Nasal Tip Vascularization and Its Application for Columellar Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Many studies have been published about the vascular anatomy of the nose and its utility for nasal reconstruction. Anatomic variations of the main arteries and their perforators are well described in the literature. A nasal tip perforator, not well described in the published studies, is analyzed in the present study and its utility for columellar reconstruction. This paper presents an anatomic study of the nasal tip artery and its clinical applications for columellar repair. METHODS: This study investigated the nasal tip perforator artery during nasal tip flap surgery for columellar repair in patients with sequels after nasal continuous positive airway pressure use. A descriptive anatomic study was conducted using intraoperative vascular dissection of patients operated on for nasal columellar defects by the author between 2013 and 2018. An observational study of a group of patients operated on for columellar repair using the axial nasal tip flap is presented here. RESULTS: The nasal tip artery was found in all the intraoperative dissections. Location and trajectory are described. Observed columellar length and width in operated patients have been nonstatistical and significantly different than controls in this study. CONCLUSIONS: The presence and trajectory of the nasal tip artery have been consistent in all the studied cases. The nasal tip flap based on this perforator has been a useful method for columellar repair in the studied group of patients. The presence of this vessel may augment blood supply to the nasal tip skin. By confirming the preservation of this artery, the surgeon may elevate the nasal tip flap safely.

Clinical outcomes of intraoperative dopamine infusion for hypotensive patients during breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps.

BACKGROUND: Dopamine has a favorable therapeutic profile but has not been widely used to treat hypotension during microvascular breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes in patients who received dopamine during breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) free flaps and compare them with patients who did not receive dopamine. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review was performed for patients who underwent breast reconstruction with DIEP free flaps between October 2018 and March 2020. Patient demographics, comorbidities, fluid balance, hospital stay, and adverse outcomes were compared between patients who received at least 1 h of dopamine (DA) and patients who did not receive dopamine (ND). Subgroup analyses were performed for bilateral procedures and patients who received dopamine. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients in the DA group and 43 patients in the ND group met the inclusion criteria. There were no flap-related complications. Patients who had dopamine initiated to maintain blood pressures had a higher total volume of intravenous fluid (ND:3.81L vs. DA:5.04L, p = 0.005). However, DA patients exhibited decreased fluid requirements (ND:839 mL/h vs. DA:479 mL/h, p = 0.004) and increased urine output (ND:98.0 mL/h vs. DA:340 mL/h, p = <0.001) once dopamine was initiated. Intraoperative urine output (ND:1.37 L vs. DA:3.48 L, p < 0.001) and rate (ND:1.9 ml/kg/h vs. DA:3.7 ml/kg/h, p < 0.001) were increased in the DA group. The fluid balance of patients undergoing bilateral procedures was closer to neutral for patients who received dopamine (ND:+3.43 L vs. DA:+2.26 L, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Dopamine is safe to use in microvascular breast reconstruction. It may be beneficial for hemodynamically labile patients by stabilizing blood pressure and facilitating a neutral fluid balance.

Lymphedema prevention and immediate breast reconstruction with simultaneous gastroepiploic vascularized lymph node transfer and deep inferior epigastric perforator flap: A case report.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema following axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) has been documented in 6%-55% of patients, mostly occurring within the next 3 years after radiation or surgery. We present a case of a 53-year-old patient with hormone positive, stage IB, left breast invasive ductal carcinoma treated with immediate lymphatic and microvascular breast reconstruction (MBR) using vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) for lymphedema prevention. A deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap (18.3 × 11.2-cm) and simultaneous prophylactic gastroepiploic-VLNT (7 × 3-cm), orthotopically inset in the axilla, were used for reconstruction following mastectomy and radical ALND. The procedure was uneventful. The patient did not display increased postoperative arm circumferences. ICG lymphography did not show any changes at 2- and 3-years after surgery. Preventive lymphatic reconstruction with GE-VLNT and immediate MBR using the DIEP flap offers a new possibility for the primary prevention of lymphedema and simultaneous immediate autologous breast reconstruction without the risk of iatrogenic lymphedema. Further studies will be directed to unveil the external validity of these findings and the risk reduction rate of this approach.

Carotid artery and soft tissue reconstruction with superficial femoral artery-sartorius muscle-anteromedial thigh chimeric free flap: A case report and review of the literature.

Tumoral involvement of the carotid artery may require en-bloc resection in order to achieve a better regional control. Among the carotid reconstruction methods at disposal, autologous tissues appear to be more reliable in cases with high risk of infection and poor tissue healing like in radiated necks. We describe a case of a 55 year old man, who suffered from recurrent squamous cell carcinoma in the neck region, invading the common carotid artery. After en-bloc resection of the tumor together with skin, internal jugular vein, vagus nerve and common carotid artery, carotid reconstruction was performed with a flow-through chimeric flap based on superficial femoral vessels (15 cm). After resection of the tumor, the flap was used to replace the soft tissue defect (23 × 12 cm). Anteromedial thigh skin paddle (8 × 5 cm) and sartorius muscle (12 × 3 cm) were included in the flap. The superficial femoral vessels were reconstructed with 8-mm ringed polytetrafluoroethylene graft interposition. Thanks to an accurate surgical planning and a 2-team approach, the ischemia time of the leg was 42 min and there were no limb ischemia nor pathologic neurological signs after surgery. During the 12-month follow up, no other complication was registered. In our experience, microsurgical carotid reconstruction represents a reliable option with important advantages such as resistance to infection, optimal size matching, and good tissue healing between the irradiated carotid stump and the vascular graft.

Use of an Adipofascial Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap to Improve Contour Following Resection of Upper Extremity Amniotic Band Constriction: A Report of Two Patients.

Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) is a congenital disease that causes a variable degree of deformity and tissue disruption. Surgical excision of fibrotic tissue and advancement of local flaps is the gold standard for constriction bands of the upper limb. We report the use of an adipofascial Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery perforator (SCIP) flap to improve contour following amniotic band resection in the upper extremity in two patients with ABS. The use of this microsurgical technique can be considered in the occasional patient when there is a deficit of soft tissues after release of the contracture band that cannot be addressed with locally available tissue.

A Single Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap in Reconstruction of Large Midline Sacral Defects: A Method for Practical Harvest and Safe Closure.

BACKGROUND: Large midline sacral defects are reconstructive challenges. Superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap provides enough tissue and versatility to cover large defects; however, a single flap may be insufficient. We present a technique to cover large defects using single SGAP flaps. METHODS: Large sacral defects (>100 cm2) reconstructed with single SGAP flaps were included. Angle of transposition (45°-60°) was determined based on the tissue laxity and mobility of gluteal area. Perforator identification, intramuscular dissection, or skeletonization was not performed. Outcomes were measured as achieving durable reconstruction, flap viability, and complications. RESULTS: There were 17 patients (12 male, 5 females; aged 25-72 years) with different etiologies. The mean flap surface area (136.1 ± 45.6 cm2, between 9 × 8 and 26 × 10 cm) was smaller than the mean defect surface area (211.1 ± 87.2 cm2, between 10 × 10 and 28 × 14 cm) (P < 0.001). All flaps survived with no partial or complete flap loss. Minor dehiscence in 4 patients (2 at donor site and 2 at recipient site) healed with dressing changes or using negative-pressure vacuum therapy. All patients had durable outcomes without any recurrence. CONCLUSION: Single unilateral SGAP flaps can be used to completely cover midline large sacral defects. It is important to design the flaps to have a joint side with the defect in the proximal part and use the intrinsic mobility of gluteal soft tissues for the closure. Flaps can be (1) planned to be smaller than the defects, (2) harvested with no intramuscular perforator dissection or pedicle skeletonization, and (3) transposed with an angle less than 60°.

Impacto de la técnica anestésica en el dolor posoperatorio de cirugía reconstructiva mamaria / Impact of the anesthetic technique in postoperative pain in breast reconstructive surgery

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to evaluate acute postoperative pain in patients undergoing breast reconstructive surgery with Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Artery (DIEP) flap technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out in patients undergoing DIEP-flap breast reconstruction between January 2014 and December 2019. The main goal was the evaluation of acute postoperative pain through visual analogic pain scale (VAS) at rest (VASr) and movement (VASm) in the immediate postoperative period in post-anesthesia care unit (0h), at 24 h and at 48 h post-intervention and intravenous (IV) morphine con- sumption, depending on whether General Anesthesia (GA group) or Combined Anesthesia (CA group) was performed. Secon- dary outcomes were chronic pain incidence, perioperative complications, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), reinterven- tion and readmission rate and lenght of hospital saty. RESULTS: Sixty seven patients were included, 24 in GA group and 43 in CA group. CA group showed better VASm values at 24 h postintervention (p = 0.01). Postoperative IV morphine continuous infusion was required for acute pain management in 10.4% of patients (25% in GA vs 2.3% in the CA group; p = 0.004). Chronic pain rate was 13.4% (25% in GA vs 7% in the CA group; p = 0.038). Patients with worse initial pain control (VASr > 3 at 0 h) showed a higher incidence of chronic pain (66.6% vs 9.6%; p = 0.008). GA group presented higher rate of postoperative complications (66.6% vs 34.9%; p = 0,012), as well reintervention rate (58.3% vs 30.2%; p = 0.025). A sub-analysis showed that of the 10 patients (5 in the AC and 5 in the AG group) who reported poor initial pain control (VASr > 3 at 0 h), those belonging to the AC group, the IV morphine requirements were lower at post-anesthesia care unit (2 (0-5) mg vs 16 (9.5-23) mg; p = 0.016) and throughout the hospitalization period (4 (0-6) vs 24 (17.5-49, 2); p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Locorregional techniques could offer a better control of postoperative acute pain and a lower incidence of chronic pain, without assuming implying a higher risk of complications related to them in patients undergoing breast reconstructive surgery by DIEP flap technique.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el dolor agudo posoperatorio en las pacientes sometidas a cirugía de reconstrucción mamaria mediante colgajo de la arteria perforante epigástrica inferior profunda (colgajo DIEP). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se revisaron retrospectivamente las pacientes intervenidas de reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo DIEP entre enero de 2014 y diciembre de 2019. El objetivo principal fue la valoración del dolor agudo posoperatorio mediante la escala visual analógica (EVA) en reposo (EVAr) y movimiento (EVAm) en el posoperatorio inmediato en la unidad de Reanimación (0 h), a las 24 h y a las 48 h post-intervención y el consumo de morfina endovenosa (ev), según si se realizó una Anestesia General (AG) o una Anestesia Combinada (AC). Los objetivos secundarios fueron: incidencia de dolor crónico posoperatorio, complicaciones peroperatorias, náuseas y vómitos posoperatorios (NVPO), tasa de reintervención y reingreso y estancia hospitalaria. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 67 pacientes, 24 en el grupo AG y 43 en el grupo AC. El grupo AC mostró un mejor control del dolor en movimiento a las 24 h (p = 0,01). Un 10,4% de las pacientes precisaron infusión de morfina endovenosa (ev) para control del dolor agudo posoperatorio en reposo (25% en el grupo AG vs 2,3% en el grupo AC; p = 0,004). La incidencia de dolor crónico fue del 13,4% (25% en el grupo AG vs 7% en el grupo AC; p = 0,038). Las pacientes con mal control inicial del dolor (EVAr > 3 a las 0 h) presentaron mayor incidencia de dolor crónico (66,6% vs 9,6%; p = 0,008). El grupo AG presentó mayor tasa de complicaciones posoperatorias (66,6% vs 34,9%; p = 0,012), así como tasa de reintervención (58,3% vs 30,2%; p = 0,025). Un subanálisis mostró que de las 10 pacientes (5 en el grupo AC y 5 en el grupo AG) que refirieron un mal control inicial del dolor (EVAr > 3 a las 0 h), las pertenecientes al grupo AC requirieron menos morfina ev en unidad de reanimación postanestésica (2 (0-5) mg vs 16 (9,5-23) mg; p = 0,016) y durante toda su hospitalización (4 (0-6) vs 24 (17,5-49,2); p = 0,008). CONCLUSIONES: Las técnicas locorregionales podrían ofrecer un mejor control del manejo del dolor agudo y una menor incidencia de dolor crónico, sin suponer un mayor riesgo de complicaciones relacionadas con ellos en pacientes sometidas a cirugía reconstructiva mamaria mediante técnica de colgajo DIEP.

Modified anterior intercostal artery perforator flap (AICAP) for autologous breast volume restoration after explantation.

Explantation of breast implants has become increasingly common. This study aimed to analyze breast auto-augmentation following implant explantation (using a laterally designed anterior intercostal artery perforator [AICAP] flap) in patients who did not need new implants and required volume preservation. Twenty-four patients (48 breasts) aged 31-67 years (mean, 52.4 years) with body mass index (BMI) between 24.43 and 29.34 (mean, 27.32) kg/m2 underwent this procedure. All patients had implant-related problems, such as recurrent capsular contracture (n=11), seroma (n=2), animation deformity (n=3), rupture-induced bleeding (n=5), and breast implant disease (n=3). Sizes of implants removed ranged from 215 to 355 ml. The mean flap size was 23.9 cm × 7.5 cm, and the average flap thickness was 2.3 cm (range, 2.0-3.2 cm). Flap survival was clinically examined postoperatively by ultrasonography. Pre- and postoperative final breast volumes were compared by direct patient observation and independent photograph observation by three plastic surgeons according to a 4-point scale (bad=1, regular=2, good=3, and excellent=4) and the brassiere size. All flaps were completely viable after harvesting. No postoperative signs of fat necrosis were observed, and independent plastic surgeon evaluation revealed good and excellent results in all cases. Patient satisfaction evaluated by BREAST-Q data was >90%. This new design, AICAP flap (with a lateral thoracic extension), can be safely used for breast volume restitution after breast implant explantation with high patient satisfaction. This flap exhibited reasonable potential of providing additional volume in patients who undergo implant explantation and require the preservation of similar volume.

Harvesting the anterolateral thigh flap with non-sizable perforators.

BACKGROUND: The anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) has proven over time to be one of the best reconstructive workhorses due to its versatility and reliability. Without preoperative imaging, vascular anomalies such as having no sizable perforator are sometimes encountered during dissection. We propose a technique, based on a modified version of the traditional myocutaneous ALT to allow harvest of the flap based on non-sizable perforators. This technique can also enable the splitting of a flap when only one sizable perforator is present. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who received reconstruction with free ALT flap from 2013 to 2019 by the senior author HSS was performed and included all flaps in which non-sizable perforators were harvested. Data collected for analysis included patient demographics, flap size, defect location, inset type, and flap survival. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Despite detachment of the majority of skin paddle from the muscle, the flap is harvested with a sleeve of areolar tissue containing preferably more than one non-sizable perforator attached to a small muscular segment of the vastus lateralis containing the pedicle. RESULTS: A total of 349 ALT flaps were performed during the review period by senior author HSS, and 25 flaps were harvested with non-sizable perforator, 10 of which were to enable a split. There were no total losses and 6 partial losses; 2 were amenable to direct closure after debridement, 1 required skin graft, and 3 required a new flap for wound coverage. Incorporating more than one non-sizable perforator increases the reliability of the flap. This technique should be used with caution in patients with multiple underlying comorbidities and when a flow-through flap is required. We were able to achieve primary closure of all donor sites. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to harvest the anterolateral thigh flap without sizable perforators by conversion to a modified version of the myocutaneous flap. In well-selected patients, using our technique, several non-sizable perforators can reliably perfuse an ALT without the need to use an alternative donor site. This maximizes the number of harvestable ALTs and increases the reconstructive potential by splitting previously "un-splitable" flaps.

Per-operative fluid therapy, vasopressor and transfusion rate in DIEP-flap breast reconstruction. A series of cases / Fluidoterapia, uso de vasopresores y tasa transfusional peroperatoria en la reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo DIEP. Una serie de casos

OBJECTIVE: Anesthetic management in DIEP-flap breast reconstruction surgery may influence the appearance of postoperative complications. Fluid therapy, vasopressor use, and blood management are controversial. The aim was to audit hemodynamic management and to assess its impact on perioperative outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-seven cases of DIEP-flap breast reconstruction were reviewed. Data collected: anthropometric data; ASA score; comorbidities; timing of reconstruction (immediate/delayed), type of reconstruction (unilateral/bilateral); length of surgery; per-operative complications; per-operative fluid therapy, use of vasopressors, transfusion rate; re-intervention requirements; surgical success rate; hospital stay, and readmission rate. RESULTS: Median crystalloid infusion rate was 3.18 (2.63-3.76) ml/kg/h in the first 24 hours. Intraoperatively, colloids were administered in 35 (52%) patients at a median infusion rate of 1.40 (1.08-1.86) ml/Kg/h; 21 (60%) of them presented some postoperative complication. Hypotensive events were registered in 13 (19%) patients; 9 (69%) suffered some postoperative complication. The only vasopressor used was Ephedrine in 14 (21%) patients, at a median dose of 0 (0-6) mg. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion was required in 18 (27%) patients. All of the patients who were transfused, 11 (61%) presented some postoperative complication. Hospital stay was 7 (7-9) days. Surgery was successful in 46 (69%) patients and readmission was necessary in 11 (16%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Colloids administration, intraoperative hypotensive events, RBC transfusion, and delayed surgery are variables that could increase the risk of postoperative complications in our series.

OBJETIVO: El manejo anestésico en la cirugía de reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo DIEP podría influir en la aparición de complicaciones posoperatorias. La fluidoterapia, el uso de vasopresores y la tasa transfusional son motivo de controversia. Nuestro objetivo fue auditar el manejo hemodinámico y valorar su impacto en los resultados perioperatorios. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Analizamos 67 pacientes programadas para reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo DIEP. Datos registrados: antropométricos; ASA; comorbilidades; momento de la reconstrucción (inmediata/diferida); tipo de reconstrucción (unilateral/bilateral); duración quirúrgica; complicaciones perioperatorias; fluidoterapia, vasopresores y tasa transfusional peroperatorios; tasa de reintervención, reingresos y éxito de la cirugía; estancia hospitalaria. RESULTADOS: La velocidad promedio de infusión de cristaloides fue de 3,18 (2,63-3,76) ml/kg/h en las primeras 24 h. Intraoperatoriamente se administraron coloides en 35 (52%) pacientes a una velocidad promedio de infusión de 1,40 (1,08-1,86) ml/kg/h, presentando complicaciones posoperatorias en 21 (60%) casos. Trece (19%) pacientes presentaron eventos hipotensivos intraoperatorios, registrándose complicaciones en 9 (69%). El único vasopresor utilizado fue la efedrina en 14 (21%) pacientes, a una dosis mediana de 0 (0-6) mg. Requirieron transfusión sanguínea 18 (27%) pacientes. Del total de pacientes transfundidos, 11 (61%) habían presentado alguna complicación posoperatoria. La cirugía fue un éxito en 46 (69%) casos. La estancia hospitalaria fue de 7 (7-9) días y el reingreso fue necesario en 11 (16%) casos. CONCLUSIONES: La administración de coloides, los eventos hipotensivos intraoperatorios, la transfusión de hemoderivados y la cirugía con reconstrucción tardía son variables que podrían incrementar el riesgo de complicaciones posoperatorias.

A New Planning Method to Easily Harvest the Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap.

BACKGROUND: The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap (SCIP) is a thin, pliable, and versatile flap used mainly for extremities and head and neck reconstruction. Different planning methods have been described, but these are not yet standardized like in other flaps. The aim of this study is to present a fast, effective, and reliable method for SCIP flap planning using computed tomography angiography (CTA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 2017 and September 2018, CTA was performed on 40 patients. Preoperative planning of SCIP flaps based on the medial branch was performed analyzing CTA images. The perforating sites of the medial branch on the deep (point D) and superficial fascia (point S) were identified. Distances to those points, from the center of the umbilicus in the "y-axis" and the midline perpendicularly in the "x-axis," were measured. These measurements were transferred to the patient's skin as a guide for dissection. RESULTS: Eighty areas were studied identifying points D and S in CTA. Forty-three SCIP flaps were performed using this planning method. In 100% of the flaps, points D and S matched perfectly with handheld Doppler and surgical findings. CONCLUSION: Points D and S method for medial branch based SCIP planning with CTA is an easy to learn, efficient, fast, and reliable technique for preoperative planning, allowing a safe and predictable elevation of the flap.

Post-traumatic lymphedema treatment with superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator lymphatic free flap: A case report.

Post-traumatic lymphedema is poorly understood. It is rarely considered in limb reconstruction decision-making approach. We report a case of a 41-year-old female who presented with right upper extremity lymphedema after degloving injury and split thickness skin graft, successfully treated with a superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) free flap restoring the lymphatic drainage. Right upper extremity had an excess of 258.7 mL or an excess volume of 27.86% compared to the healthy contralateral limb. A SCIP free flap including lymphatic vessels (SCIP-L) was performed to replace the skin graft in order to restore the lymphatic flow. Flap size was 19 × 8 cm and pedicle length was 4 cm. No lymph nodes were included and no lymphatic or lymphovenous anastomoses were performed. The surgery was uneventful, and there were no postoperative complications. Fourteen days after free tissue transfer, lymphedema showed clear improvement. At a 4-month follow-up, 55.6% reduction of excess volume was obtained. Indocyanine green lymphography performed at that time showed a restitution of lymph flow through the flap. Lymphedema improvements persisted at a 6-month follow-up. A successful treatment of post-traumatic lymphedema can be performed by using the SCIP-L free flap for soft tissue reconstruction of critical lymphatic drainage areas.

[Colgajo DIEP como primera opción de reconstrucción mamaria en pacientes mexicanas con cicatrices abdominales previas]. / DIEP flap as a first option for breast reconstruction in Mexican patients with previous abdominal scars.

INTRODUCTION: For many years the abdominal region has been a reliable donor of abundant well-perfused tissue. The subdermal plexus constitutes an intricate network of microvessels that comprise the entire abdominal skin and allow for innumerable and redundant connections. METHOD: Using a retrospective cohort study, we considered the first 100 deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps performed for breast reconstruction in the High Specialty Medical Department #21 of the Mexican Institute of Social Security in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, from January 2010 until December 2015. RESULTS: Of the 100 patients studied, 70 (70%) correspond to the group with abdominal scars and 30 (30%) to the group with no abdominal scars. Of the total patients, only one case of flap necrosis arose secondary to venous thrombosis (1%). This patient had no abdominal scars. The success of the flap was compared between groups using the Fisher exact test, obtaining p = 0.717. CONCLUSION: Abdominal scars do not represent a contraindication for breast reconstruction with DIEP flap even if perforator detection is performed only with hand held 8 MHz doppler.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Durante muchos años, la región abdominal ha sido donadora de abundante tejido bien perfundido basado en el plexo subdérmico, el cual constituye una red intrincada de microvasos que se distribuyen en toda el área de la piel de la pared de dicha región. MÉTODO: Mediante una cohorte retrospectiva, se tomaron en cuenta los primeros 100 colgajos abdominales basados en la arteria epigástrica inferior profunda (DIEP, deep inferior epigastric perforator) para reconstrucción mamaria en la Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad 21 del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, en Monterrey, NL, México, de enero de 2010 a diciembre de 2015. RESULTADOS: De las 100 pacientes estudiadas, 70 (70%) corresponden al grupo con cicatrices abdominales y 30 (30%) al grupo sin cicatrices abdominales previas. Del total de las pacientes, solo se presentó un caso de necrosis del colgajo secundaria a trombosis venosa (1%). Esta paciente no presentaba ninguna cicatriz abdominal previa. El éxito de los colgajos fue comparado entre ambos grupos mediante una prueba exacta de Fisher y se obtuvo una p = 0.717. CONCLUSIONES: Las cicatrices abdominales no representan una contraindicación para la reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo DIEP, siempre y cuando se detecte un vaso perforante permeable con un Doppler vascular de 8 MHz.

Expanding the applications of the combined transverse upper gracilis and profunda artery perforator (TUGPAP) flap for extensive defects.

BACKGROUND: The medial thigh is a well-hidden area. The two most common flaps from this area are the transverse upper gracilis (TUG) and profunda artery perforator (PAP) flaps. Herein, we explored the applications of combined TUGPAP flap to reconstruct large and complex defects in different regions. METHODS: Between November 2015 and May 2017, 28 patients who underwent reconstruction and extensive soft tissue coverage with the TUGPAP flap for the breasts, head and neck, and pelvi-perineal regions were included. The defects size ranged from 22 to 29 × 6-8 cm. All flaps were based on the two pedicles: the medial circumflex femoral artery for TUG flap and the profunda artery perforator for PAP flap. They were each anastomosed to a set of recipient vessels. A "Y"-shaped interposition vein graft (YVG) was used if only one recipient artery was available. RESULTS: The harvested skin paddle had dimensions ranged from 20 to 30 × 6-9 cm and all flaps survived completely. Postoperative complications included one case each of donor and recipient site seroma, and one case of wound dehiscence. They were all successfully managed conservatively. During an average follow-up period of 12.7 months, one patient reported permanent paresthesia in the donor site and another developed hypertrophic scar. All patients were able to resume daily activity without major concerns. CONCLUSION: The combined TUGPAP flap is a safe, effective, and a good alternative to the common workhorse flaps as it offers the potential for a large skin paddle and decent soft tissue volume with low donor site morbidity in a well-concealed area.

Detection of Perforators for Free Flap Planning Using Smartphone Thermal Imaging: A Concordance Study with Computed Tomographic Angiography in 120 Perforators.

Design and preoperative planning of microsurgical flaps are fundamental steps for successful surgery. Currently, computed tomographic angiography is considered the gold standard, and new technologies such as thermography could complement its usefulness. The aim of this study was to determine the concordance between thermographic images obtained with a smartphone thermal camera and computed tomographic angiography for detecting perforators using the anterolateral thigh flap area as a model. A concordance study of diagnostic tests was performed in patients who underwent limb reconstruction in 2016. Perforators identified in thigh computed tomographic angiographic images and hotspots on thermographic images obtained by means of the FLIR ONE smartphone camera were compared based on the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine. The authors studied 20 patients, including 38 anterolateral thigh flap territories in total, and identified 117 perforators by computed tomographic angiography and 120 hotspots by thermography. The average mean distance from the anterior superior iliac spine using these methods was 193.14 mm, and the mean difference in distance was 2.37 mm, with both measurements being obtained within a radius of 20 mm, with a concordance kappa index of 0.975 (p < 0.001). Thermographic imaging presented a sensitivity of 100 percent and a specificity of 98 percent in detecting perforators. Thermographic images obtained with a smartphone thermal camera have a high concordance with the method considered the gold standard for perforator detection. In addition, its sensitivity and specificity are comparable to those of computed tomographic angiography, which makes it a very useful method for mapping perforators in free flap planning. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, II.

101 Consecutive Profunda Artery Perforator Flaps in Breast Reconstruction: Lessons Learned with Our Early Experience.

BACKGROUND: Free and local flaps based on the profunda artery perforators were first used for reconstruction of pressure sores, burn contractures, and extremity wounds. Recently, a revised profunda artery perforator flap was introduced for breast reconstruction. However, despite increasing reports of the use of the flap, it remains a rarely used option. The authors present their early experience with the first 101 profunda artery perforator flaps used for breast reconstruction at their institution. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review of the first 101 profunda artery perforator flaps at their institution. Patient demographics, perioperative data, and postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred one consecutive profunda artery perforator flaps were used to reconstruct 96 breasts in 56 patients. In 42 breasts, the flap was used in conjunction with another flap-with a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (n = 36), a superior gluteal artery perforator flap (n = 1), or as stacked profunda artery perforator flaps (n = 5). Mean flap weight was 425 g (range, 170 to 815 g), and mean patient body mass index was 26.8 kg/m (range, 18.2 to 42.3 kg/m). Complications included total flap loss (2 percent), donor-site cellulitis (5.9 percent), and donor-site wound dehiscence (10.9 percent). CONCLUSIONS: The profunda artery perforator flap is a safe and reliable option for breast reconstruction. Flap size is adequate for breast reconstruction in appropriately selected patients. Furthermore, it can be combined with other flaps when additional volume or skin requirements are present. Flap and donor-site complications are comparable to those of other free tissue breast reconstruction options. It is a clear second option to the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap for autologous tissue reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Surgical management for large chest keloids with internal mammary artery perforator flap.

Therapy for large symptomatic keloids is often plagued with complicated reconstruction manner and recurrence. This article reports a rare treatment combination for a chest keloid with internal mammary artery perforator flap reconstruction and radiation therapy. We excised the keloid and covered the defect with an internal mammary artery perforator flap. Immediate electron-beam irradiation therapy was applied on the second postoperative day. There was no sign of recurrence over the follow-up period of 18 months. The combination of internal mammary artery perforator flap and immediate radiation therapy is useful when faced with chest keloids of similar magnitude and intractability.