First experience using contrast-enhanced ultrasound to evaluate vascularisation of acellular dermal matrices after implant-based breast reconstruction.

UNLABELLED: Acellular dermal matrices (ADM) have been used frequently in therapeutic and prophylactic breast procedures. To date there have been no reports on vascularisation of ADMs and formation of tissue around them as seen with modern non-invasive imaging techniques such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). In this case series, we used CEUS to investigate the features of ADM in relation to vascular ingrowth and scaffold for "new" tissue formation. This is a retrospective evaluation of patients who underwent successful skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomy (SSM, NSM) with immediate IBBR using ADM from May 31, 2010, through December 28, 2012. Over a 24-month period, 16 patients, with an average age of 44 years (range 27-70 years), were evaluated with CEUS. No contrast agent allergies or side effects were reported for the ultrasound examination. After contrast agent injection (1-18 months postoperatively), homogeneous normal enhancement in the ADM and peripheral region with physiological tissue formation was seen in all patients. In this small study, the most obvious contribution of CEUS is the in vivo evaluation of vascular ingrowth and tissue formation after IBBR with ADM after follow-up of 1-18 months postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: Retrospective cohort or comparative study; case-control study; or systematic review of these studies.

Analysis of functional outcome after posttraumatic thumb reconstruction in comparison to nonreconstructed amputated thumbs at the proximal phalanx of the thumb ray: a mid-term follow-up with special attention to the Manchester-modified M2 DASH questionnaire and effect size of Cohen's d.

BACKGROUND: Pollicization, toe to thumb transfer, and osteoplastic thumb reconstruction, along with free tissue transfer, are the most reported reconstructive procedures after traumatic amputation at the proximal and middle third of the thumb. We will present our clinical studies on functional outcomes with special attention to the M2 DASH questionnaire and effect size of Cohen's d. METHODS: Eleven patients (2 women and 9 men) with posttraumatic thumb reconstruction (three pollicizations of the index or index stump, four free lateral arm osteocutaneous neurosensory flaps, and four microvascular second toe to thumb transfers), performed during the period 2000 to 2007, were reexamined after 4.2 (SD ±2.1) years (range, 2-7 years postinjury). To ensure homogeneity among the patients' data, we selected only patients with isolated thumb amputations at the level of the proximal phalanx. RESULTS: The total M2-DASH score after thumb reconstruction was 18.55 (SD ±16.79). The M2-DASH score of patients with nonreconstructed thumbs was 32.77 (SD ±18.87). Pairwise comparisons between reconstructed and amputated thumbs showed statistically significant differences (Wilcoxon rank-sum test, p value = 0.03) and a highly effective improvement of hand function (Cohen's d = 1.10) after thumb reconstruction relative to amputated thumbs. CONCLUSION: Before selecting a candidate for thumb reconstruction, it is critical to decide on an individualized treatment plan. Factors such as the patient's occupation and the importance of the aesthetic appearance of the thumb must be carefully considered. The surgeon must investigate the patient's current use pattern and functional requirements before considering a reconstructive treatment.

Clinical experience with a tensor fasciae latae perforator flap based on septocutaneous perforators.

BACKGROUND: Based on an anatomical study of the perforators of the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) perforator flap, a clinical study was undertaken to confirm our data in a clinical trial and to demonstrate the ability to harvest a TFL perforator flap on septocutaneous perforators. METHODS: A retrospective case series analysis was performed of patients, who had undergone reconstruction of soft-tissue defects of the extremities, the groin and the head in 17 cases with a TFL perforator flap based on septocutaneous perforators; in three cases, a combined flap was used. The size of the flaps, the number of perforators, their external diameter, the length of the pedicle and the location and the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) were recorded. RESULTS: The average number of septocutaneous perforators per flap was 1.3 (range, 1-3); the average distance from the ASIS was 11 cm (range, 8-14 cm). The pedicle length varied between 4 and 10 cm, with an average of 7 cm; the average diameter of the pedicle was 4 mm (range, 1-5 mm). The average length of the flaps was 14 cm (range, 4.5-25), and the average width was 7 cm (range, 4.5-19). Donor site closure was achieved by direct closure in 14 patients, and in three patients with a split-thickness skin graft. In one case, at least two-thirds of the flap became necrotic because the septocutaneous perforator was located too far laterally from the flap centre. In one case of a combined flap, one skin island became partly necrotic due to compression after the pedicle was placed beneath the tendon of the extensor tibialis anterior muscle. One flap was successfully revised after venous thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: The reliability and consistency of the septocutaneous perforators of the TFL flap make planning of this flap easy and the dissection straightforward. Although the number of complications is high in this series, only one complication is related to the flap and the planning itself. With the proposed modifications, we recommend this flap as an interesting alternative to other fasciocutaneous flaps.

The vascular anatomy of the tensor fasciae latae perforator flap.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to differentiate between musculocutaneous and septocutaneous perforators of the tensor fasciae latae perforator flap; to evaluate their number, size, and location; and to provide landmarks to facilitate flap dissection. An additional injection study estimated the skin area of the flap. METHODS: The anatomical study was performed on 23 fixed and injected cadavers. The perforators of the tensor fasciae latae were identified and classified as septocutaneous or musculocutaneous. Diameter, location, and numbers were measured and the perforators were dissected up to their origin. The injection study was performed on 10 fresh cadavers. On one side, the ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery was injected with methylene blue; on the other side, the septocutaneous perforators were injected selectively. The size, location, and borders of the stained skin were measured. RESULTS: Forty-five thighs were included in this study. All perforators emerged from the ascending branch of the lateral circumflex artery. The average number of musculocutaneous perforators was 2.3 (range, 0 to 5), the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine was 10.9 cm (range, 4.5 to 16.1 cm), and the diameter was 0.9 mm (range, 0.2 to 2 mm). Four specimens had no musculocutaneous perforator. The average number of septocutaneous perforators was 1.8 (range, 1 to 3), the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine was 10.9 cm (range, 6.2 to 15.7 cm), and the diameter was 1.5 mm (range, 0.5 to 3 mm). Seventy-six percent of the septocutaneous perforators emerged between 8 and 12 cm from the anterior superior iliac spine. The possible pedicle length of a flap based on these vessels is 8.1 cm (range, 6.5 to 10 cm). In the injection study, the average skin area stained with methylene blue was 19.4 x 13.4 cm (range, 10 to 24 cm x 7 to 17 cm) in the ascending branch group. In the perforator group, the average skin area was 19.2 x 13.7 cm (range, 15 to 22 cm x 12 to 16 cm). CONCLUSIONS: The authors could show that the number of septocutaneous perforators for the tensor fasciae latae flap is more constant and that their diameter is greater than that of musculocutaneous perforators. The location of these perforators on a line extending from the ilium to the greater trochanter facilitates planning and dissection of a flap.

Myocutaneous flaps and proctocolectomy in severe perianal Crohn's disease--a single stage procedure.

BACKGROUND: Complex perianal wounds can be extremely difficult to treat and primary closure of these defects can be a challenge even for experienced surgeons. So far, myocutaneous flaps for wound closure after removal of malignant tumors are a well-accepted option, but there are only a few reports focusing on the primary closure of the perineal wound after proctocolectomy for Crohn's disease. We describe our experience with wide excision of the diseased perineum using a combined abdominoperineal two-team approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed proctocolectomy with permanent ileostomy in five patients with longstanding extensive Crohn's disease. All five patients had fistulizing perineal Crohn's disease combined with Crohn's colitis. Each patient received at least one flap for primary wound closure, either a rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap or a gracilis flap. RESULTS: Indication for surgical intervention included anal or bowel stenosis, septic condition, fecal incontinence, or a combination of these features. One patient had a simultaneous adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon. Five patients underwent a total of seven flaps. Three months after surgery, complete healing was achieved in all patients; one patient suffered recurrence in the region of his right thigh. Mean follow up was 19.6 months (range-12-43 months). CONCLUSIONS: Myocutaneous flaps are a promising therapeutic option in patients with chronic perianal disease. With the transposition of well-vascularized tissue into the perineal defect, complete healing and control of sepsis can be achieved in the majority of patients.

Reconstructive potential of the lateral arm flap after tumor resection.

The reconstruction of extended tumor-related defects in different anatomic regions requires a versatile and reliable flap. For many surgeons, the lateral arm flap has become the technique of choice in the reconstruction of small- to medium-sized defects. The aim of this study was to analyze the reconstructive potential of the lateral arm flap after cancer ablation in various indications. Between 1998 and 2006, 14 patients underwent reconstruction with differently composed and designed lateral arm flaps at our institution. Complete coverage of all defects was achieved with a single surgical procedure. With a flap survival rate of 100% in our series, excellent long term results and high patient satisfaction combined with low donor site morbidity, we can recommend the use of the lateral arm flap in tumor patients.

The posterior interosseous artery in the distal part of the forearm. Is the term "recurrent branch of the anterior interosseous artery" justified?

In 1993 Angrigiani raised the question as to whether the distal part of the posterior interosseous artery (AIP) is a recurrent branch of the anterior interosseous artery (AIA) and forms a "choke"--anastomosis with the AIP in the middle of the forearm. A dissection study was conducted on 66 upper extremities to evaluate the diameters of the dorsal branch of the anterior interosseous artery, the anastomotic branch, the diameter of the posterior interosseous artery at the point of origin of the septocutaneous perforators in the middle of the forearm and the diameter of the posterior interosseous artery at the point of emergence in the dorsal compartment. We further tried to identify different forms and types of the "distal" anastomosis and the connections to the dorsal carpal arch and the ulnar artery. A distal anastomosis between the AIA and AIP was found in 65 of the 66 upper extremities. Three different types of anastomosis could be identified. The smallest diameter was found at the middle of the forearm (mean diameter AIA 1.28 mm; anastomotic branch 0.6 mm; AIP at the middle of the forearm 0.39 mm; AIP prox. 1.35 mm). A branch through the fifth extensor compartment was present in all of our specimens (mean diameter 0.54 mm). A branch through the forth extensor compartment could be found in 16 specimens. Based on our findings and the embryological development, we conclude that the AIP is only present in the proximal half of the forearm. In the distal part, the dorsal branch of the anterior interosseous artery forms a vascular arcade, which gives off branches to the dorsal carpal arch, the ulnar head and the ulnar artery. This arcade anastomoses with the posterior interosseous artery in the middle of the forearm by means of a choke anastomosis. We also conclude that the term "recurrent branch of the anterior interosseous artery" for the distal part of posterior interosseous artery is correct.

The lower trapezius musculocutaneous flap from pedicled to free flap: anatomical basis and clinical applications based on the dorsal scapular artery.

The pedicled lower trapezius musculocutaneous flap is a standard flap in head and neck reconstruction. A review of the literature showed that there is no uniform nomenclature for the branches of the subclavian artery and the vessels supplying the trapezius muscle and that the different opinions on the vessels supplying this flap lead to confusion and technical problems when this flap is harvested. This article attempts to clarify the anatomical nomenclature, to describe exactly how the flap is planned and harvested, and to discuss the clinical relevance of this flap as an island or free flap. The authors dissected both sides of the neck in 124 cadavers to examine the variations of the subclavian artery and its branches, the vessel diameter at different levels, the course of the pedicle, the arc of rotation, and the variation of the segmental intercostal branches to the lower part of the trapezius muscle. Clinically, the flap was used in five cases as an island skin and island muscle flap and once as a free flap. The anatomical findings and clinical applications proved that there is a constant and dependable blood supply through the dorsal scapular artery (synonym for the deep branch of the transverse cervical artery in the case of a common trunk with the superficial cervical artery) as the main vessel. Harvesting an island flap or a free flap is technically demanding but possible. Planning the skin island far distally permitted a very long pedicle and wide arc of rotation. The lower part of the trapezius muscle alone could be classified as a type V muscle according to Mathes and Nahai because of its potential use as a turnover flap supplied by segmental intercostal perforators. The lower trapezius flap is a thin and pliable musculocutaneous flap with a very long constant pedicle and minor donor-site morbidity, permitting safe flap elevation and the possibility of free-tissue transfer.

Necrotizing fasciitis after ambulatory phlebectomy performed with use of tumescent anesthesia.

The high cost of treatment of varicose veins has an important role in public health care. The search for a less expensive and office-based procedure led to introduction of tumescent local anesthesia for use in ambulatory phlebectomy. Although the overall infection rate is low, severe infection has been reported after liposuction with tumescent anesthesia. We report necrotizing fasciitis, an infection with a mortality rate of 30% to 50%, after ambulatory phlebectomy and stripping of the long saphenous vein with use of tumescent anesthesia.

Reconstruction of combined defects of the Achilles tendon and the overlying soft tissue with a fascia lata graft and a free fasciocutaneous lateral arm flap.

A new approach to reconstruction of the Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue is presented. A fascia lata graft is used to reconstruct the tendon and is enwrapped by the fascia that is included in a fasciocutaneous lateral arm flap. Five patients were treated with this technique; three of them after surgical Achilles tendon repair, rerupture, and consecutive infection, one after a full-thickness burn with loss of the tendon and one with a history of ochronosis and necrosis of the whole tendon and overlying soft tissue. There were no anastomotic complications and all flaps healed primarily. Functional evaluation with the Cybex II dynamometer was done at least 49 months after reconstruction. A good functional and cosmetic result was obtained in all patients and donor site morbidity was acceptable. These results are well within the results of other surgical treatment options reported in the literature.

Treatment of painful neuroma by resection and nerve stump transplantation into a vein.

Twenty-three patients (14 men, 9 women) with 24 painful neuromas underwent resection of neuroma and transposition of the nerve stump into an adjacent vein. The neuromas resulted from amputations (N = 7), tumor excision (N = 5), laceration injuries (N = 4), different types of wrist surgery (N = 3), vein-stripping procedures (N = 2), open fracture of the radius (N = 1), and toe harvest for thumb reconstruction (N = 1). The duration of painful symptoms averaged 66.7 weeks at the time of operation. Average follow-up was 26.5 months. In 22 patients the symptoms improved permanently. Twelve patients experienced complete and permanent relief of pain; some mild degree of pain returned in 8 patients. Two patients experienced moderate pain, and pain recurred unchanged 2 months postoperatively in 1 patient. The results presented are consistent with results of animal experiments demonstrating that typical neuroma does not develop in nerve stumps transposed into veins. Further clinical use of this approach is encouraged.

Retrograde arterialized venous flap: an experimental study.

An experimental model was established to study circulation in retrograde arterialized venous flaps (RAVF). Venous flaps measuring 7 x 4 cm with a matching venous system were harvested from both forearms of 10 fresh human cadavers. In each trial, both flaps were simultaneously perfused with heparinized human blood driven by a pulsatile circulation model. In each trial there was one flap with retrograde perfusion, and one flap with antegrade perfusion. Clinical assessment, measurement of outflow, and angiographic examination with digitally assisted assessment after 3 h of perfusion showed better results for retrograde perfusion in 8 of the 10 trials. This study indicates that blood circulation in the periphery of arterialized venous flaps can be enhanced by retrograde arterialization.