Surgical Delay of Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flaps for Total Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: When abdomen-based free flap reconstruction is contraindicated, the muscle-sparing thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap may be considered for total autologous breast reconstruction. The TDAP flap is often limited by volume and is prone to distal flap necrosis. We aim to demonstrate our experience combining the delay phenomenon with TDAP flaps for total autologous breast reconstruction. METHODS: Patients presenting for autologous breast reconstruction between April 2021 and August 2023 were recruited for surgically delayed TDAP flap reconstruction when abdominally based free flap reconstruction was contraindicated because of previous abdominal surgery or poor perforator anatomy. We dissected the TDAP flap except for a distal skin bridge and then reconstructed the breast 1 to 7 days later. Data included flap dimensions (in centimeters × centimeters), delay time (in days), predelay and postdelay perforator caliber (in millimeters) and flow (in centimeters per second), operative time (in minutes), hospital length of stay (in days), complications/revisions, and follow-up time (in days). RESULTS: Fourteen patients and 16 flaps were included in this study. Mean age and body mass index of patients were 55.9 ± 9.6 years and 30.1 ± 4.3 kg/m2, respectively. Average flap skin island length and width were 32.1 ± 3.3 cm (n = 8 flaps) and 8.8 ± 0.7 cm (n = 5 flaps), respectively. Beveled flap width reached 16.0 ± 2.2 cm (n = 3 flaps). Average time between surgical delay and reconstruction was 2.9 days, ranging from 1 to 7 days (n = 18 flaps). Mean predelay and postdelay TDAP vessel caliber and flow measured by Doppler ultrasound increased from 1.4 ± 0.3 to 1.8 ± 0.3 mm (P = 0.03) and 13.3 ± 5.2 to 43.4 ± 18.8 cm/s (P = 0.03), respectively (n = 4 flaps). Complications included 1 donor site seroma and 1 mastectomy skin flap necrosis. Follow-up ranged from 4 to 476 days (n = 17 operations). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate surgically delayed TDAP flaps as a viable option for total autologous breast reconstruction. Our series of flaps demonstrated increased perforator caliber and flow and enlarged volume capabilities and had no incidences of flap necrosis.

Surgical Delay-Induced Hemodynamic Alterations of the Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Flap for Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap allows transfer of tissue without violating the rectus fascia. Traditionally it is best used in single stage reconstruction when vessel caliber is 1.5 mm; 56% to 70% of SIEAs are less than 1.5 mm and, therefore, not reliable. We aim to demonstrate the increased reliability of SIEA through surgical delay by quantifying reconstructive outcomes and delay-induced hemodynamic alterations. METHODS: Patients presenting for autologous breast reconstruction between May 2019 and October 2020 were evaluated with preoperative imaging and received either delayed SIEA or delayed deep inferior epigastric (DIEP) reconstruction based on clinical considerations, such as prior surgery and perforator size/location. Prospective data were collected on operative time, length of stay, and complications. Arterial diameter and peak flow were quantified with Doppler ultrasound predelay and postdelay. RESULTS: Seventeen delayed SIEA flaps were included. The mean age (± SD) was 46.2 ± 10.55 years, and body mass index was 26.7 ± 4.26 kg/m2. Average hospital stay after delay was 0.85 ± 0.90 days, and duration before reconstruction was 6 days to 14.5 months. Delay complications included 1 abdominal seroma (n = 1, 7.7%). Superficial inferior epigastric artery diameter predelay (mean ± 95% confidence interval) was 1.37 ± 0.20 mm and increased to 2.26 ± 0.24 mm postdelay. A significant increase in diameter was noted 0.9 ± 0.22 mm (P < 0.0001). Mean peak flow predelay was 14.43 ± 13.38 cm/s and 44.61 ± 60.35 cm/s (n = 4, P = 0.1822) postdelay. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical delay of the SIEA flap augments SIEA diameter, increasing the reliability of this flap for breast reconstruction. Superficial inferior epigastric artery delay results in low rates of complications and no failures in our series. Although more patients are needed to assess increase in arterial flow, use of surgical delay can expand the use of SIEA flap reconstruction and reduce abdominal morbidity associated with abdominal flap breast reconstruction.

A Novel Technique for Radiographic Diagnosis of Sarcopenia that Accurately Predicts Postoperative Complications in Lower Extremity Free Flap Patients.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is linked to poor outcomes throughout the surgical literature and can be assessed on preoperative imaging to potentially aid in risk stratification. This study examined the effects of sarcopenia on surgical morbidity following lower extremity (LE) reconstruction, and also compared two methods of assessment, one of which is novel ("ellipse method"). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 50 patients receiving free flap-based reconstruction of the LE was performed. Bilateral psoas density and area were quantified at L4 through tracing ("traditional method") and encircling ("ellipse method") to calculate Hounsfield unit average calculation (HUAC). Logistic regression and receiving operator curve analysis for the primary outcome of any postoperative complication was used to determine HUAC cutoffs (≤ 20.7 vs. ≤ 20.6) for sarcopenia. Risk of complications associated with sarcopenia was evaluated using Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Twelve patients (24%) met criteria for sarcopenia via the traditional method and 16 (32%) via the ellipse method. By both methods, sarcopenic patients were older and more often female and diabetic. These patients also had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores and lower serum prealbumin levels. The ellipse method was found to be more accurate, sensitive, and specific than the traditional method in predicting postoperative morbidity (p = 0.009). Via the ellipse method, sarcopenic patients were at higher risk for any complication (p = 0.002) and were at a higher risk for a deep vein thrombus or pulmonary embolism via the traditional method (p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia is associated with greater pre- and postoperative morbidity in LE reconstruction. The novel ellipse method is a simplified and accurate method of assessing sarcopenia that can be easily performed in the clinical setting.

Interspecific variation in hypoxia tolerance and hypoxia acclimation responses in killifish from the family Fundulidae.

Hypoxia is a pervasive stressor in aquatic environments, and both phenotypic plasticity and evolutionary adaptation could shape the ability to cope with hypoxia. We investigated evolved variation in hypoxia tolerance and the hypoxia acclimation response across fundulid killifishes that naturally experience different patterns of hypoxia exposure. We compared resting O2 consumption rate (MO2 ), and various indices of hypoxia tolerance [critical O2 tension (Pcrit), regulation index (RI), O2 tension (PO2 ) at loss of equilibrium (PLOE) and time to LOE (tLOE) at 0.6 kPa O2] in Fundulus confluentus, Fundulus diaphanus, Fundulus heteroclitus, Fundulus rathbuni, Lucania goodei and Lucania parva We examined the effects of chronic (28 days) exposure to constant hypoxia (2 kPa) or nocturnal intermittent hypoxia (12 h normoxia:12 h hypoxia) in a subset of species. Some species exhibited a two-breakpoint model in MO2  caused by early, modest declines in MO2  in moderate hypoxia. We found that hypoxia tolerance varied appreciably across species: F. confluentus was the most tolerant (lowest PLOE and Pcrit, longest tLOE), whereas F. rathbuni and F. diaphanus were the least tolerant. However, there was not a consistent pattern of interspecific variation for different indices of hypoxia tolerance, with or without taking phylogenetic relatedness into account, probably because these different indices are underlain by partially distinct mechanisms. Hypoxia acclimation generally improved hypoxia tolerance, but the magnitude of plasticity and responsiveness to different hypoxia patterns varied interspecifically. Our results therefore suggest that hypoxia tolerance is a complex trait that is best appreciated by considering multiple indices of tolerance.

Prevalence of Accessory Branches and Other Anatomical Variations in the Radial Artery Encountered during Radial Forearm Flap Harvest: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Harvest of the radial forearm flap (RFF) for reconstructive surgery is proceeded by the Allen test to assess for adequate contralateral perfusion of the hand, yet the Allen test may fail to detect anatomical variations in the radial artery such as aberrant branching. Therefore, the goal of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding anatomical abnormalities of the radial artery that can affect flap harvest and to perform a meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of such abnormalities. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using five online databases to identify all instances of radial artery anatomical variations. Abstracts were reviewed and categorized into either (1) large cohort studies of anatomical variations identified by angiogram or (2) case reports specifically mentioning anomalous or accessory branches of the radial artery. Data from the large cohort studies were included in a random effect meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of such variations. RESULTS: Eighteen angiogram cohort studies containing a total of 18,115 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Accessory branches were the least common anatomical variant reported, with an estimated average prevalence of 0.5%. Prevalence estimates for more common anatomical variants, including radial artery loops (0.9%), stenosis (1.3%), hypoplasia (1.9%), tortuosity (4.3%), and abnormal origin (5.6%), were also calculated. Thirteen case reports detailing anomalous branches of the radial artery were identified, seven of which involved accessory branches encountered during RFF harvest with no incidence of flap loss. CONCLUSION: Radial artery accessory branches are exceedingly rare, but the prevalence of other anatomical variations that can affect harvest of the RFF warrants consideration. We recommend surgeons consider comprehensive screening prior to RFF harvest to avoid intraoperative discovery of anatomical variants and suggest a low threshold for repeat perfusion testing intraoperatively if radial artery accessory branches are encountered.

Surgical Delay of Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flaps for Bilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

Autologous reconstruction accounts for nearly one-quarter of all breast reconstruction cases in the United States, with the abdomen functioning as the most popular donor site. This case describes a 62-year-old woman who presented to our clinic with a remote history of estrogen receptor+/progesterone+ breast cancer and bilateral implant-based reconstruction. After grade IV capsular contracture of her left breast, she presented for autologous reconstruction. Due to her body habitus and prior belt lipectomy, deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstruction was contra-indicated. The thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap is well described in the literature, and was chosen as an alternative salvage procedure to avoid latissimus harvest and the need for implants. The TDAP flap is often limited in volume and prone to distal tip necrosis, limiting its use in breast reconstruction. We have previously demonstrated the utility of the surgical delay phenomenon in improving the reliability of superficial inferior epigastric artery free flap breast reconstruction. In this case, we demonstrate the surgically delayed TDAP flap as a viable alternative to the latissimus flap with implants for bilateral total autologous breast reconstruction.

Regenerative vs flap-based limb salvage: a multi-centered, prospective, randomized controlled trial.

Aim: The goal of this study was to compare success rates of a regenerative limb salvage approach (rLS) using dehydrated human chorion amnion membrane (dHACM) to traditional flap-based limb salvage (fLS). Materials & methods: This prospective RTC enrolled patients presenting with complex extremity wounds over a 3-year period. Primary outcomes included success of primary reconstruction, persistence of exposed structures, time to definitive closure, and time to weight bearing. Results: Patients meeting inclusion criteria were randomized to fLS (n = 14) or rLS (n = 25). The primary reconstructive method was successful for 85.7% of fLS subjects and 80% of rLS subjects (p = 1.00). Conclusion: This trial provides strong evidence that rLS is an effective option in the setting of complex extremity wounds, with success rates comparable to traditional flaps. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03521258 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Chronic and traumatic wounds may result in loss of limb without appropriate medical treatment. Traditionally large wounds with exposed bone or other important structures require surgery to transfer healthy soft tissue (a tissue flap) from one area of the body to the defect created by the wound. Our study seeks to demonstrate an approach to similar wounds using a biologic dressing to avoid extensive surgery. We demonstrate that this biologic dressing made from human membranes has a similar success rate to flap surgery for achieving wound healing.

National health disparities in incisional hernia repair outcomes: An analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) 2012-2014.

BACKGROUND: Incisional hernias represent an acquired defect from failed healing of an abdominal facial incision and are therefore distinct from primary hernias. While literature regarding incisional hernia incidence, risk factors, and treatment are abundant, no study has examined national health disparities specific to incisional hernia repair. The objective of this study was to analyze national health disparities unique to surgical incisional hernia repair procedures. METHODS: Patient data queried from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample from 2012 to 2014 using International Classification of Diseases 9th revision procedure codes for incisional hernia repair were used to generate univariate and multivariate models including demographics, socioeconomic factors, admission status, and hospital characteristics. Primary outcomes were nonelective admission status, in-hospital mortality, surgical complications, and extended duration of stay. RESULTS: We estimated that 89,258 incisional hernia repair procedures occurred annually from 2012 to 2014, incurring $6.3 billion in hospital charges. By multivariate analysis, multiple risk factors contribute to significantly increased odds of nonelective repair. These include age over 65, female sex, non-White race, nonprivate insurance, obesity, and increased Charlson comorbidity index. Nonelective incisional hernia repair was strongly correlated with worse outcomes including in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 3.01 [2.51, 3.61]), postoperative complications (odds ratio 1.2 [1.14, 1.25]), and extended duration of stay (odds ratio 2.96 [2.81, 3.12]). After controlling for admission status, other disparities persisted including extended duration of stay for Black individuals (odds ratio 1.21 (1.12, 1.31]). CONCLUSION: Providers should be aware of these significant health disparities in incisional hernia repair status and outcomes especially for elderly, non-White, nonprivate insurance, and obese/comorbid patients. Management strategies that increase access to elective repair and that prevent incisional hernia should be expanded to address these disparities.

Health Disparities in Incisional Hernia Presentation : An Analysis of HCUP-NIS Years 2012-2014.

INTRODUCTION: Incisional hernias (IH) are iatrogenically created in 400 000 new patients annually. Without repair, IH-associated complications can result in major illness and death. The health disparities literature suggests that under-represented patients present more frequently with surgical emergencies. The health disparities associated with IH remain relatively unstudied. METHODS: Inpatient admission data were obtained from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample for 2012-2014. Patients with IH International Classification of Diseases ninth revision were included. Analyses were completed using survey specific procedures (SAS v.9.4). Type of admission within groups was compared via Rao-Scott chi-square tests. The probability of an elective admission was modeled via SurveyLogistic Procedure. RESULTS: Of 39 296 cases, 38.5% IH admissions were urgent or emergent (nonelective). The proportion of nonelective admission was statistically higher (P < .0001) in patients >65 (40.9%) and females (40.3%). Among insurance types, self-paying patients had the highest proportion of nonelective admissions (64.3%). Racial disparities remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, and insurance. Compared with white patients, the odds of an admission being nonelective were significantly higher for black (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI]: 1.65 [1.53-1.77]], Hispanic (OR [95% CI]: 1.39 [1.28-1.51]), and other (OR [95% CI]: 1.2 [1.06-1.37]) patients. DISCUSSION: These data show that multiple at-risk patient populations are significantly more likely to require urgent admission for IH-related complications. These include older, female, non-white, and uninsured patients. Systematic efforts to ameliorate these disparities should be developed.