Survival trends and patient characteristics between 2004 and 2016 for breast cancer in Japan based on the National Clinical Database-Breast Cancer Registry.

This is a prognostic report by the Japanese Breast Cancer Society on breast cancer extracted from the National Clinical Database-Breast Cancer Registry of Japan. Here, we present a summary of 457,878 breast cancer cases registered between 2004 and 2016. The median follow-up duration was 5.6 years. The median age at the start of treatment was 59 years (5-95%: 38-82 years) and increased from 57 years between 2004 and 2008 to 60 years between 2013 and 2016. The proportion of patients with Stage 0-II disease increased from 74.5% to 78.3%. The number of cases with estrogen and progesterone receptor positivity increased from 74.8% to 77.9% and 60.5% to 68.1%, respectively. Regarding (neo-)adjuvant chemotherapy, the taxane (T) or taxane-cyclophosphamide (C) regimen increased by 2.4% to 8.2%, but the (fluorouracil (F)) adriamycin (A)-C-T/(F) epirubicin (E)C-T and (F)AC/(F)EC regimens decreased by 18.6% to 15.2% and 13.5% to 5.0%, respectively. Regarding (neo-)adjuvant anti-human epidermal growth factor-2 (HER2)-targeted therapy, the use of trastuzumab increased from 4.6% to 10.5%. The rate of sentinel lymph node biopsy increased from 37.1% to 60.7%, while that of axillary dissection decreased from 54.5% to 22.6%. Improvements in disease-free and overall survival were observed in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, but there was no apparent trend in patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, or triple-negative breast cancers.

2020 Annual Report of National Clinical Database-Breast Cancer Registry: 10-year mortality of elderly breast cancer patients in Japan.

The Japanese Breast Cancer Society initiated the breast cancer registry in 1975, which transitioned to the National Clinical Database-Breast Cancer Registry in 2012. This annual report presents data from 2020 and analyzes the ten-year mortality rates for those aged 65 and older. We analyzed data from 93,784 breast cancer (BC) cases registered in 2020 and assessed 10-year mortality rates for 36,279 elderly patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2012. In 2020, 99.4% of BC cases were females with a median age of 61. Most (65%) were diagnosed at early stages (Stage 0 or I). Breast-conserving surgery rates varied with stages: 58.5% at cStage I, 30.8% at cStage II, and 13.1% at cStage III. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was done in 73.6% of cases, followed by radiotherapy in 70% of those post-conserving surgery and chemotherapy in 21.1% post-surgery. Pathology showed that 63.4% had tumors under 2.0 cm, 11.7% had pTis tumors, and 77.3% had no axillary lymph node metastasis. ER positivity was seen in 75.1%, HER2 in 14.3%, and 30% had a Ki67 positivity rate above 30%. Across all stages and subtypes, there was a trend where the 10-year mortality rates increased for individuals older than 65 years. In Stage I, many deaths were not directly linked to BC and, for those with HER2-type and triple-negative BC, breast cancer-related deaths increased with age. Within Stage II, patients older than 70 years with luminal-type BC often experienced deaths not directly linked to BC, whereas patients below 80 years with HER2-type and triple-negative BC, likely had breast cancer-related deaths. In Stage III, breast cancer-related deaths were more common, particularly in HER2 and triple-negative BC. Our prognostic analysis underscores distinct mortality patterns by stage, subtype, and age in elderly BC patients. It highlights the importance of personalized treatment strategies, considering subtype-specific aggressiveness, age-related factors, and comorbidities.

Annual report of the Japanese Breast Cancer Registry for 2019.

This is an annual report by the Japanese Breast Cancer Society regarding the clinical data on breast cancer extracted from the National Clinical Database-Breast Cancer Registry (NCD-BCR) of Japan. Here, we present an updated summary of 98,300 breast cancer cases registered in 2019. The median age at cancer diagnosis was 61 years (interquartile range 49-72 years), and 30.6% of the breast cancer patients were premenopausal. Of the 93,840 patients without distant metastases, 14,118 (15.0%) and 42,047 (44.8%) were diagnosed with stage 0 and I disease, respectively. Breast-conserving surgery was performed in 42,080 (44.8%) patients. Regarding axillary procedures, 62,677 (66.8%) and 7371 (7.9%) patients underwent sentinel node biopsy and axillary node dissection after biopsy, respectively. Whole breast irradiation was administered to 29,795 (70.8%) of the 42,080 patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery. Chest wall irradiation was administered to 5524 (11.1%) of the 49,637 patients who underwent mastectomy. Of the 6912 clinically lymph node-negative patients who received preoperative therapy, 5250 (76.0%) and 427 (6.2%) underwent sentinel node biopsy and axillary node dissection after biopsy, respectively; however, 602 (8.7%) patients initially underwent axillary node dissection without biopsy.

Characteristics of female breast cancer in japan: annual report of the National Clinical Database in 2018.

Information regarding patients who were treated for breast cancer in 2018 was extracted from the National Clinical Database (NCD), which is run by Japanese physicians. This database continues from 1975, created by the Japanese Breast Cancer Society (JBCS). A total of 95,620 breast cancer cases were registered. The demographics, clinical characteristics, pathology, surgical treatment, adjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant endocrine therapy, and radiation therapy of Japanese breast cancer patients were summarized. We made comparisons with other reports to reveal the characteristics of our database. We also described some features in Japanese breast cancer that changed over time. The unique characteristics of breast cancer patients in Japan may provide guidance for future research and improvement in healthcare services.

Immediate tendon transfer for functional reconstruction of a dorsal forearm defect after sarcoma resection.

In the treatment of sarcoma, the reconstructive surgeon must consider not only limb salvage but also functional reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate a functional reconstruction of a dorsal forearm defect after sarcoma resection using immediate tendon transfer. Patients who underwent reconstruction of a dorsal forearm defect after sarcoma resection with an immediate tendon transfer between 1997 and 2019 at our hospital were included in this retrospective study. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical characteristics and functional outcomes were examined. Nine patients were included in this study. Tendon transfer of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) or the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) to the extensor digitorum communis (EDC), the brachioradialis (BR) to the EDC, and the palmaris longus (PL) tendon to the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) was performed in seven, two and five patients, respectively. Seven patients underwent reconstruction using a free flap. Neither anastomosis complications nor infections were encountered. Partial flap necrosis and donor site dehiscence were seen in one case each. The mean distal interphalangeal (DIP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint active extension were 4.4°, 6.1° and 11.1° postoperatively. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 26. Immediate tendon transfers of the FCR or the FCU to the EDC and the PL tendon to the EPL can be considered an optimal functional reconstruction of a dorsal forearm defect after sarcoma resection.

Prognostic impact of postoperative radiotherapy in patients with breast cancer and with pT1-2 and 1-3 lymph node metastases: A retrospective cohort study based on the Japanese Breast Cancer Registry.

AIM: Postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) is the standard treatment for locally advanced breast cancer. However, the effectiveness of PMRT in patients with pT1-2 and N1 tumours remains controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prognostic impact of PMRT in patients with breast cancer and with pT1-2 and 1-3 lymph node metastases. METHODS: Using data from the Japanese National Clinical Database from 2004 to 2012, we evaluated the association of PMRT with locoregional recurrence (LRR), any recurrence, and mortality. We enrolled patients who had undergone mastectomy and axillary node dissection and were diagnosed with pT1-2 and N1. We compared clinicopathological factors and prognosis between patients who received (PMRT group) and those who did not receive (No-PMRT group) PMRT. RESULTS: Among 8914 patients enrolled, 492 patients belonged to the PMRT group and 8422 to the No-PMRT group. The median observation time was 6.3 years. There was no significant difference in the incidences of LRR (4.0% versus 5.0%, P = 0.61), recurrence (13.8% versus 11.8%, P = 0.23) and breast cancer death (6.0% versus 4.3%, P = 0.08) at 5 years between the groups. Multivariable analysis revealed that LRR was significantly associated with tumour size, number of node metastases and triple-negative subtype but not with PMRT. CONCLUSIONS: The LRR rate in the No-PMRT group was 5.0% at 5 years among patients with T1-2 and N1. PMRT did not significantly influence LRR in patients with T1-2 and N1. However, PMRT administration should be tailored considering the individual risks of tumour size, 3 node metastases and triple-negative subtype.

Clinicopathological features of male patients with breast cancer based on a nationwide registry database in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Male breast cancer (MBC) is rare; however, its incidence is increasing. There have been no large-scale reports on the clinicopathological characteristics of MBC in Japan. METHODS: We investigated patients diagnosed with breast cancer in the Japanese National Clinical Database (NCD) between January 2012 and December 2018. RESULTS: A total of 594,316 cases of breast cancer, including 3780 MBC (0.6%) and 590,536 female breast cancer (FBC) (99.4%), were evaluated. The median age at MBC and FBC diagnosis was 71 (45-86, 5-95%) and 60 years (39-83) (p < 0.001), respectively. MBC cases had a higher clinical stage than FBC cases: 7.4 vs. 13.3% stage 0, 37.2 vs. 44.3% stage I, 25.6 vs. 23.9% stage IIA, 8.8 vs. 8.4% stage IIB, 1.9 vs. 2.4% stage IIIA, 10.1 vs. 3.3% stage IIIB, and 1.1 vs. 1.3% stage IIIC (p < 0.001). Breast-conserving surgery was more frequent in FBC (14.6 vs. 46.7%, p = 0.02). Axillary lymph node dissection was more frequent in MBC cases (32.9 vs. 25.2%, p < 0.001). Estrogen receptor(ER)-positive disease was observed in 95.6% of MBC and 85.3% of FBC cases (p < 0.001). The HER2-positive disease rates were 9.5% and 15.7%, respectively (p < 0.001). Comorbidities were more frequent in MBC (57.3 vs. 32.8%) (p < 0.001). Chemotherapy was less common in MBC, while endocrine therapy use was similar in ER-positive MBC and FBC. Perioperative radiation therapy was performed in 14.3% and 44.3% of cases. CONCLUSION: Japanese MBC had an older age of onset, were more likely to be hormone receptor-positive disease, and received less perioperative chemotherapy than FBC.

Breast Shape Evaluation After Free Flap Breast Reconstruction After More Than 10 Years Follow-up Using 3-Dimensional Imaging Device.

BACKGROUND: Breast reconstruction using autologous tissue has been widely performed, and its safety and usefulness have been reported. However, there are few reports on the long-term morphological evaluation of autologous breast reconstruction cases. We evaluated long-term change of breast shape using Vectra, a 3-dimensional imaging device, for breast reconstruction cases with more than 10 years of follow-up. METHODS: The subjects had undergone autologous tissue breast reconstruction between 2007 and 2009. Sixteen deep inferior epigastric perforator flap cases were included in this study. For each patient, 4 items were measured as indicators: breast width, distance from the sternal notch to the nipple, distance from the nipple to the inframammary fold, and breast volume. The ratio of reconstructed breast to healthy breast was calculated for these 4 items. RESULTS: The long-term average ratio of breast width was 0.99, that of distance from the sternal notch to the nipple was 0.98, that of distance from the nipple to the inframammary fold was 0.94, and that of breast volume was 1.13. We evaluated the influence of body mass index and age at the time of the primary reconstructive surgery, but there was no significant difference in 2 body mass index groups (obese and nonobese groups) and 2 age groups (less than and more than 50 years old). CONCLUSION: We assumed that the balance between the reconstructed breast and the contralateral native breast would become worse over time because of breast sagging and changes in breast elasticity. According to our study, the shape balance of left and right breasts was maintained over time. Limitation of this study is the fact that more than half of the cases included in this study had undergone small to moderate revision surgery during the course of follow-up.

Application of intraoperative indocyanine green angiography for detecting flap congestion in the use of free deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps for breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The use of intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) angiography has been well documented for confirmation of arterial perfusion in transferred free flaps. However, no previous report has yet focused on whether ICG angiography can be used to detect congestion in free flaps. The present report investigates the feasibility of ICG angiography for detecting flap congestion intraoperatively through illustrative cases. METHODS: From September 2019 to September 2020, 65 consecutive female patients who underwent breast reconstructions using a free deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap were enrolled in this study. Forty-eight patients with 52 DIEP flaps were eligible for the study after application of the exclusion criteria. ICG angiography was performed after elevation of the flap, after completion of the anastomoses, and after inset of the flap. RESULTS: In five cases (9.6%), an inadequate highlight was demonstrated with ICG angiography performed after flap elevation. All such cases were deemed congestive since robust bleeding was observed with the prick test. ICG angiography demonstrated sufficient highlight of the flap after removal of the clamp on the superficial inferior epigastric vein. In two cases (4.2%), kinking of the pedicle vein of the DIEP flap was found with ICG angiography performed after inset of the flap. In both cases, the pedicle and the flap were reinset. All flaps survived completely postoperatively. CONCLUSION: ICG angiography can detect flap congestion, and the proposed 3-step protocol is useful for the prevention of postoperative complications.

Use of the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap for reconstruction after sarcoma resection.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications after flap-coverage in sarcoma treatment can postpone postoperative adjunct treatments. Here, we present our experience with the use of the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap after sarcoma resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing immediate reconstruction surgery with a flap after sarcoma resection at a single institution from February 2017 to April 2020 were identified. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical characteristics, and complications were examined. RESULTS: Thirty-five consecutive patients underwent reconstructions using a SCIP flap (34 free and one pedicled SCIP flaps). We also identified 47 consecutive patients who underwent reconstruction with other pedicled or free flaps over the same time period. No significant differences were found in patient age, gender, defect size, or operative time between these two groups. The incidences of overall complications (20/47 [42.6%] vs. 3/35 [8.5%], p < .001), flap dehiscence (7/47 [14.8%] vs. 0/35 [0%], p = .018), and total flap complications (15/47 [31.9%] vs. 2/35 [5.7%], p = .005) were statistically greater in the control group than in the SCIP group. CONCLUSION: With its minimal postoperative complication rate both in the reconstruction site and the donor site, the SCIP flap can be considered an optimal reconstruction option after sarcoma resection.

Triple-lobe combined latissimus dorsi and scapular flap for reconstruction of a large defect after sarcoma resection.

BACKGROUND: In the setting of the reconstruction for a large defect, we must make the maximum use of the limited human tissue with the minimum damage. In this article, we report on reconstruction using a combination of three-skin paddle latissimus dorsi and a scapular flap for a large defect after soft tissue sarcoma resection to minimize donor site morbidity. METHODS: From 2000 to 2012, six patients underwent primary reconstruction using free or pedicled triple-lobe combined latissimus dorsi and scapular flap after wide resection of soft tissue sarcoma. There were five male patient and one female, and their average age was 66.8 (range, 49-80 years). The location of the defects was the thoracic wall in three, the thigh in one, the knee in one, and the shoulder in one. The average size of the defect was 18.8 × 13.9 cm. RESULTS: The average size of the ascending scapular flap and the skin paddle of the latissimus dorsi flap was 6.8 × 13 cm and 7.3 × 14.7 cm. One patient had partial necrosis of the skin paddle of the latissimus dorsi flap, which was treated conservatively. The triple-lobe combined latissimus dorsi and scapular flaps survived completely in five cases. Neither anastomosis complications nor infections were encountered. The average follow-up period was 63.67 months. All patients were satisfied functionally and esthetically with the reconstruction outcomes at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the triple-lobe combined latissimus dorsi and scapular flap is one of the options for reconstruction of a large defect after sarcoma resection to minimize donor site morbidity.

Annual report of the Japanese Breast Cancer Registry for 2017.

BACKGROUND: The Japanese Breast Cancer Society Registry started in 1975; it was transferred to the registry platform of the National Clinical Database in 2012. We provide the annual data and an analysis of the Breast Cancer Registry for 2017. METHODS: Patients' characteristics and pathological data of the 95,203 registered Japanese breast cancer patients from 1,427 institutes in 2017 were obtained. Trends in age at diagnosis and pathological stage were determined during the most recent 6 years (2012-2017). RESULTS: The mean onset age was 60.2 years with bimodal peaks at 45-49 years and 65-69 years. A short-term trend of the most recent 6 years of data caused the second, older peak. At diagnosis, 32.4% of breast cancer patients were premenopausal. The distribution of stages revealed that the proportion of early stage breast cancer (stage 0-I) increased up to 60%. At the initial diagnosis, 2.2% of patients presented with metastatic disease. Sentinel node biopsy without axillary node dissection was performed without neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in 68.8%, and with NAC in 31.1%, of patients. For patients without NAC, lymph node metastasis was less than 3% if the tumor size was less than 1 cm. The proportion of node-negativity decreased to 79.5% when tumor size was 2.1-5 cm. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of the registry provides new information for effective treatment in clinical practice, cancer prevention, and the conduct of clinical trials. Further development of the registry and progress in collecting prognostic data will greatly enhance its scientific value.

An anatomical study of the lymph-collecting vessels of the medial thigh and clinical applications of lymphatic vessels preserving profunda femoris artery perforator (LpPAP) flap using pre- and intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The profunda femoris artery perforator (PAP) flap is gaining popularity in microsurgical reconstruction. The complications that can occur after the PAP flap harvest include donor-site lymphedema, seroma, or cellulitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate and establish a safer technique for the elevation of lymphatic vessels preserving profunda femoris artery perforator (LpPAP) flap using pre- and intraoperative ICG lymphography. In this article, we also evaluate the anatomical relationship between the PAP flap and lymph-collecting vessels. METHODS: From July of 2018 to January of 2019, 24 patients with soft tissue defects after tumor resection underwent reconstruction using PAP flaps. The lymph-collecting vessels at the medial thigh area were identified using pre- and intraoperative ICG lymphography. A PAP flap was elevated taking care not to damage lymph-collecting vessels. After flap elevation, the anatomical correlation between lymph-collecting vessels and the anterior edge of the gracilis muscle was measured. The postoperative complications were assessed. RESULTS: PAP flaps survived completely in all cases. In all cases, using intraoperative ICG lymphography, surgeons confirmed that the lymph-collecting vessels in the medial thigh region were left intact. There were no donor site complications such as lymphedema, lymphorrhea, or cellulitis. CONCLUSION: The elevation technique of an LpPAP flap is effective in reducing the risk of damage to lymph-collecting vessels, and thus reducing chances of postoperative lymphorrhea or iatrogenic lower limb lymphedema.

The Reconstruction after a Giant Phyllodes Tumor Resection Using a DIEP Flap.

A phyllodes tumor of the breast is a rare neoplasm, accounting for 0.3%-1% of all breast cancers. The size is 4-5 cm on average but sometimes the tumor grows more and involves the entire breast. As for treatment, complete surgical resection is the standard for localized breast phyllodes tumors. The reconstruction of a large defect is challenging. Herein, we present a case where a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap was used in breast reconstruction for a 48-year-old woman who was suffering from a giant phyllodes tumor. Immediate reconstruction was performed after tumor excision; the specimen weighed 4,230 g and the skin defect was 22 × 24 cm. The deep inferior epigastric artery and vein were anastomosed to the right internal mammary artery and vein, and the superficial inferior epigastric vein was anastomosed to the right lateral thoracic vein. The postoperative course was uneventful and the DIEP flap survived completely. In the setting of the reconstruction for a large defect, we must make maximum use of the limited human tissue available and ensure minimum damage, while also considering the functional and aesthetic outcome of the donor site. Various ideas and technologies have been reported that can assist in achieving this goal, but few reports have commented especially on the reconstruction of giant phyllodes tumor using autologous tissues. There were some other options for the way of the reconstruction such as a latissimus dorsi flap and a rectus abdominis flap. Compared with these approaches, using a DIEP flap has some disadvantages such as the need for the microsurgical skill and the risk of postoperative hernia. However, a DIEP flap provides the enough tissue to cover the large defect without any damage of the muscle. To our knowledge, this case was the largest phyllodes tumor reconstruction ever, in terms of the amount of the skin needed and resected tissue involved. Although more studies and longer follow-up will be required in the future, this case may show the usefulness of DIEP flaps for reconstruction of a giant phyllodes tumor.

Annual report of the Japanese Breast Cancer Society registry for 2016.

The Japanese Breast Cancer Society (JBCS) registry began data collection in 1975, and it was integrated into National Clinical Database in 2012. As of 2016, the JBCS registry contains records of 656,896 breast cancer patients from more than 1400 hospitals throughout Japan. In the 2016 registration, the number of institutes involved was 1422, and the total number of patients was 95,870. We herein present the summary of the annual data of the JBCS registry collected in 2016. We analyzed the demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics of registered breast cancer patients from various angles. Especially, we examined the registrations on family history, menstruation, onset age, body mass index according to age, nodal status based on tumor size and subtype, and proportion based on ER, PgR, and HER2 status. This report based on the JBCS registry would support clinical management for breast cancer patients and clinical study in the near future.

Use of the Profunda Femoris Artery Perforator Flap for Reconstruction after Sarcoma Resection.

Soft tissue sarcomas are rare neoplasms that can occur on any part of the body. The operative position for the resection is determined depending on the site of the soft tissue sarcomas; intraoperative repositioning may be needed for reconstruction. We present the profunda femoris artery perforator (PAP) flap harvest technique (wherein the flap can be used in any position), and suggest that the PAP flap transfer can eliminate the need for intraoperative repositioning. METHODS: From December 2018 to January 2020, 7 patients with an average age of 68 years underwent reconstructions using a PAP flap after wide resection of STS. The mean defect size was 11.3 × 16.5 cm (range, 5.5-25 × 11-26 cm). The location of the defects was the medial thigh in 2 patients, the posterior thigh in 1, the popliteal fossa in 1, the groin in 1, and the buttock in 2. The PAP flap was elevated in the supine "frog-leg" position, the prone position, the jack-knife position, or the lateral "crisscross" position; the lateral decubitus position with the donor lower extremity on the bottom. RESULTS: Of the 7 cases, the operations were performed in the supine "frog-leg" position in 3 cases, the prone position in 2 cases, the jack-knife position in 1 case, and the lateral "crisscross" position in 1 case. There were no intraoperative position changes in all cases. The mean size of the PAP flap was 8.7 × 19.9 cm (range, 6-11 × 17-24 cm). One patient had donor site dehiscence, which was treated conservatively. The PAP flaps survived completely in all cases. The mean follow-up period was 10.5 months (range, 6-17 months). CONCLUSION: Since the PAP flap elevation is feasible in every position, the PAP flap can be considered a versatile reconstruction option after sarcoma resection.

The correlation of the perforators and the accessory saphenous vein in a profunda femoris artery perforator flap for additional venous anastomosis: A cadaveric study and clinical application.

BACKGROUND: The profunda femoris artery perforator (PAP) flap is gaining popularity in microsurgical reconstruction. To establish a safer flap elevation technique, we focused on the topology of the accessory saphenous vein in the medial thigh area. We hypothesize that including the accessory saphenous vein in a PAP flap results in safer PAP flap transfer with two venous drainage systems. The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical relationship between the perforators and the accessory saphenous vein in the PAP flap using fresh cadavers and to describe the relationship through two clinical cases. METHODS: For the anatomical study, 19 posterior medial thigh regions from 10 fresh cadavers were dissected. We recorded the number, site of origin, the length, and the diameter of the pedicle. We also documented the course, the length, and the diameter of the accessory saphenous vein. PAP flap transfer with additional accessory saphenous vein anastomosis was performed in two clinical cases; a 40-year-old female with tongue cancer and a 51-year-old female with breast cancer. RESULTS: In all cadaveric specimens, the accessory saphenous vein was found above the deep fascia. The average distance between the proximal thigh crease and the intersection of the anterior edge of the gracilis muscle and the accessory saphenous vein was 7.7 ± 2.5 cm. The diameter of the accessory saphenous vein averaged 3.1 ± 1.1 mm. The average accessory saphenous vein length from its takeoff from the great saphenous vein to the anterior edge of the gracilis muscle was 4.2 ± 1.3 cm. In clinical cases, the flap size was 6 x 18 cm and 8 x 21 cm and the follow-up length was 12 and 3 months, respectively. In both cases, the postoperative course was uneventful and the flap survived completely. CONCLUSION: Anatomical study confirmed that the accessory saphenous vein did exist in all specimens and it could be included in the PAP flap with sufficient length and relatively large diameter. Although further clinical investigation will be required to confirm its efficacy, a PAP flap including the accessory saphenous vein may decrease the chances of flap congestion.

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.