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Background Anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is the most common soft tissue flap used for microvascular reconstruction of head and neck. Its harvest is associated with some unpredictability due to variability in perforator characteristics, injury or unfavorable configuration for complex defects. Anteromedial thigh (AMT) flap is an option, but the low incidence and thickness restrict its utility. Tensor fascia lata (TFL) perforator (TFLP) flap is an excellent option to complement ALT. Its perforator is consistent, robust, in vicinity, and lends itself with the ALT perforator.

Background Oral malignancy that presents at a locally advanced stage needs complex surgical resections in which the maxillary cavity is usually left open. The constant maxillary secretions lead to problems like poor healing, fistula formation, and flap necrosis, causing longer hospital stays, delayed adjuvant therapy, and additional surgeries. Several methods have been tried to ameliorate this, each faced with its own difficulties. This study describes the use of chimeric free anterolateral thigh (ALT) with vastus lateralis (VL) muscle to tackle this problem.

Background The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is a workhorse flap for breast reconstruction. Its use for head and neck (HN) reconstruction is rare. Abdomen provides a donor site abundant in skin and subcutaneous tissue, amenable to primary closure; sizeable, robust, and consistent perforators and a long, sizeable pedicle for comfortable microvascular anastomosis. Its offers all the donor variables needed for HN reconstruction in abundance.

Background We describe our experience with use of free thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap for head and neck (H&N) cancer reconstruction, with respect to the patient and disease profile, suitable defect characteristics, the reconstructive technique, and complications.

Anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is the workhorse for reconstruction in head and neck post cancer excision. Chimeric multi-paddle flaps are useful for composite defects involving skin, mucosa, and soft tissue. The nerve to vastus lateralis (VL) runs along the pedicle, frequently interdigitating with it or the perforators. Sometimes, the nerve may be preserved during harvest but needs to be sacrificed frequently, leading to increased donor site morbidity. We recommend a simple technique to preserve the nerve, wherein the skin paddles or chimeric components are divided in-situ and manipulated around it without causing injury. This technique was used in 27 cases over 5 years. All involved nerves, perforators and pedicles were preserved. The technique can be extended to any flap harvest with multiple perforators with nerves in proximity, when multiple skin islands are desired.

Introduction The aim of this study is to assess the results of retrograde flow of internal mammary artery and vein (IMA/V) as a donor vessel for free flap microvascular anastomosis (MVA). This need arises with bipedicle deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps, when all four zones with extra fat need to be harvested for unilateral breast reconstruction coupled with poor midline crossover of circulation naturally or because of midline scar. Large anterolateral thigh flaps for chest wall cover, with multiple perforators from separate pedicles, also need supercharging. This needs an additional source of donor vessels, antegrade IMA/V being the first one. Materials and Methods Retrospective study of microvascular breast reconstruction using retrograde internal mammary donor vessels. Results Out of 35 cases, 20 cases had distal IMA/V, with retrograde flow, as donor vessel for second set of arterial and venous anastomosis. In two cases, retrograde IMA/V was used for the solitary set of MVA. In remaining 13 cases, either retrograde IMA or V was utilized either as a principal or accessory donor. No flap was lost. Venous and arterial insufficiency happened in one case each, both were salvaged. Two cases developed partial necrosis, needing debridement and suturing. One case developed marginal necrosis. Only one case developed fat necrosis with superadded infection on follow-up. Conclusion Distal end of IMA and IMV on retrograde flow is safe for MVA as an additional or sole pedicle. It is convenient to use being in the same field. It enables preservation of other including thoracodorsal pedicle and latissimus dorsi flap for use in case of a complication or recurrence.

Background: Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is a technique used for breast reconstruction where the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the abdominal wall are transferred to the chest wall post-mastectomy. Computed tomography (CT) angiography localizes perforators along the anterior abdominal wall. Objectives: We conducted a retrospective study with the primary objective of evaluating the role of CT angiography in identifying the ideal perforator for the DIEP flap reconstruction and concordance between the radiologically identified perforator and the perforator preferred by the surgeons. Materials and Methods: Between July 1, 2015 and September 15, 2019, we included 106 patients in this retrospective study conducted in the Departments of Radiodiagnosis, and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, India. These patients had a CT scan of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator performed prior to reconstructive breast surgery with DIEP flap. Patients who underwent DIEP flap reconstruction surgery without prior imaging, breast reconstruction other than DIEP flap, and those with a history of abdominal surgeries like abdominoplasty or colostomy were excluded. Two radiologists blinded to the surgical details analyzed the pre-operative CT images to identify the ideal DIEP perforator. Radiological findings were compared with the surgical outcomes and complications. Results: The mean age of the patients was 36.7 years (interquartile range, 31.6-41.8). The most common type of the deep inferior epigastric artery in our population was type 2 (deep inferior epigastric artery dividing into two intramuscular branches) on either side. Concordance between the perforator identified on imaging and that selected by the surgeons was 80%. The selection of the larger caliber right sided perforator showed decrease in the recipient site complications; P=0.002. Conclusion: The strong correlation between the perforator selected by the surgeons and the one seen on imaging highlights the importance of imaging before the surgery in improving surgical planning and clinical outcomes. A dedicated protocol based on CT angiogram for DIEP is imperative in order to locate the best perforator which can be correlated intraoperatively and be considered the ideal perforator.

PURPOSEQuality of life has become an integral aspect of the management of breast cancer. Many women still need to undergo a modified radical mastectomy (MRM). Factors affecting the choice a woman makes to undergo breast reconstruction (BR) are unclear and are hypothesized to be influenced by socioeconomic factors. We conducted a survey to evaluate the awareness and acceptability of BR among women with breast cancer at our institution.METHODSA novel questionnaire was designed and served to 3 groups of women: planned for MRM, follow up (FU) post-MRM, and FU post breast-conserving surgery.RESULTSResponses were analyzed from 492 women. Of these, 280 (56.91%) were planned for MRM and 212 (43.08%) women were on FU. Almost 45% women were older than 50 years of age, and literacy rate was 87.6%. More than 70% were homemakers and 15 women (3%) were unmarried. The aspects evaluating awareness of BR suggested that 251 (51.01%) women had knowledge about BR. Major source of information was the surgeon (45.81%) and media (32.87%). About 80% women on FU post-MRM did not want reconstruction, and 55% did not opt for BR as they had coped with the mastectomy and did not feel the need for BR. Only 6% cited family or financial reasons and 10% cited recurrence concerns. Among women planned for surgery, 65.71% had not considered BR. When questioned, 25 (12.88%) felt influenced by cost, 102 (52.58%) felt they did not need it, and 20 (10.31%) were worried it would affect treatment.CONCLUSIONOur study shows high awareness regarding BR, but only 27.89% women opt for BR independent of economic issues. We recommend all patients should be counseled about the reconstructive options when their MRM is planned.

Introduction This article is an attempt to formulate certain guidelines for planning of zone-wise reconstruction after breast conservation surgery. The planning involves applying reduction mammoplasty principles with certain modifications to address the defect. Patients and Methods This is a retrospective study of 61 patients with breast cancer who underwent breast conservation surgery and reconstruction of partial breast defects with oncoplastic techniques between January 2014 to March 2019. Patients having low tumor to breast ratio and thus good candidates for volume displacement techniques were included in the study. Results A total of 61 breast cancer cases were included; 22 cases were located in zone 1, nine in zone 2, seven in zone 3, three in zone 4, four in zone 5, one in zone 6, 12 in zone 7, two in zone 8, and three in zone 9. The most common pedicle design used was superomedial in 38 cases, followed by inferior in 19 and medial in 6 cases. Vertical short scar technique was used in 33 cases and Wise pattern skin incision in 30 cases. Follow-up period ranged from 4 months to 65 months, with a mean of 31 months. Four patients had partial skin necrosis, three had suture line dehiscence, two had wound infection, one had seroma, and eight patients had fat necrosis. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic outcome. Conclusion Breast oncoplastic techniques are effective, reliable, oncologically safe, and conducted with minimal complications in patients with moderately large ptotic breasts, thereby making planning easier and more reproducible by following the reconstruction procedures described in the article. We believe that these techniques should be incorporated in the armamentarium of every plastic surgeon to manage the defects created after breast conservation surgery, in order to achieve the best cosmetic outcomes.

A 17-year-old girl with large malignant phyllodes tumor of left breast underwent a radical mastectomy with large skin excision resulting in defect of 20 cm × 18 cm. Postoperative radiation therapy necessitated robust cover with flap. The challenge was compounded by her body habitus. Both abdomen and back were deficient as donor sites and a single-island anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap would need skin grafts, volume deficit withstanding. We harvested chimeric ALT plus tensor fascia lata (TFL) perforator free flap sparing all muscles and nerves. Microvascular anastomoses were done to the second internal mammary artery (IMA) perforator artery and vein. The donor site was closed primarily. The TFL flap territory recruited almost three times the volume of ALT territory and allowed us to create a matching breast mound in addition to covering the defect. She tolerated 40 Gy radiation well and doesn’t desire further augmentation. Consistency of ALT and TFL perforators makes this a replicable procedure.

Introduction Breast conservation therapy (BCT) and oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS) are now established modalities of treatment for breast cancer, with proven oncological safety. Traditionally, latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps have been the one-stop solution workhorse when volume replacement is needed. We present our experience with thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) and superior epigastric artery perforator (SEAP) flaps. These flaps allow the preservation of muscle structure and function. Material and Methods Data were collected prospectively of patients in whom pedicled perforator flaps after BCT were used. A handheld 8-MHz audio Doppler was used to locate the perforators. TDAP flaps were used in four patients, whereas SEAP flaps were used in two patients. Skin paddle sizes ranged from 10 × 3 cm to 21 × 7 cm. Results TDAP flaps were used in four patients, whereas SEAP flaps were used in two patients All flaps survived. No flap had partial necrosis or fat necrosis. All donor sites were closed primarily and healed uneventfully, and none had a seroma requiring aspiration. Conclusion TDAP flaps can be selectively employed when the LD muscle function needs to be preserved. SEAP flaps can also be employed as a rare option in case of lower inner quadrant defects. Pedicled perforator flaps are a useful and reliable option for volume replacement OBS in select patients for reconstructing partial mastectomy defects.

Objective: Theobjective of this study was to determine the indications, utility, advantages and surgical approach for the anteromedial thigh (AMT) flap. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of the patients in whom the AMT flap was used for head and neck reconstruction. We use an anterior approach to harvest the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with a non-committal straight line incision. This preserves both ALT and AMT flap territories intact, and further decision is based on the intraoperative anatomy of perforator and pedicle. The ALT flap was usually used as the first choice when available and suitable. Results: Free AMT skin flaps were harvested in 24 patients. All flaps were used for the head and neck reconstruction. Two flaps had marginal flap necrosis. One flap was lost due to venous thrombosis. Discussion: The thigh is an excellent donor site as it has large available skin territory, expendable lateral circumflex femoral artery system and low donorsite morbidity. The ALT flap is the most commonly used flap for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects. However, it is characterised by variable vascular pedicle and perforator anatomy. The AMT flap is an excellent alternative when the ALT flap is not available due to variable perforator anatomy, injury to perforator, when an intermediate thickness is needed between distal and proximal thigh or a chimeric flap is needed. Conclusion: The AMT flap offers all the advantages of the ALT flap without increasing donor-site morbidity. The anterior non-committal approach keeps both the ALT and the AMT flap options viable.

Sternocleidomastoid musculocutaneous flaps have been described in the literature for reconstruction of oral cavity defects and treatment of Frey's syndrome. Although widely studied, it is not used routinely in head and neck reconstruction due to limitations like small size, unreliable skin paddle, contour deformity in the neck and the question of oncologic safety. We report use of perforator based musculocutaneous transposition flap for defect over nape of the neck, followed by excision of a soft tissue sarcoma. This constitutes a valid alternative to other reconstructive procedures like pedicled regional flaps or free tissue transfer in a suitable group of patients.

Introduction: Tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis is highly effective in providing speech after total laryngectomy. Although it is a safe method, in certain cases dilatation or leakage occurs around the prosthesis that needs closure of tracheoesophageal fistula. Both non-surgical and surgical methods for closure have been described. Surgical methods are used when non-surgical methods fail. We present the use of the sternocleidomastoid musculocutaneous (SCMMC) transposition flap for the closure of tracheoesophageal fistula. Materials and Methods: An incision is made at the mucocutaneous junction circumferentially around the tracheostoma. Tracheoesophageal space is dissected down to and beyond the fistula. The tracheoesophageal tract is divided. The oesophageal mucosa is closed with simple sutures. Then SCMMC transposition flap is raised and transposed to cover sutured oesophagus and the defect between the oesophagus and the trachea. Results: This study was done prospectively over a period of 1 year from June 2012 to May 2013. This technique was used in patients with pliable neck skin. In nine patients, this procedure was done (inferior based flap in nine cases) and it was successful in eight patients. In one case, there was dehiscence at the leading edge of flap with oesophageal dehiscence, which required a second procedure. In two cases, there was marginal necrosis of flap, which healed without any intervention. Nine patients in this series were post-radiation. Conclusion: This method of closure is simple and effective for patients with pliable neck skin, who require permanent closure of the tracheoesophageal fistula.

Abstract Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP)-site fistula dysfunction is a serious complication of TEP prosthesis. We successfully addressed a recurrent TEP-site fistula dysfunction by utilizing the previously done deltopectoral flap. This avoided a fresh donor site. Utilization of sound plastic surgery principles helps in tackling these problems effectively.

Flaps from temporal region have been used for mid face, orbital and peri-orbital reconstruction. The knowledge of the vascular anatomy of the region helps to dissect and harvest the muscle/fascia/skin/combined tissue flaps from that region depending upon the requirement. Suprastructure maxillectomy defects are usually covered with free flaps to fill the cavity. Here we report an innovative idea in which a patient with a supra structure maxillectomy with external skin defect was covered with chimeric flap based on the parietal and frontal branches of superficial temporal artery and the temporalis muscle flap based on deep temporal artery.

Background: Anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is one of the most common flaps in the reconstruction armamentarium of plastic surgeons, but there is no published data about the flap characteristics in the Indian population. The aim of this study is to analyse the anthropomorphic characteristics of the ALT flap and the perforator details in Indian population. Materials and Methods: ALT flap details were studied in 65 patients of Indian origin comprising 45 males and 20 females. The study period is from August 2011 to July 2012. A prospective database of the Doppler findings, perforator and pedicle details and the flap morphology were maintained. The variables are analysed by using the SPSS, PASW statistics 18 software IBM®. Results: In nearly 75% of cases, the perforator was found within 4 cm of the pre-operative Doppler markings. The percentage of musculocutaneous and septocutaneous perforators was 61.8% and 38.2% respectively. The pedicle variation was found in 6 cases (9.23%). The average thickness of the thigh skin in Indians is similar to the western people, but thicker than the other Asian people. Flap thinning was performed in nine patients without any major complications. Conclusion: The perforator details and type in the Indian population are similar to the published reports from other parts of the world. We advise pre-operative Doppler examination in possible cases. The variation in pedicle anatomy should not be overlooked to avoid complications. The thickness of subcutaneous tissue of the flap is higher in Indians, but still can be safely thinned. The data of this study will serve as a guide for the ALT flap characteristics in Indian patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]