Treatment Effectiveness and Recurrence of Extracranial Arteriovenous Malformations Following Surgical Operations: A 15-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: At present, there is no golden standard for treatment of extracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and recurrence remains a major challenge with limited available evidence on the associated factors. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical treatment options, in terms of size reduction, symptoms, and early recurrence in patients treated surgically for AVMs. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate patients with AVMs following surgical treatment in 2 centers from 2005 to 2020. Posttreatment lesion size and symptoms, as well as recurrence, were assessed. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with recurrence. RESULTS: Forty-four surgical treatment cases in 31 patients were assessed with a mean follow-up duration period of 67.9 ± 39.5 months. Treatment included total resection in 26 cases (59.1%) and partial resection 18 (40.9%), with free flap coverage used in 19 cases (43.2%). No acute exacerbation following treatment was observed in our cohort. Total resection significantly reduced posttreatment lesion size ( P < 0.001), symptoms ( P < 0.001), and recurrence (20.0%, P = 0.03). The recurrence rate was significantly higher after partial resection (73.7%, P = 0.03). Total resection was identified as an associated factor for significantly reduced AVM recurrence (odds ratio: 0.12; 95% confidence interval: 0.03, 0.52). However, the use of free flaps did not significantly reduce recurrence, post treatment size or improve AVM symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Total resection is the optimal treatment for AVMs. Free flaps are useful in covering large defects but the regulative effect of free flap remains controversial.

Tsugishige Kondo, The Father of Japanese Surgery: Exploring the History of Hideyo Noguchi's Hand Reconstruction With a Forearm Flap Before the Establishment of Plastic Surgery in Japan.

ABSTRACT: Hideyo Noguchi is one of the most famous scientists in Japan's history, and his portrait has adorned the ¥1,000 banknotes since 2004. He had a childhood burn injury resulting in severe hand scarring and contracture that plagued his early life and education.The resulting hand deformity required 3 separate reconstructions with the third and most complex surgery performed by Professor Tsugishige Kondo just before Noguchi's final medical doctor license examination in 1897. In this surgery, Kondo released the contractures using the first radial forearm flap performed in Japan long before the establishment of plastic surgery in the country.Reviewing the history of Kondo, we find that he likely learned the art of reconstructive surgery along with many other surgical techniques during his stay in Europe from 1891 to 1896 where he was mentored by 4 prominent surgeons of the era: Christian Albert Theodor Billroth, Vincenz Czerny, James Israel, and Carl Nicoladoni. During this period, Czerny reported performing the world's first breast reconstruction using lipoma transfer, and Nicoladoni performed the world's first thumb reconstruction with a chest flap and with toe-to-thumb transfer. Kondo may have watched these world's first operations and may have also been taught these innovative techniques including the forearm flap directly by these pioneers. He returned to Japan and successfully applied these reconstructive surgery methods in his practice and teaching, as evidenced by the landmark surgery of Hideyo Noguchi's hand, and laid the foundations for the development of plastic surgery in Japan.

Lymphaticovenular anastomoses training model for multiple stages of lymphedema by using efferent lymphatic plexus of the mesenteric lymph node of rats.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) has transformed lymphedema treatment and has become an important part of the surgical therapy. LVA requires supermicrosurgical skills and unique nontraumatic techniques as the lymphatic vessel diameter of varies with the progression of lymphedema from 0.3 to 0.8 mm. However, even though several supermicrosurgical vessel anastomosis training models have been reported, only few focus on LVA including both various sizes of lymphatic vessels and lymphatic dissection. We report the establishment of a novel in-vivo LVA training model using the rat efferent lymphatic plexus of the mesenteric lymph node. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lymphatic vessels in the efferent lymphatic plexus of the mesenteric lymph node and mesenteric veins of 10 male Wistar rats, 572-850 g, were used for LVA in an intima-to-intima coaptation manner using 12-0 nylon suture with 4-6 stitches in an end-to-end fashion. Postoperative patency was evaluated with indigo carmine blue after completion of anastomosis. Diameters of lymphatic vessels in the plexus and recipient veins were measured. RESULTS: The diameters of lymphatic vessels in efferent lymphatic plexus of the mesenteric lymph nodes and mesenteric veins used as recipients were measured in all 10 male rats. The mean number of lymphatic vessels included in efferent lymphatic plexus of the mesenteric lymph nodes was 7.5 (range, 5-11) and the mean diameter of the lymphatic vessels was 0.34 mm (range, 0.1-1.2 mm). The mean diameter of lymphatic vessels used for LVA was 0.46 mm (range, 0.25-0.7 mm). The mean diameter of the recipient veins was 0.49 mm (range, 0.35-0.7 mm). The postoperative patency rate after LVA was 100% (10/10). CONCLUSION: We reported the establishment of LVA model involving the use of the efferent lymphatic plexus of the mesenteric lymph node and mesenteric veins in rats.

Intra-lymphocele microsurgical identification of causative afferent vessels for effective lymphaticovenular anastomosis in lymphocele treatment: A case report.

Lymphoceles are an important complication of pelvic and abdominal surgery with a reported incidence of 11%-88%. Conventional treatment includes compression, puncture aspiration, sclerotherapy, and ligation but recurrence is not uncommon and is difficult to treat. Recently, microsurgical lymphaticolymphatic anastomosis, lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) and reconstruction of lymphatic circulation with flaps are increasingly being utilized for lymphocele treatment. Effective microsurgical treatment requires precise identification of the causative afferent vessels for the most efficient circulatory by-pass. However, direct identification of these vessels using traditional lymphoscintigraphy and near infrared lymphography is challenging and often not possible. We report the case of a 55-year-old woman who presented with bilateral inguinal lymphoceles and lymphedema following pelvic surgery for vulvovaginal cancer. Bilateral multiple LVAs of the lower extremities were performed and the lower limb circumferences reduced postoperatively, however both lymphoceles still persisted. The patient was successfully treated by approaching the lymphoceles from inside the lymphocele cavity. The causative afferent lymph vessels were directly identified microsurgically by gentle pressure on the inner wall and causative afferent lymph vessel lymphaticovenular anastomosis was performed. The lymphoceles resolved promptly after surgery without complications, and no recurrence was observed on 5 years follow-up. This case report presents an innovative microsurgical approach to lymphocele treatment, including examination and techniques to identify the causative afferent lymphatic vessels for effective anastomosis. We report this case to demonstrate the importance of lymphatic vessel selection in the microsurgical treatment of lymphocele.

Laparoscopic repair of segmental obturator nerve injury defect using an artificial nerve conduit: A case report.

Obturator nerve injury is an uncommon complication frequently associated with pelvic gynecologic or urologic cancer surgery. It can lead to disability or adversely affect quality of life. Large segmental defects are particularly difficult to manage as the limited mobility of the nerve prevents tension-free direct end-to-end anastomosis. A 36-year-old woman with cervical cancer underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy, laparoscopic radical hysterectomy, and bilateral adnexectomy. During the procedure, the sentinel lymph node (right obturator node) adherent to the obturator nerve was resected together with the nerve segment leaving a 3 cm defect. Immediate laparoscopic obturator nerve repair was performed using an artificial nerve conduit leading to successful recovery. We report this unique case due to rarity of large segmental obturator nerve defects and present laparoscopic nerve repair with artificial nerve conduits as a useful treatment alternative of these important injuries, without nerve donor site morbidity.

Japanese clinical practice guidelines for vascular anomalies 2017.

The objective was to prepare guidelines to perform the current optimum treatment by organizing effective and efficient treatments of hemangiomas and vascular malformations, confirming the safety, and systematizing treatment, employing evidence-based medicine (EBM) techniques and aimed at improvement of the outcomes. Clinical questions (CQs) were decided based on the important clinical issues. For document retrieval, key words for literature searches were set for each CQ and literature published from 1980 to the end of September 2014 was searched in Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Japana Centra Revuo Medicina (JCRM). The strengths of evidence and recommendations acquired by systematic reviews were determined following the Medical Information Network Distribution System (MINDS) technique. A total of 33 CQs were used to compile recommendations and the subjects included efficacy of resection, sclerotherapy/embolization, drug therapy, laser therapy, radiotherapy, and other conservative treatment, differences in appropriate treatment due to the location of lesions and among symptoms, appropriate timing of treatment and tests, and pathological diagnosis deciding the diagnosis. Thus, the Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Vascular Anomalies 2017 have been prepared as the evidence-based guidelines for the management of vascular anomalies.

A Sequential Thoracoacromial Artery Perforator Flap for Reconstructing the Donor Site of Sternocleidomastoid Myocutaneous Flaps: Extended Indications and Technical Modifications.

BACKGROUND: The current study introduces and demonstrates our experience of using a sequential thoracoacromial artery perforator (TAAP) flap to repair the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) flap donor site in this context. The aims of this technique are to optimize both esthetic and functional outcomes and to reduce postoperative complications for patients. METHODS: Between September 2013 and March 2017, the SCM flap combined with sequential TAAP flap was used for reconstruction postradical parotidectomy in 12 patients. Flap characteristics, patient outcomes, and postoperative complications were monitored and objectively measured, with 10 to 24 months of follow-up. RESULTS: There were no incidences of total flap loss. All TAAP flap donor sites were closed directly, and all healed without any complications. The SCM flap and TAAP flap donor areas were esthetically acceptable, with good esthetic and functional outcomes achieved in all 12 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The sequential TAAP flap has a consistent vascular supply and provides a reliable surgical approach to reconstruct the SCM flap donor site with good esthetic and functional outcomes.

Use of the transverse branch of the superficial circumflex iliac artery as a landmark facilitating identification and dissection of the deep branch of the superficial circumflex iliac artery for free flap pedicle: Anatomical study and clinical applications.

BACKGROUND: The deep branch of the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) should be included when a large superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap is necessary, or when anatomical structures perfused by the deep branch are procured. The aim of this study was first to describe the anatomical features of the "transverse branch" of the deep branch of the SCIA in cadavers, and then to assess the efficacy of its use as a landmark for identification and dissection of the deep branch of the SCIA through clinical applications. METHODS: Twenty groin regions from 10 cadavers were dissected. The course and the takeoff point of the transverse branch were documented. With the transverse branch used as a landmark for pedicle dissection, 27 patients (16 males and 11 females) with an average age of 51.7 years underwent reconstructions that used vascularized structures nourished by the deep branch of the SCIA. Aside from the skin paddle, an iliac bone flap was used in 10 cases, a lateral femoral cutaneous nerve flap in four cases, and a sartorius muscle flap in three cases. The defect locations included the head (seven cases), the foot (six cases), the hand (six cases), the arm (five cases), and the leg (three cases). The causes of reconstruction were tumors in 13 patients, trauma in six patients, infection in four patients, surgical procedures in three patients, and refractory ulcer in one patient. RESULTS: In all specimens, the transverse branch was found underneath the deep fascia caudal to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). The average distance from the ASIS to the transverse branch was 25.5 ± 13.0 mm (range, 5-50 mm). The average dimension of the flap was 13.1 × 5.9 cm2 . All the flaps survived completely after the surgery; lymphorrhea was seen in one patient at the donor site. The average follow-up period was 12.9 months (range, from 2 to 42 months), and all patients had good functional recovery with satisfactory esthetic results. CONCLUSIONS: The transverse branch was found in all specimens, branching from the deep branch of the SCIA. Successful results were achieved by using it as the landmark for identification and dissection of the deep branch of the SCIA. This method allows safe elevation of a large SCIP flap or a chimeric SCIP flap.

Lymphatic vessel diameter in female pelvic cancer-related lower extremity lymphedematous limbs.

BACKGROUND: Lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) has become one of the useful surgical treatments for compression-refractory lower extremity lymphedema (LEL). It is important to anastomose larger lymphatic vessels with abundant lymph flows in LVA surgery. This study aimed to clarify factors associated with lymphatic vessel diameter. METHODS: One hundred thirty-four LEL patients who underwent pre-operative indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography and LVA from June 2009 to August 2014 in a single institution were included in this retrospective observational study. Clinical, ICG lymphography, and intraoperative findings were collected from medical charts. A lymphatic vessel with external diameters of 0.5 mm or larger was defined as a large lymphatic vessel (LLV). Independent factors associated with LLV were identified using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Nine hundred sixty-two lymphatic vessels were identified, among which 438 (45.5%) were LLVs. Independent factors associated with LLV were older age (odds ration [OR], 1.408; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.026-1.931; P = 0.034), positive history of radiation (OR, 1.634; 95%CI 1.228-2.173; P = 0.001), incision site in the thigh/lower leg compared with in the groin (OR, 1.617/1.685; 95%CI 1.076-2.432/1.148-2.473; P = 0.021/0.008). Inverse associations were observed in S-region/D-region on ICG lymphography compared with L-region (OR, 0.537/0.048; 95%CI, 0.397-0.726/0.006-0.371; P < 0.001/0.004). CONCLUSIONS: D-region on ICG lymphography had the lowest OR to find LLV, representing that lymphatic vessels found in D-region on ICG lymphography would be significantly smaller than those in L-region. In LVA surgery, D-region should be avoided.

Indocyanine Green Lymphographic Signs of Lymphatic Collateral Formation in Lower Extremity Lymphedema After Cancer Resection.

Indocyanine green lymphography has recently been used to assess lymphatic vessel function in lymphedema patients. Postoperative collateral lymphatic vessels toward ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes are rarely seen above the umbilical level in lower lymphedema patients. Between January 2012 and December 2014, we performed indocyanine green lymphography of 192 limbs in 96 lower extremity lymphedema cases. As a result, dermal back flow appeared in 95 cases, with 38 in the lower abdominal area and 31 in the genital area. We confirmed 3 cases of superficial lymphatic collateral ways extending above the umbilical level to the axillary lymph nodes. All 3 cases had similarity in lower abdominal edema, so excessive lymphatic fluid in the lower abdomen was assumed to be the cause. Lymphatic collateral ways from abdomen to axillary lymph nodes in this study was likely to be designed to prevent the progress of lymphedema.

Reconstruction of a full-thickness, complex nasal defect that includes the nasal septum using a free, thin superficial inferior epigastric artery flap.

Complex nasal defects present a surgical challenge, particularly in cases with a full-thickness defect that extends into the nasal septum. Although the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap has been widely used as a bulky flap for soft tissue augmentation, reports on its use as a thin flap are limited. We present a case of complex nasal defect reconstruction using a free, thin SIEA flap. A 65-year-old man with a recurrent malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor around the left nose and cheek underwent wide tumor resection, leaving a full-thickness nasal defect that included portions of the nasal septum, nasal bone, and maxilla. A free, thin SIEA flap was elevated and primarily thinned by microdissecting the pedicle distally. The flap was then folded and inset to close the nasal septum and skin. The flap survived completely and complete closure of the nasal septum was observed. As the SIEA runs toward superficial layers as it is traced distally, primary thinning of the flap is possible. We believe that this method may represent an alternative to the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap in cases in which the superficial circumflex iliac artery system is hypoplastic.

Ultrasound visualization of the lymphatic vessels in the lower leg.

BACKGROUND: Identification of lymphatic vessels for lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA), which is an effective surgical treatment for obstructive lymphedema, is important. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography is useful for that purpose, but is not common in many institutions. Although ultrasound is a very common modality, no research has yet underlined the feasibility of the device to detect the lymphatic vessels. METHODS: First, identification of lymphatic vessels in the lower legs using ultrasound was performed in non-edematous limbs with linear-pattern on ICG lymphography (n = 12). The imaging findings and characteristic of the lymphatic vessels in ultrasonography were investigated on transverse scans. Second, to assess the ultrasound detection technique, ICG was injected to healthy volunteers after identification and marking of the lymphatic vessels using ultrasound (n = 14). Sensitivity and specificity of the examination were calculated. RESULTS: In the first part, the lymphatic vessels were detected by ultrasound in all cases. Characteristic ultrasonography findings of lymphatic vessels included homogeneous, hypoechoic and spicular misshapen images in all cases. In the second part, the overall sensitivity and specificity were 95.5 and 92.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography can identify lymphatic vessels of the lower leg with precision and may aid lymphatic microsurgery for lymphedema. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:397-401, 2016.

Indocyanine Green Lymphography Findings in Limb Lymphedema.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography is one of several methods of lymphography to detect lymphatic channels and evaluate patients clinically with limb lymphedema. ICG imaging is made possible by the use of a near-infrared camera device. The fluorescence images were digitalized for real-time display. RESULTS: ICG lymphography findings are largely classifiable into two patterns: normal linear pattern and abnormal dermal backflow (DB) pattern. ICG lymphography pattern changes from the normal linear pattern to abnormal DB patterns in obstructive peripheral lymphedema; with progression of lymphedema, DB patterns change from splash pattern, to stardust pattern, and finally to diffuse pattern. We classify ICG lymphography progression into 0 to V stages for the upper extremity, the lower extremity and into 0 to IV stages for the genital area. CONCLUSION: In DB stage II, most patients are symptomatic; thus, aggressive treatments, such as lymphaticovenular anastomosis, are indicated. In DB stages III to V, lymphaticovenular anastomosis is recommended because most patients are refractory to conservative therapies.

Lymphadiposal Flaps and Lymphaticovenular Anastomoses for Severe Leg Edema: Functional Reconstruction for Lymph Drainage System.

BACKGROUND: Collecting lymphatics have lymph-drainage function with contraction of smooth muscle cells. Patients with edema have lost this drainage function due to degeneration of smooth muscle cells. Lymphaticovenular (LV) anastomosis salvages smooth muscle cells from reversible degeneration (mild edema), but muscle cells cannot be recovered from irreversible degeneration (severe edema). Therefore, in severe edema, LV anastomoses cannot reestablish the drainage function of the lymphatic system.To overcome this weakness of LV bypass methods for severe edema, new methods were instituted for repair of this missing drainage function using a lymphadiposal flap from the contralateral foot for hemilateral edema, or transfer of lateral thoracic lymph nodes for bilateral edema. METHODS: A total of 13 cases were repaired with lymphadiposal flaps and additional LV anastomoses. These cases have frequent phlegmon or cellulitis or resisted to previous LV anastomoses and/or compression therapy. The ages ranged from 15 to 75 years. There were four cases of primary edema and nine cases of secondary edema. RESULTS: Regarding the lymphadiposal flap (n = 8), three cases showed an excellent response (37.5%; no need for compression therapy), four cases had a good response (50%; improvement with compression), one case showed no change (12.5%; no improvement), and there were no cases of deterioration. Regarding the lateral thoracic lymph nodes transfer (n = 5), two cases had a good response (40%), three showed no improvement (60%), and there were no cases of deterioration. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that lymphadiposal flap or lymph nodes transfer is suitable for severe edema having frequent cellulitis in unilateral or bilateral lower extremities resisting previous LV anastomoses and/or compression therapy.

The role of non-enhanced angiography in toe tip transfer with small diameter pedicle.

BACKGROUND: Toe tip transfer allows functional and esthetic reconstruction of the lost fingertip, but it is still uncommon because identification and dissection of donor and recipient veins can be challenging. Nonenhanced angiography (NEA) is a device that emits infrared light at a wavelength of 850 nm, which is exclusively absorbed by hemoglobin. The light penetrates the bones and other soft tissues, effectively visualizing veins in real time. The aim of this report is to present the experience on the preoperative use of nonenhanced angiography for visualization of donor and recipient veins in toe tip transfers in a series of patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four cases of toe tip transfer and one case of free nail flap were performed for reconstruction of the tips of thumb and finger with preoperative examination using NEA. Patients' age ranged from 29 to 52 years old (average, 29.2 years old). Before the operation, the veins in the donor and recipient sites were marked using NEA, and the blood flow of the veins in the recipient site was confirmed. RESULTS: Pedicles in all transferred toe tips were less than 2 cm in length, with diameters smaller than 0.8 mm. The postoperative courses were uneventful, and all transferred toe tips survived completely, with satisfying functional and aesthetic results. CONCLUSIONS: NEA may facilitate venous dissection of the donor and the recipient sites, allowing safe and efficient toe tip transfer with a small pedicle.

The guide wire method: a new technique for easier side-to-end lymphaticovenular anastomosis.

Lymphaticovenular anastomosis has become one of the treatment options for lymphedema. Among several types of anastomosis, side-to-end anastomosis in which a window is made on the wall of a lymphatic vessel is considered to be the most effective, because it creates bidirectional bypasses through 1 anastomosis. However, making a side-to-end anastomosis with a small lymphatic vessel and a venule can be technically challenging. We developed a new technique using an intravascular stenting that significantly facilitates the procedure.

Versatility of the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap in head and neck reconstruction.

The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap was first reported in 2004, in which the concept of perforator flap was incorporated into the groin flap. Although a SCIP flap has many advantages, reports on its application to head and neck defects are limited. We present cases of SCIP flap transfer for reconstruction of various types of head and neck defects.Twelve patients underwent reconstruction using the free SCIP flap after tumor ablative surgery in the head and neck region. The flap was elevated based on the perforators of the superficial branch and/or deep branch of the superficial circumflex iliac artery. The thickness of the flap was adjusted according to the defect. The Photo Dynamic Eye infrared camera system using indocyanine green was used to detect the location of the perforators preoperatively and to confirm the blood flow after elevation of the flap. The flaps survived completely in all the cases. The mean pedicle length was 7.1 cm (range, 6-9 cm), and the mean flap size was 12.8 × 6.3 cm (range, 4 × 2 to 18 × 8 cm). No vein grafting was necessary in any patient.The advantages of the SCIP flap include 1) low donor-site morbidity; the donor site is in a hairless concealed area, primary donor-site closure is possible, and no muscular dissection is necessary; 2) adjustable thickness of the flap from a superthin flap to a bulky flap; and 3) a long vascular pedicle available.We believe that the SCIP flap will become one of the most versatile options in head and neck reconstruction.

Local anesthesia for lymphaticovenular anastomosis.

Lymphaticovenular anastomosis is well documented for its effectiveness in treating lower limb lymphedema. However, local anesthesia (LA) is not the usual choice of anesthesia. In this study, 14 patients having such operation done under LA were recruited to see how well they tolerated the operations. Visual analogue scale was used to grade both intraoperative and postoperative pain. It was shown that the mean intraoperative pain score was never greater than 1, in the scale from 0 to 10. The mean postoperative pain score was 1.6 on the first postoperative day and then dropped gradually. No complication of surgery was reported. In-depth preoperative counseling and complementary intraoperative measures were emphasized to make LA a possible choice of anesthesia.

Dynamic Indocyanine Green (ICG) lymphography for breast cancer-related arm lymphedema.

BACKGROUND: Lymph transportation capacity is a critical function maintaining fluid circulation. After breast cancer treatments, lymph obstruction at the axilla leads to abnormal lymph circulation, resulting in lymph pump dysfunction. As well as lymph circulation, lymph pump function is important for lymphedema evaluation. METHODS: We assessed and analyzed lymph transportation capacity of 15 breast cancer-related arm lymphedema patients using dynamic indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography. RESULTS: ICG velocity and transit time could evaluate lymph pump function; ICG velocity decreases and transit time increases as the lymphedema severity stage progresses. Measurement of ICG velocity required 3 minutes after the dye injection, whereas that of transit time took more than 1 hour in severe cases. CONCLUSIONS: ICG velocity can be easily obtained and is recommended for evaluation of lymph pump function. Dynamic ICG lymphography, which evaluates both lymph pump function and circulation, plays an important role in comprehensive assessment of lymphedema pathophysiology.