths were measured as 6.5 ± 1.0 mm (range: 5-9 mm) preoperatively, and were improved to 4.2 ± 0.9 mm (range: 3-6 mm) at the last follow-up visit (P0.05). At the last follow-up visit, patients rated the surgical result as good in 88.7% (satisfied with the appearance improvement, n=55), fair in 11.3% (mild complaints about the surgical outcome, n=7), and poor in 0 of cases (unsatisfied with the surgical outcome, n=0).In selected patients with sunken eyelid who seek cosmetic blepharoplasty, the OOMF rotation offers a simple and effective way to fill the sunken area and help to form beautiful double eyelids.

Repairing a large tracheoesophageal fistula with extensive involvement of the membranous wall of the trachea is sometimes troublesome because of the lack of an ideal replacement for the large defect. We report the successful use of a pedicled sternocleidomastoid musculocutaneous flap to repair a large tracheoesophageal fistula in which the cutaneous component was applied to the defect of the membranous trachea after tracheal resection and the muscular component was interposed between the tracheal and esophageal walls.

Background Management of donor site closure after harvesting a vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap is discussed heterogeneously in the literature. We aim to analyze the postoperative complications of the donor site depending on the closure technique. Methods During a 12-year period (2003–2015), 192 patients in our department received transpelvic VRAM flap reconstruction. Prospectively collected data were analyzed retrospectively. Results 182 patients received a VRAM flap reconstruction for malignant, 10 patients for benign disease. The median age of patients was 62 years. 117 patients (61%) received a reconstruction of donor site by Vypro® mesh, 46 patients (24%) by Vicryl® mesh, 23 patients (12%) by direct closure and 6 patients (3%) by combination of different meshes. 32 patients (17%) developed in total 34 postoperative complications at the donor site. 22 complications (11%) were treated conservatively, 12 (6%) surgically. 17 patients (9%) developed incisional hernia during follow-up, with highest incidence in the Vicryl® group (n = 8; 17%) and lowest in the Vypro® group (n = 7; 6%). Postoperative parastomal hernias were found in 30 patients (16%) including three patients with simultaneous hernia around an urostomy and a colostomy. The highest incidence of parastomal hernia was found in patients receiving primary closure of the donor site (n = 6; 26%), the lowest incidence in the Vypro® group (n = 16; 14%). Conclusion The use of Vypro® mesh for donor site closure appears to be associated with a low postoperative incidence of complications and can therefore be recommended as a preferred technique.

Pelvic exenteration for malignancy sometimes necessitates flap reconstruction.This study's aim was to investigate flap-related morbidity.A prospective database was reviewed from 2003 to 2016. All medical charts, correspondence, and outpatient follow-up records up to May 2017 were reviewed.This study was conducted at a tertiary referral unit.Patients who underwent pelvic exenteration surgery were selected.Reconstruction was performed with a vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap.Primary outcome was flap-related complications (short or long term3 months). Secondary outcomes were hospital stay, readmission, mortality, and quality of life (Short Form-36, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for patients with colorectal cancer).Of 519 patients undergoing pelvic exenteration surgery, 87 (17%) underwent flap reconstruction. Median follow-up was 20 months (interquartile range, 8-39 months). Median age was 60 years (interquartile range, 51-66). Flap-related complications were found in 59 patients (68%), with minor recipient-site complications diagnosed in 33 patients (38%). In the short term, 15 patients experienced major recipient-site complications (17%), including flap separation (n = 7) and partial (n = 3) or complete necrosis (n = 4). Flap removal was required in 1 patient. Obesity was the single independent risk factor for short-term flap-related complications (p = 0.02). Hospital admission was significantly longer in patients with short-term major flap complications (median 65 days, p0.001) compared with patients without or with minor complications. There was no 90-day mortality. Patients who required flap reconstruction reported lower baseline quality-of-life scores than patients without flap reconstruction, but both recovered over time. In the long term, minor flap-related complications occurred in 12 patients, and 11 patients had major donor-site complications. Fourteen patients developed major recipient-site complications (16%), including sacral collections, enterocutaneous fistulas, perineal ulcer, or hernia.This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.Vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps in pelvic exenteration surgery have a high incidence of morbidity that has significant impact on hospital stay and a temporary impact on quality of life. Flap reconstruction should be used selectively in pelvic exenteration surgery. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B274. COMPLICACIONES E IMPACTO EN LA CALIDAD DE VIDA DE LOS COLGAJOS MIOCUTÁNEOS DE MUSCULO RECTO DEL ABDOMEN EN CASOS DE RECONSTRUCCIÓN DE EXENTERACIÓN PÉLVICA: La exenteración pélvica (EP) para malignidad a veces requiere reconstrucción con colgajos musculares.El propósito del presente estudio fue investigar la morbilidad relacionada con los colagajos musculares.Revisión de una base de datos prospectiva de 2003-2016. Se evaluaron todas las historias clínicas, la correspondencia y los registros de seguimiento de pacientes ambulatorios hasta mayo de 2017.Unidad de referencia terciaria.Todos aquellas personas con cirugía de exenteración pélvica.Reconstrucción con colgajo miocutáneo de musculo recto vertical del abdomen.El resultado primario fueron las complicaciones relacionadas con el colgajo (a corto o largo plazo3 meses). Los resultados secundarios fueron la estadía hospitalaria, la readmisión, la mortalidad y la calidad de vida (QOL; SF-36, FACT-C).De 519 pacientes sometidos a EP, 87 (17%) se sometieron a reconstrucción con colgajos miocutáneos. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 20 meses (RIC 8-39 meses). La mediana de edad fue de 60 años (IQR 51-66). Se encontraron complicaciones relacionadas con el colgajo en 59 pacientes (68%), con complicaciones menores en el sitio del receptor diagnosticadas en 33 pacientes (38%). A corto plazo, quince pacientes sufrieron complicaciones mayores en el sitio del receptor (17%), incluida la separación del colgajo (n = 7), necrosis parcial (n = 3) o necrosis completa (n = 4). Se requirió la extracción del colgajo en un paciente. La obesidad fue el único factor de riesgo independiente para complicaciones relacionadas con el colgajo a corto plazo (p = 0.02). El ingreso hospitalario fue significativamente mayor en pacientes con complicaciones de colgajos mayores a corto plazo (mediana 65 días p0.001) en comparación con pacientes sin complicaciones menores o con complicaciones menores. No hubo mortalidad a los 90 días. Los pacientes que requirieron reconstrucción con colgajo informaron puntajes de calidad de vida basales más bajos que los pacientes sin reconstrucción con colgajo, pero ambos se recuperaron con el tiempo. A largo plazo, ocurrieron complicaciones menores relacionadas con el colgajo en 12 pacientes y 11 pacientes tuvieron complicaciones mayores en el sitio donante. Catorce pacientes desarrollaron complicaciones mayores en el sitio del receptor (16%), incluidas colecciones sacras, fístulas enterocutáneas, úlceras perineales o herniación.Análisis retrospectivo de datos recolectados prospectivamente.Los colgajos miocutáneos del musculo recto vertical del abdomen en casos de cirugía de exenteración pélvica tienen una alta incidencia de morbilidad conllevando a un impacto significativo en la estadía hospitalaria y un impacto temporal en la calidad de vida. Las reconstrucciones con colgajos deben aplicarse muy selectivamente en la cirugía de exenteración pélvica. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B274.

Background Divided eyelid nevus is a rare congenital dermatological abnormality associated with several functional and aesthetic problems. Reconstruction of periorbital defects after resection of the lesions has been an intractable challenge. Also, plastic surgeons are still in the exploration stage regarding the treatment of this disease, because the knowledge about it has only been derived from random case reports and series. Objective To evaluate the postoperative effect of advanced orbicularis oculi myocutaneous (OOMC) flap for the treatment of divided eyelid nevus and present our experiences using this technique in our department. Methods A retrospective study was performed on 17 patients who had undergone treatment of divided eyelid nevus with OOMC flap between December 2012 and January 2018. All patients were treated with advanced OOMC flap. In some cases, flap thinning surgery and/or blepharoplasty was performed in the second stage for symmetry and aesthetic purposes. Results Seventeen patients, aged between 1 and 33 years, were operated. During a follow-up period ranging from 10 to 80 months, all the flaps were viable, and no serious complications were recorded except for partial cilia loss in 6 cases. Four cases developed slightly bloated flap, but after surgical revision by performing flap thinning surgery or/and blepharoplasty in the second stage, they achieved an even better aesthetic reconstruction. Except for the above 4 cases, the other patients stated that no further revision was needed. Conclusions The OOMC flap is an excellent method for the treatment of divided eyelid nevus, resulting in high functional and aesthetic reconstruction. In some cases, blepharoplasty can be performed in the second stage, which improves the aesthetic outcomes.

Importance: Medium and large nasal defects are mostly addressed with paramedian forehead flap reconstruction. The superior extended nasal myocutaneous island (SENMI) flap offers an alternative that can be single stage and can avoid a gross deformity. Objective: To describe a new flap for nasal reconstruction of medium and large nasal defects and to define the flap's limitations and indications. Design, Setting, and Participants: This original study was a retrospective case series of patients who underwent SENMI flap reconstruction from 2008 to 2018 at a private tertiary referral center—Skin Cancer and Reconstructive Surgery Center (SCARS Center). Participants included all consecutive patients of the senior author who had undergone SENMI flap from September 2012 to December 2018, consisting of 53 patients. Indications for surgery were mostly skin cancer defects, postreconstructive, and post-traumatic deformities. IRB approval was obtained from the St. Joseph Health Center for Clinical Research. Main Outcomes and Measures: The location of the defects was defined. The vertical length of flap advancement was measured. Number of stages required to achieve functional and aesthetic goals was reported. Appearance rating after the first stage was assessed. Results: A total of 53 patients [mean age 68 (range 30–92) years; 26 (49%) female and 27 (51%) male] were included in the case series. Reconstructed areas included 8 in the upper two-thirds of the nose (dorsum and sidewall), 34 in nasal tip, 32 in nasal ala, 12 in soft tissue triangle and infratip, and 13 full thickness defects of the alar rim. The flap advancing distance defined the nature of flap mobility. Of 53 patients, 41 had up to 2.0 cm of flap advancement and 12 had 2.0 to 3.2 cm of advancement. Of 52 patients aesthetically evaluated, 43 had mild or no detectable shape deformity on photographic evaluation after one stage. Single stage was performed in 25 patients, two stages in 21 patients, and three stages in 7 patients. Functional nasal valve stenosis was present in 18 patients (33%) after one stage. Partial flap ischemia occurred in two patients (4%). Conclusions and Relevance: SENMI flap is an effective technique for nasal reconstruction. It offers a single- or two-stage alternative with less temporary deformity in comparison with forehead flap reconstruction.

Background Latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps are often used in breast reconstruction procedures, but seroma formation is a frequent complication. To decrease the incidence of seroma formation, fibrin sealants and/or quilting sutures have been proposed, with controversial results. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the Harmonic scalpel in association with Tisseel and three-point deep dermal sutures in reducing the incidence of this complication. Methods A retrospective study was conducted of 108 patients undergoing immediate unilateral breast reconstruction with LD flaps over a 3-year period (2016–2018) by a single surgeon. In the experimental group, 37 patients underwent the procedure with a Harmonic scalpel and three-point deep dermal sutures (a modified version of quilting sutures), and the other 71 received conventional electrocautery. Fibrin sealant was applied to the donor site of all patents to reduce seroma formation. Results Statistically significant differences in the incidence of seroma were found between the two groups. There was a lower incidence of seroma formation in the group of patients treated with a Harmonic scalpel and three-point deep dermal sutures than in the other group. The total drainage amount and drain removal date between the two groups were not significantly different. Conclusions Within the limitations of this study, we suggest that Harmonic scalpel use can be a good choice among the many ways to reduce seroma formation following LD flap procedures, and that this technique will be very helpful for patients.

A 61-year-old patient presented with a right Girdlestone hip and wound dehiscence due to extensive dead space after radical debridement and septic arthroplasty removal. A two-stage reconstruction with the application of a subcutaneous autologous arterio-venous (AV) loop using an autologous vena saphena magna (VSM) interposition graft followed by a free latissimus dorsi flap was performed.We decided to perform a two-stage procedure with AV loop creation in the first step and free flap transplantation seven days after it. In the first step, an AV vascular loop was prepared by transplanting the contralateral VSM interposition graft to the inguinal femoral vessels with subcutaneous passage of the venous loop. In the second step after 7 days, the wound was closed by a two-team approach. One surgical team completed the wound debridement, while the other team harvested the flap by microsurgical preparation of the thoracodorsal pedicle in the right axilla. Upon completed harvest, the flap was placed into the wound to fill the periosseous dead space, and the anastomosis was performed in an end-to-end fashion.The patient remained free of infection with a well-healed flap. He was mobilized on crutches with partial weight bearing on the operated leg. A lower extremity prosthesis with pelvic support was customized.Ein 61-jähriger Patient stellt sich mit Girdlestone-Situation und Wundheilungsstörung bei ausgeprägtem Totraum nach radikaler Infektsanierung bei Z. n. ersatzloser Explantation einer Hüfttotalendoprothese (Hüft-TEP) vor. Es erfolgte die zweizeitige Defektdeckung mittels Latissimus-dorsi-Muskellappenplastik nach vorheriger Vorlage einer subkutanen autologen arteriovenösen Gefäßschlinge (AV-Loop) mithilfe eines autologen V.-saphena-magna-Interponats zum mikrovaskulären Lappenanschluss.Bei Wunsch nach Extremitätenerhalt des aktiven Patienten boten wir ihm eine zweizeitige Defektdeckung mittels Latissimus-dorsi-Muskellappenplastik nach vorheriger Vorlage eines subkutanen autologen AV-Loops zum sicheren Lappenanschluss an. Im 1. Schritt erfolgte der Anschluss eines AV-Loops durch Transplantation der kontralateralen V. saphena magna an die inguinalen Femoralgefäße mit subkutanem Durchzug zur Defektstelle. Nach 7 Tagen Einlaufen des Loops wurde im 2. Schritt die Deckung durchgeführt. Hierfür erfolgte ein erneutes radikales Weichteil- und Knochendébridement, um ein sauberes Wundbett für die Lappenplastik zu gewährleisten. Die Lappenhebung des M. latissimus dorsi mit Hautinsel wurde parallel durchgeführt. Nach Freilegung des vorgelegten AV-Loops wurde der Lappen mikrochirurgisch mit dem Loop anastomosiert. Der muskuläre Anteil diente als Plombe des Totraumes, die Hautinsel wurde zur Bedeckung des Hautdefektes in den ehemaligen Hüftgelenksbereich eingenäht.Infektfreiheit bei reizlos abgeheilter Lappenplastik. Mobilisation an 2 Unterarmgehstützen mit partieller Belastung des operierten Beines über eine Beinprothese mit Beckenabstützung.

Background The current study introduces and demonstrates our experience of using a sequential thoracoacromial artery perforator (TAAP) flap to repair the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) flap donor site in this context. The aims of this technique are to optimize both esthetic and functional outcomes and to reduce postoperative complications for patients. Methods Between September 2013 and March 2017, the SCM flap combined with sequential TAAP flap was used for reconstruction postradical parotidectomy in 12 patients. Flap characteristics, patient outcomes, and postoperative complications were monitored and objectively measured, with 10 to 24 months of follow-up. Results There were no incidences of total flap loss. All TAAP flap donor sites were closed directly, and all healed without any complications. The SCM flap and TAAP flap donor areas were esthetically acceptable, with good esthetic and functional outcomes achieved in all 12 patients. Conclusions The sequential TAAP flap has a consistent vascular supply and provides a reliable surgical approach to reconstruct the SCM flap donor site with good esthetic and functional outcomes.

Background Conventional reconstructive options for large full-thickness eyelid defects are limited to static local flaps without replacing the missing orbicularis. The authors' aim is to delineate the platysma neurovascular anatomy for innervated functional eyelid reconstruction. Methods Fourteen fresh latex-injected heminecks were dissected. The locations where neurovascular structures entered the platysma muscles were expressed as the percentage distance ± SD from the sternocleidomastoid muscle mastoid insertion to manubrium origin. Results The superior thyroid, facial, and lingual vessels were the major pedicles in eight of 14 (57.1 percent), four of 14 (28.6 percent), and one of 14 specimens (7.1 percent), respectively. In one specimen (7.1 percent), both the superior thyroid and facial vessels supplied a major pedicle. Venous drainage generally mirrored arterial inflow but was redundant, with 43 percent and 14 percent of flaps also with major contributions from the external jugular and anterior jugular veins, respectively. Neurovascular pedicles entered the platysma 28 to 57 percent caudal to the sternocleidomastoid muscle mastoid insertion, between 0.5 and 4.8 cm anterior to the medial sternocleidomastoid muscle border. Conclusion Although variability exists, platysma neurovascular pedicles enter at predictable locations between 28 and 57 percent of the distance from the mastoid insertion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, therefore making free platysma transfer a feasible option for eyelid reconstruction.

The V-Y island advancement flap is a useful reconstruction technique for nasal alar defects, but flap mobility is limited by the insertion of the muscles of facial expression into the dermis of the alae.To describe a V-Y muscle sling myocutaneous island advancement flap (SMIAF) for improved mobility and intrasubunit reconstruction of alar defects.A retrospective review of patient records and preoperative and postoperative photographs was performed on all patients with alar defects repaired with the SMIAF between April 2008 and October 2017. Patients and physicians rated aesthetic outcomes with the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS).A total of 18 nasal alar defects were repaired with the SMIAF after Mohs micrographic surgery. All defects were located on the anterior two-thirds of the alar lobule and had a mean surface area of 0.42 ± 0.19 cm. No patients experienced flap necrosis. Patients and 3 independent dermatologic surgeons rated favorable aesthetic outcomes.The SMIAF is a reliable reconstruction option with good aesthetic outcomes for small defects on the anterior two-thirds of the nasal ala.

Background This study aimed to determine the magnitude of volume reduction of the latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle after treatment using only postoperative radiotherapy (PORTx) in patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction using an extended LD musculocutaneous (eLDMC) flap after partial mastectomy. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 28 patients who underwent partial mastectomy and an eLDMC flap, received only PORTx, and underwent chest computed tomography (CT) 7 to 10 days after surgery and 18±4 months after the end of radiotherapy, from March 2011 to June 2016. The motor nerve to the LD was resected in all patients. One plastic surgeon performed the procedures, and the follow-up period was at least 36 months (mean, 46.6 months). The author obtained LD measurements from axial CT views, and the measurements were verified by an experienced radiologist. The threshold for statistical significance was set at P Results A statistically significant decrease in the LD volume was found after the end of PORTx (range, 61.19%–80.82%; mean, 69.04%) in comparison to the measurements obtained 7 to 10 days postoperatively (P Conclusions The size of an eLDMC flap should be determined considering an average LD reduction of 69% after PORTx. Particular care should be taken in determining the size of an eLDMC flap if the LD is thick or if it occupies a large portion of the flap.

BACKGROUND Patient-reported lower satisfaction with the abdomen preoperatively is a strong predictor of undergoing DIEP flap surgery. The authors evaluated physical well-being of the abdomen before and after flap-based breast reconstruction to determine potential predictors for decreased postoperative abdominal well-being. METHODS The authors retrospectively analyzed an institutional breast reconstruction registry, selecting patients who underwent abdominally based autologous flap breast reconstruction from 2010 to 2015. The authors' primary outcome was the Physical Well-being of the Abdomen domain from the BREAST-Q, measured preoperatively and at 6- and 12-month follow-up visits after final reconstruction. The authors classified two patient groups: those who experienced a clinically important worsening of Physical Well-being of the Abdomen score and those who did not. The authors used the chi-square test, t test, and Wilcoxon rank sum test, and multivariable logistic regression to identify potential predictors. RESULTS Of 142 women identified, 74 (52 percent) experienced clinically important worsening of physical well-being of the abdomen, whereas 68 (48 percent) did not. The first group experienced a 25-point (95 percent CI, 22 to 28) decrease and the latter an 8-point (95 percent CI, 5 to 10) decrease in score compared to baseline. Multivariable analysis showed an association between higher baseline score and race, with higher odds of decreased score at the 12-month follow-up. A higher baseline RAND-36 general health score, bilateral reconstruction, and a lower body mass index demonstrated a trend for clinically important worsening of physical well-being of the abdomen. CONCLUSIONS More than half of flap-based breast reconstruction patients experienced clinically important worsening of abdominal well-being after final breast reconstruction. Clinicians may use these findings to identify patients at higher risk of worsened postoperative abdominal well-being. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Risk, III.

Introduction The reconstruction of defects in thoracic wall remains a challenge for plastic surgeons. Advances in surgical treatment of illnesses of thoracic wall have been fostering the treatment of lesions within more advanced levels. Consequently, larger and more complex defects are generated, demanding soft tissue covering and framework repair. Objective The aim of this study was to report the experience in chest wall reconstruction and demographics of a tertiary cancer center. Methods All patients submitted to thoracic wall reconstruction by the plastic surgery department from January 2012 to May 2018 in a tertiary cancer center were evaluated. Results Thirty-two patients have undergone thoracic wall reconstruction. The majority of patients in our series were submitted to surgical treatment of locally advanced breast cancer (84.3%). The most common defect location was the right anterolateral region (65.6%). The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap was the most used in thoracic wall reconstructions. Three cases of thoracectomy with rib resection were reconstructed with methylmethacrylate and polypropylene surgical mesh associated with musculocutaneous flap. Four patients presented major complications, and 12 patients (37.5%) presented minor complications. There were no deaths related to procedures or instability of thoracic wall. Twenty-two patients presented progression of the disease, and 16 died due to the primary pathology. Conclusions Extended resection of the chest wall is associated in most cases with advanced disease, especially advanced breast cancer. Despite poor prognosis associated to locally advanced disease, it is imperative to perform chest wall reconstruction and allow the patient to continue adjuvant therapy (radiotherapy or chemotherapy) and improve quality of life.

Background The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is widely used in reconstructive surgery; however, primary donor-site closure remains challenging when a wide flap is harvested. Methods A large latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was elevated and transferred to repair defects. Perforators adjacent to the donor site of the myocutaneous flap were explored using an ultrasound Doppler probe or a technique of extensive exploration along the margins of the donor site wound. A single or multiple perforator propeller flaps based on these perforators were used to close the donor site defect. Results From June 2012 to April 2018, this method was used to restore posttraumatic and oncologic defects of the chest wall in 14 cases, upper extremity in 6 cases, and lower extremity in 1 case. The size and width of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps ranged from 16 × 11 cm to 33 × 17 cm (mean area, 335.6 cm) and 9 cm to 20 cm (mean width, 14 cm), respectively. The donor site defect was closed primarily by using a single flap in 11 cases, dual flap in 9, and triple flap in one. Donor site breakdown was not observed in any of the cases. Conclusions The perforator propeller flap could be used to reconstruct a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap donor site defect, ensuring not only the harvesting of a wide flap but also achieving primary donor site closure, thus greatly improving the versatility and capability of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in the reconstruction of large-sized defects.

Sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) infection is a rare disease and its management remains controversial. Our institution has adopted an aggressive surgical approach of radical SCJ resection combined with myocutaneous flap (MCF) closure whenever possible. We reviewed our experience with this approach in the management of this condition. From July 2004 to June 2018, 50 consecutive patients were treated surgically for SCJ infections. Patient demographics, imaging studies, microbiology, and operative variables were analyzed. All patients underwent ipsilateral SCJ resection. Wound closure was performed with primary pectoralis advancement MCF closure at the initial operation in 25 patients, delayed MCF closure following temporary wound vacuum therapy and redebridement in 19 patients, and definitive wound vacuum therapy (DWVT) in 6 patients. End points were recurrence of infection, perioperative morbidity, and mortality. Localized swelling (100%) and pain (100%) were the most common presenting symptoms. MSSA was isolated in 50% of tissue cultures. Comorbidities included tobacco smoking 52%, diabetes mellitus 50%, intravenous drug use 34%, poor dental hygiene 32%, and obesity 28%. We had no deaths within 90 days of operation. Complications; seroma in 1 patient (2%), chest wall hernia in 1 patient (2%), retained drains in 1 patient (2%), recurrent osteomyelitis infection in 3 patients (6%), and hematomas in 5 patients (10%). Patients treated with primary MCF closure at the initial operation had a 0% (0/25) rate of recurrence compared to 5.26% (1/19) in delayed MCF closure. Overall, there was only a 2.27% (1/44) recurrence of infection in primary and delayed MCF closure combined, compared to 33.33% (2/6) in patients treated with DWVT closure. SCJ infections require an aggressive approach. Wound closure with an MCF (primary or delayed) is associated with less recurrence of infections compared with DWVT closure. Radical resection of the entire SCJ with MCF (primary or delayed) should be considered the preferred management strategy in patients with SCJ infections.

Perineal reconstruction historically has been guided by the vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. In oncologic patients, because of prior surgical intervention, this donor site is often unavailable, the pelvis has been irradiated, and defects can be deep or irregularly contoured. Using plastic surgery principles of perforators, geometrically defined local tissue rearrangement, and flap inset, the authors have developed a modification of the gracilis flap to include a second soft-tissue arm similar to a bilobed flap. The authors performed five bilobed gracilis/medial circumflex femoral vascular pedicle myocutaneous flaps for perineal reconstruction secondary to oncologic defects and one secondary to Fournier gangrene at a tertiary care center. Oncologic patients had undergone adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy and had compromised abdominal donor sites. Given their results, the authors recommend that a bilobed gracilis flap be used in patients with moderate to large defects, defects that require ample soft-tissue bulk, or in patients with limited abdominal donor sites. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Therapeutic, IV.

Background: We aimed to assess patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcome in breast cancer patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and immediate breast reconstruction. Materials and Methods: The study population comprised 215 patients with histopathologically diagnosed breast cancer. The inclusion criteria were as follows: a diagnosis of breast cancer, a tumor of any size, any stage of nodal metastasis, and a tumor margin >2.0 cm from the margin of the nipple-areola complex. To measure the aesthetic outcome, the Lowery scale was used. After mastectomy, immediate breast reconstruction was performed using the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap, and by pacing the silicone implant. Results: Most of the patients were aged between 40 and 51 years. Lymphadenopathy was positive in 87 out of 215 subjects; among these 87 subjects, 61 showed macrometastasis and 26 micrometastasis. A lateral incision was performed for mastectomy in all cases, and immediate breast reconstruction was performed using autologous grafts: the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous (TRAM) flap in 83% of cases, and silicone implants in 17% of cases were used for reconstruction. An excellent aesthetic outcome was seen in 70% of the cases, and 22% showed a good outcome. Conclusions: NSM is a very safe and technically feasible procedure that provides a high level of patient satisfaction and an excellent aesthetic outcome.

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap was described as the fasciocutaneous flap. It can be harvested as a pedicled and/or free flap. Majority of the free flaps are harvested as a fasciocutaneous flap. Their use in head and neck reconstruction and limb trauma is well established. Apart from these advantages, this flap has various applications which are less utilized. ALT flap can be used as a myocutaneous flap along with vastus lateralis muscle. When muscle and fasciocutaneous flaps are required, both can be harvested as a chimeric flap which can cover two different regions of the wound. Moreover, harvest of the pedicled flap procedure is less time-consuming than that of a free flap. Since it has a long vascular pedicle, when used as pedicled flap, it can reach up to the gluteal region. To evaluate these less applied advantages of pedicled ALT flap, our study was undertaken. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of ALT flap in terms of the surface area of coverage, arc of rotation and the advantages of including vastus lateralis muscle as part of the flap.A retrospective record analysis of all pedicled ALT flap reconstruction of trochanteric, upper thigh, gluteal and flank regions from 2016 to 2018 was undertaken; 7 patients with 8 defects were included.All the flaps healed successfully. There was no major necrosis of the flap and minor complications like wound gapping were found in three patients.The ALT-vastus lateralis flap dimensions can be very large and can be easily harvested in a very short time. Vastus lateralis muscle harvested can be used to fill the defect or can be used as chimera to cover the defect. The use of muscle over long standing infective pressure sores can sterilize the wound bed and help in preventing recurrence. The vascularity of this flap is robust and highly reliable. Even after a maximum arc of rotation (up to 170°) all the flaps survived without any major complications.

Patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction (ABR) are more likely to require perioperative transfusions due to the increased intraoperative bleeding. In addition to the mastectomy site, further incisions and muscle dissection are performed at the donor sites, including the back or abdomen, increasing the possibility of transfusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate perioperative transfusion rates and risk factors according to the type of ABR through analysis of big data. Patients who underwent total mastectomy for breast cancer between 2014 and 2019 were identified. The patients were divided into mastectomy only and immediate ABR groups. The transfusion rate was 14-fold higher in the immediate ABR group (16.1%) compared to the mastectomy only group (1.2%). The transfusion rate was highest with the pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (24.2%). Performance of the operation in medical institutions located in the provinces and coronary artery disease (CAD) were significant risk factors for the need for transfusion. The perioperative transfusion risk among patients undergoing immediate ABR was related to the flap type, location of medical institution, and CAD. Based on the higher transfusion rate in this study (16.1%) compared to previous studies, the risk factors for the need for transfusion should be determined and evidence-based guidelines should be developed to reduce the transfusion rates.

■ RESUMO Os defeitos na região palpebral são causados principalmente por excisões cirúrgicas de neoplasias cutâneas. Os objetivos da reconstrução palpebral estão fundamentados na restauração da funcionalidade desta unidade anatômica para manter a proteção ocular e a recuperação de uma aparência normal devido à importância crítica da região periocular na estética facial. O reparo dos defeitos palpebrais começa com uma cuidadosa avaliação dos componentes anatômicos que têm sido ressecados e precisam ser reconstruídos; a extensão e a localização do defeito guiarão a reconstrução. Grandes defeitos comprometendo a totalidade da espessura palpebral são um desafio para os cirurgiões plásticos. Milhares de técnicas cirúrgicas têm sido descritas para a reconstrução de defeitos palpebrais de espessura total; apresentamos neste artigo a descrição de um caso de reconstrução dinâmica da pálpebra com associação de um retalho frontal com transposição do músculo temporal após ressecção de um carcinoma basocelular infiltrativo recidivado. ■ ABSTRACT Surgical excisions of skin neoplasms mainly cause defects in the eyelid region. The objectives of eyelid reconstruction are based on the restoration of this anatomical unit’s functionality to maintain eye protection and recovery from a normal appearance due to the critical importance of the periocular region in facial aesthetics. Repair of eyelid defects begins with a careful evaluation of the anatomical components that have been resected and need to be reconstructed; the extent and location of the defect will guide the reconstruction. Large defects compromising the entire body thickness are a challenge for plastic surgeons. Thousands of surgical techniques have been described for the reconstruction of total thickness eyelid defects; we present in this article the description of a case of dynamic eyelid reconstruction with an association of a frontal flap with temporal muscle transposition after resection of a recurrent infiltrative basal cell carcinoma.

■ RESUMO O câncer de mama é o tipo de neoplasia maligna mais comum entre as mulheres no Brasil e no mundo, excluindo-se as neoplasias de pele não melanoma. O objetivo do presente relato é descrever o caso de uma paciente portadora de carcinoma invasor da mama, associado a grande extensão de comprometimento de pele e complexo aréolo-mamilar, cuja lesão mostrou-se inalterada após quimioterapia neoadjuvante. Após mastectomia tipo Halsted, utilizou-se o retalho tóraco-epigástrico para fechamento do defeito torácico, com evolução favorável da paciente. O uso do retalho tóraco-epigástrico tem sido descrito como uma ferramenta confiável por caracterizar-se como uma técnica de fácil execução, segura e com mínimas complicações pós-cirúrgicas. ■ ABSTRACT Breast cancer is the most common type of malignancy among women in Brazil and worldwide, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers. The purpose of this report is to describe the case of a patient with invasive breast carcinoma, associated with a large extent of skin involvement and nipple-areola complex, whose lesion was unchanged after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. After a Halsted mastectomy, the thoraco-epigastric flap was used to close the thoracic defect, with a favorable evolution of the patient. The use of the thoraco-epigastric flap has been described as a reliable tool because it is characterized as a technique that is easy to perform, safe and with minimal post-surgical complications.

RESUMO Introdução: O escalpelamento é caracterizado pelo trauma em região do couro cabeludo, que pode ser classificado como parcial ou total. O trauma por escalpelamento é extremamente mutilante e estigmatizante, principalmente quando expõe o osso sem periósteo, que pode levar a quadro de osteomielite crônica e erosão de tábua externa. Quando há lesões extensas de couro cabeludo acima de 200cm² e com lesão de periósteo é necessária grande quantidade de tecido com retalho microcirúrgico, que não está disponível em todos os centros. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar caso de paciente de 69 anos, feminina, que sofreu trauma por avulsão total de couro cabeludo de grande extensão de 550cm² com exposição de calota craniana sem periósteo e inviabilização total do escalpe após mordida de cachorro. Devido à inviabilização total do escalpe avulsionado, optou-se pelo transplante de retalho livre de músculo grande dorsal com anastomose microvascular do pedículo toracodorsal com os vasos temporais superficiais. O retalho evoluiu com boa perfusão e na área cruenta foi realizado enxertia parcial. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva de prontuário da paciente em questão. O presente trabalho segue os padrões de declaração de Helsinque e aprovação do comitê de ética e pesquisa. Conclusão: O retalho livre de músculo grande dorsal mostrou-se eficaz neste caso de reconstrução de lesão extensa do couro cabeludo (550cm²) com lesão parcial de periósteo devido ao escalpelamento. O retalho recuperou a forma do crânio e a função de proteção da calota craniana. ABSTRACT Introduction: Scalping is characterized by trauma in the scalp region, which can be classified as partial or total. Scalping trauma is extremely mutilating and stigmatizing, especially when exposing the bone without periosteum, leading to chronic osteomyelitis and external table erosion. When there are extensive scalp lesions above 200cm², and with periosteum, the lesion is required a large amount of tissue with microsurgical flap, which is not available in all centers. This work aims to report a case of a 69-year-old female patient who suffered trauma due to total avulsion of a big scalp of 550cm² with exposure of a skull cap without periosteum and total unviability of the scalp after a dog bite. Due to the total unviability of the avulsed scalp, we opted to transplant a large dorsal muscle free flap with microvascular anastomosis of the thoracodorsal pedicle with the superficial temporal vessels. The flap evolved with good perfusion, and partial grafting was performed in the bloody area. Methods: Retrospective analysis of the medical records of the patient in question. This paper follows the Declaration of Helsinki’s standards and the approval of the Ethics and Research Committee. Conclusion: The free flap of the large dorsal muscle proved effective in this case of reconstruction of the scalp’s extensive lesion (550cm²) with partial periosteum lesion due to scalping. The flap recovered the shape of the skull and the protective function of the skull cap.

RESUMO Introdução: Fraturas complexas e extensas lesões de pele estão cada vez mais comuns devido aos traumas de alta energia. Uma alternativa para o tratamento dessas lesões nos membros inferiores é a utilização do retalho sural. Métodos: Esse foi um estudo retrospectivo, analítico-descritivo de análise exploratória documental de pacientes submetidos ao retalho sural em um hospital de referência em trauma do norte de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Foram analisados a idade, sexo, lateralidade, causa, local e tamanho da lesão, uso de tunelização e enxerto de pele, complicações e seus fatores de risco, além do manejo de tais complicações. Resultados: A amostra do estudo foi composta por 16 pacientes, com média de idade de 44,4 anos, 87,5% eram do sexo masculino. A causa da lesão mais prevalente foi trauma (75,0%) e o local da lesão foi mais prevalente na tíbia distal (43,8%). Em 50,0% dos casos os fatores de risco para as complicações estavam presentes, sendo que pacientes com diabetes mellitus e tabagistas exibiram 5 vezes mais chances de apresentar tais complicações. Necrose parcial teve uma prevalência de 25,0%, sendo que em 18,8% foi realizado apenas debridamento e em 6,3% enxertia. Conclusão: O retalho sural é uma boa alternativa para a cobertura de lesões dos membros inferiores devido ao bom índice de sucesso, mas não está livre de complicações. Tais complicações são mais prevalentes em pacientes que possuem fatores de risco como o tabagismo e diabetes mellitus. ABSTRACT Introduction: Complex fractures and extensive skin lesions are increasingly common due to high-energy traumas. An alternative for treating these lesions in the lower limbs is the use of the sural flap. Methods: This was a retrospective, analytical-descriptive study of exploratory documental analysis of patients submitted to the sural flap in a trauma reference hospital in northern Santa Catarina, Brazil. Age, sex, laterality, cause, place, and size of the lesion, use of tunneling and skin grafting, complications and their risk factors, and the management of such complications were analyzed. Results: The study sample consisted of 16 patients with a mean age of 44.4 years; 87.5% were male. The cause of the most prevalent lesion was trauma (75.0%), and the site of the lesion was more prevalent in the distal tibia (43.8%). In 50.0% of the cases, risk factors for complications were present, and patients with diabetes mellitus and smokers were five times more likely to present such complications. Partial necrosis had a prevalence of 25.0%, and in 18.8%, only debridement was performed, and 6.3% grafting was performed. Conclusion: The sural flap is a good alternative for covering lower limbs lesions due to its good success rate, but it is not free of complications. Such complications are more prevalent in patients who have risk factors such as smoking and diabetes mellitus.

Introduction A refractory cervical anastomotic fistula which postoperatively remains unhealed for more than 2 months under conservative care severely impacts the quality of life of the patient and potentially leads to anastomotic stricture after the fistula heals. It is widely accepted that, to avoid this complication, refractory cervical anastomotic fistulas should undergo more aggressive treatments. However, when and which surgical intervention should be considered is unclear. Objective This study was designed to evaluate the role of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in the management of refractory cervical anastomotic fistulas based on our experience of 6 cases and a literature review. Methods Six patients diagnosed with refractory cervical anastomotic fistula after esophagectomy treated using pectoralis major myocutaneous flap transfer were included in the study. The clinical data, surgical details, and treatment outcome were retrospectively analyzed. Results All patients survived the operations. One patient who had a circumferential anastomotic defect resulting from surgical exploration developed a mild fistula in the neo-anastomotic site in the 5th postoperative day, which healed after 7 days of conservative care. This patient developed an anastomotic stricture which was partially alleviated by an endoscopic anastomotic dilatation. All the other 5 patients had uneventful recoveries after operations and restored oral intake on the 10th-15th days after operation, and they tolerated normal diets without subsequent sequelae on follow-up. One patient developed both local and lung recurrence and died in 15 months after operation, while the other 5 patients survived with good tumor control during the follow-up of 25-53 months. Conclusion The satisfactory treatment outcome in our study demonstrates that pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction is a reliable management modality for refractory cervical anastomotic fistulas after esophagectomy, particularly for those patients who experienced persistent fistulas after conservative wound care and repeated wound closures. Resumo Introdução Uma fístula anastomótica cervical refratária, que permanece sem cicatrização por mais de 2 meses sob cuidados conservadores, afeta gravemente a qualidade de vida do paciente e potencialmente causa estenose anastomótica após a cicatrização da fístula. É amplamente aceito que as fístulas anastomóticas cervicais refratárias devem ser submetidas a tratamentos mais agressivos. No entanto, quando e qual intervenção cirúrgica deve ser considerada ainda é incerto. Objetivo Avaliar o papel do retalho miocutâneo do peitoral maior no manejo de fístula anastomótica cervical refratárias com base em nossa experiência de 6 casos e uma revisão da literatura. Métodos Foram incluídos no estudo seis pacientes diagnosticados com fístula anastomótica cervical refratária após esofagectomia tratados com transferência de retalho miocutâneo do peitoral maior. Os dados clínicos, detalhes cirúrgicos e resultado do tratamento foram analisados retrospectivamente. Resultados Todos os pacientes sobreviveram às cirurgias. Um paciente com defeito anastomótico circunferencial, resultante da exploração cirúrgica, desenvolveu uma fístula leve no sítio neoanastomótico no 5° dia de pós-operatório, que foi resolvida após 7 dias de tratamento conservador. Esse paciente desenvolveu uma estenose anastomótica parcialmente aliviada por uma dilatação endoscópica anastomótica. Todos os outros 5 pacientes tiveram recuperações sem intercorrências após as cirurgias, restabeleceram a ingestão oral 10 ou 15 dias após a operação e toleraram dietas normais sem sequelas subsequentes no seguimento. Um paciente desenvolveu recorrência local e pulmonar e morreu 15 meses após a cirurgia, enquanto os outros 5 pacientes sobreviveram com bom controle tumoral durante o seguimento de 25 a 53 meses. Conclusão O resultado satisfatório do tratamento em nosso estudo demonstra que a reconstrução com o retalho miocutâneo do peitoral maior é uma modalidade de manejo confiável para as fístula anastomótica cervical refratárias após a esofagectomia, particularmente nos pacientes que apresentaram falha após o tratamento conservador das feridas cirúrgicas e com fechamento repetido delas.

Objective To evaluate the use of external fixators in the delta-type kickstand configuration as an adjuvant method in the postoperative period of patients submitted to free flaps in the lower limbs. Methods A total of 17 external delta fixators were used in patients submitted to free flaps in the lower limbs. The surgical technique was performed in a standardized manner, with the distal pin located 6 cm proximally to the anastomosis, and the proximal pin, 6 cm distally to the anterior tuberosity of the tibia. Results The mean age of the sample was of 34.76 years (range: 15 to 66 years). In total, 11 men and 6 women were selected. The posterior tibial artery was used in 14 cases, and the anterior tibial artery, in 3 cases. The mean time of use of the external fixators was of 3.88 weeks. The rate of reoperation was of 17.64%; that of retail loss was of 11.76%; that of success rate was of 88.23%; and the rate of infection was of 5.9%. Conclusion The use of delta-type fixators as an adjunct method in the postoperative period is reliable; however, more studies are needed to evaluate its true role in the postoperative period. Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o uso de fixadores externos, na configuração kickstand do tipo delta, como método adjuvante no período pós-operatório de pacientes submetidos a retalhos livres nos membros inferiores. Métodos Ao todo, 17 fixadores externos do tipo delta foram utilizados em pacientes submetidos a retalhos livres nos membros inferiores. A técnica cirúrgica foi realizada de forma padronizada, com o pino distal localizado 6 cm proximal à anastomose, e o pino proximal, 6cm distal à tuberosidade anterior da tíbia. Resultados A idade média da amostra foi de 34,76 anos (variação: 15 a 66 anos). Foram selecionados 11 homens e 6 mulheres. Utilizou-se a artéria tibial posterior em 14 casos, e a tibial anterior, em 3 casos. O tempo médio de uso dos fixadores externos foi de 3,88 semanas. A taxa de reoperação foi de 17,64%; a de perda do retalho foi de 11,76%; a de sucesso foi de 88,23%; e a taxa de infecção foi de 5,9%. Conclusão O uso de fixadores do tipo delta como método adjuvante no pós-operatório é confiável; porém, mais estudos são necessários para avaliar seu verdadeiro papel no pós-operatório.

Development of appropriate reimbursement models for breast reconstruction in the United States requires an understanding of relevant economic trends. The purpose of this study is to evaluate longitudinal patterns in Medicare reimbursement for frequently performed breast reconstruction procedures between 2000 and 2019.Reimbursement data for 15 commonly performed breast reconstruction procedures were analyzed using the Centers for MedicareMedicaid Services Physician Fee Schedule Look-Up Tool for each Current Procedural Terminology code. By utilizing changes to the US consumer price index, monetary data were adjusted for inflation to 2019 US dollars. Inflation-adjusted trends were used to calculate average annual and total percentage changes in reimbursement over time.From 2000 to 2019, average adjusted reimbursement for all procedures fell by 13.32%. All procedures demonstrated a negative adjusted reimbursement rate other than immediate insertion of breast prosthesis, which increased by 55.37%. The largest mean decrease was observed in breast reconstruction with other technique (-28.63%), followed by single pedicle transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (-26.02%), single pedicle transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap with microvascular anastomosis (-23.33%), latissimus dorsi flap (-19.65%), and free flap reconstruction (-19.36%).There has been a steady yet substantial decline in Medicare reimbursement for the majority of breast reconstruction procedures over the last 20 years. Given increasing medical costs and the financial uncertainty of the US health care system, an understanding of Medicare reimbursement trends is vital for policymakers, administrators, and physicians to develop agreeable reimbursement models that facilitate growth and economic vitality of breast reconstruction in the United States.

An advanced cancer or an infection process localized on chest wall often require large full thickness resection to obtain free margins and site sterilization. Superior skills and expertise can be provided by a multidisciplinary surgical team, overcoming technical difficulties otherwise insurmountable for a single specialist. Only a multidisciplinary approach, providing both skeletal reconstruction and soft tissue coverage, allows to restore chest wall functions and stable coverage of lung and viscera. Furthermore, in case of lung exposition, immediate reconstructive procedure is demanded for stable coverage. We present 3 complex clinical cases, in which an immediate plastic reconstruction followed a wide resection of thoracic wall, performed by combining synthetic or biologic mesh with large myocutaneous flaps. Meticulous pre-op planning of every step, integration of reconstructive modalities proper of different specialties, and full cooperation among surgical teams are the backbone of such complex surgery. The goals consist in reaching margins free of disease and fast healing, so reducing recovery time and promoting an immediate respiratory rehabilitation. The clinical results of this report supports the importance of multidisciplinary approach in wide chest wall resections. KEY WORDS: Basal cell carcinoma, Biologic mesh, Chest wall reconstruction, Oncoplastic, Osteomyelitis, Squamous cell carcinoma.Un tumore localmente avanzato, o un processo infettivo come l’osteomielite, localizzato sulla parete toracica, spesso richiede un’ampia resezione chirurgica a tutto spessore per ottenere margini liberi e bonifica del sito. Un’equipe chirurgica multidisciplinare pu fornire abilit superiori e maggiori competenze, superando difficolt tecniche altrimenti insormontabili per un singolo specialista. Solo un approccio multidisciplinare, ottenendo sia la ricostruzione scheletrica che la copertura dei tessuti molli, consente di ripristinare le funzioni della parete toracica e una copertura stabile di polmone e visceri. Inoltre, in caso di esposizione di pleura o parenchima polmonare, richiesta una procedura ricostruttiva immediata al fine di ottenere una copertura stabile. Presentiamo 3 casi clinici complessi, in cui un intervento immediato di chirurgia plastica ricostruttiva ha seguito un’ampia resezione della parete toracica, eseguita combinando reti sintetiche o biologiche con grandi lembi miocutanei. Una meticolosa pianificazione preoperatoria di ogni fase chirurgica, l’integrazione delle modalit ricostruttive proprie delle diverse specialit e la piena collaborazione tra le quipe chirurgiche rappresentano la spina dorsale di un intervento cos complesso. I target da conseguire consistono nel raggiungere margini liberi da malattia e una guarigione rapida, riducendo i tempi di recupero e favorendo un’immediata riabilitazione respiratoria. I risultati clinici di questo report supportano l’importanza dell’approccio multidisciplinare nelle resezioni della parete toracica ampia.

Postoperative pain after breast reconstruction surgery with the latissimus dorsi flap is a common occurrence. Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injection during surgery is effective in reducing postoperative pain. This study aimed to determine the most appropriate locations for BoNT injection. A modified Sihler’s method was performed on the latissimus dorsi muscles in 16 specimens. Intramuscular nerve arborization was noted under the landmark of the medial side surgical neck of the humerus to the line crossing the spinous process of T5 and the middle of the iliac crest. The latissimus dorsi muscles were divided into medial, middle, and lateral segments with 10 transverse divisions to give 10 sections (each 10%). Intramuscular nerve arborization of the latissimus dorsi muscle was the largest from the medial and lateral part of the muscle ranging from 40 to 60%, middle part from 30 to 60% and medial, middle and lateral part from 70 to 90%. The nerve entry points were at the medial and lateral part with 20–40% regarding the medial side of surgical neck of the humerus to the line crossing spinous process of T5 to the middle of iliac crest. These outcomes propose that an injection of BoNT into the latissimus dorsi muscles should be administered into specific zones.

Women undergoing immediate breast reconstruction without radiation therapy have reconstruction methods available with uncertain long-term costs associated with complications requiring surgery and revisions. We evaluated cost-effectiveness of nine methods of immediate breast reconstruction for women with localized breast cancer.Markov modeling was performed over 10-years for unilateral/bilateral breast reconstructions from healthcare/societal perspectives. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and CINAHL were searched to derive data from 13,744 patients in 79 prospective studies. Complications requiring surgery (mastectomy necrosis, total/partial flap necrosis, seroma, hematoma, infection, wound dehiscence, abdominal hernia, implant removal/explantation) and revisions (fat necrosis, capsular contracture, asymmetry, scars/redundant tissue, implant rupture/removal, fat grafting) were evaluated over yearly cycles. Reconstructions included: direct-to-implant (DTI), tissue expander-to-implant (TEI), latissimus dorsi flap-to-implant (LDI), latissimus dorsi (LD), pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM), free TRAM, deep inferior epigastric perforator/superficial inferior epigastric artery (DIEP/SIEA), thigh-based, or gluteal based flaps. Outcomes were incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) and net monetary benefits (NMB). Willingness-to-pay thresholds were $50,000 and $100,000.From a healthcare perspective for unilateral reconstruction, compared to LD, the ICER for DTI was -$42,109.35/quality-adjusted life-years (QALY), LDI was -$25,300.83/QALY, TEI was -$22,036.02/QALY, DIEP/SIEA was $8307.65/QALY, free TRAM was $8677.26/QALY, pedicled TRAM was $13,021.44/QALY, gluteal-based was $17,698.99/QALY, and thigh-based was $23,447.82/QALY. NMB of DIEP/SIEA was $404,523.47, free TRAM was $403,821.40, gluteal-based was $392,478.64, thigh-based was $387,691.70, pedicled TRAM was $376,901.83, LD was $370,646.93, DTI was $339,668.77, LDI was $334,350.30, and TEI was $329,265.84.All nine methods of immediate breast reconstruction were considered cost-effective from healthcare/societal perspectives. LD provided the lowest costs, while DIEP/SIEA provided the greatest effectiveness and NMB.

Item does not contain fulltext BACKGROUND: There is a risk for thrombotic complications (2 to 5 percent) associated with microsurgical reconstruction. Current thrombolytic therapy has a salvage rate between 60 and 70 percent, but it is afflicted by bleeding complications (2 to 6 percent). The use of machine perfusion for delivering thrombolytic agents is a new method that could potentially reduce these complications. In this article, the authors compared flap salvage outcomes comparing machine thrombolysis versus a manual flush with tissue plasminogen activator. METHODS: Sixteen bilateral flaps (12 × 9 cm) were dissected from eight female Dutch Landrace pigs (70 kg). Thrombosis was induced in free rectus abdominis flaps by clamping the pedicle's veins for 2 hours. Flaps were either thrombolysed with 2 mg tissue plasminogen activator (1 mg/ml) during 2 hours of machine perfusion (perfusion group; n = 8) or injected intraarterially (manual group; n = 8) before replantation. Near-infrared fluorescence angiography was used to confirm thrombus formation and to assess tissue perfusion; muscle biopsy specimens were analyzed for ischemia/reperfusion injury directly after thrombolysis and 15 hours after replantation. RESULTS: A higher incidence of secondary thrombosis was seen in the manual group compared to the perfusion group ( n = 6 versus n = 0, respectively; p < 0.001), resulting in two complete flap failures. Fifteen hours after replantation, mean fluorescence intensities were 13.0 (95 percent CI, 10.1 to 15.8) and 24.6 (95 percent CI, 22.0 to 27.2) in the perfusion and manual group, respectively ( p < 0.001), and mean muscle injury scores were comparable, measuring 7.5 ± 1.5. CONCLUSION: Two hours of machine thrombolysis of compromised flaps in a porcine model showed higher salvage rates compared to a manual injection with tissue plasminogen activator and reduced the incidence of secondary thrombosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Using machine perfusion systems for ex vivo thrombolysis provides the benefits of local treatment of a composite tissue without the risk of systemic complications and may improve salvage rates and reduce the incidence of secondary thrombosis.