Search

Background. Soft tissue covering on the lower leg is frequently a difficult challenge and causes increasing problems for treatment in smaller hospitals. We introduce a plastic surgery method for covering these soft tissue defects. Method. An island of skin, centered above the sural nerve, is cut out in the middle dorsal area of the lower leg. The subcutaneous vascular pedicle is prepared along the nerve. The gained skin flap is rotated into the defect site and fixed without tension. The wound of the donor-site defect is usually closed primarily, and the flap pedicle is covered with Meshcraft. Results. In 18 of the 21 patients treated by this method the flap healed without functional impairment, one patient experienced a necrosis leading to the loss of the flap. And a partial loss of the skin island was recorded in two cases, complete healing was achieved by means of Meshcraft transplantation. Conclusions. The superficial sural artery flap usually results in a reliable and complete healing of soft tissue defects within the area of the lower legs with justifiable operational expenditures also for elderly patients and those with vascular ailments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 38-year-old patient had a right radical (Patey) mastectomy for an infiltrating ductal carcinoma followed by chemotherapy and, one year later, a TRAM flap breast reconstruction. She was given clear and exhaustive information about the possible consequences of pregnancy, but despite this she became pregnant four months after the reconstruction. The pregnancy was taken to term despite the appearance at four months of a slow-growing abdominal hernia. In the light of our experience and that of others, we recommend an interval of at least 12 months between breast reconstruction with a TRAM flap and pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiosomes are blocks of tissues, composed of the integument and underlying deep structures, supplied and drained by a named artery and its accompanying vein. The purpose of the current study is to describe a new principle, which allows extension of the territory of an angiosome into the adjacent angiosome, thus enabling the creation of a large skin flap (arteriovenous cross-flow flap). Epigastric skin flaps, measuring 8 x 8 cm, were raised in 30 Sprague-Dawley male rats. In group A (single-pedicle flap), the flaps were based on the epigastric artery and vein on the ipsilateral side, and the contralateral pedicle was divided. In group B (cross-flow flap), the epigastric vein on the ipsilateral side and the epigastric artery on the contralateral side of the flap were divided. In group C (skin graft), the vascular pedicles were divided bilaterally. A definitive assessment was made on the seventh day. Digital images of the flaps were analyzed using an imaging software and the areas of skin survival and necrosis were determined. Lead oxide microangiogram was performed in another set of flaps both acutely and 1 week after flap elevation. The percent survival flap area in group A was 69.94, in group B was 89.07, and in group C was 13.00. All the groups are statistically different, with a p value < 0.001. The microangiograms showed striking differences in the vascular pattern in the cross-flow and the single-pedicle flaps. It is clearly demonstrated that the arteriovenous cross-flow flaps have increased survival of skin when compared with the conventional axial-pattern flaps.

Purpose: A modification of the secondary epithelization vestibuloplasty technique described by Kazanjian that eliminates the sharp V in the depth of the extended vestibule and counteracts shallowing of the sulcus is presented., Patients and Methods: Ten consecutive patients indicated for anterior mandibular secondary epithelization vestibuloplasty were treated. A bipedicled mucosal flap was developed in the labioalveolar mucosa for lining the extended vestibular depth. A comparison was made of the vestibular depth measured from the crest of the ridge to the junction of the attached mucosa both preoperatively and postoperatively., Results: Healing of raw surfaces was uneventful. The mean preoperative anterior mandibular vestibular depth was 3.5+/-1.1 mm. After 6 months, the mean anterior mandibular vestibular depth was 9.2+/-1.7 mm, a statistically significant difference (P < .05). The mean gain in vestibular depth was 5.7+/-2.2 mm., Conclusion: Overcorrection is unnecessary with this modification. Elimination of the sharp V in the extended vestibular depth enables denture fabrication with better flange extension and improved oral hygiene.

Background: Cross-leg free flaps have been described for reconstruction of leg defects in cases of trauma with no suitable recipient vessels in the vicinity of the defect. The pitfalls, however, have not been well documented in the literature. The technique of transfer and the length of time required before pedicle division depend on the nature of the flap and the contact surface., Methods: Eight cross-leg free flap reconstructions were performed on seven patients between 1986 and 1993. These included three latissimus dorsi muscle flaps, three fibula osteomyocutaneous flaps, one tensor fascia lata myocutaneous flap, and one posterolateral thigh flap. The important technical considerations are outlined., Results: One latissimus dorsi flap failed, whereas the rest of the flaps completely survived. The morbidity of the recipient and donor sites are listed., Conclusion: We conclude that the technique offers the possibility of salvaging limbs that are, otherwise, nonreconstructable. It is useful for young patients. When the flap is long, it can function as a nutrient flap for the distal limb even though the pedicle has been divided. It is a backup procedure in an urgent situation of re-exploration in which reestablishment of circulation should take place as soon as possible.

Background: Resection of a large malignant tumor in the groin often leaves a substantial soft-tissue defect that makes wound closure difficult. Nevertheless, palliation and lower extremity salvage is frequently possible if the tumor is widely excised and the wound closed with well-vascularized tissue; however, few data are available on patients undergoing such procedures., Study Design: We retrospectively examined our experience with limb salvage in 25 patients undergoing radical groin resection for metastatic or recurrent malignant tumors between April 1, 1991 and April 8, 1996., Results: Defect size ranged from 15 to 735 cm2 (mean, 238.5 cm2). Tumor resection included part of the abdominal wall in 14 patients and the femoral vessels in 5 patients. Defects were most commonly repaired with a vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (56%). Mean hospital stay was 10.4 days, and mean followup was 15.5 months. Although the complication rate was 68%, the limb salvage rate was 100%, and normal ambulation was achieved in 88% of patients. The most frequent complications were chronic lymphedema (42%) and seroma (29%). There was one perioperative death (4%)., Conclusions: Functional limb salvage after radical resection of the groin and lower abdominal wall is very successful, has an acceptable morbidity rate, does not prolong hospital stay, and contributes significantly to the patient's quality of life. Chronic lymphedema is a frequent complication after this treatment but can be managed successfully with conservative techniques.

A new fixation technique for bone flaps is described. This technique avoids the use of hardware external to the skull in hairless areas where it may prove unsightly in patients with a thin scalp. The insertion of pins into the middle table of the skull firmly fixes bone flaps at one edge, eliminating the need for external plates at that site.

A gastrostomy is often essential to deliver adequate and safe nutrition. Various types are now available such that the technique can be tailored to the specific needs of the patient. This paper explores the non-refluxing gastrostomy for long-term intermittent gastrostomy feeding, avoiding the need for a permanent indwelling appliance. A full-thickness vascularized flap based on the right gastroepiploic vessels is raised from the greater curve of the stomach. The proximal half of the tubularized flap is buried in a submucosal tunnel and the free distal end is brought to the skin surface as a catheterizable stoma. Fifteen children with varied mental and physical disabilities formed the cohort of the study. There were 3 stomal stenoses and 3 mild mucosal eversions requiring minor surgical adjustments. One child had a wound dehiscence 10 days postoperatively. Once the stoma had healed, the majority fed by intermittent catheterization and bolus feeds at conventional feed times during the day. Intermittent catheterization was painless and easy and was well accepted by caregivers and patients. Perhaps the most important advantages were the increased patient and caregiver confidence and independence, as well as the reduction in anxiety and hospital attendance.

Objective: The objective was to study the feasibility and complications of the use of the inferior gluteal flap in the difficult vaginal, perineal, and vulvar reconstruction among women treated for gynecologic cancers., Methods: A prospective pilot study is reported. Between October 1994 and May 1996, seven patients underwent either unilateral (n = 3) or bilateral (n = 4) inferior gluteal flaps for primary reconstruction of extensive vulvar, perineal, and vaginal defects., Results: The median age of the patients was 59 years (range, 40-70). The indications for the construction of the flaps were radical resection of recurrent vulvar cancer (n = 2), radical resection of stage IV vulvar cancer (n = 2), resection of recurrent Paget's disease of the vulva (n = 1), resection of perineal recurrence of cancer of the cervix (n = 1), and resection of enteroperineal fistula following total pelvic exenteration (n = 1). The median surface area of the vulvar and perineal defect was 113 cm2 (range, 10.5-448 cm2). The median operative time for both the extirpative and the reconstructive procedures was 270 min (95-685 min) and the median estimated blood loss was 200 mL (50-950 mL). The median postoperative hospital stay was 15 days (9-29). None of the patients experienced complete graft loss. Two patients suffered necrosis of the tip of the flap that resulted in minimal wound dehiscence which healed by secondary intention, and one patient suffered graft separation which required graft revision and reconstruction. The patients were followed for a median of 11 months (3-26 months). No late complications of the reconstructive surgery were recorded., Conclusions: The inferior gluteal flap can be safely used for the reconstruction of the difficult and extensive vulvar, perineal, and vaginal defects with excellent results., (Copyright 1997 Academic Press.)

Background: Speech and swallowing problems due to velopharyngeal incompetence may follow soft palate resection and reconstruction. Over the past 3 years, we have developed the use of a superiorly based pharyngeal flap in conjunction with a radial forearm flap for soft palate reconstruction., Methods: This paper describes the technique in detail and compares the functional results in a study with patients undergoing soft palate resection for squamous cell carcinoma treated with or without a pharyngeal flap as an adjunct to a radial forearm free flap for soft palate reconstruction. Seven patients had one quarter or one half soft palate defects reconstructed with a radial forearm flap alone. Of the 11 patients undergoing three quarter or total soft palate resections, all were reconstructed with a radial forearm flap, but 5 were treated with an additional superiorly based pharyngeal flap. The functional outcome for all the patients was analyzed and compared., Results: Our results show that the addition of the superiorly based pharyngeal to the radical forearm flap in soft palate reconstruction results in improved speech and swallowing. We recommend the use of the additional flap in resections in which more than one quarter of the soft palate is included.

Purpose: Transverse island flaps of inner preputial skin have provided a reliable technique for the repair of proximal hypospadias. The flap may be used to create a neourethra by tubularizing the flap after urethral transection or applying the flap as an onlay patch onto an intact urethral plate. We retrospectively analyzed our experience with these 2 techniques to compare outcomes., Materials and Methods: During 11 years 132 patients underwent hypospadias repair by a single surgeon using an onlay (58) or tubularized (74) island flap technique. Surgical results were reviewed retrospectively., Results: At a mean followup of 20.3 months the overall complication rate was 36% for tubularized and 31% for onlay repair, and fistula rates were 14 and 17%, respectively. Despite similar fistula rates tubularized repairs tended to have larger fistulas that required more complex repair (p = 0.0147). In 9 patients who underwent tubularize repair diverticula developed, whereas no diverticula developed after onlay repair (p = 0.0162). The rates of urethral stricture, wound infection, residual chordee and cosmetic complications were not statistically significantly different between repairs. The use of double faced repair in 30 patients provided no difference in outcome in comparison to the overall study cohort., Conclusions: Hypospadias repair using transverse island flaps offers reliable and durable outcomes. While overall complication rates were not greatly different between tubularized and onlay flap repairs, onlay repair tended to result in fistulas of smaller size and diverticula did not develop.

Partial failure of a free flap can create an unusual dilemma, as guidelines suggesting appropriate further intervention are not well defined. The increased complexity of a second free flap attempt is not necessarily contraindicated, but must be minimized if the same fate as the first is to be avoided. For the unique circumstance where the initial failed flap contained a vascular flow-through, the most distal patent vessels can then secondarily serve in an expeditious manner as the recipient vessels for the second or salvage free flap. The efficacy of this concept has been here validated after limited necrosis occurred in the distal portion of a radial forearm free flap. Following the requisite debridement, the residual flap still maintained a satisfactory arterial and venous flowthrough as a "bridge flap" that supported the attachment of a gracilis muscle free flap, and both flaps in turn preserved a sensate transtarsal amputation stump.

A one-stage reconstruction of a complex defect of the dorsum of the foot was undertaken with an osteotendofasciocutaneous lateral arm free flap in a 21 year old man. A vascularised strip of the triceps tendon with the adjacent part of the olecranon was used to reconstruct a missing tibialis anterior tendon with the insertion into the medial cuneiform bone. Recovery was uneventful and he was discharged from hospital after two weeks.

I describe six selected cases of challenging reconstructions in the midface including a small deepithelialised and tunnelled flap for volume-replacement and conjunctiva-reconstruction in the orbit and a case of septum/columella reconstruction with a tunnelled paramedian forehead flap. Big flaps for extensive complex reconstructions in the midface (cheek, lip, and nose) emphasis the efficiency of the flaps. In extensive reconstructions the paramedian forehead might primarily be used for lining. Indian forehead flaps should be dissected to the base in the upper eyelid to increase their strength and for greater versatility. The base can be de-epithelialised without threatening its viability. This procedure allows the flap to be tunnelled and increases the mobility of the flap. Long flaps can even be folded without delay.

Persistent mediastinitis despite primary revision, closed irrigation therapy, and additional secondary omental plasty is a life threatening situation in cardiac surgery. We managed this rare complication in one instance by sternectomy and hemirectus plasty as well as bilateral pectoralis plasty.

Forensic dentistry plays an increasingly important role in medicolegal investigation and identification procedures. The oral examination may be difficult because of postmortem changes, especially those of carbonized corpses. We present a new technique of oral autopsy that includes a new means of access to the oral cavity designed for application on unidentified burned human remains. This technique preserves the facial configuration of the cadaver, allowing visual recognition by family members or other persons that is fundamental if the antemortem dental records do not exist or are not available. Also, this technique permits adequate work productivity by the forensic team members and can be used in difficult working conditions, such as mass-disaster scenarios.

The V-Y advancement myotarsocutaneous flap was used to avoid excessive scarring during reconstruction of a full-thickness upper eyelid defect following surgical excision of a malignant tumor. This method has a number of advantages: It has a short operative time, it is a one-stage procedure, it does not require lining by auricular or septal cartilage, the technique is relatively simple, and the scar is inconspicuous, since both flap margins are placed in skin creases. The V-Y myotarsocutaneous flap is best suited for the repair of full-thickness upper eyelid defects ranging from 25 to 50 percent of the lid width when the remaining lateral canthal structures are adequate to support the flap.

Free musculocutaneous flaps are used frequently in plastic surgery to reconstruct soft-tissue defects after radical cancer surgery and trauma. Despite improved surgical techniques, some of these flaps fail due to insufficient blood supply. Extradural anesthesia causes both sensory (pain relief) and sympathetic (vasodilatation) block that may be advantageous in free-flap surgery. This hypothesis, however, has not yet been studied. An experimental model in pigs was developed in which clinical conditions for anesthesia and microvascular surgery on the lower extremity were simulated as closely as possible. The effects of extradural anesthesia as well as phenylephrine infusion, combined with general anesthesia, on central hemodynamics and on microcirculatory blood flow in skin and muscle of the latissimus dorsi free flap were studied. After surgery, seven animals received extradural anesthesia during stable normovolemic conditions and another seven during mild hypovolemia (10 percent blood loss). The extradural block was objectively evaluated using the temporal summation test. Thirty minutes after induction of extradural anesthesia, the animals received an intravenous infusion of phenylephrine 1 microgram/kg per minute over a period of 15 minutes. Multichannel laser-Doppler flowmetry was used to measure microcirculatory blood flow in skin and muscle of the free flap as well as in control skin and muscle on the same extremity simultaneously. In normovolemic animals, extradural block caused a 10 percent decrease in mean arterial pressure and cardiac output and an approximately 20 percent decrease in microcirculatory blood flow in both the skin and muscle of the flap (all changes were nonsignificant). In slightly hypovolemic animals, however, extradural anesthesia caused a significant decrease in cardiac output (31 percent, p < 0.01), mean arterial pressure (24 percent, p < 0.01), and in mean blood flow in the flap muscle (22 percent, p < 0.05) and skin (20 percent, p < 0.05). During phenylephrine infusion, mean arterial pressure increased significantly (p < 0.05) in both hypovolemic and normovolemic animals, while cardiac output and microcirculatory blood flow in the flap remained almost unchanged. Extradural anesthesia does not improve microcirculatory blood flow in free musculocutaneous flaps in pigs. It causes a significant decrease in cardiac output, mean arterial pressure, and microcirculatory blood flow in slightly hypovolemic animals. During phenylephrine infusion, the microcirculatory blood flow in free flaps slightly improves due to the increase in mean arterial pressure. We suggest that extradural anesthesia for microvascular surgery should be used with great caution until human data are available.

Soft-tissue reconstruction of the hand still remains a challenge for plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Several flaps have been described to cover soft-tissue defects of the digits and the hand. In the first web region, there are some communications between the intermediate artery arising from the dorsal branch of the radial artery and the volar arteries of the thumb and the index finger. Depending on these communications, a new distally based flap is raised from the first dorsal intermetacarpal area. This flap has been used to cover various defects of the thumb in four patients and the distal radial side of the palmar area in one patient. Donor sites have been closed primarily except in one patient. There were no complications, and the results show that this flap is useful to cover soft-tissue defects of the thumb and proximal phalanx of the index finger as well as the radial side of the palmar and dorsal surfaces of the hand.

We developed a trilobed flap, i.e., a Dufourmentel flap connected to two continuous triangular flaps whose angles are decreased by one-quarter. We used this type of flap in eight patients with nasal skin defects, sequelae of tumorectomy, and obtained good results.

Purpose: Reconstruction of the vagina and external genitalia in the infant is quite challenging, particularly when a urogenital sinus is associated with high confluence of the vagina and urethra. Many surgeons believe that children with such a malformation should undergo staged or delayed reconstruction, so that vaginoplasty is done when the child is older and larger. Vaginoplasty early in life is thought to be difficult due to patient size and poor visualization. The posterior sagittal approach has been beneficial for acquiring exposure to high urogenital sinus anomalies but it has been thought to require splitting of the rectum and temporary colostomy. We report a modification of this technique., Materials and Methods: In the last 5 years all patients with urogenital sinus anomalies underwent reconstruction using a single stage approach regardless of the level of confluence. In 8 patients with a high level of confluence reconstruction was performed using a perineal prone approach. Exposure was achieved without division of the rectum. The operative technique is presented in detail., Results: This midline perineal prone approach has allowed excellent exposure of the high vagina even in infants. In all 8 patients reconstruction was done without difficulty and no patient required incision of the rectum or colostomy. This procedure did not preclude the use of a posteriorly based flap for vaginal reconstruction., Conclusions: While patients with low confluence can be treated with single posteriorly based flap vaginoplasty, those with higher confluence may benefit from a perineal prone approach to achieve adequate exposure for pull-through vaginoplasty. This prone approach to the high urogenital sinus anomaly can be performed without division of the rectum, provides excellent exposure of the high confluence even in small children and does not preclude the use of posterior flaps for vaginal reconstruction.

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of internal jugular vein thrombosis in patients undergoing free flap reconstruction and simultaneous neck dissection. Patients underwent Doppler ultrasound examination of their internal jugular veins on postoperative days 1 and 7 after functional neck dissection and free flap transfer. Long-term follow up was obtained at a minimum of 3 months. The incidence of internal jugular vein thrombosis in patients undergoing free flap reconstruction with simultaneous neck dissection is similar to that of patients undergoing just neck dissection. A significant number of these veins recanalize and have excellent long term patency. There does not seem to be a correlation between venous thrombosis and free flap survival.

In the vast majority of burned patients, the injury is limited to the skin and superficial subcutaneous tissue, and the vasculature of the deeper fascia is spared. This fact encouraged me to design a flap in which the burned scar tissue is employed. The island fasciocutaneous flap is based only on the proximal septocutaneous perforators of the radial artery. The flap is used to resurface the anterior as well as the lateral burned cubital fossa after excision of the scar tissue and release of contracture. An anatomic study as well as clinical approach has been conducted.

A case of a single-stage reconstruction of the left hand of a 32-year-old right-handed construction worker with a shotgun wound by means of a composite osteoarthrotenocutaneous free flap from the foot is presented. The tissue loss caused by the injury included the cutaneous coverage of the dorsum of the left hand, extensor tendons of the second, third, fourth and fifth digits, metacarpals of the same fingers, and the second and third metacarpophalangeal joints. After 8 years of evolution, we have been able to verify a valuable degree of functional capability of the reconstructed hand.

Dynamic myoplasty is a relatively new use for muscle flaps and has led us to revisit the mechanisms of vascular delay as a means of optimizing blood supply to muscle flaps. Despite the well-documented effectiveness of vascular delay in skin flaps, vascular delay in muscle flaps has not been widely reported. Regardless of the many mechanisms postulated in the literature as contributors to the delay effect in skin, the one element common to all these hypotheses is the importance placed on changes in the microcirculation. Based on this factor, in the present study we developed and validated an animal model in which delay-induced microvascular changes could be measured in skeletal muscle flaps. We used the hairless mouse latissimus dorsi muscle flap because its vascular distribution is similar to that of humans and its thin structure will enable us in future studies to directly view and measure its microvasculature using videomicroscopy. In 12 animals, we found that delay significantly (p < 0.01) reduced necrosis of the distal part of the muscle from 57 +/- 9 percent in nondelayed flaps (n = 7) to 22 +/- 3 percent in delayed (n = 5) flaps. In these studies, we also determined that the hairless mouse latissimus dorsi muscle flap will serve as an excellent model for defining microvascular changes throughout delay.

Symptomatic bronchogenic cysts should be completely resected because of uncertainties in diagnosis, to prevent recurrence, and to avoid late complications. Infrequently, these cysts may involve the proximal tracheobronchial tree. Often such cysts are incompletely excised with less than optimal results. A case of a patient with a bronchogenic cyst involving the wall of the right mainstem bronchus is presented. The cyst was completely excised and the bronchus repaired using a pedicled pericardial flap. The procedure may serve as the preferred method of reconstruction in such circumstances.

The ileocecal interpositional graft is an alternative method for replacing the distal esophagus and the stomach. A pedunculated ileocecal interpositional graft rotated 180 degrees clock-wise and placed across the hiatus between the proximal esophagus and the duodenum could act as a reservoir and protect against reflux (ileocecal valve) while preserving the duodenal passage. Two patients underwent this operation (the first patient has been observed for 12 postoperative months). We also used this technique to replace the stomach alone below the diaphragm, a technique that had been abandoned in the surgical literature since 1952, although the concept and initial experiences were already promising at that time. In favor of these attractive features of the ileocecal interpositional graft as gastric replacement, we have begun a controlled examination of this method.

Reconstruction of a missing or deficient nail is an interesting and challenging undertaking for plastic surgeons, but little has been published concerning this topic. In the past 23 years, from 1973 to 1995, we performed 24 operations for nail reconstruction in 19 patients. A free nail graft was used in 14 operations, and a vascularized nail flap was used in 10. Vascularized nail flaps were divided into three categories: long-pedicle vascularized nail flaps (3 nails), vascularized nail flaps supplied by arterial inflow from the venous system (termed venous flaps, 3 nails), and short-pedicle vascularized nail flaps (4 nails). In only one case of free nail graft did the grafted nail necrose secondary to infection. The other 23 nails (13 free nail grafts, 10 vascularized nail flaps) survived completely, and good nail growth was obtained. With progress in plastic surgery, reconstructive procedures for nails have changed. In this paper, we will report the evolution of our reconstructive procedure and current strategy of nail reconstruction.

Objective: To evaluate the results and functional outcome associated with fibular free flap reconstruction of orofacial and mandibular defects., Design: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 50 consecutive fibular free flaps during a 3-year period. Forty patients were available for follow-up, which ranged from 4 to 39 months., Setting: Academic tertiary care referral medical center., Patients: Fifty consecutive mandibular reconstructions using the fibular free flap were performed on 47 patients. Thirty-five patients (74%) underwent primary reconstruction. Sixty-six percent of the mandibular defects were anterior or combined anterolateral types; the remainder were pure lateral defects. In 38 patients (81%), a skin paddle was included with the flap to provide either a mucosal lining or skin cover, whereas in only 9 patients (19%), bone was used alone., Main Outcome Measures: Factors reflecting functional properties and processes as well as complications of the upper aerodigestive tract were evaluated clinically and radiographically., Results: Four flaps required reexploration as emergencies, and none were successfully salvaged (8.5% failure). Three patients underwent further free vascularized fibula transfer with 1 failure. During follow-up, swallowing was normal in 25 patients (64%), oral continence was normal or almost normal in 26 patients (67%), and speech was normal or easily intelligible in 35 patients (90%). Aesthetic results were excellent or acceptable in 37 patients (95%)., Conclusions: Our results reveal that the vascularized fibular free flap is very suitable with an excellent success rate for reconstructing both the composite or simple long-spanned mandibular defect. The overlying skin island is reliable and provides lining or coverage for intraoral and extraoral defects. Superior functional cosmetic results are expected in the majority of patients, while donor site morbidity is minimal.

As our contributors to this section have pointed out, there are at present two main methods of reconstructing defects of the pharynx and cervical esophagus: free jejunal transfer (FJT) and tubed radial forearm flap. The advantage of the FJT is that it is a tube, thus limiting the enteric suture lines to proximal and distal. The radial forearm flap requires not only the proximal and distal suture lines but a long longitudinal suture line to create the tube. This increase the possibility for fistula formation. The controversy surrounding this case concerns what to do with a remaining mucosal strip after a subtotal laryngectomy. Traditional reconstructive principles would dictate that normal tissue should not be sacrificed, but some would argue that the remaining mucosa should be sacrificed to allow for use of a FJT. The other alternative would be use of a radical forearm skin flap tubed to 270 degrees. At the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, we preferentially use the FJT for almost all defects and would probably have sacrificed the remaining mucosal strip in this particular case. We have used skin flaps to patch pharyngeal defects and prevent stricture in a number of cases. This is usually done however when the remaining pharyngeal mucosa approaches 50% or greater. Although we do not routinely use the tubed radial forearm flap because of the increased rate of fistula formation, there are some definite indications for its use. The first important indication is in patients in whom speech rehabilitation is desired or indicated. The skin flap provides a stiffer resonating chamber for the speech production and does not have the peristalsis or the mucus production associated with the jejunal flap. Another indication for use of radial forearm flap would be when there is a contraindication to celiotomy, ie, patients with hepatic cirrhosis and associated ascites or other abdominal conditions precluding abdominal exploration. In this situation, avoiding an intra-abdominal procedure would limit operative morbidity. In conclusion, one should use whichever procedure obtains a healed wound and re-establishes continuity of the upper gastrointestinal tract. In our hands, retention of the remaining mucosal segment would not be critical in this particular case and in fact would present a hindrance to use of the FJT.

Although it is recognized as the muscle flap of choice for middle-third defects of the lower limb, the capability for even more distal transposition of the soleus muscle remains controversial. Such reach depends directly on the site of insertion of the muscle and previously has not been assessed convincingly without surgical intervention. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be a noninvasive alternative for determining the distal extent of the musculotendinous junction of the soleus muscle. In our last four patients, preoperative MRI scans were obtained prior to an elective soleus muscle transfer. The distance from the ankle joint to the most distal site of the soleus insertion was measured on the MRI scan and compared with the actual intraoperative measurement, which had a significant correlation (r = 0.98, p = 0.019). A retrospective review of 42 other sagittal ankle MRI scans predicted the mean of this distance to be 1.92 +/- 1.23 cm (range -0.4 to 4.5 cm), compared with gross anatomic dissections in 30 unrelated fresh cadavers, where this was 4.06 +/- 3.11 cm (range -0.7 to 12.5 cm). These additional data are pertinent because they reinforce recognition of the great variation in soleus anatomy, which would limit clinical applications for the distal third of the leg only for those individuals with very distal insertions. The MRI scan can reliably identify the soleus muscle and provides a nonoperative method for evaluation of potential feasibility for its use as a local muscle flap for distal lower extremity defects.

A modified repair technique in anomalous connection of the left coronary artery to the main pulmonary artery is reported in which transfer of the origin of the vessel into the aortic root is facilitated by augmentation with native aortic and pulmonary tissue flaps. This modification reduces tension on the anastomosis and may enhance the likelihood of successful transfer of the left coronary artery into the aortic root.

Postmastectomy reconstruction of breasts is one of the most commonly performed procedures of the plastic surgeon today. Tissue expansion with subsequent implant placement, transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps, latissimus dorsi flaps, gluteal flaps, Ruben's fat pad flaps, and free flaps from other areas have all been utilized with consistently good aesthetic results. One special class of patient is the woman who has undergone breast reconstruction with tissue expansion, with or without subsequent implant placement, who than receives external beam radiation therapy. Capsular contraction frequently complicates this therapy. In the past, women have undergone capsulotomy or capsulectomy with replacement of the implant. Recently, women are more reluctant to have foreign tissue in their bodies and are opting for autologous tissue reconstructions. TRAM reconstruction following removal of implants has been previously reported. A new approach to the placement of the TRAM flap after implant reconstruction via the abdominal approach, with avoidance of any incision on the breast itself, is presented. This is especially important in a patient who has evidence of radiation damage to the skin, placing any incision through the treated tissue at risk.

Objectives: Laser tissue soldering (LTS) with the diode laser and human albumin-hyaluronate-indocyanine green solder is a safe and effective method of providing an immediate leak-free closure during hypospadias repair. In this report, we compare the physiology, histology, and immunohistochemistry of wound healing following LTS and suturing in a rat skin flap model., Methods: A 4 x 5-cm skin flap was raised and bisected (4 cm) on the dorsum of 48 Sprague-Dawley rats. The central wound was either closed from a dermal approach by suturing or LTS or left open, and studied at 0, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days postoperatively. An intraoperative comparison was made between suturing and LTS with respect to operative time. Postoperatively, flaps were excised for tensiometric analysis, and sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin to define wound architecture. Resting skin temperature, laser exposed temperature without solder, and maximum temperature with solder (one drop) were measured at the level of the deep dermis, superficial striated muscle layer, and within the solder. Mean peak temperatures were recorded during a 1-minute laser activation time., Results: Mean continuous suturing time (4.9 +/- 1.1 minutes) was significantly (P < 0.001) faster than either LTS (7.7 +/- 0.77 minutes) or discontinuous suturing (8.2 +/- 0.62 minutes). Two seromas (sutured) and two instances of partial wound dehiscence (1 sutured, 1 LTS) were noted. Tensile strength was increased significantly (P < 0.001) for up to 5 days in the LTS group, but was equal to suturing at 7 and 10 days. Immediate tensile strength after LTS was equivalent to a 7-day healed wound. At 14 days, wounds initially left open and those closed by LTS were stronger than sutured wounds (P < 0.05). There was no evidence of thermal injury or foreign body reaction in the LTS group. Solder was incorporated within the dermis in all wounds at 21 days. Laser activation of solder resulted in significant increases in temperature at all three tissue levels: 65.0 +/- 5.2 and 69.9 +/- 6.8 degrees C in the deep and superficial skin (no significant difference between the two), and 101 +/- 15.6 degrees C within the solder (P < 0.001 versus superficial and deep skin)., Conclusions: Our results indicate that sutureless dermal LTS of skin flaps provides increased tensile strength for up to 7 days, with relatively greater tensile strength provided within the first 3 days. Our laser technique does not appear to alter the normal wound healing process. Rather, solder-tissue interaction initially, and extracellular matrix infiltration of solder later, provide the basis for improved wound strength. For hypospadias repair using skin flaps, these wound attributes may permit sutureless surgery.

Many papers have addressed the technical aspects of free tissue transfer in head and neck cancer patients. However, there has not been a critical assessment of the impact of free tissue transfer on resource utilization and patient morbidity compared with pedicle flap reconstructions. Two cohorts of patients derived from 245 consecutive reconstructions were tightly matched by age, site, stage, and histology, yielding 44 patient pairs differing in method of reconstruction. Patients undergoing free flap reconstruction spent more time in the operating room than those reconstructed with pedicled flaps (993 min vs. 777 min, P < 0.0001). The group with free flap reconstruction spent fewer days in the surgical intensive care unit and hospital (2 days vs. 2.5 days; 18.5 days vs. 22.6 days). This difference is attributed to the paucity of postoperative complications in the group with free flap reconstruction (fistula formation 4.5% vs. 21%, P < 0.04). These data indicate that the continued use of sophisticated reconstructive techniques in head and neck cancer patients is economically sound as assessed by patient morbidity and resource utilization.

The reverse lateral arm adipofascial flap covered immediately with a skin graft has been used successfully for reconstruction of a cubital fossa defect (caused by avulsion injury) and an exposed olecranon (resulting from recurrent bursitis) in 2 patients. The flap is nourished by the septal perforators of the posterior radial collateral artery, which in turn obtains its blood supply from the interosseous recurrent artery. The distal vascular pedicle should contain a sufficient amount of subcutaneous fat and its underlying fascia to enhance the arterial input and the venous drainage of the flap. The primary benefit of this technique is that the thickness of the flap can be tailored to fit into the defect, and the donor site can be closed primarily without tension. The advantages include satisfactory cosmetic results, a rapid one-stage procedure, no sacrifice of the main artery or local muscle, and avoidance of any long-term immobilization of the involved elbow joint.

Background: The desirability of restoring sensation to the upper aerodigestive tract has led to an expanded use of sensate flaps for reconstruction of mucosal defects. Sensation can be restored via preformed neural pathways through the anastomosis of recipient and donor nerves, provided that the sensate flap falls within the boundaries of the neurosome for the identified sensory nerve., Objectives: To perform detailed electrophysiologic mappings of neurosomes of potential sensate flap donor sites, to describe their variability, and to investigate the usefulness of intraoperative mapping in terms of flap design and harvesting., Design: A case series of 27 patients who were undergoing free flap reconstruction of various postablative head and neck defects were examined. Two silver-silver chloride recording electrodes were placed in direct contact with the dissected sensory nerve, and the overlying skin was either mechanically or electrically stimulated. Auditory feedback, as well as visualization of the responses on an oscilloscope, determined whether the stimulated area fell within the neurosome. This technique was applied to the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve of the radial forearm flap (n = 15), the lateral sural cutaneous nerve of the fibula flap (n = 5), the subcostal nerve of the iliac crest flap (n = 6), and the dorsal cutaneous rami of spinal nerve T-1 or T-2 of the scapula flap (n = 1)., Results: The neurosome of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve was relatively consistent with the variability only at the distal boundary (ie, the dorsum of the hand). The neurosome of the lateral sural cutaneous nerve was more variable, falling into 2 distinct innervation patterns: one showing innervation that was limited to the upper lateral and posterior portions of the calf and the other demonstrating significant extension into the lower half of the calf. The neurosome of the subcostal nerve showed little variability and consistently overlapped the proposed skin paddle. The neurosome of the T-1 or T-2 spinal nerve was mapped in 1 patient and is described., Conclusions: The consistency of neurosomal boundaries is dependent on the donor site. Intraoperative mapping of flap donor sites may not only assure the harvesting of a true sensate flap, but may also allow for intraoperative decision making with regard to possible modifications of flap design and harvesting techniques. Two new sensate flaps from the iliac crest and scapula are accurately described.

Adjuvant therapy and microsurgery have allowed advances in surgical extirpation of lower extremity neoplasms. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the microvascular transfer for lower extremity reconstruction in patients receiving pre- or post-operative irradiation and chemotherapy alone and in combination. Over a 5-year period, 24 free tissue transfers were performed in 22 patients undergoing surgical resection with adjuvant therapy for lower extremity neoplasms. There were 13 male and 9 female patients with an average age of 51 years. The latissimus dorsi muscle was most commonly transferred (N = 15). Eighteen tumors received pre- and three received postoperative radiotherapy. Two tumors received a combination of radiotherapy and brachytherapy. Pre- and/or postoperative chemotherapy was used in 14 patients. Twelve of these patients had both chemo- and radiation therapy. A total of six complications occurred, with no flap loss. Complications were evenly distributed among adjuvant regimens. All patients who underwent attempted limb salvage were able to ambulate postoperatively, except for 1 patients who had local recurrence. In conclusion, adjuvant therapy did not increase the complication rate for free tissue transfer in the lower extremity. Adjuvant therapy did not require alterations in the free tissue transfer and, similarly, free tissue transfer did not alter adjuvant therapy. We believe that free tissue transfer in complicated wounds allows for better wound healing with adjuvant therapy rather than local or primary wound closure alone.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of buccal mucosa in the treatment of complex hypospadias., Patients and Methods: Seventeen patients had an onlay patch of buccal mucosa to reconstruct the urethra after failed previous surgery; five had a tubed buccal mucosal graft as an urethral replacement in the 'primary' repair of severe hypospadias., Results: There were no complications in 19 patients; two developed fistulae and one a stricture due to graft narrowing. There were no meatal complications., Conclusion: Buccal mucosa taken from the inner aspect of the lip is very suitable for reconstructing a failed hypospadias repair, especially when used as an onlay graft.

We report the case of a 17-year-old boy with gp91phax-deficient chronic granulomatous disease who developed a liver abscess due to Staphylococcus aureus. Despite treatment with appropriate antibiotics and gamma interferon for three months as well as incision and drainage, the abscess persisted unchanged in size. After surgical debridement, the abscess cavity was filled with two pedunculated greater omentum flaps as a direct feeder road of granulocytes to the infectious focus. An average of 48.5 x 10(9) granulocytes a day harvested from G-CSF-prestimulated donors were transfused for a total of 8 days without side effects. Ultrasound 3 months later showed no residual abscess. Combination of greater omentum flaps and transfusion of G-CSF-prestimulated granulocytes may be the optimal treatment for liver abscesses refractory to conventional therapy.

A case of one-stage immediate reconstruction of partial auricular amputation secondary to dog bite is presented. Primary reconstruction was performed using the cartilage of the avulsed portion of the ear nourished by means of a pedicled temporofascial flap and split-thickness skin graft. The perioperative antimicrobial protocol is also detailed.

Lower lip cancer treated as a multidisciplinary effort has advantages in cost savings, conservation of tissue, and tumor elimination. This article discusses the technique of eradication of the lesion by the Mohs micrographic surgeon and secondary reconstruction by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and illustrates the results of this cooperative effort.

Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction remains a challenge in head and neck surgery. The anatomical defect dictates different reconstruction options possible for closure. This article highlights concepts in pharyngoesophageal reconstruction emphasizing a thought process used when choosing reconstruction options based on the anatomical defect. Both the partial pharyngoesophageal and total circumferential defects are discussed.

Purpose: We report a clinical case series of an innovative method of urethral reconstruction for the treatment of urinary incontinence. Modifications of our original technique are presented., Materials and Methods: Bladder neck repair was done in 17 patients, mean age 9.3, with neurogenic incontinence (13) or exstrophy (4). Average followup is 25.6 months. Of the patients 9 with neurogenic bladder underwent the original procedure using a midline anterior bladder wall flap. In the 4 patients with exstrophy a modified procedure was done using an anterolateral bladder wall flap. In another 4 patients an extended flap of distal mucosa was used to avoid ureteral reimplantation. Augmentation was performed in 13 of the 17 cases (10 detubularized ileum and 3 detubularized colon)., Results: Continence (greater than 4 hours) was obtained in 12 of the 17 patients (70%), 2 are dry for 1 to 2 hours and 3 are incontinent. A urethrovesical fistula developed in 2 patients (1 closed successfully), and 3 patients have problems with catheterization., Conclusions: Urethral lengthening with anterior bladder wall flap is a versatile alternative in the surgical treatment of urinary incontinence. Variations of the original technique resulted in an improved vascular supply and decreased the formation of fistula at the base of the flap. The modified technique was successful in patients with exstrophy, including those who had failed bladder neck surgery.