The conjoined parascapular and latissimus dorsi free flap for reconstruction of extensive knee defects.

BACKGROUND: Extensive soft-tissue defects affecting the knee region pose a significant reconstructive challenge and may require separate or multiple flaps for coverage. We evaluated the conjoined parascapular and latissimus dorsi free flap as an alternative reconstructive option. METHODS: From January 2013 to December 15, 2016 patients (7 female and 8 male) with a mean age of 47.5 years underwent reconstruction of such defects. Causes were trauma (12 cases) and infection (3 cases). The mean defect size was 40.9 × 20.8 cm (range, 21.4×7.3 to 60.1×40.5 cm). The mean defect surface area was 820.0 cm2 (range, 273.2-2,400.4 cm2 ). The conjoined free flap was anastomosed to the femoral vessels in the adductor canal with (3 cases) or without an arterio-venous loop (8 cases), posterior tibial vessels (3 cases), or anterior tibial vessels (1 case). RESULTS: Postoperatively, 10 patients experienced a total of 14 complications, of which 9 (7 patients) were considered major (requiring additional surgery) and 5 (4 patients) minor (conservative treatment). There was no total flap loss. Partial flap loss occurred in 5 patients. Major donor-site complications occurred in 6 patients with impaired wound healing (4 cases), seroma (1 case), and hematoma (1 case). Reconstruction was successful in 14 out of 15 patients during a mean follow-up time of 28.6 months (range, 6.0-52.5 months). Twelve patients were able to walk at the last follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: The conjoined parascapular and latissimus dorsi free flap is a large and reliable flap. It allows for simultaneous 1-stage reconstruction of complex and unusually large soft-tissue defects of the knee region.

Free flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in lower extremity: A meta-analysis on microsurgical outcome and safety.

BACKGROUND: Microsurgical free flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in lower extremity have evolved into a reliable procedure over last decades; however, there lacked high level of evidence. METHODS: A systematic literature research was performed including studies between 2000 and 2014 in English, German, and Chinese (PubMed, EMBASE). Publications were selected applying inclusion/exclusion criteria. Postoperative complications were statistically analyzed with metaprop command of R GUI 3.0.1. RESULTS: Alltogether 30 articles overlooking 1,397 free flaps were included. The rate of total flap loss was 6.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.0%-8.0%, PQ (P values of Q statistics) = 0.03); the thrombosis rate was 6.0% (95% CI = 4.0%-9.0%, PQ = 0.01); the hematoma rate was 4.0% (95% CI = 3.0%-5.0%, PQ = 0.79); the partial necrosis rate was 6.0% (95% CI = 4.0%-10.0%, PQ < 0.01); the early infection rate was 4.0% (95% CI = 2.0%-6.0%, PQ = 0.03), and the dehiscence rate was 3.0% (95% CI = 2.0%-5.0%, PQ = 0.12). Reconstruction for diabetic foot may be not associated with a significant increase of procedural risk (Total flap loss rate = 6%, 95% CI = 3.0%-9.0%, PQ = 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgical reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the lower extremity reconstruction could be regarded safe and reliable. A standardization of report of perioperative parameters and clinical outcomes is needed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:511-524, 2016.

Indocyanine Green Fluorescence for Free-Flap Perfusion Imaging Revisited: Advanced Decision Making by Virtual Perfusion Reality in Visionsense Fusion Imaging Angiography.

BACKGROUND: Near-infrared indocyanine green video angiography (ICG-NIR-VA) has been introduced for free-flap surgery and may provide intraoperative flap designing as well as postoperative monitoring. Nevertheless, the technique has not been established in clinical routine because of controversy over benefits. Improved technical features of the novel Visionsense ICG-NIR-VA surgery system are promising to revisit the field of application. It features a unique real-time fusion image of simultaneous NIR and white light visualization, with highlighted perfusion, including a color-coded perfusion flow scale for optimized anatomical understanding. METHODS: In a feasibility study, the Visionsense ICG-NIR-VA system was applied during 10 free-flap surgeries in 8 patients at our center. Indications included anterior lateral thigh (ALT) flap (n = 4), latissimus dorsi muscle flap (n = 1), tensor fascia latae flap (n = 1), and two bilateral deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps (n = 4). The system was used intraoperatively and postoperatively to investigate its impact on surgical decision making and to observe perfusion patterns correlated to clinical monitoring. RESULTS: Visionsense ICG-NIR-VA aided assessing free-flap design and perfusion patterns in all cases and correlated with clinical observations. Additional interventions were performed in 2 cases (22%). One venous anastomosis was revised, and 1 flap was redesigned. Indicated by ICG-NIR-VA, 1 ALT flap developed partial flap necrosis (11%). CONCLUSIONS: The Visionsense ICG-NIR-VA system allowed a virtual view of flap perfusion anatomy by fusion imaging in real-time. The system improved decision making for flap design and surgical decisions. Clinical and ICG-NIR-VA parameters correlated. Its future implementation may aid in improving outcomes for free-flap surgery, but additional experience is needed to define its final role.

Microcirculatory effects of physostigmine on experimental burn edema.

In order to further understand the role of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, the authors determined the effects of burn plasma from donor rats (DRs) on the microvascular circulation of healthy recipient rats and whether these could be altered by pretreatment with physostigmine (PT). DRs underwent thermal injury (100°C water, 12 seconds, 30% BSA) for positive controls. For negative controls DRs underwent sham burn (same procedure but water at 37°C). DR-plasma (harvested 4 hours posttrauma) was transferred to healthy rats. Bolus injection of PT (70 µg/kg body weight) was performed 15 minutes before starting the infusion of DR-plasma in the study group. Intravital microscopy was performed in mesenteric venules (0/60/120 minutes). Edema was assessed by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-albumin extravasation. Additionally, leukocyte rolling and sticking (cells/mm) as well as hemodynamic parameters were assessed. Burn plasma transfer significantly increases albumin extravasation in healthy individuals when compared with sham-burn treatment. Additional bolus administration of PT (70 µg/kg body weight) to burn plasma treatment reduces plasma extravasation to sham-burn levels. PT also attenuates leukocyte-endothelial interactions. After 120 minutes no significant changes in the systemic circulation (mean arterial pressure, heart rate, wall shear rate) were found between the groups. Burn plasma transfer results in significant increases in plasma extravasation and leukocyte-endothelial wall adherence, which are reversed by pretreatment with PT. These results suggest that the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway may play a role in the microcirculatory response to thermal injury.

Comparison of donor-site morbidity and satisfaction between anterolateral thigh and parascapular free flaps in the same patient.

The purpose of this study was to compare donor-site morbidity after anterolateral thigh (ALT) and parascapular (PS) free flap harvest in the same patient. A total of 13 patients were included in this study. Because of initial flap loss, each patient received ALT as well as PS free flap transplantation. A total of 10 patients were available for follow-up. The average follow-up time was 44.5 months. Besides physical examination, range of motion and scar dimensions were assessed to objectify donor-site deficiencies. The subjective donor-site morbidity was assessed by the patients using a self-report questionnaire. In addition, patients were requested to state their donor-site preference. ALT donor site revealed more sensitivity deficiencies compared with the PS harvest site (8 vs. 4). The latter provoked less functional impairments (1 vs. 2). Scar dimensions were larger at PS harvest site (25.8 × 4.3 cm vs. 23.3 × 3.6 cm). Patients' satisfaction was in favor of the PS donor site (1.9 vs. 2.7). Among the 10 patients, 7 patients preferred the PS and 3 patients preferred the ALT donor site. Comparison of donor-site morbidities in the same patient reveals a valuable tool to diminish individual bias. Despite the low number of cases, we were able to demonstrate the superiority of PS compared with ALT donor sites.The Level of Evidence of the study is III.

Comparison of anterolateral thigh, lateral arm, and parascapular free flaps with regard to donor-site morbidity and aesthetic and functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the morbidity and the aesthetic and functional outcomes of primarily closed donor sites of three commonly used free flaps. METHODS: Sixty patients who had undergone free flap reconstruction (20 anterolateral thigh, 20 parascapular, and 20 lateral arm flaps) were included in this study. The average follow-up time was 50 months (range, 6 to 135 months). Patients assessed subjective donor-site morbidity and satisfaction with the aesthetic and overall functional result using a self-report questionnaire. Outcome measures were the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire; the Lower Extremity Functional Scale; and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire. RESULTS: No significant differences in range of motion or in questionnaire, scale, or survey scores were detected. Sensory disorders were present in 100 percent (lateral arm), 90 percent (anterolateral thigh), and 45 percent (parascapular). No correlation to flap size was detected (187 cm for parascapular and anterolateral thigh, and 70 cm for lateral arm flaps). Postoperative complications were seromas (parascapular, n = 2), hematomas (parascapular, n = 1; lateral arm, n = 2), and dehiscence (n = 4 for each flap). Patient satisfaction with the donor site was rated 2.9 for lateral arm and anterolateral thigh flaps and 2.5 for parascapular flaps (1 = excellent, 6 = poor). Seventy percent of anterolateral thigh, 85 percent of lateral arm, and 100 percent of parascapular flap patients would choose their flap again. CONCLUSION: In terms of reducing donor-site morbidity, the parascapular flap represents a valuable alternative to the anterolateral thigh and lateral arm flaps, but side positioning and increased seroma are drawbacks.

High-dose vitamin C treatment reduces capillary leakage after burn plasma transfer in rats.

Oxidative stress after burn injuries leads to systemic capillary leakage and leukocyte activation. This study evaluates whether antioxidative treatment with high-dose vitamin C leads to burn edema reduction and prevention of leukocyte activation after burn plasma transfer. Donor rats underwent a burn (n = 7; 100 degrees C water, 12 seconds, 30% body surface area) or sham burn (37 degrees C water; n = 2) procedure and were killed after 4 hours for plasma harvest. This plasma was administered to study rats (continuous infusion). Rats were randomized to four groups (n = 8 each; burn plasma alone [BP]; burn plasma/vitamin C-bolus 66 mg/kg and maintenance dose 33 mg/kg/hr [VC66]; burn plasma/vitamin C-bolus 33 mg/kg and maintenance dose 17.5 mg/kg/hr [VC33]; and sham burn plasma [SB]). Intravital fluorescence microscopy in the mesentery was performed at 0, 60, and 120 minutes for microhemodynamic parameters, leukocyte adherence, and fluorescein isothiocyanate-albumin extravasation. No differences were observed in microhemodynamics at any time. Burn plasma induced capillary leakage, which was significantly higher compared with sham burn controls (P < .001). VC66 treatment reduced microvascular barrier dysfunction to sham burn levels, whereas VC33 had no significant effect. Leukocyte sticking increased after burn plasma infusion, which was not found for sham burn. Vitamin C treatment did not influence leukocyte activation (P > .05). Burn plasma transfer leads to systemic capillary leakage. High-dose vitamin C treatment (bolus 66 mg/kg and maintenance dose 33 mg/kg/hr) reduces endothelial damage to sham burn levels, whereas half the dose is inefficient. Leukocyte activation is not influenced by antioxidative treatment. Therefore, capillary leakage seems to be independent from leukocyte-endothelial interactions after burn plasma transfer. High-dose vitamin C should be considered for parenteral treatment in every burn patient.