• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.63-68
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• 2013

Purpose: In case of the failed replantation, if the patients want to preserve the length of amputated stump, toe transfer is the ideal choice. However, reconstruction of these amputated stump with a free flap can be a useful method when the patients refuse sacrificing their toe. Our purpose of this study is to evaluate availability of functional results and patient satisfaction after this procedure. Materials and Methods: From March 2008 to February 2012, we reconstructed the amputated stump with free flap by patients demand. Eleven patients were included, medial plantar artery perforator flap in seven cases and great toe pulp flap in five cases. Follow-up range 12 to 24 months and we evaluate patient satisfaction by using a visual analogue scale (VAS; 1=unsatisfied, 5=excellent) and functional recovery by measuring the range of motion of remaining joint at 12 months after operation. Results: During follow-up period, all transferred free flaps survived and no major complications were noted. Range of motion of remaining joint appeared satisfactory result ($15^{\circ}$ to $100^{\circ}$). The VAS patient satisfaction score for aesthetic were five in six patients, four in four patients, and three in one patient. Conclusion: In case of the failed digital replantation, if patient refuse toe transfer, it could be useful method to reconstruction with the free flap to preserving maximal length of amputated stump.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제49권4호
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• pp.482-487
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• 2022

In lower abdominal flap representing transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap or deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) exists as superficial and independent venous system from deep system. The superficial venous drainage is dominant despite a dominant deep arterial supply in anterior abdominal wall. As TRAM or DIEP flaps began to be widely used for breast reconstruction, venous congestion issue has been arisen. Many clinical series in regard to venous congestion despite patent microvascular anastomosis site were reported. Venous congestion could be divided in two conditions by the area of venous congestion and each condition is from different anatomical causes. First, if venous congestion was shown in whole flap, it is due to the connection between SIEV and vena comitantes of DIEP. Second, if venous congestion is limited in above midline (Hartrampf zone II), it is due to problem in venous midline crossover. In this article, the authors reviewed the role of SIEV in lower abdominal flap based on the various anatomic and clinical studies. The contents are mainly categorized into four main issues; basic anatomy of SIEV, the two cause of venous congestion, connection between SIEV and vena comitantes of DIEP, and midline crossover of SIEV.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제41권6호
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• pp.709-715
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• 2014

Background The distally based sural artery flap is a reliable, local reconstructive option for small soft tissue defects of the distal third of the leg. The purpose of this study is to describe an adipofascial flap based on a single sural nerve branch without sacrificing the entire sural nerve, thereby preserving sensibility of the lateral foot. Methods The posterior aspect of the lower limb was dissected in 15 cadaveric limbs. Four patients with soft tissue defects over the tendo-achilles and ankle underwent reconstruction using the adipofascial flap, which incorporated the distal peroneal perforator, short saphenous vein, and a single branch of the sural nerve. Results From the anatomical study, the distal peroneal perforator was situated at an average of 6.2 cm (2.5-12 cm) from the distal tip of the lateral malleolus. The medial and lateral sural nerve branches ran subfascially and pierced the muscle fascia 16 cm (14-19 cm) proximal to the lateral malleolus to enter the subcutaneous plane. They merged 1-2 cm distal to the subcutaneous entry point to form the common sural nerve at a mean distance of 14.5 cm (11.5-18 cm) proximal to the lateral malleolus. This merging point determined the pivot point of the flap. In the clinical cases, all patients reported near complete recovery of sensation over the lateral foot six months after surgery. All donor sites healed well with a full range of motion over the foot and ankle. Conclusions The distally based sural artery adipofascial flap allowed for minimal sensory loss, a good range of motion, an aesthetically acceptable outcome and can be performed by a single surgeon in under 2 hours.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.187-191
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• 2013

Background Our objective was to compare the complication rates of two common breast reconstruction techniques performed at our hospital and the cost-effectiveness for each test group. Methods All patients who underwent deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap and transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap by the same surgeon were selected and matched according to age and mastectomy with or without axillary clearance. Patients from each resultant group were selected, with the patients matched chronologically. The remainder were matched for by co-morbidities. Sixteen patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM flaps and 16 patients with DIEP flaps from 1999 to 2006 were accrued. The average total hospitalisation cost, length of hospitalisation, and complications in the 2 year duration after surgery for each group were compared. Results Complications arising from both the pedicled TRAM flaps and DIEP flaps included fat necrosis (TRAM, 3/16; DIEP, 4/16) and other minor complications (TRAM, 3/16; DIEP, 1/16). The mean hospital stay was 7.13 days (range, 4 to 12 days) for the pedicled TRAM group and 7.56 (range, 5 to 10 days) for the DIEP group. Neither the difference in complication rates nor in hospital stay duration were statistically significant. The total hospitalisation cost for the DIEP group was significantly higher than that of the pedicled TRAM group (P<0.001). Conclusions Based on our study, the pedicled TRAM flap remains a cost-effective technique in breast reconstruction when compared to the newer, more expensive and tedious DIEP flap.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제43권5호
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• pp.457-460
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• 2016

Autologous breast reconstruction utilizing a perforator flap is an increasingly popular method for reducing donor site morbidity and implant-related complications. However, aberrant anatomy not readily visible on computed tomography angiography is a rare albeit real risk when undergoing perforator flap reconstruction. We present an operative case of a patient who successfully underwent a bilateral breast reconstruction sourced from a unilateral abdominal flap divided into deep superior epigastric artery and superficial circumflex iliac artery flap segments.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.8-13
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• 2012

Purpose: Purpose: The free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is a popular option for autologous breast reconstruction. However, the anatomy of the deep inferior epigastric artery(DIEA) may vary from one individual to another. Unexpected vascular anomaly can confuse the surgeon and affects on the safety of the free DIEP flap. Materials and Methods: Thirty five consecutive patients who underwent free DIEP/TRAM flap for immediate breast reconstruction between Mar. 2010 and Oct. 2010 were enrolled in this study. Computed tomography angiography (CT angiography) of abdomen was evaluated part of our standard preoperative assessment: atypical patterns of DIEA/DIEP were evaluated by preoperative CT angiography and compared with intraoperative finding. Results: Atypical patterns of DIEA/DIEP which may affect preoperative planning were noted as the following: Circummusclar/subfascial DIEA (n=1), DIEA running underneath rectus muscle (n=8), septocutaneous perforator (n=3), peritoneo-cutaneous perforator (n=1), a large branch going into peritoneum (n=1), and very early division and muscle penetration of DIEA (n=1). Conclusion: Atypical DIEA/DIEP that might change the operation plan is not rare, so the individualized planning based on the preoperative CT angiography is recommended. Preoperative CT angiography could help to select reliable and easy-to-dissect perforator in free DIEP/TRAM breast reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.140-146
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• 2009

Purpose: Autologous breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue is one of the best options after mastectomy. In a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous(TRAM) or deep inferior epigastric artery perforator(DIEP) flap, a preoperative evaluation of the precise location of perforating vessels and vascular run - off systems is required. The objective of this report is to demonstrate the usefulness of multidetector computed tomography(MDCT) in the preoperative planning of patients undergoing breast reconstruction with abdominal flap. Methods: From June 2006 to January 2008, 28 patients underwent MDCT evaluation before breast reconstruction. All subjects were females with an age range of 30 to 55 years. The CT scan was performed using a 64 - slice MDCT scanner(Brilliance 64; Philips Medical Systems, Best, Netherlands). Results: One perforator or two major perforators were marked on image in good relation with a hand - held Doppler examination and intraoperative findings. All vascular run - off systems were cleared before operation. Conclusion: Preoperative evaluation of perforator arteries with MDCT angiography is beneficial in patients undergoing breast reconstruction. This technique provides a noninvasive approach of the vascular anatomy of the entire anterior abdominal wall.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제39권4호
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• pp.360-366
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• 2012

Background Coverage of defects of the pretibial area remains a challenge for surgeons. The difficulty comes from the limited mobility and availability of the overlying skin and soft tissue. We applied variable pedicled perforator flaps to overcome the disadvantages of local flaps and free flaps on the pretibial area. Methods Eight patients who had the defects in the anterior tibial area were enrolled. Retrospective data were obtained on patient demographics, cause, defect location, defect size, flap dimension, originating artery, pedicle length, pedicle rotation, complication, and postoperative result. The raw surface created following the flap elevation was covered with a split thickness skin graft. Results Posterior tibial artery-based perforator flaps were used in five cases and peroneal artery-based perforator flaps in three cases. The mean age was 54.3 and the mean period of follow-up was 6 months. The average size of the flaps was 63.8 $cm^2$, with a range of 18 to 135 $cm^2$. There were no major complications. No patients had any newly developed functional deficit of the lower leg. Conclusions We suggest that pedicled perforator flaps can be an alternative treatment modality for covering pretibial defects as a simple, safe and versatile procedure.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제41권5호
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• pp.542-547
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• 2014

Background Abdominal wall free flaps are used most frequently in autologous breast reconstruction, and these flaps require intact and robust deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) vessels. Pfannenstiel incisions are often present during preoperative visits for breast reconstruction and could potentially signal compromised blood supply to the lower abdominal wall. In this study, we compared the number of DIEP vessels between patients with and without Pfannenstiel incisions undergoing autologous breast reconstruction. Methods A retrospective review of medical records was performed for patients with (study) and without (control) Pfannelstiel incisions (n=34 for each group) between June 2010 and July 2013. In addition to patient demographics, number of caesarian sections, and outcomes of free flap reconstruction, abdominal wall vasculature was compared using the preoperative computed tomography angiographic data between the groups. For each patient, vessels measuring greater than 1 mm were counted and divided into four sections of the lower abdominal wall. Results The mean number of perforator vessels was 10.6 in the study group and 11.4 in the control group, which was not statistically different (P=0.575). Pfannenstiel incisions with history of repeat caesarian sections were not associated with decreased number of perforator vessels. Conclusions Pfannenstiel scars are associated with neither a change in the number of DIEP vessels nor decreased viability of a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous and DIEP flap. Lower abdominal free flaps based on DIEP vessels appear safe even in patients who have had multiple caesarian sections through Pfannenstiel incisions.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.97-100
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• 2010

Purpose: Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare genetic disease, characterized by the presence of extremely fragile skin and formation of recurrent blister resulting from even a minor mechanical injury. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is recognized as a complication of the chronic scarring associated with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB). When a soft tissue defect happens in a patient with epidermolysis bullosa, it is difficult to cover it with a skin graft or a flap. We describe the successful use of a pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator flap for the reconstruction of SCC associated with DEB in the groin. Methods: A 29-year-old man diagnosed with DEB at birth sustained an ulcer increasing in the right groin for the last 7 months. Under general anesthesia, the mass lesion and lymph nodes were removed and the resulting defect was covered with a pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator flap. Results: The flap survived completely and his postoperative course was uneventful. Histopathological examination revealed a SCC in the right groin and malignant tumor cells in the removed lymph nodes as well. Additional positron emission tomogram showed a malignant lesion in the ileocecal area with regional lymph node metastasis. The patient was referred to an oncologist for chemotheraphy, but the patient refused to take it. During a 4-month follow-up period, there was no recurrence in the right groin. Conclusion: We suggest that perforator flaps can be considered as a reliable alternative for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in a patient with DEB.