Lower Abdominal vs. Lateral Thigh Perforator Flaps in Microsurgical Sarcoma Reconstruction: The Aesthetics of Donor Site Matters.

Introduction: Sarcoma resection often leaves patients with big defects only amenable through microsurgical reconstruction. In such cases, it is hard for the surgeon to uphold low donor-site morbidity with an aesthetic result. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical outcome and the patient's perception regarding the donor site in a cohort of patients undergoing microsurgical reconstruction with lateral thigh and lower abdominal perforator flaps. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of all patients who underwent sarcoma reconstruction with flaps harvested from the lower abdominal region (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap, superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap) or lateral thigh region (anterolateral thigh perforator flap and its variations) was performed. Only patients with defects greater than 100 cm2 were included. Patient demographics and operative variables were recorded, together with complications. Patient satisfaction and quality of life with the donor site were registered using the SCAR-Q questionnaire, which was administered at least six months post-operatively. Results: Eighteen anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flaps and twenty-two deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) and superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap procedures were performed. The two groups were homogeneous for major post-operative complications (p > 0.999). Patient satisfaction with the donor site measured using the SCAR-Q questionnaire showed significantly higher scores in the DIEP/SCIP group when compared with the thigh group (p < 0.001), indicating a superiority of the lower abdominal area as an aesthetic donor site. Conclusions: The DIEP and SCIP flaps are a versatile option for reconstructing large soft-tissue defects following sarcoma resection. Therefore, flaps harvested from the lower abdomen yield a higher patient satisfaction with the donor site, which is a feature worth considering when planning a reconstructive procedure.

"Extra-anatomical Pedicle Rerouting" An alternative technique to obtain new recipient vessels for microsurgical reconstruction in unfavorable clinical situations.

BACKGROUND: Lack of adequate recipient vessels in certain anatomically unfavorable locations or in complex clinical situations is still a limitation to successful microsurgical transfer. To address such complex cases, advanced microsurgical techniques should be applied. In this paper, the authors describe their experience with the Extra-anatomical Pedicle Rerouting (EPR) technique, an alternative approach that was used in selected cases throughout the body to obtain healthy recipient vessels for microsurgical reconstruction in unfavorable clinical situations where suitable recipient vessels were difficult to find. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with defects of variable etiology (oncological resection, trauma, previous surgeries) located in the trunk or upper and lower extremities received EPR free flap reconstruction at our Institution. Operative data, postoperative course, and complications were recorded. Clinical and photographic follow-ups were also documented. RESULTS: A total of 15 flaps (6 antero-lateral thigh (ALT), 6 latissimus dorsi/thoracodorsal artery perforator flap (LD/TDAP), 3 deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (DIEP)) were transferred adopting the EPR technique for oncological (11) and post-traumatic (4) defects. According to the different clinical scenarios, the rerouted vessels were the thoraco-acromial, posterior circumflex humeral, thoracodorsal, deep inferior epigastric, lateral circumflex femoral, anterior tibial, and medial sural pedicles. Mean length of the rerouted vascular conduits was 6.53 cm. Mean operative time was 420 minutes. No major complications were registered. Minor wound dehiscence was observed and managed conservatively in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The EPR technique proved to be useful in a reliable and reproducible manner in different regions of the body as an alternative solution to obtain healthy recipient vessels in anatomically and surgically unfavorable clinical situations.

Thigh reconstruction between form and function: An algorithm for flap selection based on a series of 70 oncological patients.

INTRODUCTION: Thigh reconstruction after oncological resection represents a challenge in terms of ideal morphological and functional outcomes to aim for. Very few papers presented a comprehensive approach to this topic, most of them being only small cases series. The purpose of this article was to review our institutional experience in the field of thigh soft-tissue reconstruction, proposing an algorithm to choose the most convenient pedicled or free flap approach according to the different clinical scenarios and the specific morpho-functional requirements of the case. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed patients who received flap reconstruction for thigh soft-tissue defects after oncological resection between 2014 and 2021. Demographic and operative data were recorded. Twelve months post-operatively, patients were asked to rate the esthetic and functional outcomes of the reconstructive procedure on a 5-point Likert scale. Additionally, for patients receiving a free functional muscle transfer to restore quadriceps or hamstring function, recovery was evaluated with the Medical Research Council Scale for Muscle Strength. RESULTS: Seventy flap reconstructions of the thigh were, respectively, performed after sarcoma (n = 43), melanoma (n = 13) and non-melanoma skin cancer (n = 14) resection. Pedicled flaps were used in 55 patients: 46 perforator flaps (32 ALT, 4 AMT, 4 PAP, 2 TFL, 2 MSAP, 2 DIEP) and 9 muscle or myocutaneous flaps (4 medial gastrocnemius, 2 gracilis, and 3 VRAM). Microsurgical reconstruction was performed in 15 patients for extensive defects (2 SCIP, 1 latissimus dorsi-LD, 1 thoracodorsal artery perforator-TDAP, 1 ALT, 2 DIEP flaps) or when >50% of the quadriceps or hamstring compartments were resected (eight free functional muscle transfer including five vastus lateralis, two LD, and one rectus femoris). Extensive defect surface, previous irradiation and neoadjuvant chemotherapy appeared to be predictors of free flap reconstruction. Complication (49% vs. 26.6%; p > .05) and readmission rates (32.7% vs. 13.3%; p > .05) were comparable between pedicled and free flap groups, as well as complications severity scores according to Clavien-Dindo classification (1.15 vs. 1.29; p > .05). However, patients with previous irradiation experienced worse outcomes when receiving pedicled rather than free flaps in terms of reintervention (87.5% vs. 28.6%; p = .04) and readmission rates (87.5% vs. 14.29%; p = .01), and severity of surgical complications. Overall patients' satisfaction was high, with esthetic and functional mean score of 4.31 and 4.12, respectively (p > .05). In the FFMT group, M5, M4, M3, and M2 strength was observed in 3, 3, 1, and 1 patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Oncological thigh defects are usually well addressed with pedicled perforator flaps. Microsurgical reconstruction offers reliable and reproducible results in extensive defects and in previously irradiated fields or when functional restoration is indicated.

Abdominal wall reconstruction with the free functional L-shaped latissimus dorsi flap: A case report.

Extensive tridimensional defects of the abdominal wall are usually addressed with soft tissue flaps combined with meshes. In this scenario, the additional value of dynamic abdominal wall reconstruction with functional flaps has yet to be demonstrated. In this paper the authors describe for the first time a unique case of total abdominal wall reconstruction with the free functional L-shaped latissimus dorsi (LD) flap, designed to increase the surface area of skin flap coverage while minimizing donor site morbidity, highlighting technical tips and long-term outcomes. A 65-year-old patient underwent abdominal wall resection for a dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, leaving her with a 23 × 15 cm full-thickness defect. After placing a mesh, a myo-cutaneous free LD Flap with an L-shaped configuration was planned. The flap was composed of Paddle A, designed vertically along the anterior margin of the muscle and Paddle B, designed over the inferior aspect of the LD muscle, extending obliquely from the midline and intersecting Paddle A laterally with a 60° angle. End-to-end anastomoses to the deep inferior epigastric artery and vein and thoracodorsal nerve coaptation to a sizeable intercostal nerve were performed. The LD muscle was sutured according to its native tension while the two skin islands allowed an almost complete resurfacing of the abdominal wall defect. Donor site was closed primarily. Post-operative course was uneventful. One year postoperatively, good abdominal contour was observed, with adequate abdominal tone at rest in laying and standing position. Muscle neurotization was confirmed with clinical examination showing voluntary contraction of the transplanted muscle and the patient reported very high functional outcomes at the hernia-related quality-of-life (HerQles) questionnaire. The free L-shaped LD flap represents an innovative solution to reconstruct extensive full-thickness defects of the abdominal wall while reducing donor site morbidity. Flap neurotization should be attempted whenever possible to improve functional outcomes of the procedure.

"Thou Shalt Not Throw Away a Living Thing": Innovative Use of Perforator Flaps in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction.

SUMMARY: Abdominal wall reconstruction represents a complex challenge for plastic surgeons, given the variable range of clinical situations requiring restoration of abdominal wall integrity. When significant myofascial defects are encountered, repair with either a synthetic or biological mesh is indicated, both of which have advantages and drawbacks. Taking inspiration from Gillies' fourth commandment of plastic surgery- Thou shalt not throw away a living thing -an innovative technique to obtain a vascularized autologous mesh from the tissues usually discarded during abdominal contouring procedures was conceived. The authors describe how to maximize the use of perforator flaps derived from abdominoplasty excision patterns in abdominal wall reconstruction to simultaneously obtain restoration of abdominal wall integrity and improvement of the abdominal contour.

Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy in the Setting of Two-Stage Retropectoral Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: Should It be Delivered Before or After Implant Exchange? A Retrospective Analysis on 183 Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) has a primary role in the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer; however, the most appropriate timing of irradiation in immediate tissue expander breast reconstruction (ITEBR) still remains unknown. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on all women undergoing mastectomy and retropectoral ITEBR at Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital in Rome, Italy, between 2010 and 2019. The patients were categorized into three cohorts: patients undergoing PMRT with the tissue expander (TE) in situ, patients with PMRT delivered to the permanent implant (PI), patients who were not administered RT. Complications and failure rates were analysed and compared. Potential predictors of adverse outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Over 10 years, 183 patients underwent retropectoral ITEBR (55 PMRT-TE, 50 PMRT-PI, 78 no-PMRT). The three groups were well matched with respect to patient- and treatment-related factors (p > 0.05), with the exception of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and irradiation. The mean follow-up was, respectively, 4.58, 7 and 5.75 years. Radiotherapy either to the TE or to the PI was independently associated with failure and conversion to autologous procedures (p < 0.0001). Failure rate was significantly higher when TE was irradiated (p = 0.03). PMRT was associated with severe capsular contracture development (p < 0.00001), the odds being higher when irradiation was delivered after implant exchange (p = 0.04). Increased BMI was significantly associated with failure. CONCLUSIONS: When PMRT is delivered to the TE, the risk of failure is higher (OR 2.77); when the PI is irradiated, reconstruction will more likely be affected by severe capsular contracture (OR 2.7). However, considering that the overall risk of severe capsular contracture correlated to PMRT is higher than failure, we believe that irradiation should be delivered to the TE. Performing a proper capsuloplasty at the time of implant exchange, indeed, allows to correct the deformities related to radiation-induced capsular contracture. Patients with unfavourable outcomes after TE placement and RT, instead, can be directly switched to autologous reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Delayed Mastopexy Following Breast-Conserving Surgery and Radiation Therapy: A Case-Control Study to Evaluate Safety and Versatility of the Central Mound Technique.

INTRODUCTION: Breast remodeling following breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and radiation therapy (RT) is challenging and often burdened by complications due to irradiated tissue atrophy. The authors present a case-control study to compare the central mound mastopexy (CMM) to more conventional techniques, applying it to different patterns of skin excision. METHODS: A variation of the original central mound technique is presented separately addressing glandular and cutaneous deformities. Between 2012 and 2018, 17 consecutive patients presenting defects following unilateral BCS and RT underwent breast remodeling with CMM technique. Immediate and long-term complications together with patient-reported outcomes were evaluated and compared to a matched control group of sixteen patients who underwent superior pedicle mammoplasty. Two independent plastic surgeons reviewed pre- and postoperative photographs and rated the cosmetic outcomes on a visual analog scale from 1 to 5. RESULTS: In the study group, different patterns of skin excision, i.e., inverted-T pattern (41.2%), circumareolar (23.5%), skin-sparing type V (17.65%), omega (11.77%), and J (5.88%), were used to correct various breast deformities, and a decisional algorithm was developed. No major complications were registered. Retraction recurrence rate was higher in the control group (p = 0.037). Cosmetic results were considered more satisfying in the CMM group by both patients (4.18 vs 3.00, p<0.001) and surgeons (4.06 vs 2.69, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The CMM technique is an advanced approach that addresses breast remodeling after BCS-RT surgery yielding reliable results. Following our algorithm, several patterns of skin excision, tailored to pre-existing scars, can be considered and safely performed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Versatility of the lateral circumflex femoral artery sparing perforator-based anterolateral thigh flaps in loco-regional thigh reconstruction after skin cancer, melanoma, and sarcoma resection.

BACKGROUND: The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap represents a workhorse in reconstructive microsurgery but its use in a free style fashion as perforator-based flap has yet to be popularized. We describe our experience with lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) sparing perforator-based ALT flaps for thigh reconstruction after oncological resection in a case series of 24 consecutive patients. METHODS: Twenty-four patients underwent thigh reconstruction with 25 perforator-based ALT flaps between 2014 and 2020. Defect etiology was related to skin cancer, melanoma, and sarcoma resection in 3, 7, and 14 cases respectively. Mean defect size was 15 × 8 cm. Six months postoperatively, patients were asked to rate on a 5-point Likert scale the aesthetic and functional outcomes of the reconstructive procedure. RESULTS: Eight flaps were advanced in a V-Y fashion (33.3%), whether 16 flaps (66.7%) were rotated in a propeller fashion. The average flap size was 19 × 8 cm, while mean operative time was 197.2 min. Donor sites were always closed by primary intention. Minor complications were registered in 5 cases and managed conservatively. Overall patients' satisfaction was high, with mean aesthetic and functional ratings of 4.46 and 4.21 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LCFA sparing perforator-based ALT flaps proved to be a versatile and reproducible solution to address thigh reconstruction after oncological resection according to the different topographical sub-units involved.

Extended latissimus dorsi flap with propeller ascending design for reconstruction of a complex lateral lumbar defect: A case report and review of the literature.

Lateral lumbar defects are rarely encountered and difficult to manage because of the limited reach of loco-regional flaps and the unfavorable position of recipient vessels for microsurgical transfer. The purpose of this report is to describe the innovative application of an extended latissimus dorsi (LD) flap with propeller ascending design in the field of lumbar reconstruction, reviewing current reconstructive options accepted for lateral lumbar defect. A 68-year-old male patient underwent wide full thickness resection for a solitary hepatocellular carcinoma metastatic lesion arising in the left lumbar region, resulting in an extensive soft-tissue defect (20 x 13 cm) with deep structures exposure. An extended LD flap with propeller ascending orientation was obliquely designed, with the distal third of the skin island laying over the trapezius muscle. The skin paddle measured 34 x 9 cm. The flap, including a cuff of proximal LD muscle spared by the oncological resection and a fasciocutaneous superior extension, underwent 90°clockwise rotation on the main thoracodorsal artery perforator and further caudal advancement allowed by section of the LD cranial tendinous insertion. The rotation-advancement movement allowed tension-free flap insetting, while donor site was closed by primary intention. The post-operative course was uneventful without any complications registered. At 12-months follow-up, a satisfactory result and a stable coverage were achieved. Due to the surgical complexity traditionally associated with the repair of defects located in the lumbar region, the case reported may help to provide a new alternative solution to extend the indications of local flaps in similar cases and simplify such reconstructions.

Reinnervation of the Diaphragm After Bilateral Phrenic Nerve Resection and Immediate Reconstruction Using a Contralateral Phrenic Nerve Autograft.

A patient affected by a voluminous synovial sarcoma of mediastinum received radical surgery, resulting in injury of both phrenic nerves. Because of the cancer location, reconstruction of the left phrenic nerve was not possible, so to prevent the patient's ventilator dependence, the right phrenic nerve was reconstructed via an autograft from the residual proximal stump of the contralateral one. In 3 months, the right hemidiaphragm function showed a full recovery, documented by ultrasonographic and radiographic assessment of diaphragmatic excursion, and the patient was weaned from mechanical ventilation. When a nerve autograft is indicated, the sural nerve still remains the criterion standard, because of the low morbidity of the donor site and ease of harvesting; however, in particular situations, such as in this unique case, the choice of an orthotopic graft may offer promising results.

Management of chronic seromas: A novel surgical approach with the use of vacuum assisted closure therapy.

Postoperative seroma is a common complication of many surgical procedures in which anatomical dead space has been created. A particular case of lesion in which seroma occurs is the Morel-Lavallée lesion (MLL), which is an uncommon closed soft-tissue degloving injury that develops after high-energy trauma or crush injury where shearing forces separate the subcutaneous tissue from the underlying fascia. The diagnostic evaluation begins with an adequate history and physical examination, followed by instrumental research with ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Postoperative seromas and MLLs share a similar pathology and natural evolution as both injuries, once chronic, develop a pseudobursa; thus, the authors think that the same treatment algorithm may be suitable for both the lesions. Several strategies for the treatment of post-surgical and post-traumatic seromas have been described in the literature, ranging from conservative measures for acute and small injuries to surgical management and sclerotherapy for chronic and large ones. Despite some seromas resolving with conventional management, lesion recurrence is a matter of concern. The authors present their experience in the treatment of both post-surgical and post-traumatic chronic seromas not responsive to conservative treatments by surgical drainage of the seroma, capsulectomy, and application of vacuum-assisted closure therapy to allow granulation tissue formation, dead spaces obliteration, and wound healing. Primary wound closure with closed suction drain placement and an elastic compression bandaging are finally performed. From 2014 to 2019, a total of 15 patients (9 females and 6 males) were treated for recurrent chronic seromas with the proposed surgical approach. Five cases were MLLs, while 10 cases were postoperative seromas. The patients were between 33 and 79 years old, and they were followed up at 4 weeks and 3 and 6 months after surgery. All 15 patients with chronic seromas not responsive to conservative treatment showed a complete resolution of the lesions with the proposed treatment approach with no evidence of lesion recurrence, proving its effectiveness.

Effects of latissimus dorsi (LD) flap harvest on shoulder function in delayed breast reconstruction. A long-term analysis considering the acromiohumeral interval (AHI), the WOSI, and BREAST-Q questionnaires.

BACKGROUND: The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is reliable and versatile with many indications and low donor site morbidity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term effects of LD flap on the shoulder function in patients undergoing delayed breast reconstruction. METHODS: This case-control study enrolled women who underwent implant-based (IB) breast reconstruction, radical lymphadenectomy, and radiotherapy between 2006 and 2016. The study group included 72 women, with a history of severe capsular contracture, who received a secondary LD flap reconstruction. The control group consisted of a matched cohort of 80 patients with IB breast reconstruction. Shoulder function was assessed using the acromiohumeral interval (AHI) measurement in standard X-rays. The validated Western Ontario Shoulder Instability (WOSI) and BREAST-Q questionnaires were used to assess outcomes one year postoperatively and data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test and the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Out of 72 patients from the study group, 40 had valuable pre- and postoperative X-rays to measure the AHI. An AHI reduction was recorded only in 7/40 patients. From the WOSI analysis, no significant differences in shoulder function and back pain between the two groups were registered. BREAST-Q scores in the LD group were higher in most domains, including satisfaction with breasts and psychosocial well-being. However, the Mann-Whitney test showed no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: LD flap, with detachment of its insertions from the humerus, does not seem to have a negative impact on back and shoulder function and is correlated with high patient satisfaction in breast reconstruction following radiotherapy.

Role of Spreader Flaps in Rhinoplasty: Analysis of Patients Undergoing Correction for Severe Septal Deviation with Long-Term Follow-Up.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this randomized controlled study was to analyze the long-term results of patients undergoing rhinoplasty because of severe septal deviation and to evaluate the stability of results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed with a randomized design. Patients were randomly divided into four groups: group 1, spreader flaps were used in combination with spreader grafts; group 2, spreader flaps were used alone; group 3, spreader grafts were used alone; and group 4, neither spreader flaps nor grafts flaps were used. Patients answered the Italian version of the FACE-Q rhinoplasty module. Anthropometric measurements were performed by AutoCAD for MAC. We determined the angle of deviation, and we compared the pre- and postoperative angles and compared patient satisfaction in the four groups using the Chi-squared test for unpaired data. Two plastic surgeons reviewed all the postoperative photographs of the study patients and rated the photographs on a scale of 1 to 5. RESULTS: A total of 264 patients who underwent primary rhinoplasty between January 2010 and September 2016 satisfied the inclusion criteria and were finally enrolled in this study. Anthropometric measurements revealed statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) between the preoperative and postoperative values for the angle of septal deviation in group 1 versus the other groups. Over the long-term follow-up, group 1 maintained an angle close to 180 degrees (P < 0.01). Group 1 and group 3 were more satisfied compared with groups 2 and 4 (P < 0.01). According to evaluations by the 2 reviewers, group 1 and group 3 were the most satisfactory outcomes (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This was the first randomized study to show that the combined use of the spreader flap and spreader graft is the best choice for a good long-term outcome and durable correction of septal deviation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .