The FALD-V: A predictive formula for preoperative volume assessment of adipose tissue transplantation in FALD flap.

BACKGROUND: The fat-augmented latissimus dorsi (FALD) flap is an evolution of the traditional latissimus dorsi (LD) flap, which allows to obtain a total autologous breast reconstruction (BR) avoiding the use of breast implants. The aim of this study was to develop a predictive preoperative formula in order to estimate and optimize the amount of fat to be transferred during FALD flap BR, using only anthropometric measurements. METHODS: We conducted a prospective clinical study between September 2020 and April 2023. All patients underwent back pre-operative ultrasound scan to assess the subcutaneous skin paddle thickness (SPT) and a regression analysis was performed to evaluate which anthropometric variable had a better correlation with this thickness. RESULTS: Data from 66 FALD flaps were collected. The mean SPT was 11.95 mm (SD 4.56). A significant correlation between SPT and body mass index (BMI) was found (r = 0.640, p < 0.0001). Using the fat-to-capacity ratio (113%), the following formula (the FALD-V) was developed to predict the needed fat transfer into FALD flap: [-509 + 12.32 × BMI + 11.71 × skin paddle width + 17.43 × skin paddle height] × 1.13. The considered variables (BMI, skin paddle width and skin paddle height) were statistically significant (p < 0.001, p = 0.0483, p = 0.0154, respectively). The cross-validation confirmed the accuracy of the formula (r = 0.810). CONCLUSION: The FALD-V can be used as an innovative complimentary device in the planning of FALD flap one-stage total autologous BR. To enhance its application, a 3.0 WebApp at www.braflap.com (and www.breast-v.com) is available free of charge for both iOS and Android devices. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

The Ergonomic FALD Flap for One-stage Total Breast Reconstruction.

Background: The fat-augmented latissimus dorsi (FALD) flap combines this pedicled flap with immediate intraoperative fat transfer. Very little is described concerning its inset at the mammary site. Our efforts have concentrated on seeking the best flap orientation and skin-adipose paddle shaping, to improve the aesthetic outcome and to obtain a complete breast reconstruction (BR) in one stage. Methods: A prospective clinical study was performed in patients who underwent BR with FALD flaps, between December 2020 and March 2022. Patients were randomly enrolled into two groups: ergonomic inset of the FALD flap with vertical orientation of the skin-adipose paddle (group A) and FALD flap with traditional horizontal paddle orientation (group B). The study's endpoints were the evaluation of the aesthetic outcomes (from patients' and surgeon's perspectives) and complications. Results: Thirty-two FALD flaps (23 patients) were performed for group A, and 31 FALD flaps (25 patients) for group B. The two groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic and surgical data (P > 0.05). The overall complication rate was homogeneous among the groups, without statistically significant differences (P = 1.00). The surgeon's assessments showed a statistically significant superior aesthetic outcome in group A regarding volume, symmetry, and shape (P < 0.05). Higher satisfaction was observed in group A patients, in terms of breast size (P < 0.00001), shape (P = 0.0049), and overall satisfaction (P = 0.00061). Conclusions: The ergonomic vertical FALD flap technique enables surgeons to perform one-stage total BR, with excellent breast projection and upper pole fullness. These refinements in flap shaping and molding reduced the need for further autologous fat transfer, obtaining a brilliant totally autologous BR without the need for microsurgical experience.

25-year Follow-up of Primary Tibial Periosteal Graft for Hard Palate Repair in Cleft Lip and Palate: Outcomes, Concerns and Controversies.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates long-term outcomes in adults with Unilateral and Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate (UCLP/BCLP) treated during the period 1992 to 1995 with tibial periosteal graft in primary repair. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù (Italy). PATIENTS: The study included 52 patients with non-syndromic BCLP/UCLP who met the inclusion criteria. INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent a standardized surgical protocol using a tibial periosteal graft as primary repair of the hard palate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Long-term outcomes on maxillary growth, residual oronasal fistula, and leg length discrepancy. RESULTS: About <2% of patients showed oral-nasal communication. Mean value of maxillary depth was 86° ± 4.5°. The lower value for maxillary retrusion was 76.8° in relation to the Frankfurt plane. At the x-ray control, 12.2% of patients showed leg discrepancy with a difference of always <2 cm. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of maxillary retrusion obtained was the same if compared to other techniques. Tibial periosteal graft reduces the risk of fistula and the need for reintervention after secondary bone graft. The study did not observe negative impacts on leg growth after 25 years.