Calreticulin exploits TGF-ß for extracellular matrix induction engineering a tissue regenerative process.

Topical application of extracellular calreticulin (eCRT), an ER chaperone protein, in animal models enhances wound healing and induces tissue regeneration evidenced by epidermal appendage neogenesis and lack of scarring. In addition to chemoattraction of cells critical to the wound healing process, eCRT induces abundant neo-dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) formation by 3 days post-wounding. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanisms involved in eCRT induction of ECM. In vitro, eCRT strongly induces collagen I, fibronectin, elastin, α-smooth muscle actin in human adult dermal (HDFs) and neonatal fibroblasts (HFFs) mainly via TGF-ß canonical signaling and Smad2/3 activation; RAP, an inhibitor of LRP1 blocked eCRT ECM induction. Conversely, eCRT induction of α5 and ß1 integrins was not mediated by TGF-ß signaling nor inhibited by RAP. Whereas eCRT strongly induces ECM and integrin α5 proteins in K41 wild-type mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs), CRT null MEFs were unresponsive. The data show that eCRT induces the synthesis and release of TGF-ß3 first via LRP1 or other receptor signaling and later induces ECM proteins via LRP1 signaling subsequently initiating TGF-ß receptor signaling for intracellular CRT (iCRT)-dependent induction of TGF-ß1 and ECM proteins. In addition, TGF-ß1 induces 2-3-fold higher level of ECM proteins than eCRT. Whereas eCRT and iCRT converge for ECM induction, we propose that eCRT attenuates TGF-ß-mediated fibrosis/scarring to achieve tissue regeneration.

Anastomotic Technique and Preoperative Imaging in Microsurgical Lower-Extremity Reconstruction: A Single-Surgeon Experience.

BACKGROUND: The need for preoperative imaging as well as anastomotic technique (ie, end-to-side [ETS] vs end-to-end [ETE]) are areas of controversy in microsurgical lower-extremity reconstruction. The objective of this study was to (1) investigate whether preoperative imaging is mandatory and (2) to elicit if the type of anastomosis impacts clinical outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent microvascular lower-extremity reconstruction between 2007 and 2015 by a single surgeon was performed. Patients were categorized into groups based on anastomotic technique, that is, ETE versus ETS anastomosis. Patients in the ETE group were further subclassified into those who had preoperative imaging (computed tomography angiography [CTA]+) versus those who did not (CTA-). Parameters of interest included flap type, thrombosis rate, flap loss, length of stay (LOS), return to ambulation, and rate of secondary amputation. Two-sided statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test and Fisher exact test. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight patients were analyzed: ETE (n = 40) and ETS (n = 88). Mean follow-up for both groups was 20 ± 19 months. Anterolateral thigh flaps were most commonly performed (71%). Overall flap loss rate was 3.1% without any significant differences noted with respect to thrombosis (arterial, P = 0.09; venous, P = 0.56), flap loss (P = 0.33), LOS (P = 0.28), amputation (P = 1.00), or return to ambulation (P = 0.77). Furthermore, the availability of preoperative imaging (CTA+: N = 11 vs CTA-: N = 29) did not impact rates of thrombosis (arterial, P = 0.29; venous, P = 0.31), flap loss (P = 1.00), LOS (P = 0.26), or return to mobility (P = 0.62). CONCLUSIONS: In light of similar reconstructive outcomes, we prefer to preserve distal extremity perfusion via ETS anastomoses whenever possible. Furthermore, preoperative vascular imaging angiography might not be necessary in patients with palpable pedal pulses on preoperative examination. An actionable algorithm for determining ETS versus ETE anastomosis in lower-extremity reconstruction is presented.

Frontiers in Oncologic Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: The authors seek to highlight some of the ongoing challenges related to complex oncologic reconstruction and the current solutions to these problems. SUMMARY: The standard of care in reconstruction following oncologic resection is continually evolving. Current frontiers in breast reconstruction include addressing animation deformity through prepectoral reconstruction, offering autologous reconstruction to patients with limited donor sites, and improving postoperative sensation with innervation of free tissue transfer. Facial nerve reconstruction and contour defects pose an ongoing challenge in patients undergoing parotidectomy requiring complex nerve transfers and autologous reconstruction. Lymphedema is not a monolithic disease, and as our understanding of the pathophysiology improves, our surgical algorithms continue to evolve.

Quantifying Pediatric Facial Palsy: : Using Digital Image Correlation to Objectively Characterize Pediatric Facial Symmetry.

OBJECTIVE: This study introduces digital image correlation (DIC) as a novel technology to objectively quantify pediatric facial symmetry. DESIGN: Descriptive cohort study of patients' facial symmetry as measured by DIC. SETTING: Academic tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: 9 of 12 identified facial palsy and 13 of 26 identified control subjects participated. INTERVENTIONS: DIC was used to quantify facial strain and symmetry as patients made the 5 standard Sunnybrook facial expressions. Each subject was evaluated according to the Sunnybrook scale by 4 evaluators, 3 plastic surgeons, and 1 occupational therapist. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The percentage asymmetry values were calculated and compared between the facial palsy and control groups using both DIC and Sunnybrook. RESULTS: Using DIC, facial palsy subjects had 32.99% asymmetry compared with 14.84% in controls (P < .01). Using Sunnybrook, facial palsy subjects had 24.11% asymmetry compared to 3.87% in controls (P < .01). The 2 metrics were positively correlated (P < .01). There was significant variability among the Sunnybrook evaluators (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: DIC is a novel technique of objectively quantifying facial motion of the animated face. As surgical and medical approaches toward facial palsy expand, it is essential to have a means to compare results and improve patient outcomes.

Autologous breast reconstruction in the postbariatric patient population.

BACKGROUND: Over 175,000 Americans underwent bariatric surgery in 2013 alone, resulting in rapid growth of the massive weight loss population. As obesity is a known risk factor for breast cancer, plastic surgeons are increasingly challenged to reconstruct the breasts of massive weight loss patients after oncologic resection. The goal of this study is to assess the outcomes of autologous breast reconstruction in postbariatric surgery patients at a single institution. METHODS: Patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction between 2008 and 2014 were identified. Those with a history of bariatric surgery were compared to those without a history of bariatric surgery. Analysis included age, ethnicity, BMI, comorbidities, flap type, operative complications, and reoperation rates. Propensity matched analysis was also conducted to control for preoperative differences between the two cohorts. RESULTS: Fourteen women underwent breast reconstruction following bariatric surgery, compared to 1,012 controls. Outcomes analysis revealed significant differences in breast revisions (1.35 vs. 0.61, P = .0055), implant placements (0.42 vs. 0.08, P = .0003), and total OR visits (2.78 vs. 1.67, P = .0007). There was no significant difference noted in delayed healing of the breast (57.4% vs. 33.7%, P = .087) or donor site (14.3% vs. 15.8%, P = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: As the rise in bariatric surgery mirrors that of obesity, an increasing amount of massive weight loss patients undergo treatment for breast cancer. We demonstrate profound differences in this patient population, particularly in regards to revision rates, which affects operative planning, patient counseling, and satisfaction.

A Morphological Classification Scheme for the Mandibular Hypoplasia in Treacher Collins Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular hypoplasia is a hallmark of Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS), and its severity accounts for significant functional morbidity. The purpose of this study is to develop a mandibular classification scheme. METHODS: A classification scheme was designed based on three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) scans to assess 3 characteristic features: degree of condylar hypoplasia, mandibular plane angle (condylion-gonion-menton), and degree of retrognathia (sella-nasion-B point angle). Each category was graded from I to IV and a composite mandible classification was determined by the median value among the 3 component grades. RESULTS: Twenty patients with TCS, aged 1 month to 20 years, with at least one 3D-CT prior to mandibular surgery were studied. Overall, 33 3D-CTs were evaluated and ordered from least to most severe phenotype with 10 (30%) Grade 1 (least severe), 14 (42%) Grade 2, 7 (21%) Grade 3, and 2 (7%) Grade 4 (most severe). Seven patients had at least 2 longitudinal scans encompassing an average 5.7 (range 5-11) years of growth. Despite increasing age, mandibular classification (both components and composite) remained stable in those patients over time (P = 0.2182). CONCLUSION: The authors present a classification scheme for the TCS mandible based on degree of condylar hypoplasia, mandibular plane angle (Co-Go-Me angle), and retrognathia (SNB angle). While there is a natural progression of the mandibular morphology with age, patients followed longitudinally demonstrate consistency in their classification. Further work is needed to determine the classification scheme's validity, generalizability, and overall utility.

Treatment Options for Bilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction in Patients with Inadequate Donor-Site Volume.

More than 250,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States in 2017 alone. A large number of these patients will undergo mastectomy and will be candidates for immediate breast reconstruction. The most common reconstructive options are either implant-based or autologous tissue reconstruction, with the latter having been reported to have higher rates of long-term patient satisfaction, lower cost, and less postoperative pain. A subset of patients, however, may not be ideal candidates for autologous microsurgical reconstruction, for example, due to inadequate abdominal tissues, yet they may desire this reconstructive modality. This is particularly challenging in patients requiring bilateral reconstructions. In this article, the authors discuss the various reconstructive modalities that can be considered in patients who desire bilateral breast reconstruction, are not ideal candidates for autologous reconstruction, yet do not wish to rely solely on implant-based modalities.

A Practical Guide to the Use of the Anterolateral Thigh Flap.

INTRODUCTION: The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap allows for healthy, reliable, vascularized, soft-tissue coverage of extremity or axial defects of traumatic or acquired deformities. STEP 1 POSITIONING AND MARKINGS: Place the patient in the supine position, which allows for flap harvest and typically does not require any position changes (Fig. 1), and then mark the septum between the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris, which facilitates harvest of this flap (Video 1). STEP 2 PERFORATOR DISSECTION: Dissect this flap, which is relatively straightforward and rapid after identifying the perforating vessels (Video 2, Fig. 4). STEP 3 PEDICLE DISSECTION: Trace the course of the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex proximally and determine the maximum pedicle length and vessel diameter for microvascular anastomoses (Figs. 5 and 6). STEP 4 FLAP HARVEST AND RECIPIENT VESSELS: Confirm the dimensions of the flap prior to final harvest of the flap, and pay special attention to the recipient arterial inflow and venous outflow to ensure success. STEP 5 MICROVASCULAR ANASTOMOSES: When performing this flap as a microvascular free flap, identify and prepare suitable vessels for tissue transfer (Fig. 13). STEP 6 FLAP INSET: Pay special attention to the flap inset to ensure that there is no mechanical obstruction to the pedicle and that the inset allows for the anticipated postoperative edema (Figs. 14 and 15). STEP 7 DONOR SITE CLOSURE: Close the donor site for this flap, which is well tolerated and easily concealed (Fig. 16). STEP 8 FLAP MONITORING AND POSTOPERATIVE CARE: Postoperative monitoring is critical to identify any potential vascular compromise early and maximize successful outcomes4. RESULTS: The ALT is a highly successful and reliable flap that has become a workhorse of reconstructive microsurgery5.

Assessing the midface in Muenke syndrome: A cephalometric analysis and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Max Muenke included midface hypoplasia as part of the clinical syndrome caused by the Pro250Arg FGFR3 mutation that now bears his name. Murine models have demonstrated midface hypoplasia in homozygous recessive mice only, with heterozygotes having normal midfaces; as the majority of humans with the syndrome are heterozygotes, we investigated the incidence of midface hypoplasia in our institution's clinical cohort. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with a genetic and clinical diagnosis of Muenke syndrome from 1990 to 2014. Review of clinical records and photographs included skeletal Angle Class, dental occlusion, and incidence of orthognathic intervention. Cephalometric evaluation of our patients was compared to the Eastman Standard Values. RESULTS: 18 patients met inclusion criteria - 7 females and 11 males, with average follow-up of 11.2 years (1.0-23.1). Cephalometric analysis revealed an average sella-nasion-A point angle (SNA) of 82.5 (67.8-88.8) and an average sella-nasion-B point angle (SNB) of 77.9 (59.6-84.1). The SNA of our cohort was found to be significantly different from the Eastman Standards (p = 0.017); subgroup analysis revealed that this was due to the mixed dentition group which had a higher than average SNA. 12 patients were noted to be in Class I occlusion, 4 in Class II malocclusion, and 2 in Class III malocclusion. Only one patient (6%) underwent orthognathic surgery for Class III malocclusion. CONCLUSIONS: While a part of the original description of Muenke syndrome, clinically significant midface hypoplasia is not a common feature. This data is important, as it allows more accurate counseling of patients and families. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

An Algorithm for Managing Syndromic Craniosynostosis Using Posterior Vault Distraction Osteogenesis.

BACKGROUND: The authors hypothesize that early posterior vault distraction osteogenesis safely confers considerable cranial vault remodeling, sufficient to enable fronto-orbital advancement to be delayed to a later age, with improved outcomes. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of children with syndromic craniosynostosis treated before (2003 to 2008) or after (2009 to 2014) implementation of posterior vault distraction osteogenesis. RESULTS: Sixty children with syndromic craniosynostosis presented during the study period. Forty met inclusion criteria with care continuity and complete records: 22 before and 18 after implementation of posterior vault distraction osteogenesis. Only 11 patients (61 percent) who underwent initial posterior vault distraction osteogenesis required frontal advancement, at a mean follow-up of 4.0 years of age, compared with 22 patients (100 percent) before implementation of posterior vault distraction osteogenesis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated significant delay of first fronto-orbital advancement in the posterior vault distraction osteogenesis cohort compared with the pre-posterior vault distraction osteogenesis cohort (p = 0.011). Comparing treatment in the first 5 years of life among posterior vault distraction osteogenesis versus non-posterior vault distraction osteogenesis subcohorts of patients older than 5 years, there were significantly fewer fronto-orbital advancements performed (0.6 versus 1.5 per patient; p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: Using early posterior vault distraction osteogenesis for patients with syndromic craniosynostosis significantly reduces the average number of fronto-orbital advancement procedures in the first 5 years of life, delays initial fronto-orbital advancement, and is likely to reduce the total number of major craniofacial procedures. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

The prevalence of strabismus in unilateral coronal synostosis.

BACKGROUND: While there is a clear correlation between unilateral coronal synostosis (UCS) and ocular motility abnormalities, the literature provides little information as to the true epidemiology of strabismus, or the underlying etiology of these paralleled pathologies. The purpose of this study is to investigate the rate of oculomotor abnormalities associated with UCS and its management. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients identified to have single-suture, nonsyndromic UCS treated by fronto-orbital advancement at a tertiary craniofacial referral center from 1977 to 2013 was performed. Inclusion criteria mandated complete medical, surgical, and ophthalmological records. Patients were evaluated for strabismus both preoperatively and postoperatively, and as to whether eye muscle surgery was performed. RESULTS: A total of 181 patients underwent treatment for UCS at our institution during the study period, of which 79 met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-nine patients had strabismus prior to any craniofacial surgical intervention. Following fronto-orbital advancement, 23 patients (46 %) developed a new onset strabismus. Fifty-five patients had no change in their preoperative ocular examination, and one patient had resolution of preoperative strabismus. Of the 51 patients who had postoperative strabismus, 30 went on to have eye muscle surgery. There were no statistically significant differences in gender (p=0.477), race (p=0.395), sidedness of suture involvement (p=0.552), or age at intervention (p=0.66) in comparing the group with new postoperative strabismus and those without. CONCLUSIONS: This study sheds new light on the prevalence of strabismus in UCS, and more importantly, the risk of developing strabismus in the setting of conventional fronto-orbital advancement. This data will allow more accurate preoperative counseling and reinforces the important role of ophthalmologists as members of the multidisciplinary craniofacial team.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy in patients with a history of reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy: how safe is it?

BACKGROUND: Nipple-sparing mastectomy has gained popularity, but the question remains of whether it can be offered safely to women with a history of reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy. The authors present their experience with nipple-sparing mastectomy in this patient population. METHODS: Patients at the authors' institution who had reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy before nipple-sparing mastectomy were identified. Outcomes measured include nipple-areola complex viability, mastectomy flap necrosis, infection, presence of cancer in the nipple-areola complex, and breast cancer recurrence. RESULTS: The records of the nipple-sparing mastectomy patients at the authors' institution from 2006 through 2012 were reviewed. The authors identified 13 breasts in eight patients that had nipple-sparing mastectomy following reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy. Within this subset of patients, the mean age was 46.6 years and the mean body mass index was 25.1. Nine of 13 breasts had therapeutic resections, whereas the remaining four were for prophylactic indications. Average time elapsed between reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy and nipple-sparing mastectomy was 51.8 months (range, 33 days to 11 years). In all cases, prior reduction mammaplasty/mastopexy incisions were used for nipple-sparing mastectomy. Ten breasts underwent reconstruction immediately with tissue expanders, one with a latissimus dorsi flap with immediate implant and two with immediate abdominally based free flaps. Complications included one hematoma requiring evacuation and one displaced implant requiring revision. There were no positive subareolar biopsy results, and the nipple viability was 100 percent. Mean follow-up time was 10.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' experience demonstrates that nipple-sparing mastectomy can be offered to patients with a history of reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy with reconstructive outcomes comparable to those of nipple-sparing mastectomy alone. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Optimal placement of a brachioplasty scar: a survey evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Brachioplasty has become a popular procedure to rejuvenate the upper arm, with its frequency increasing proportionately to the popularity of surgical weight loss procedures. The major complication of the procedure is undesirable, visible scarring. An ongoing, unresolved debate in the brachioplasty literature is the optimal placement of the brachioplasty scar. Some authors advocate a medially based incision along the bicipital groove, whereas others prefer to leave the scar posteriorly in the brachial sulcus. In addition, some advocate a sinusoidal scar over a straight-line closure. This study attempts to resolve the question of where and how to place the scar based on population surveys. METHODS: Photographs were taken of a model with her arm progressively abducted at the shoulder to a level of 90 degrees, with the elbow progressively flexed to 90 degrees and the arm externally rotated. Anterior and posterior views were included. Using Photoshop, a brachioplasty scar was digitally created and placed on the arm first medially in the bicipital groove, then posteriorly in the brachial sulcus. Straight-line scars and sinusoidal scars were also compared in each position. Before creating a computer-generated image of the scars, the scar lines were marked with a marking pen to ensure they could be followed with movement of the model's arm. An online survey was then created and distributed and included multiple variables: position of the scar, length of scar vs residual deformity, and acceptability based on phase of scar in time (early vs late result). The scale was numerical from 1 to 5, with 1 being a very objectionable scar and 5 being a very acceptable scar. The survey was disseminated among the general public, plastic surgeons, and patients in the Yale Cosmetic Surgery Resident Clinic who were either seen in consultation for brachioplasty or who underwent the procedure. RESULTS: Electronic surveys were distributed to and completed by the general public (n = 117), local plastic surgery residents and attendings (n = 10), and patients who had undergone or were seen in consultation for brachioplasty (n = 9). Among all participants, in the chronic phase, a medial straight scar received an average rating of 4.00, a posterior straight scar received an average rating of 3.14, a posterior sinusoidal scar received an average rating of 2.61, and a medial sinusoidal scar received an average rating of 2.03. Across age groups, gender, plastic surgeons, and patients, the medially based straight brachioplasty scar is more acceptable than the posteriorly based straight scar (4.00 vs 3.14, P < 0.001). If the scar shape is made sinusoidal, a posteriorly based scar is favored over a medial one (2.61 vs 2.03, P < 0.001), yet this is still not as aesthetically pleasing as a medial straight scar (4.00 vs 2.61, P < 0.001). Furthermore, survey participants accepted a longer scar over a residual deformity (58.8% vs 41.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the preferences of the populations surveyed, we conclude that the medially based straight scar is the most aesthetically acceptable option when performing a brachioplasty.

Treatment and outcomes of fingertip injuries at a large metropolitan public hospital.

BACKGROUND: Fingertip injuries are the most common hand injuries presenting for acute care. Treatment algorithms have been described based on defect size, bone exposure, and injury geometry. The authors hypothesized that despite accepted algorithms, many fingertip injuries can be treated conservatively. METHODS: A prospectively collected retrospective review of all fingertip injuries presenting to Bellevue Hospital between January and May of 2011 was conducted. Patients were entered into an electronic database on presentation. Follow-up care was tracked through the electronic medical record. Patients lost to follow-up were questioned by means of telephone. Patients were analyzed based on age, mechanism of injury, handedness, occupation, wound geometry, defect size, bone exposure, emergency room procedures performed, need for surgical intervention, and outcome. RESULTS: One hundred fingertips were injured. Injuries occurred by crush (46 percent), laceration (30 percent), and avulsion (24 percent). Sixty-four percent of patients healed without surgery, 18 percent required operative intervention, and 18 percent were lost to follow-up. Patients requiring operative intervention were more likely to have a larger defect (3.28 cm versus 1.75 cm, p < 0.005), volar oblique injury (50 percent versus 8.8 percent, p < 0.005), exposed bone (81.3 percent versus 35.3 percent, p < 0.005), and an associated distal phalanx fracture (81.3 percent versus 47.1 percent, p < 0.05). Patients requiring surgical intervention had a longer average return to work time when compared with those not requiring surgical intervention (4.33 weeks versus 2.98 weeks, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Despite current accepted algorithms, many fingertip injuries can be treated nonoperatively to achieve optimal sensation, fine motor control, and earlier return to work. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Exogenous calreticulin improves diabetic wound healing.

A serious consequence of diabetes mellitus is impaired wound healing, which largely resists treatment. We previously reported that topical application of calreticulin (CRT), an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone protein, markedly enhanced the rate and quality of wound healing in an experimental porcine model of cutaneous repair. Consistent with these in vivo effects, in vitro CRT induced the migration and proliferation of normal human cells critical to the wound healing process. These functions are particularly deficient in poor healing diabetic wounds. Using a genetically engineered diabetic mouse (db/db) in a full-thickness excisional wound healing model, we now show that topical application of CRT induces a statistically significant decrease in the time to complete wound closure compared with untreated wounds by 5.6 days (17.6 vs. 23.2). Quantitative analysis of the wounds shows that CRT increases the rate of reepithelialization at days 7 and 10 and increases the amount of granulation tissue at day 7 persisting to day 14. Furthermore, CRT treatment induces the regrowth of pigmented hair follicles observed on day 28. In vitro, fibroblasts isolated from diabetic compared with wild-type mouse skin and human fibroblasts cultured under hyperglycemic compared with normal glucose conditions proliferate and strongly migrate in response to CRT compared with untreated controls. The in vitro effects of CRT on these functions are consistent with CRT's potent effects on wound healing in the diabetic mouse. These studies implicate CRT as a potential powerful topical therapeutic agent for the treatment of diabetic and other chronic wounds.

A head-to-head comparison between the muscle-sparing free TRAM and the SIEA flaps: is the rate of flap loss worth the gain in abdominal wall function?

BACKGROUND: Attempts to limit the impact of autogenous breast reconstruction on the abdominal wall have led to the use of the muscle-sparing free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM), the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP), and the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flaps. The purpose of this study was to compare the SIEA flap with the muscle-sparing free TRAM flap to determine whether gains in abdominal wall function are offset by flap-related complications. METHODS: Seventy-two consecutive SIEA flaps were compared with 569 consecutive muscle-sparing free TRAM flaps. Outcomes included arterial and venous thrombosis, reoperation, abdominal hernia/bulge, seroma, hematoma, fat necrosis, delayed wound healing, infection, partial flap loss, and total flap loss. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to determine significant differences. RESULTS: In the SIEA group, there was a higher percentage of overweight patients (p = 0.0001), bilateral cases (p = 0.0001), and smokers (p = 0.0003). Among SIEA flaps, there were two total flap losses (2.9 percent) and no abdominal morbidity. In the muscle-sparing free TRAM flap group, there was one total flap loss (0.18 percent), and a hernia/bulge rate of 1.9 percent (n = 11). The difference in flap loss rate was significant (p = 0.03). There was a higher incidence of vessel thrombosis requiring anastomotic revision in the SIEA group, 17.4 percent (n = 12), compared with the free TRAM group, 6.0 percent (n = 34) (p = 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: The SIEA flap has a lower rate of hernia/bulge and a higher rate of thrombotic complications. Because of the emotional and financial cost of these complications, the SIEA flap should be undertaken only if strict criteria are met.