Abdominal donor-site complications following autologous breast reconstruction: A multi-institutional multisurgeon study.

BACKGROUND: The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) free flap is the gold standard procedure for autologous breast reconstruction. Although breast-related complications have been well described, donor-site complications and contributing patient risk factors are poorly understood. METHODS: We examined a multi-institutional, prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing DIEP free flap breast reconstruction between 2015 and 2020. We evaluated patient demographics, operative details, and abdominal donor-site complications. Logistic regression modeling was used to predict donor-site outcomes based on patient characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 661 patients were identified who underwent DIEP free flap breast reconstruction across multiple institutions. Using logistic regression modeling, we found that body mass index (BMI) was an independent risk factor for umbilical complications (odds ratio [OR] 1.11, confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.18, p = 0.001), seroma (OR 1.07, CI 1.01-1.13, p = 0.003), wound dehiscence (OR 1.10, CI 1.06-1.15, p = 0.001), and surgical site infection (OR 1.10, CI 1.05-1.15, p = 0.001) following DIEP free flap breast reconstruction. Further, immediate reconstruction decreases the risk of abdominal bulge formation (OR 0.22, CI 0.108-0.429, p = 0.001). Perforator selection was not associated with abdominal morbidity in our study population. CONCLUSIONS: Higher BMI is associated with increased abdominal donor-site complications following DIEP free flap breast reconstruction. Efforts to lower preoperative BMI may help decrease donor-site complications.

To Ablate or Not to Ablate: Does Umbilectomy Decrease Donor-Site Complications in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?

BACKGROUND: Improving outcomes for deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is an evolving area of interest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of umbilectomy in abdominally based breast reconstruction. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated postoperative outcomes of patients who underwent autologous DIEP flap breast reconstruction at an academic center between January of 2015 and December of 2021 performed by one of two reconstructive surgeons. The primary outcome variable was abdominal donor-site complications. A secondary outcome variable was treatment outcomes for complications. Covariates included demographic information, comorbidities, cancer treatment, and smoking. RESULTS: A total of 408 patients underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction, with 194 (47.5%) undergoing umbilectomy. Umbilectomy resulted in decreased number of total wounds per patient (0.35 ± 0.795) compared with umbilical preservation (0.75 ± 1.322; P < 0.001), as well as decreased associated risk of any reported wounds (OR, 0.530; P = 0.009). Associations that trended toward significance occurred between umbilectomy and minor wound separation and partial necrosis, with both showing decreased risk. A significant association was noted between umbilectomy and donor-site seroma [χ 2 (1) = 6.348; P = 0.016], showing an increased risk (OR, 5.761). CONCLUSIONS: Umbilectomy should be discussed with patients and considered as a part of DIEP flap breast reconstruction given the reduction in the risk of abdominal donor-site wounds. Although umbilectomy decreases the rate of wounds, it can increase the risk of seroma; therefore, other interventions, such as progressive tension sutures, may be explored to aid in reducing seroma and improving wound healing. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Repair of Asian nasal subunit defects using nasolabial perforator flaps: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The application of nasolabial perforator flap for nasal reconstruction has been reported previously with satisfactory outcomes, but the outcomes and risk factors of postoperative adverse events have been unclear to plastic surgeons. AIMS: To statistically analyze the effectiveness of the nasolabial perforator flap in nasal reconstruction and the risk factor of postoperative complications and re-operation. PATIENTS/METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 58 Chinese patients who underwent nasal reconstruction with the nasolabial perforator flap from 2009 to 2021. The esthetic and blood supply outcomes were measured by plastic surgeons on a 5-point Likert scale. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors associated with postoperative complications and re-operation. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 66.4 ± 2.0 years. The defect size ranged from 6.5 × 5.5 mm2 to 40 × 70 mm2 , and 48.3% of defects covered more than one nasal subunit. Venous congestion occurred in 4.9% of flaps, and the immediate overall postoperative score was 7.72/10. More than one nasal subunit of involvement was the risk factor associated with re-operation (p = 0.004), but no risk factor was associated with complications. CONCLUSIONS: The nasolabial perforator flap is reliable for nasal reconstruction with good esthetic outcomes and fewer complications. However, a large number of involved subunits may lead to multiple surgeries for flap trimming in easterners.

A systematic review of the scientific evidence of venous supercharging in autologous breast reconstruction with abdominally based flaps.

BACKGROUND: Abdominally based free flaps are commonly used in breast reconstruction. A frequent complication is venous congestion, which might contribute to around 40% of flap failures. One way to deal with it is venous supercharging. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the scientific evidence for the effects of venous supercharging. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane library. The included articles were critically appraised, and certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: Thirty-six studies were included. Most studies had serious study limitations and problems with directness. Three studies report 'routine' use of venous supercharging and performed it prophylactically in patients who did not have clinical signs of venous congestion. Seventeen studies report on flap complications, of which one is a randomised controlled trial demonstrating statistically significant lower complication rates in the intervention group. The overall certainty of evidence for the effect of a venous supercharging on flap complications, length of hospital stay and operative time, in patients without clinical signs of venous congestion, is very low (GRADE ⊕ ⊕ ⊝ ⊝), and low on and surgical takebacks (GRADE ⊕ ⊕ ⊝ ⊝). Twenty-one studies presented data on strategies and overall certainty of evidence for using radiological findings, preoperative measurements, and clinical risk factors to make decisions on venous supercharging is very low (GRADE ⊕ ⊝ ⊝ ⊝). CONCLUSION: There is little scientific evidence for how to predict in which cases, without clinical signs of venous congestion, venous supercharging should be performed. The complication rate might be lower in patients in which a prophylactic venous anastomosis has been performed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42022353591).

Predictors of Complications in Autologous Breast Reconstruction Using DIEP Flaps: Implications for Management.

BACKGROUND: Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps are the standard for autologous breast reconstruction. This study investigated risk factors for DIEP complications in a large, contemporary cohort to optimize surgical evaluation and planning. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent DIEP breast reconstruction between 2016 and 2020 at an academic institution. Demographics, treatment, and outcomes were evaluated in univariable and multivariable regression models for postoperative complications. RESULTS: In total, 802 DIEP flaps were performed in 524 patients (mean age, 51.2 ± 9.6 years; mean body mass index, 29.3 ± 4.5). Most patients (87%) had breast cancer; 15% were BRCA -positive. There were 282 (53%) delayed and 242 (46%) immediate reconstructions and 278 (53%) bilateral and 246 (47%) unilateral reconstructions. Overall complications occurred in 81 patients (15.5%), including venous congestion (3.4%), breast hematoma (3.6%), infection (3.6%), partial flap loss (3.2%), total flap loss (2.3%), and arterial thrombosis (1.3%). Longer operative time was significantly associated with bilateral immediate reconstructions and higher body mass index. Prolonged operative time (OR, 1.16; P = 0.001) and immediate reconstruction (OR, 1.92; P = 0.013) were significant predictors of overall complications. Partial flap loss was associated with bilateral immediate reconstructions, higher body mass index, current smoking status, and longer operative time. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged operative time is a significant risk factor for overall complications and partial flap loss in DIEP breast reconstruction. For each additional hour of surgical time, the risk of developing overall complications increases by 16%. These findings suggest that reducing operative time through co-surgeon approaches, consistency in surgical teams, and counseling patients with more risk factors toward delayed reconstructions may mitigate complications. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

DIEP flap in breast reconstruction: A morbidity study of bilateral versus unilateral reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap is a modality in breast reconstruction of choice. Despite its well-documented benefits and complications, a lack of evidence remains with regards to the risks of performing a bilateral versus a unilateral reconstruction. As such, we sought to compare the rates of adverse outcomes in the perioperative and postoperative periods associated with a unilateral versus a bilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 178 consecutive patients undergoing unilateral versus. bilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction was performed at our tertiary care center over a 3-year period. Data on demographics, operative time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and surgical re-exploration, were extracted for both groups. Statistical analysis was performed on a per-flap basis. RESULTS: A total of 157 unilateral and 42 bilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps were identified. The rate of intra-operative complications was 12.1% for unilateral versus. 4.8% for bilateral flaps (P=0.26). Total post-operative complications rates were 30.6% for unilateral versus 54.7% for bilateral flaps (P=0.003). Surgical re-exploration was performed in 12.7% of unilateral and 11.9% of bilateral cases (P=0.88). The rate of total flap loss was similar between types of reconstruction, occurring in 2.5% of unilateral vs. 2.4% of bilateral flaps (P=1). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the rate of complications per flap is significantly higher in bilateral versus unilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction. Bilateral DIEP breast reconstruction should be decided on a case-by-case basis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic/Risk Study, Level II.

A Comparative Analysis of Risk Factors for Breast Skin Necrosis following Autologous versus Device-Based Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Mastectomy skin flap necrosis often necessitates prolonged wound care, surgical re-excision, and it increases the risk for infection. This study aims to compare rates of skin flap necrosis between autologous and device-based reconstructions and identify risk factors. METHODS: The authors retrospectively identified patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction using either the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap (n = 373 breasts, 41%) or tissue expanders (n = 529 breasts, 59%) by two surgeons at a single institution between 2011 and 2021. The rate of skin flap necrosis between autologous and device-based reconstructions was compared and multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in rates of skin flap necrosis between the two cohorts (26.8 vs. 15.5%, p = 0.052). Across all patients, hypertension and body mass index >30 were significant predictors of necrosis (p = 0.024 and p <0.001, respectively). Within our DIEP cohort, mastectomy specimen weight was a significant risk factor for necrosis (p = 0.001). The DIEP flap weight itself did not confer a higher risk for necrosis (p = 0.8). CONCLUSION: Immediate autologous reconstruction does not place patients at higher risk of skin necrosis. Hypertension and obesity (body mass index >30) were independent risk factors for necrosis in all patients. Mastectomy specimen weight was a significant predictor of necrosis in DIEP flap patients while the DIEP flap weight itself did not increase the risk for necrosis.

Closed-Incision Negative-Pressure Therapy Reduces Donor-Site Surgical Wound Dehiscence in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstructions: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: In breast reconstruction operations, surgical wound dehiscence is a serious complication that generates a significant burden on patients and health care systems. There are indications that postoperative treatment with closed-incision negative-pressure therapy has been associated with reduced wound dehiscence rates. This randomized clinical trial examines the effect of closed-incision negative-pressure application on abdominal donor-site surgical wound dehiscence in low- and high-risk patients undergoing breast reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap. METHODS: Eighty eligible women, stratified as low- or high-risk patients, were included and were randomized for treatment with either closed-incision negative-pressure or adhesive strips by drawing sealed, opaque envelopes. All surgeons were kept blinded for allocation. Primary outcomes were surgical wound dehiscence and surgical-site infection at the abdominal donor site on follow-up after 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes were seroma and hematoma formation. Five patients were excluded from the study because of insufficient exposure to the study treatment ( n = 4) or major protocol deviation ( n = 1). RESULTS: A total of 75 women, low-risk ( n = 38) and high-risk ( n = 37), received either closed-incision negative-pressure ( n = 36) or adhesive strips ( n = 39). Patients' demographics did not differ significantly. Donor-site surgical wound dehiscence occurred in 23 patients; the absolute risk reduction was statistically significant (21.6 percent; 95 percent CI, 1.5 to 41.7 percent). No statistically significant differences were found in surgical-site infection or secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: In this randomized clinical trial, postoperative treatment with closed-incision negative-pressure therapy decreased the incidence of surgical wound dehiscence at the abdominal donor site in low- and high-risk deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction patients. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, I.

Association of Preoperative Sarcopenia with Adverse Outcomes of Breast Reconstruction Using Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia, defined as a significant loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, is suggested to be associated with an increased risk of complications after various surgical interventions. However, evidence regarding sarcopenia in microsurgical breast reconstruction has been lacking. The present study was designed to evaluate the association between preoperative sarcopenia and adverse outcomes in deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap-based breast reconstruction. METHODS: Patients who underwent breast reconstruction using DIEP flap between 2009 and 2018 were reviewed. Sarcopenia was defined as a skeletal muscle index < 38.5 cm2/m2, calculated by normalizing the cross-sectional area of the skeletal muscle, measured at the level of the third lumbar vertebra based on preoperative computed tomography angiography, to patient height. Postoperative complication rates were compared between patients with sarcopenia and those without it. Independent association of sarcopenia with complication profiles were evaluated. Further analyses were conducted using propensity score matching. RESULTS: In total, 557 patients were analyzed, of which 154 (27.6%) had preoperative sarcopenia. The sarcopenia group had a significantly lower body mass index, a lower elevated flap weight, and greater use of bipedicled flaps compared to the nonsarcopenia group. Complications developed in 128 patients (23.0%) and were more prevalent in the sarcopenia group. Preoperative sarcopenia was associated with a significantly higher rate of complications, including breast hematoma, breast wound problems, abdominal functional weakness, and reoperation in the multivariable analyses. Similar associations were observed in the propensity score matching analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative sarcopenia appears to be associated with adverse outcomes in DIEP flap-based breast reconstruction.

Risk factors related to the partial necrosis of the posterior tibial artery perforator-plus fasciocutaneous flap.

PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND: The posterior tibial artery perforator-plus fasciocutaneous (PTAPF) flap is commonly used for defects over the distal lower extremity. However, the causes of partial necrosis of the PTAPF flap are unknown. This paper aimed to explore the factors related to the partial necrosis of the PTAPF flap. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 59 patients who received the PTAPF flap for soft-tissue defects between September 2007 and September 2017. The clinical outcomes of the flap were evaluated, and the patient and surgical factors related to flap survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 59 patients, 9 (15.25%) flaps exhibited partial necrosis. No significant differences were found between the survival and partial necrosis groups regarding gender, age, soft tissue defect site, length and width of the fascia pedicle, length of the skin island, length-width ratio (LWR), and pivot point (P > 0.05). However, the survival group showed significantly less width of the skin island and total length of the flap than the partial necrosis group (P < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the width of the skin island was an independent risk factor affecting partial flap necrosis (OR = 4.028; P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: The PTAPF flap can be effectively used to repair small and medium wounds of the lower and middle leg, ankle and foot. As the width of the skin island exceeds 6 cm, the risk of partial flap necrosis significantly increases.

Is there any difference in perioperative characteristics or postoperative complications between overweight, normal-weight and obese patients in delayed DIEP reconstructions?

Increased number of overweight and obese women are seeking breast reconstruction. Studies have demonstrated that obese experience increased rates of complications, but less data is available considering overweight patients. We analyzed the impact of body mass index (BMI) on perioperative characteristics and complications in unilateral delayed deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) reconstructions. The records of patients with DIEP reconstruction performed between 2014 and 2020, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into obese (BMI ≥30), overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9), and normal-weight groups (BMI <25). Patient characteristics (age, comorbidity, radiation, abdominal surgery, ASA category, and smoking), perioperative characteristics (length of operation, blood loss, vasoactive drugs, fluid administration, and urine output), and postoperative complications were recorded. The study included 308 patients. Of these, 104 (34%) were normal-weighted, 142 (46%) overweight and 62 (20%) obese. Among patients with BMI ≥ 25, blood loss increased (p = 0.002) and the length of operation tended to be longer (p = 0.072). No between-groups difference existed in fluid administration (p = 0.319), urine output (p = 0.425), or use of vasoactive drugs (p = 0.815). There was no statistically significant difference in overall complications (p = 0.122) between BMI groups. Blood loss >150ml was associated with both minor and major complications (p = 0.022). Greater BMI moderated with the radiation therapy for higher risk of minor complications (OR 42.0, 95%CI 3.54-49.7, p = 0.003). We conclude that greater BMI alone is not associated with a higher overall complication rate, but both overweight and obesity may be moderators for other risk factors.

Superficial Thinning of the DIEP Flap: A Safe Option to Achieve an Aesthetic Reconstructed Breast in the Obese Patient.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal flap-based breast reconstruction is challenging in the overweight and obese population not only because of increased donor-site complications, but also because excessive flap thickness makes inset cumbersome, requiring thinning and remodeling that frequently result in aesthetically poor outcomes. METHODS: The authors started by studying 10 deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps with angiographic computed tomography. Then, they prospectively performed 21 breast reconstructions using a superficial thinning technique reliant on a constant suprafascial vessel as the pedicle for the remaining deep fat and compared the rate of complications with their previous experience using traditional flap thinning techniques. RESULTS: All samples studied showed a suprafascial division of the main perforator. Two constant branches were identified, one coursing over the Scarpa fascia and displaying a robust network of linking vessels with the subcutaneous and subdermal plexuses. That anatomical insight was used to develop a flap-thinning technique tested on 21 consecutive high-body mass index patients. A 7-year retrospective analysis (n = 164) showed no significant correlation between body mass index and incidence of complications except for a long-term upper pole step deformity that was associated with increasing body mass index (p = 0.001). No statistically significant difference in complications was found comparing high-body mass index patients from the retrospective group (n = 72) with the superficial thinning group, but a highly suggestive difference (p = 0.061) was found regarding the avoidance of the step deformity using the superficial thinning technique. CONCLUSION: The presence of a constant suprafascial perforator branch makes superficial DIEP thinning a safe technique that facilitates inset and improves the reconstructed breast contour of obese patients. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

The combined use of pedicled profunda artery perforator and bilateral gracilis flaps for pelvic reconstruction: A cohort study.

The result of an extra-levator abdominoperineal excision of the rectum (ELAPE) is a composite three-dimensional defect. This is performed for locally advanced anorectal cancer, and may involve partial excision of the vagina. The aim of reconstruction is to achieve wound healing, restore the pelvic floor and to allow micturition and sexual function. We aim to evaluate the concurrent use of profunda artery perforator (PAP) and bilateral gracilis flaps for vaginal and pelvic floor reconstruction. We performed a retrospective case note review of patients undergoing pelvo-perineal reconstruction with combined gracilis and PAP flaps between July 2018 and December 2019. Eighteen pedicled flaps were performed on six patients with anal or vulval malignancies. All underwent pre-operative radiotherapy. Four patients had extended abdominoperineal tumour resections, while two patients underwent total pelvic exenteration. The median age was 57 (range 47-74) years, inpatient stay was 22 (11-47) days and the follow-up was 10 (5-21) months. Four patients developed partial perineal wound dehiscence, of which one was re-sutured. One patient had a post-operative bleed requiring radiological embolisation of an internal iliac branch and had subsequent 1cm PAP flap loss. All other flaps survived completely. Median time to heal was 4 (1-6) months. This is the first series reporting combined bilateral gracilis and PAP flaps for pelvic reconstruction. The wound dehiscence rate and healing times were expected in the context of irradiation and radical pelvic tumour resection. This is a reliable technique for perineal and vaginal reconstruction with minimal donor site morbidity.

Secondary Angiosarcoma With C-MYC Amplification Following Prophylactic Bilateral Mastectomy and Autologous Breast Reconstruction: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature.

In this article, we report a very rare case of secondary angiosarcoma in a young woman with no prior history of breast cancer who had bilateral prophylactic mastectomies with autologous reconstruction due to a strong family history of breast cancer and BRCA1 gene variant of uncertain significance. The surgery was complicated by recurrent fat necrosis requiring several excisions and additional reconstruction followed by the development of localized lymphedema and subsequent angiosarcoma in the reconstructed breast 10 years later. The angiosarcoma was high grade with prominent epithelioid features associated with abundant tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Amplification of C-MYC locus 8q21.24 was demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization study. We postulate that chronic trauma from several surgeries including tissue hypoxia and impaired lymphatic drainage may have provided a milieu for angiogenesis and mutagenic transformation. Amplification of C-MYC locus 8q21.24 was most likely a strong oncogenic driver of angiosarcoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of its kind in the literature.

Impact of opioid-free anesthesia on complications after deep inferior epigastric perforator flap surgery: A retrospective cohort study.

This study measured the number of complications after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction performed under opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) combined with goal-directed fluid therapy or opioid anesthesia with liberal fluid therapy (OA). This retrospective cohort study consisted of 204 patients who underwent DIEP flap reconstruction at AZSint Jan Brugge between April 2014 and March 2019. Primary outcomes were complications, according to the Clavien-Dindo classification and the length of hospital stay (LOS). The secondary outcomes were flap failure, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), postoperative pain, postoperative opioid consumption, and postoperative skin flap temperature. OFA included a combination of dexmedetomidine, lidocaine, and ketamine without any opioid administered pre- or intraoperatively. OA included a combination of sufentanil and remifentanil. OFA patients received strict goal-directed fluid therapy, whereas OA patients received liberal fluids to maintain perfusion pressure. All patients except 7 (TIVA with remifentanil) received inhalation anesthesia combined with an infusion of propofol. Of the 204 patients, 55 received OFA and 149 received OA. There were no differences in major complications, but fewer minor complications in the OFA group (17.9% vs. 51.4% and P < 0.001). Flap failure occurred in three patients of the OA group. Six patients developed flap thrombosis (five OA patients and one OFA patient). OFA was associated with fewer postoperative opioids, shorter LOS, less PONV, and less pain. In patients without previous nausea, the PONV incidence was higher in the OA group than in the OFA group (12.7% vs. 43.6% and P < 0.001). Patients with previous nausea more frequently required postoperative opioids and had a nausea rate of 60.87%.

Neoumbilicus after Selective Excision in Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction.

The umbilicus offers no functional importance to the adult human but remains a key aesthetic landmark of the anterior abdominal wall, and its absence can be a cause for concern in aesthetic and reconstructive patients. Umbilical reconstruction or transposition for abdominoplasty and abdominally based flap operations is frequently complicated by umbilical death, infections, development of wounds needing prolonged wound care, and generally poor aesthetic outcomes. A multitude of techniques have been described to create the "ideal" neoumbilicus, but none has proven to be superior to the technique that comes before it. Our data demonstrate that, in a select set of patients, it may be beneficial to electively remove the umbilicus. Thus, umbilical reconstruction can be performed as an adjunct procedure to the primary operation with a superior aesthetic result and minimal risk for complications. This article describes the authors' approach to delayed neoumbilical reconstruction in patients undergoing elective umbilical resection.

The Medial Sural Artery Perforator Flap: Lessons Learned from 200 Consecutive Cases.

BACKGROUND: The medial sural artery perforator flap is a versatile option in reconstructive microsurgery. However, most reports of this flap have been limited by sample size. This study reviews the experience of a single large-volume center using the medial sural artery perforator flap and its variants for a variety of reconstructive purposes. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who received the medial sural artery perforator flap reconstruction between March of 2006 and July of 2014 was performed. RESULTS: Two-hundred medial sural artery perforator flaps were used at three anatomical regions: head and neck (n = 129), upper extremity (n = 47), and lower extremity (n = 24). Flaps were transferred as free (n = 189) and pedicled (n = 11). Overall flap survival was 96 percent. Flap variants used included chimeric flap (n = 11) and dual skin paddle (n = 2). Plantaris tendon and saphenous/sural nerve graft were harvested in conjunction in 20 and seven patients, respectively. In 5 percent of the cases harvested in the conventional manner, a reliable perforator could not be found. CONCLUSIONS: The medial sural artery perforator flap is a reliable, alternative workhorse flap for nearly any small- to medium-size defect. It can be harvested as free or pedicled and the option to include multiple tissue components further expands its versatility. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Pharmacological Effects of Fasudil on Flap Survival in a Rodent Model.

BACKGROUND: Necrosis of the perforator flap is a critical problem. Fasudil, an inhibitor of Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinase, has antiapoptosis activity and attenuates oxidative stress in many diseases. We characterized the effects of fasudil through intraperitoneal injection on perforator flap survival and identified its possible mechanism. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Rats were divided into a control group (without surgery), a flap group (only surgery), and a fasudil group (surgery plus fasudil). Perforator flaps were made on the backs of the rats. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, the protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), endothelial nitric oxide synthase, Bax, Bcl-2, Beclin-1, P62, and LC3 II/LC3 I was determined by Western blot at day 3 after surgery. Nitric oxide (NO) components, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde were also measured at day 3. The survival rate and laser Doppler perfusion imaging were performed at day 7 after surgery. RESULT: The group with fasudil treatment exhibited the higher survival rates and angiogenesis levels. Fasudil also induced the activation of Akt/eNOS/NO pathway detected by the Western blot and NO expression kit. Furthermore, Western blot results showed fasudil-attenuated apoptosis through a raised Bcl-2/Bax rate and enhanced autophagy levels through raised beclin-1, decreased p62, and the elevated rate of LC3 II/LC3 I. Finally, fasudil increased superoxide dismutase and decreased malondialdehyde. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, fasudil treatment decreased necrosis of perforator flaps possibly by affecting the Akt/eNOS/NO pathway, attenuating apoptosis and activating autophagy.

Pure perforator free sensory proximal ulnar artery perforator flap for resurfacing hand defects.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study was performed to investigate the distribution of proximal ulnar artery perforating vessels through three-dimensional blood vessel reconstruction and examine the presence and consistency of the perforating vessels intraoperatively. METHODS: For anatomical guidance, three-dimensional blood vessel reconstruction was performed to determine the consistent presence of perforating vessels in the proximal ulnar artery. A free proximal ulnar artery perforator flap was then transferred in 17 patients to resurface skin defects on the hands. Color Doppler ultrasound was used to identify and mark the perforating vessels. Intraoperative evaluation was conducted to check for anastomosis of the perforating vessels at the marked sites and assess the vessel anastomosis conditions. RESULTS: No vascular crisis, flap necrosis, or wound infection occurred after surgery in 15 patients. Postoperative follow-up was conducted for 6 to 36 months. The appearance of the flap was satisfactory, the texture of the flap was soft, sensation was well restored, and hand function was not limited. The mean two-point discrimination of the flap was 7.6 ± 2.2 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Free sensory proximal ulnar artery perforator flap transfer is a safe and reliable surgical technique with respect to restoration of both the appearance and sensory function of the hand.