Use of anterolateral thigh free flap for reconstruction and salvage of thoracic limb caused by an arteriovenous malformation.

Vascular arteriovenous malformations originate during the early stages of embryonic development and generally grow progressively, especially during adolescence and pregnancy. Limb salvage using microsurgery is presented, in a patient with an arteriovenous malformation who was initially a candidate for limb amputation. En bloc resection of the arteriovenous malformation of all segments with extended brachial approach and the cutaneous component was performed, with an anterolateral thigh free flap for the lateral reconstruction of the hand.

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.

Repair of a complex abdominal wall defect with anterolateral thigh flap: a good surgical alternative.

INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of the abdominal wall with major defects usually represents a surgical challenge, especially in cases where the defects are recurrent and have a large size that avoids the use of adjacent tissues for an adequate closure. According to each region the abdomen topography is divided into three regions: upper, middle and lower. Several reconstructive alternatives have been described according to the affected area of the abdomen that include the separation of the muscularis aponeurotic components of the abdominal rectus sheath, the flap of the rectus abdominus muscle with or without cutaneous island, the flap dependent on the dorsal muscle and muscular or musculocutaneous thigh flaps to reconstruct the lower area of the abdomen which is called anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. The ALT flap has become the best option for large recurrent defects in any of the thirds due to its great versatility. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 50-year-old patient with an abdominal wall defect, loss of domain and exposure of prosthetic material. Patient had a surgical history of open cholecystectomy, necrosectomy due to acute pancreatitis with open abdomen management and attempted repair of the abdominal defect twice with mesh placement. The abdominal wall was reconstructed with an ALT free flap with a fascia lata component with anastomosis to superior epigastric vessels in a successful manner. Nowadays patient remains without evidence of recurrence of the hernia at 1 year follow-up. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The aim of this paper is to illustrate the ALT flap with a fascia lata component anastomosed to the superior epigastric vessels as a good option to reconstruct complex defects of the upper third of the abdomen.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La reconstrucción de la pared abdominal con grandes defectos suele representar un desafío quirúrgico, sobre todo cuando los defectos son recurrentes y tienen un gran tamaño que dificulta la utilización de tejidos adyacentes para un cierre adecuado. La pared abdominal anterior se divide en tres regiones para su reconstrucción; superior, media e inferior. De acuerdo con cada región se han descrito diferentes técnicas de reconstrucción de pared, como la separación de componentes musculoaponeuróticos de la vaina de los rectos abdominales, el colgajo del músculo recto abdominal con o sin isla cutánea, el colgajo dependiente del músculo dorsal ancho y colgajos musculares o músculocutáneos del muslo para reconstruir el tercio inferior del abdomen, llamado colgajo anterolateral de muslo (ALT, por sus siglas en inglés). El ALT se ha convertido en una buena alternativa para los grandes defectos recurrentes en cualquiera de los tercios debido a su gran versatilidad. CASO CLÍNICO: Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 50 años con un defecto de pared abdominal, pérdida de dominio y exposición de material protésico (malla). Tenía el antecedente quirúrgico de colecistectomía abierta, necrosectomía por pancreatitis aguda con manejo de abdomen abierto (incisión en línea media supra-infraumbilical) e intento de reparación del defecto abdominal en dos ocasiones con colocación de malla (que se encontraba expuesta). El defecto existente se desmanteló y resecó en bloque desde el interior de la pared abdominal, dejando bordes aponeuróticos sanos, quitando todo el tejido cicatricial, la malla y los bordes cutáneos enfermos. Se realizó la reconstrucción de la pared abdominal con ALT con un componente de fascia lata con anastomosis a vasos epigástricos superiores, de manera exitosa. Actualmente no hay evidencia de recurrencia del defecto herniario tras 1 año de seguimiento. DISCUSIÓN/CONCLUSIÓN: El objetivo de este trabajo es describir el ALT con componente de fascia lata con anastomosis a los vasos epigástricos superiores como una buena alternativa para reconstruir defectos de pared complejos del tercio superior del abdomen.

Microsurgical reconstruction in limb salvage due to a giant cell tumor of the distal radius. Case report.

The giant cell tumor of bone is one of the most controversial neoplasms due to growth patterns that may present. The case reported shows a very aggressive tumor in a classic location, but key to hand function. Rather than treat with radical surgery, was planned and performed a wide resection with an ulnar-carpus arthrodesis and microsurgical reconstruction of the defect throught an anterolateral thigh flap. The multidisciplinary approach of bone neoplasms produce a positive impact on patients.

El tumor óseo de células gigantes es una de las neoplasias más controversiales debido a los patrones de crecimiento que pueden presentar. El caso reportado muestra un tumor muy agresivo en una localización clásica, pero clave para la función de la mano. En lugar de tratarla mediante cirugía radical, se planeó y realizó una resección amplia con artrodesis cúbito-carpiana y la reconstrucción microquirúrgica del defecto mediante un colgajo anterolateral de muslo. El abordaje multidisciplinario de las neoplasias óseas repercute positivamente en los pacientes.

Microsurgical reconstruction in limb salvage due to a giant cell tumor of the distal radius. Case report / Reconstrucción microquirúrgica de la extremidad asociada a un tumor de células gigantes del extremo distal del radio. Reporte de caso

Abstract: The giant cell tumor of bone is one of the most controversial neoplasms due to growth patterns that may present. The case reported shows a very aggressive tumor in a classic location, but key to hand function. Rather than treat with radical surgery, was planned and performed a wide resection with an ulnar-carpus arthrodesis and microsurgical reconstruction of the defect throught an anterolateral thigh flap. The multidisciplinary approach of bone neoplasms produce a positive impact on patients.

Resumen: El tumor óseo de células gigantes es una de las neoplasias más controversiales debido a los patrones de crecimiento que pueden presentar. El caso reportado muestra un tumor muy agresivo en una localización clásica, pero clave para la función de la mano. En lugar de tratarla mediante cirugía radical, se planeó y realizó una resección amplia con artrodesis cúbito-carpiana y la reconstrucción microquirúrgica del defecto mediante un colgajo anterolateral de muslo. El abordaje multidisciplinario de las neoplasias óseas repercute positivamente en los pacientes.

Experiencia en microcirugia reconstructiva en el Servicio de Cirugía Plástica del Hospital Solca Quito Solón Espinosa Ayala / Experience in reconstructive microsurgery at the Plastic Surgery Service of Solca Quito Hospital Solon Espinosa Ayala

Introducción: la microcirugía desde sus inicios en los años 60s ha tenido un avance importante, ha ganado popularidad y es aceptada en la reconstrucción de tejidos blandos y óseos, ya que se pueden resolver defectos antes imposibles de reconstruir. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo observacional de 161 casos de reconstrucción microquirúrgica en pacientes sometidos a cirugía ablativa por cáncer, en el Hospital Solón Espinosa Ayala "SOLCA" Quito durante el período 2011 y 2016 por un solo cirujano plástico y reconstructivo. Es el primer estudio que analiza el éxito en colgajos microvascularizados con reporte de 161 casos en el Ecuador. Resultados: en un total de 161 pacientes, se realizó 161 reconstrucciones con colgajos microquirúrgicos, encontrando una tasa de éxito del 95,65%, complicaciones mayores en 3,11% y complicaciones menores en 21,74%. Conclusiones: la transferencia de tejido libre ha revolucionado la reconstrucción de defectos complejos de diversa etiología, la tasa presentada de éxito en reconstrucciones microquirúrgicas es similar a las descritas internacionalmente. (AU)

Introduction: Microsurgery since its inception in the 60s has had a major breakthrough, has gained popularity and is accepted in the reconstruction of soft tissue, as can be solved by this technique to reconstruct defects previously impossible. Materials and methods: An observational retrospective study of 161 cases of microsurgical reconstruction was performed mainly in patients undergoing ablative cancer surgery, especially in the Solón Espinosa Ayala Hospital "SOLCA" Quito between the period 2011 and 2016 by a single plastic and reconstructive surgeon it is the first study that analyzes the success in microvascular flaps with report of 161 cases in Ecuador. Results: A total of 161 patients, 161 reconstructions were performed with microsurgical flaps, finding a success rate of 95.65%, major complications in 3.11% and minor complications by 21.74%. Conclusions: free tissue transfer has revolutionized the reconstruction of complex defects of diverse etiology, the success rate in microsurgical reconstructions is not related to increased surgeon experience, but with inherent talent. (AU)

A versatilidade do retalho anterolateral da coxa em reconstruções oncológicas: série de casos do serviço de cirurgia plástica reconstrutora e microcirurgia do hospital Erasto Gaertner / Versatility of the anterolateral thigh flap in oncology reconstructions: case reports of the reconstructive plastic surgery and microsurgery procedures in Erasto Gaertner Hospital

Introdução: Retalho anterolateral da coxa (ALT) foi descrito em 1984, baseado nos vasos perfurantes da artéria circunflexa femoral lateral. Trata-se de um retalho cutâneo, localizado no terço médio da coxa anterior, e lateral aos músculos reto femoral e vasto lateral. A baixa morbidade, relacionada à área doadora, e a possibilidade de utiliza-lo com diversas dimensões o tornam um retalho muito versátil. Objetivo: Apresentar sua versatilidade no serviço de Cirurgia Plástica Reconstrutora e Microcirurgia, do Hospital Erasto Gaertner, através do relato de três casos. Casos: Foram descritos dois casos com utilização do retalho ALT para reconstrução de cabeça e pescoço, e um caso com reconstrução do hemitórax direito.

Introduction: The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap first described in 1984 is based on perforator vessels of the lateral femoral circumflex artery. It is a cutaneous flap located in the middle third of the anterior thigh and lateral to the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis. The low morbidity related to the donor site and its usefulness for different dimensions make it a versatile flap. Objective: This study aimed to present the versatility of the ALT flap in plastic and reconstructive surgeries at the Erasto Gaertner Hospital through a report of three cases. Cases: We describe three cases in which the ALT flap was used for the head and neck, and right hemithorax reconstructions.