Bilateral Fascia Lata Flap: An Alternative for Massive Abdominal Wall Defect Repair.

The abdominal wall represents a unique structure of dermo-myotendinous conformation that is considered a surgical challenge. The musculocutaneous pedicled flap, using tensor fasciae latae muscle (TFL), is a technique of abdominal wall repair, and it is becoming a more frequent reconstructive procedure. It is a well-suited procedure because it provides both a semirigid fascia layer and adequate skin coverage. We present a case of a 61-year-old man with the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder, clinical stage IV (T4bN1M1), complicated with an ileo-recal-urethrocutaneous fistula. We reconstructed a massive defect of the abdominal wall by rotating bilateral pedicled TFL flaps. The therapeutic plan comprised 2 surgical procedures. The first surgical intervention was intended to obtain and temporarily fix the flap, and to allow the delay phenomenon to occur. Three weeks later, we performed the abdominal wall reconstruction by repositioning the bilateral TFL flaps and placing a dual prolene with regenerated oxidized cellulose mesh. We performed a successful palliative procedure in a terminal oncologic patient. Combined with a massive oncologic procedure (done by the oncologic surgeon), we were able to solve the cutaneous fistula and provided a significant improvement in the quality of life. The patient was discharged with no procedure-related complications. He has remained healthy 18 months after surgery, and there has been no evidence of ventral hernia. Bilateral TFL flaps represent a viable alternative for primary or secondary abdominal wall reconstruction in selected cases. This reconstructive strategy should be considered when plastic and reconstructive surgeon faces large and complex abdominal wall defects, associated with significant lack of skin cover.

[Transhepatic transanastomotic stents for bile duct injuries. Long-term evolution]. / Férula transhepática-transanastomótica en lesiones de las vías biliares. Evolución a largo plazo.

BACKGROUND: With loss of continuity of the bile ducts after injury, surgery is the only feasible treatment option. Roux-en-Y hepatojejunostomy is the best choice. The use of transhepatic and transanastomotic tubes is still controversial. We evaluated patients who were operated on in which a transhepatic, transanastomotic tube was used because the characteristics of the ducts were inadequate. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study between January 1995 and December 2006 for patients with iatrogenic bile duct injuries with a Roux-en-Y hepatojejunostomy and with placement of a transhepatic and transanastomotic tube. Postoperative evolution was analyzed and postoperative cholangitis was considered as failure. RESULTS: We analyzed 74 patients: 66 patients had one tube, five patients had two tubes and three patients had only one but in the right duct. Mean age of patients was 37 years. Twenty portoenterostomies were done. The tube was removed in 55 patients and 11 continued with the tube, having periodic changes with internal-external biliary drainage. In 21% of the cases, a new intervention (either radiological or surgical) was needed. An adequate quality of life was reported by 64.86% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic and structural characteristics are unique for each patient. Use of a tube in the reconstructions of bile duct injuries is limited by the surgeon's experience. Characteristics of the ducts are most important. Therefore, selective use is indicated.

Férula transhepática-transanastomótica en lesiones de las vías biliares: evolución a largo plazo / Transhepatic transanastomotic stents for bile duct injuries: long-term evolution

BACKGROUND: With loss of continuity of the bile ducts after injury, surgery is the only feasible treatment option. Roux-en-Y hepatojejunostomy is the best choice. The use of transhepatic and transanastomotic tubes is still controversial. We evaluated patients who were operated on in which a transhepatic, transanastomotic tube was used because the characteristics of the ducts were inadequate. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study between January 1995 and December 2006 for patients with iatrogenic bile duct injuries with a Roux-en-Y hepatojejunostomy and with placement of a transhepatic and transanastomotic tube. Postoperative evolution was analyzed and postoperative cholangitis was considered as failure. RESULTS: We analyzed 74 patients: 66 patients had one tube, five patients had two tubes and three patients had only one but in the right duct. Mean age of patients was 37 years. Twenty portoenterostomies were done. The tube was removed in 55 patients and 11 continued with the tube, having periodic changes with internal-external biliary drainage. In 21% of the cases, a new intervention (either radiological or surgical) was needed. An adequate quality of life was reported by 64.86% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic and structural characteristics are unique for each patient. Use of a tube in the reconstructions of bile duct injuries is limited by the surgeon's experience. Characteristics of the ducts are most important. Therefore, selective use is indicated.