[Gender reassignment surgery from male to female]. / Geschlechtsangleichung von Mann zu Frau.

For many trans*women, the surgical assignment of the male genital into a female is a fundamental part of the transition. Erogenous sensation of the neoclitoris is achieved by meticulous preparation of the penile glans with the neurovascular bundle. Several techniques are available for the formation of a neovagina, the penile inversion technique developed by Burou in the 1950s being the gold standard. With this technique, the inverted penile shaft skin is used as a pedicled flap to line the neovaginal canal. Alternatively, free skin grafts can be used, which serve primarily as a technique for redo procedures. Another technique is the use of intestinal segments to line the vaginal canal. This method is mostly used for redo procedures, but can also be performed primarily if penile skin is too small. Due to the numerous steps involved in the preparation, a wide variety of complications must be expected. Injury to the rectum during dissection of the neovaginal space, with an incidence of 4.5%, represents the greatest challenge. The most common complications are urethra-associated; hereby both a deviation of the urinary stream and strictures of the urethra are possible. The subjective satisfaction of trans*women with the surgical outcome is high and is reported in various studies to be 72-92%. On the basis of validated questionnaires it could also be shown that gender reassignment surgery leads to an increase in the trans*specific quality of life and promotes both subjectively perceived well-being and sexual satisfaction.

[Variety of the radial forearm phalloplasty with respect to urethral construction - a review]. / Varianten des Radialispenoids im Hinblick auf die Harnröhrenkonstruktion- Übersichtsarbeit.

SUMMARY: The radial forearm flap is an established procedure for phalloplasty. 3 different methods concerning flap design and urethral construction are reported in the literature. METHODS: A literature review between the years 1993 and 2012 was performed. The purpose of the review was an analysis of the different techniques of the radial forearm flap with respect to urethral construction in forming a phallus in female to male transsexual patients. Urological and flap specific complications were assed and compared between the methods. RESULTS: 9 studies with 714 patients were included into the analysis. One stage procedures for phalloplasty were performed in the majority of cases in 665 patients (93%). Among these 530 patients (74.2%) received a Chang design phallic construction. A 2 stage procedure with a prelaminated urethra was conducted in 49 patients (7%) and reported in 3 studies. CONCLUSION: The results show a higher rate of urological complications for the technique with urethra prefabrication so far. However, this technique presents with a lower incidence of partial flap loss and smaller donor sites compared to the Chang design phalloplasty. No conclusions can be drawn for the Gottlieb design penile construction because only few and incomplete data are available in the literature.

[Patients satisfaction after primary transaxillary submuscular breast augmentation]. / Patientenzufriedenheit nach primärer axillärer subpektoraler Mammaaugmentation.

The axillary approach to augmentation mammaplasty produces no visible scar in the aesthetic unit of the breast. An endoscopic technique is recommended by some authors. 105 bilateral primary transaxillary submuscular breast augmentations were performed between 2004 and 2007. The dissection of the implant pocket after skin incision was performed strictly bluntly using the surgeon's finger cranially and a breast dissector caudally. Endoscopic instruments were in stand by for the first cases of the series but were finally never needed. All patients received textured silicon gel filled implants. Round implants with a moderate profile were used for the majority of the patients. Only 4 patients received high profile implants. The implant size varied between 225 and 500 mL. The patients were clinically followed up until 3 months postoperatively. 2 patients experienced a unilateral implant dislocation, one with a seroma requiring puncture and one further with a low grade infection which was managed by oral antibiotics. Only one patient required re-operation due to the complication, 2 others because they wished for a further enlargement of their breasts. 67 patients (64%) were recruited to assess the client satisfaction questionnaire - CSQ 8. The average score was 28.97±3.07 points (15 to 32 points, median 32 points). The transaxillary submuscular breast augmentation without endoscopic assistance avoids visible scars in the aesthetic unit of the breast, leads to a high patient satisfaction and low complication rate, not higher than for any other technique.

[The radial forearm phalloplasty with prelaminated urethra: a report of our learning curve during the last 6 years]. / Die Radialisphalloplastik mit präformierter Harnröhre - ein Erfahrungsbericht der letzten 6 Jahre.

Several methods for complete phalloplasty are reported in the current literature. However, a unique technique has not been established in specialized centers so far. The radial forearm phalloplasty and the free fibular flap are the most common procedures for neophallus construction. There are 3 modifications for the radial forearm flap: the double folded "tube into tube" flap with a central vascularized urethra, the radial forearm flap with a vascularized urethra in the ulnar part of the flap and the radial forearm phalloplasty with a prelaminated neo-urethra using a full thickness skin graft. A series of 19 phalloplasties was performed between 2003 and 2010 in our department. The first cases of the series were conducted using the "tube-into-tube-technique" with the central urethra. However, the surgical concept was changed for the majority of cases (n=15) due to complications and not satisfying esthetic results. The phalloplasties were performed using the technique with a prelaminated urethra from 2005 on. The urethra prelamination was carried out using a full thickness skingraft 6 months before the actual phalloplasty procedure. Skin harvest was performed during mastectomy in the ideal case but otherwise alternatively from the lower belly. The complication rate in our series was comparable to the results of other authors. The esthetic results were very satisfying and the donor side morbidity was kept as minor as possible. All other techniques for radial forearm phalloplasty require the elevation of an additional 3.5-4 cm wide and 14-18 cm long adipocutaneous stripe at the forearm, which is used for construction of the urethra.

An old dream revitalised: preconditioning strategies to protect surgical flaps from critical ischaemia and ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

The prevention of ischaemia and the adequate restitution of blood flow to ischaemic tissue are pivotal to halt the progression of cellular injury associated with decreased oxygen and nutrient supply. Accordingly, the search for novel strategies which aim at preventing ischaemia-reperfusion-induced tissue damage is still of major interest in flap surgery. Preconditioning represents an elegant approach to render the tissue more resistant against deleterious ischaemic insults. For many decades, 'surgical delay' has been the standard method of tissue preconditioning. During the last 10 years, ischaemic preconditioning was added to the repertoire of plastic surgeons to protect flaps from ischaemic necrosis. The invasiveness and expenditure of time of these procedures, however, have always been major drawbacks, hindering a wide distribution in clinical practice. Consequently, the motivation has all along been to further refine and simplify protective strategies. Recent experimental studies have now shown that efficient protection from ischaemic necrosis can also be achieved by remote preconditioning or pretreatment with chemical agents and growth factors, which mimic the action of surgical delay and ischaemic preconditioning. In addition, the local application of unspecific stressors, including both heating and cooling, have been shown to effectively improve flap microcirculation and, thus, tissue survival. In view of successful translational research, it is now time that the efficacy of these novel preconditioning procedures is proven in prospective randomised clinical trials.

Suprathel, a new skin substitute, in the management of donor sites of split-thickness skin grafts: results of a clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: A prospective, randomized, two center clinical study was conducted to evaluate the impact on wound healing of Suprathel in donor sites of split-thickness skin grafts. Suprathel represents an absorbable, synthetic wound dressing with properties of natural epithelium. METHODS: 22 burn patients who were treated with split-thickness skin grafts, and with a mean age of 39.6 years were included in the study. Donor sites of skin grafts were randomly selected; partly treated with Jelonet and partly treated with Suprathel. First gauze change was carried out the fifth day postoperatively followed by regular wound inspection until complete re-epithelization. The study focused on patient pain score, healing time, analysis of wound bed, ease of care, and treatment costs. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two materials tested regarding healing time and re-epithelization. There was a significantly lower pain score for patients treated with Suprathel (p=0.0002). Suprathel became transparent when applied and allowed close monitoring of wound healing. In contrast to Jelonet, Suprathel showed excellent plasticity with better attachment and adherence to wound surfaces. Throughout the healing process it detached from wounds without damaging the new epithelial surface. In addition, wound areas treated with Suprathel required less frequent dressing changes. It also demonstrated excellent ease of care. This, altogether with the significant pain reduction, presented a positive feedback by patients and healthcare professionals who both rated Suprathel as their treatment preference. Though Jelonet is more cost effective as dressing material, the study revealed an overall reduction in total treatment costs achieved with Suprathel. CONCLUSION: Suprathel represents a solid, reliable epidermal skin substitute with impact on wound healing, patient comfort and ease of care. The material effectiveness contributes to the reduction of overall treatment costs.

[An algorithm for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the distal lower leg, ankle and heel]. / Algorithmus zur Rekonstruktion von Weichteildefekten am distalen Unterschenkel, Sprunggelenk und Rückfuss.

AIM: The purpose of the study was to establish an algorithm for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the distal lower leg, ankle and heel. METHOD: 81 patients presenting with soft tissue defects in these regions underwent flap coverage. The average age was 44.1 years. Small defects (up to 4 x 4 cm) were covered by local flaps. The neurovascular sural flap was the predominant flap procedure for medium size defects (up to 10 x 15 cm). Free flaps were used for larger defects or in cases of stenosis or occlusion of the peroneal artery. Femoro-crural bypasses were performed in three cases to improve peripheral arterial perfusion. RESULTS: The reconstructive goals were achieved in 95% of the cases by performing reconstruction according to the established algorithm. Minor complications occurred in 29.6% of the cases. CONCLUSION: The results appear to be very good considering a patient population with complex and predominantly contaminated wounds. A preoperative angiography represents an important part of the algorithm for flap reconstruction to detect abnormal arterial vascular conditions and thus to plan vascular reconstruction prior to or simultaneously with free flap coverage. Additionally, a non-patency of the peroneal artery represents a contraindication for sural flaps.

[Current treatment strategies for paediatric burns]. / Aktuelle Behandlungskonzepte kindlicher Verbrennungen.

Paediatric burns occupy the third place in the severe accident statistics in Germany after traffic injuries and drowning. The paper reviews current treatment concepts of pre-hospital management, fluid resuscitation and surgical therapy in paediatric burned patients. Specific features in the approximation of the total body surface area burn and indications for transfer of paediatric burn victims to specialized units are discussed. The therapy of severe paediatric burns requires an interdisciplinary team consisting of especially skilled plastic or paediatric surgeons,anaesthetists, psychiatrists or psychologists, specifically trained nurses, physiotherapists and social workers. The rehabilitation process starts basically with admission to the burn unit. A tight cooperation between therapists and the relatives of the paediatric burn victim is needed for psychological recovery and reintegration into society.'The adaptation to the suffered trauma resulting in life-long disability and disfigurement is the main task of psychotherapy.

[Fillet flaps as a possibility for defect reconstruction of the hand. Reconstruction without additional donor site morbidity]. / Filetlappenplastiken als Möglichkeit der Defektrekonstruktion an der Hand. Wiederherstellung ohne zusätzliche Hebedefektmorbidität.

Fillet flaps offer an additional reconstruction opportunity for complex hand defects after trauma, burns, tumors or infections. This retrospective study elucidates the concept of fillet flaps and presents the results of an overall of 34 plastic surgical reconstructions of the hands in 31 patients. Pedicled axial pattern flaps were used predominantly, except 2 cross finger flaps. In 10 cases the defects were localized in the dorsal and in 9 cases in the palmar aspect of the hand. 14 finger defects and one of the ulnar hand were covered. Very few complications occured. In only 2 cases partial flap loss was observed. An additional wound infection required revision in one case. Another case was left to secondary healing. Prior to any amputation, possible use of spare parts for defect reconstruction should be considered as a matter of principle. Our data suggest that the concept of fillet flaps is suitable for the reconstruction of complex defects of the hands without additional donor site morbidity.

[Burn shock fluid resuscitation and hemodynamic monitoring]. / Flüssigkeitstherapie und hämodynamisches Monitoring im Verbrennungsschock.

Successful surgical and intensive care treatment of severely burned patients requires adequate prehospital management and fluid resuscitation adjusted to individual needs of the patient. Burn shock fluid resuscitation is now predominantly performed utilizing crystalloid solutions. Whenever possible, colloid solutions should not be given in the first 24 h after burn injury. The rate of administration of resuscitation fluids should maintain urine outputs between 0.5 ml/kg per h and 1 ml/kg per h and mean arterial pressures of >70 mmHg. Extended hemodynamic monitoring can provide valuable additional information, if burn resuscitation is not proceeding as planned or volume therapy guided by these typical vital signs is not attaining the desired effect. We recommend this in patients with TBSA burns of >30%. Inhalation injuries, pre-existing cardiopulmonary diseases, or TBSA burns of >50% definitely require extended hemodynamic monitoring during burn shock resuscitation. The Swan-Ganz catheter or less invasive transcardiopulmonary indicator dilution methods can be utilized to assess hemodynamic data.

[Metacarpal fractures: treatment indications and options. Results of a multicenter study]. / Frakturen der Mittelhand. Indikationen und Behandlungsoptionen.

This multicenter study analyzes data on metacarpal fractures in 1260 patients to determine optimal treatment concepts. Of the 740 patients followed up, 487 (66%) presented with fractures of a single metacarpal in one of the three most frequently observed locations (distal fractures of the 4th and 5th metacarpal, shaft fractures of the 2nd to 5th metacarpal, and fractures of the base of the first metacarpal). The overall clinical and radiological results were good to excellent. The "path" analysis used to identify baseline parameters and treatment options influencing outcome led to recommendations for metacarpal fracture treatment. Functional protocols are predominantly applied for postoperative/post-traumatic treatment. Pain and regional pain syndromes should be prevented whenever possible and early adequate treatment should be initiated due to their significant impact on outcome.

Use of a free jejunal graft for oesophageal reconstruction following perforation after cervical spine surgery: case report and review of the literature.

STUDY DESIGN: : Single-subject (male, 16 years of age) case. OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate a suitable method for oesophageal repair after perforation as a complication of anterior spinal fusion in an individual with quadriplegia, and to review the literature on oesophageal perforation and repair. SETTING: University hospital, large trauma centre with departments for spinal injuries and reconstructive surgery in Germany. METHODS: A free jejunal graft used for oesophageal reconstruction in a post-traumatic situation after a complicated treatment course in a C6 quadriplegic patient. RESULTS: A protuberant loose screw of the titanium plate after anterior spinal fusion perforated the oesophagus. Imbricating sutures and a fascia lata patch were insufficient to repair the oesophageal leakage. An 8 cm long segment of the cervical oesophagus including a fistula had to be excised, and a free microsurgical jejunal flap was used for restitution of continuity. The jejunal vessels were connected to the superior thyroid artery and external jugular vein. At 1 week after the oesophageal repair, an enteral contrast study showed a small amount of contrast medium leaking at the oesophago-pharyngeal anastomosis. A percutaneous gastric tube was inserted, and oral feeding was limited to tea and still water for 4 weeks. The further course was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: Oesophageal perforation is a rare but recognized complication after cervical spine surgery, which can mostly be managed using secondary suture techniques. The free jejunal flap is a reliable and innovative tool in the particularly complex situation of a segmental oesophageal loss. It should be considered in similar cases to reconstruct oesophageal continuity or to treat stricture and fistula formations.

[Role of a sensory innervated plantar fillet free flap for reconstruction of sacral pressure sores in paraplegic patients. Last resort for reconstruction of sacral pressure sores in paraplegics]. / Plantare neurovaskuläre Filetlappenplastik. Ultima ratio zur Rekonstruktion sakraler Dekubitalulzera bei Paraplegikern.

Sensory denervation is the key factor for the high rate of recurrent sacral pressure sores in paraplegic patients. This paper summarizes the results after reconstruction of recurrent sacral pressure sores using a sensory innervated plantar fillet free flap. Five plantar fillet free flaps were utilized for defect reconstruction of sacral pressure sores in five male patients during a 9-year period (1989-1998). Data were analyzed retrospectively. Patients'age ranged between 32 and 51 years. The level of spinal cord injury was between T10 and L1. The average defect size was 20 x 16 cm. All flaps were microsurgical free tissue transfers. The posterior tibial nerve was coapted to two intercostal nerves from above the spinal cord injury level. All patients developed sensation within 3-6 months. A stable sensate coverage was achieved in each case. The data show that the concept of a sensory innervated plantar fillet free flap may facilitate defect reconstruction in most complex or even seemingly hopeless cases.

[Functional bracing after operative treatment of metacarpal fractures]. / Frühfunktionelle Nachbehandlung operativ versorgter Mittelhandfrakturen.

Metacarpal fractures are frequently immobilized for several weeks in forearm plaster cast, even after operative stabilisation. The purpose of this study was to assess the results after early functional treatment using metacarpal braces. 87 patients with 105 metacarpal fractures were included in a prospective study from February 1997 until November 2000. The AO-classification of the fractures was assessed for all patients: n=33 A1,n=9 A2,n=3 A3, n=27 B1,n=6 B2,n=7 B3,n=10 C1,n=7 C2, n=3 C3.Exclusion criteria were tendon or nerve injuries,pathological fractures (tumor or metabolic),additional digital fractures of the same ray,and a patients age of less then 18 years. All fractures were treated operatively. 73 patients (84%) were recruited for follow up after an average period of nine months. Average grip strength reached 96% (Jamar II) for the power grip, 97% for the three finger and 98% for the pinch grip compared to the contra-lateral side in the group where the dominant hand was affected. It was 88% for the power grip, 91% for the three finger grip and 94% for the pinch grip after injury of the non-dominant hand. The mean postoperative pain score on the visual analog scale was 0.2 for resting conditions, 0.8 for motion and 2.2 under stress.A decreased total range of motion was observed in 15 of 73 patients (21%). The average DASH score reached 6.5 points. Physical therapy was required for an average of 6.7 weeks. Only 41% of the patients with early functional treatment required further physical therapy after removal of the brace. The metacarpal brace used in this series protects from direct trauma,and provides a high patients comfort.It has no disadvantages considering fracture retention compared to conventional plaster casts or splints. The need for physical therapy is reduced after functional fracture bracing.Thus, the metacarpal brace has proven to be a suitable tool for early functional treatment after operative stabilisation of metacarpal fractures.

The role of pre-ischaemic application of the nitric oxide donor spermine/nitric oxide complex in enhancing flap survival in a rat model.

Spermine/nitric oxide complex (Sper/NO) is a new nitric oxide (NO) donor with a long half-life providing controlled biological release of NO in vivo. The purpose of this study was to determine whether flap survival could be improved by pre-ischaemic or post-ischaemic intravenous administration of Sper/NO. We divided 37 male Wistar rats into four experimental groups. An extended epigastric adipocutaneous flap was raised in each animal. The mean area of flap necrosis was assessed for all groups on the fifth postoperative day, using planimetry software. The average area of flap necrosis was mean +/- s.d. = 68.2%+/-18.1% in the control group, and 29.7% +/- 13.3% in the non-ischaemic controls. The group with pre-ischaemic application of Sper/NO demonstrated an average flap necrosis of mean+/-s.d. = 11.2%+/-5.9%, whereas this increased to 59.2%+/-14.4% in the group receiving Sper/NO 5 min prior to reperfusion. The group with pre-ischaemic application of Sper/NO showed a significantly lower area of flap necrosis than either of the control groups or the group receiving Sper/NO just prior to reperfusion (P < 0.05). The group receiving Sper/NO just prior to reperfusion demonstrated a significantly higher mean area of flap necrosis than the non-ischaemic controls (P < 0.05), but did not differ significantly from the control group. Our data show that pharmacological preconditioning and enhancement of flap survival can be achieved by intravenous administration of Sper/NO. The application of Sper/NO at the end of the ischaemia period or in the early reperfusion period provides no protection against ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

[The use of fillet flaps in upper extremity and shoulder reconstruction]. / Die Filetlappenplastik zur Rekonstruktion ausgedehnter Defekte der oberen Extremität einschliesslich Schulterregion.

Extensive soft tissue defects of the upper extremities were reconstructed with major fillet flaps in nine patients over a 5-year period at two institutions. Etiologies included trauma and tumor resection. Defect locations were the shoulder ( n=3), combined defects of the shoulder plus neck, arm or chest wall ( n=4) as well as one upper arm and one forearm defect. Seven of nine flaps required microsurgical free tissue transfer. Fillet flaps harvested from amputated parts represent the "spare part" concept, providing coverage of defects without additional donor site morbidity. Unlike the classic "spare part" fillet flap concept, the partial or complete conversion of an anatomically intact arm was performed for the coverage of large defects, especially for tumor reconstruction, in this series. Fillets flaps facilitate reconstruction in difficult and complex cases. Major fillet flaps represent a valuable option for reconstruction in the upper extremities with either pedicled or free tissue transfers involving extensive tissue defects.

[Management of proximal scaphoid bone pseudarthroses and fractures with the mini-Herbert screw via a dorsal approach]. / Versorgung proximaler Kahnbeinpseudarthrosen und -frakturen mit der Mini-Herbert-Schraube über einen dorsalen Zugang.

32 patients, aged 16 to 49 years, were treated by osteosynthesis using the Herbert mini screw. The indications were five fractures (type B3, Herbert classification), two delayed unions (type C) and 25 nonunions (type D1 to D3, Filan and Herbert classification). Six patients received no bone grafts, 19 received cancellous bone graft from the radius. An interpositional iliac crest bone graft was used in four, and a vascularized bone graft from the distal radius in three cases respectively. The average postoperative immobilisation in a forearm splint was nine weeks. 26 patients could be recruited for clinical follow-up at an average of 14.5 months. The radiological results were assessed in 30 cases (94%). Bony consolidation was achieved in 26 cases (100% of the fractures, 84% of the nonunions). In three cases a loosening of the screw, and in three further cases a dislocation into the radiocarpal joint were observed. A humpback deformity was present in four cases. Three patients showed a persisting nonunion, one patient a fibrous union. Early degenerative changes of the radiocarpal joint were observed in six cases. The clinical follow up examination showed an average grip strength of 91% (JAMAR II), 94% for the three finger, and 95% for the pinch grip compared to the contralateral side. The mean postoperative pain score on the visual analog scale was one for resting conditions, eleven for motion and 33 under stress. The range of motion was 79% of the opposite side for extension/flexion and 83% for radial/ulnar deviation. The average DASH-score reached 15 points. The Herbert mini screw has proven to be a reliable implant for reconstruction of proximal pole fractures and nonunions of the scaphoid.

The concept of fillet flaps: classification, indications, and analysis of their clinical value.

Tissue of amputated or nonsalvageable limbs may be used for reconstruction of complex defects resulting from tumor and trauma. This is the "spare parts" concept. By definition, fillet flaps are axial-pattern flaps that can function as composite-tissue transfers. They can be used as pedicled or free flaps and are a beneficial reconstruction strategy for major defects, provided there is tissue available adjacent to these defects.From 1988 to 1999, 104 fillet flap procedures were performed on 94 patients (50 pedicled finger and toe fillets, 36 pedicled limb fillets, and 18 free microsurgical fillet flaps). Nineteen pedicled finger fillets were used for defects of the dorsum or volar aspect of the hand, and 14 digital defects and 11 defects of the forefoot were covered with pedicled fillets from adjacent toes and fingers. The average size of the defects was 23 cm2. Fourteen fingers were salvaged. Eleven ray amputations, two extended procedures for coverage of the hand, and nine forefoot amputations were prevented. In four cases, a partial or total necrosis of a fillet flap occurred (one patient with diabetic vascular disease, one with Dupuytren's contracture, and two with high-voltage electrical injuries).Thirty-six pedicled limb fillet flaps were used in 35 cases. In 12 cases, salvage of above-knee or below-knee amputated stumps was achieved with a plantar neurovascular island pedicled flap. In seven other cases, sacral, pelvic, groin, hip, abdominal wall, or lumbar defects were reconstructed with fillet-of-thigh or entire-limb fillet flaps. In five cases, defects of shoulder, head, neck, and thoracic wall were covered with upper-arm fillet flaps. In nine cases, defects of the forefoot were covered by adjacent dorsal or plantar fillet flaps. In two other cases, defects of the upper arm or the proximal forearm were reconstructed with a forearm fillet. The average size of these defects was 512 cm2. Thirteen major joints were salvaged, three stumps were lengthened, and nine foot or forefoot amputations were prevented. One partial flap necrosis occurred in a patient with a fillet-of-sole flap. In another case, wound infection required revision and above-knee amputation with removal of the flap.Nine free plantar fillet flaps were performed-five for coverage of amputation stumps and four for sacral pressure sores. Seven free forearm fillet flaps, one free flap of forearm and hand, and one forearm and distal upper-arm fillet flap were performed for defect coverage of the shoulder and neck area. The average size of these defects was 432 cm2. Four knee joints were salvaged and one above-knee stump was lengthened. No flap necrosis was observed. One patient died of acute respiratory distress syndrome 6 days after surgery. Major complications were predominantly encountered in small finger and toe fillet flaps. Overall complication rate, including wound dehiscence and secondary grafting, was 18 percent. This complication rate seems acceptable. Major complications such as flap loss, flap revision, or severe infection occurred in only 7.5 percent of cases. The majority of our cases resulted from severe trauma with infected and necrotic soft tissues, disseminated tumor disease, or ulcers in elderly, multimorbid patients. On the basis of these data, a classification was developed that facilitates multicenter comparison of procedures and their clinical success. Fillet flaps facilitate reconstruction in difficult and complex cases. The spare part concept should be integrated into each trauma algorithm to avoid additional donor-site morbidity and facilitate stump-length preservation or limb salvage.

[Plastic surgery coverage of osteocutaneous defects of the sternum area with the vertical and transversal rectus abdominis muscle (VRAM/TRAM) flap]. / Die plastisch-chirurgische Deckung osteocutaner Defekte der Sternumregion mit dem Vertikalen und Transversalen Rectus Abdominis Muskel (VRAM/TRAM)-Lappen.

Longitudinal osteocutaneous defects of the sternal region including the caudal third were reconstructed in 15 patients during a 3-year period by using the "vertical (VRAM)- and transverse rectus abdominis muscle" (TRAM) flap. The majority of the defects resulted from chronic osteomyelitis after previous cardiothoracic surgery or were due to former therapy of breast cancer. Three VRAM/TRAM flaps were primarily transferred as free flaps with microvascular anastomosis in the axilla region. Nine out of 12 pedicled VRAM or TRAM flaps required an additional microvascular anastomosis because of imminent venous or arterial insufficiency ("supercharging"). Therefore, operative technique and operating time of the pedicled and free flap for reconstruction of longitudinal sternal defects are comparable. Adequate reconstruction and rehabilitation was achieved in 11 cases. In 2 patients revision and partial secondary defect coverage was required. Two male patients died postoperatively due to their preexisting condition.