The Use of Multispectral Imaging in DIEP Free Flap Perforator Selection: A Case Study.

Perforator selection is of paramount importance when performing a Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap. Technological advancements within imaging modalities have proved invaluable in preoperative planning and intraoperative assessment. Computed tomographic angiography remains the gold standard for preoperative perforator mapping, while color ultrasound Doppler is considered more reliable for determining vessel caliber. Intraoperatively, an imaging modality that provides sequential, real-time assessment of various perforators' supply to the flap would provide helpful insight to determine which perforator will optimize flap viability, especially of the most distal, lateral margins. Multispectral imaging, a variant of near infrared imaging, has emerged as an alternative method to assess tissue viability in the operating room as well as postoperatively. Unlike Spy technology, which is invasive and cost ineffective, the SnapshotNIR (KD203) is a handheld multispectral imaging device utilizing NIR to measure the oxygenation of the hemoglobin in the area to calculate the tissue oxygen content (StO2) displayed in a color image. The following case of a 46-year-old woman undergoing tertiary breast reconstruction for treatment of progressive grade 2 capsular contracture illustrates the utility and ease of KD203 application to intra-operative perforator determination in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap assessment.

Application of Fat Grafting in Cosmetic Breast Surgery.

The role of fat grafting to the breasts has evolved in the recent past, gaining several new applications within both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Initially used for reconstructive purposes to fill lumpectomy defects or to correct residual contour deformities after breast reconstruction, it has since made its way into cosmetic breast surgery and has grown to encompass a wide variety of new indications. Fat grafting in aesthetic breast surgery may be performed as a form of primary autologous breast augmentation or as an adjunct to implant-based breast augmentation to disguise implant edges. It may also be used to provide added volume after explant surgery or to provide improvements in breast contour alongside mastopexy techniques. In this article, we will review the current applications of fat grafting in aesthetic breast surgery and provide an up-to-date summary of its reported outcomes, safety, and complications.

The Role of Fat Grafting in Buttock Augmentation.

Autologous fat grafting is now considered the gold standard for buttock augmentation. Although a variety of techniques are currently being used by surgeons around the world, methods of fat grafting to the buttocks remain unsystematized, poorly understood, and controversial in terms of their safety and efficacy. Nonetheless, buttock augmentation by fat grafting has a satisfaction rate of 97.1%, and its mean complication rate has been estimated to be around 7 to 10%, with serious complications occurring in less than 1% of cases. Fat emboli are one such serious complication, with several reports in the literature discussing morbidity and mortality, specifically with intramuscular injection. With the increasing popularity of fat grafting for buttock augmentation, it is more important than ever to continue researching and learning to safeguard the satisfaction and safety of our patients.

Use of New Technologies in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction.

Outcomes after mastectomy and prosthetic-based breast reconstruction have improved immensely since the development of the first tissue expander and breast implant in the 1960s. One major factor contributing to our improved outcomes over the past two decades is the increasing availability and improvement of perfusion assessment technology. Instrumental methods now exist which allow surgeons to assess tissue viability intraoperatively, and provide actionable, objective data that augments clinical assessment. In this article, the authors detail two commercially available, state-of-the-art technologies that surgeons may use to assist in mastectomy flap assessment and facilitate the reconstructive process.

Treatment of Synchronous Traumatic Perforations of the Trachea and the Esophagus With Two Inferiorly Based Strap Muscle Interposition Flaps: An Innovative Approach.

: Traumatic perforations of the esophagus and trachea are devastating injuries that necessitate prompt treatment. Large defects benefit from coverage with well vascularized tissue. Injuries at the level of the thoracic inlet are more challenging, as the options for local tissue coverage are limited.This report describes the case of a 24-year-old male who suffered gunshot wounds to his neck resulting in right posterolateral tracheal perforation as well as esophageal perforation at the level of the thoracic inlet. Bronchoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed injury of the trachea at 19 cm from the incisors and 2 large defects of the anterior and posterior esophagus at 26 cm. The esophageal defects were temporized with a stent at a first stage. Plastic surgery team was then consulted for flap coverage of the defects.The thoracic team exposed the tracheal and esophageal perforations with a j-type incision of the neck, extending to the sternal notch, and the esophageal stent was removed. The 2 muscles, sternohyoid (SH) and sternothyroid (ST), were dissected free and were inferiorly rotated after they were disinserted superiorly. The SH was placed between the trachea and the esophagus, and the ST between the esophagus and the spine.Postoperative, the patient was receiving nutrition via a gastrostomy tube. An esophagogram was performed on postoperative day (POD) # 7, which showed no esophageal leak. Postoperative diet was started and the patient was discharged on POD# 10 in a good condition. Twelve months postoperative, his wounds were found to be intact, and had no trouble either with breathing or swallowing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: V.

Two-stage Reconstruction of the Large and Ptotic Breasts: Skin Reduction Mastectomy with Prepectoral Device Placement.

Wise pattern skin reduction mastectomy with prepectoral placement of the device is a recent technique for reconstruction in patients with large and ptotic breasts. Expanders in the first stage, followed by implant exchange in the second stage are placed above the pectoralis major muscle, totally covered by acellular dermal matrix and an inferior dermal flap. This technique was performed on 6 breasts in 4 obese patients with macromastia and grade 2 and 3 ptosis. Two patients experienced complications at the T-junction. One patient experienced superficial skin sloughing managed conservatively. The second patient developed full-thickness necrosis treated with excision and primary closure. No implant loss occurred. All patients were exchanged in a second stage to an implant, and 2 of them had symmetry procedures, with good cosmetic results. Larger, long-term studies are required to further characterize results and define the limitations of this newer surgical technique.

Application of Posterior Thigh Three-Dimensional Profunda Artery Perforator Perforasomes in Refining Next-Generation Flap Designs: Transverse, Vertical, and S-Shaped Profunda Artery Perforator Flaps.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to delineate and compare the hot spots and three-dimensional vascular territories of dominant profunda artery perforators in the posterior thigh region, and modifications in flap design are discussed. METHODS: Twenty-nine posterior thigh flaps were raised in fresh cadaveric specimens, and profunda artery perforators were documented. Dominant perforators were injected with iodinated contrast to assess perforasomes using computed tomographic angiography. Analysis with three-dimensional rendering and volume calculations of perfusion patterns was performed. RESULTS: In total, 316 perforators were mapped and 33 perforators were injected for analysis. The hot spot for dominant perforators was the proximal medial quadrant, 5 to 10 cm from the inferior gluteal crease, with two smaller hot spots in the upper lateral and distal posterior midline. Although 69 percent were musculocutaneous, distal perforators were predominantly septocutaneous in the posterior midline, 5 to 8 cm from the popliteal crease. Proximal perforators were classified into first (most proximal) and second perforators, and their median perforasome was 233 and 286.4 cm, respectively (p = 0.86). There were no significant differences between proximal and distal perforators in perforasome surface areas, percentage areas perfused, and perforasome volumes. Large linking vessel networks were attributed to a broader perforasome and greater overlap between adjacent or distal perforators. CONCLUSIONS: Dominant linking vessels and recurrent flow through the subdermal plexus contribute to the robust vascular supply of profunda artery perforator flaps. Posterior thigh region perforator hot spots and their perfusion characteristics can inform the potential limits, orientation, and modifications of flap or skin paddle designs.

Evolving Concepts of Keystone Perforator Island Flaps (KPIF): Principles of Perforator Anatomy, Design Modifications, and Extended Clinical Applications.

BACKGROUND: Keystone flaps have demonstrated growing clinical applications in reconstructive surgery in the past decade. This article highlights flap modifications and their versatility for clinical applications and management of complex defects. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of consecutive patients undergoing keystone flap reconstruction at the authors' institution from January of 2012 to December of 2014. Patient demographics, indications, and operative and postoperative details were abstracted. RESULTS: Forty-two keystone flaps were performed in 36 patients. Indications included malignant melanoma (n = 14), soft-tissue sarcoma (n = 12), benign pathologic conditions (e.g., exposed hardware, enterocutaneous fistula, tissue necrosis) (n = 6), and nonmelanoma skin cancer (n = 4). Twenty-eight percent received neoadjuvant irradiation, and 70 percent of these were for sarcoma. Locoregional adjunct flaps were performed in eight patients. The deep fascia was nearly completely in a circumferential manner in 18 of 36 patients (50 percent), in 92 percent of the sarcoma reconstructions, and located mainly in the lower extremity. Average defect size was 215 cm (range, 4 to 1000 cm). Average defect size was 474 cm and 35.8 cm after sarcoma and malignant melanoma resection, respectively. Average flap size was 344 cm (range, 5 to 1350 cm). Ninety percent of cases had flap sizes exceeding the traditional 1:1 ratio. There was no flap loss or partial necrosis. Mean time to mobilization was 1.8 days, and mean hospital length of stay was 6.8 days. CONCLUSIONS: Keystone flaps offer an excellent versatile tool for reconstructive surgeons. Fundamental principles behind the vascular basis of the keystone flap and its modifications permit their greater utility in complex wounds in the settings of large oncologic resections, irradiation, and trauma. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Endoscopic Browlift in the Receding Hairline Patient.

UNLABELLED: The upper third of the face, composed of the forehead and the brow, is a critical aesthetic subunit. Brow ptosis is a common presenting complaint for patients seeking elective improvement of their facial appearance. Browlift surgery has a long history of technique evolution, with various reported methods and refinements. Since the introduction of the endoscopic brow lifting in the 1990s, it has become widely accepted as an approach to forehead rejuvenation. Endoscopy provides minimal incisions in well hidden areas, avoiding long, visible scars. A great number of patients who seek forehead rejuvenation already have a receding hairline. The patient with a receding hairline has been viewed as an unfavorable candidate for the endoscopic browlift approach. This report describes the case of a 67-year-old man with a receding hairline that was referred for brow ptosis and upper eyelid dermatochalasis. An upper eyelid blepharoplasty and an endoscopic browlift were performed. Incisions were placed in the temporal region bilaterally, as well as a single central incision placed in the anterior hairline. Two small horizontal incisions were placed in forehead crease lines for placement of the anchoring pins. This technique allowed for ease of dissection and resulted in inconspicuous scars. There was no elevation of the hairline; the brow was examined to be at a normal position at the level of the supraorbital rim at 12 months postoperative. The patient was highly satisfied with the operative outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Is the SMAS Flap Facelift Safe? A Comparison of Complications Between the Sub-SMAS Approach Versus the Subcutaneous Approach With or Without SMAS Plication in Aesthetic Rhytidectomy at an Academic Institution.

BACKGROUND: For treating the aging face, a facelift is the surgical standard. A variety of techniques have been described. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the safety of the sub-SMAS facelift compared to the subcutaneous facelift with or without SMAS plication. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients who underwent facelift surgery between 2003 and 2011. Patients included in the study were seeking elective improvement of facial appearance. All charts were reviewed to identify the presence of hematoma, seroma, deep venous thrombosis, skin loss, unfavorable scar, wound infection, or motor and sensory deficit following the operation. The primary outcome was overall complication rate. RESULTS: A total of 229 facelifts were included; 143 patients underwent a subcutaneous facelift with or without SMAS plication and 86 underwent a sub-SMAS facelift. For the subcutaneous facelifts, 88% of the patients were female with a mean age of 62 years. For the sub-SMAS dissections, 88% of the patients were female with a mean age of 59 years. The overall complication rate was 29.4% (n = 42) for patients who underwent a subcutaneous facelift compared to 24.4% (n = 21) for patients with a sub-SMAS facelift (p = 0.4123). Analysis of each individual complication failed to yield any statistically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, sub-SMAS facelift complication rates were not statistically different compared to those of subcutaneous facelift with or without SMAS plication. These data suggest that sub-SMAS dissection can be performed with similar safety compared to the traditional subcutaneous facelift, with the potential additional advantage of the SMAS flap elevation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Patient-specific polyetheretherketone implants for repair of craniofacial defects.

BACKGROUND: Large cranial defects represent reconstructive challenges. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implants are preoperatively tailored to the exact size of the defect and exhibit an excellent combination of strength, durability, and environmental resistance. This study presents our experience with patient-specific PEEK implants with computer modeling. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients who underwent cranioplasty treated by a PEEK implant between 2007 and 2012. Analysis of the preoperative and perioperative data as well as outcome analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients were included. Mean age was 46 years. The indication for cranioplasty was bone flap infection and subsequent removal in 8 patients, traumatic bone loss in 2 patients, and acquired defect due to cancer resection in 1 patient. The mean time to PEEK cranioplasty since the patient's last operation was 16 months. The mean defect size was 74 cm(2). The mean surgical blood loss was 124 mL. The mean length of stay was 3 days. Complications included 1 postoperative bleeding that required reoperation, but the PEEK implant was successfully salvaged. The mean time to follow-up was 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Use of patient-specific PEEK implants is a good alternative for alloplastic cranioplasty. It is associated with low morbidity as reported in our series, with additional advantages including strength, stiffness, durability, and inertness. It would be beneficial to assess the longer-term outcomes; however, it appears at first glance that PEEK implants show great promise in calvarial reconstruction.

Modified aesthetic abdominoplasty approach in perforator free-flap breast reconstruction: Impact of drain free donor site on patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The use of progressive tension sutures alone has been shown to be comparable to using abdominal drains in aesthetic abdominoplasty. This study reviews outcomes with the use of barbed progressive tension suture technique without drains in DIEP donor site closure compared to standard closure with drains. METHODS: A two year retrospective review was conducted of DIEP flap reconstructions in the enhanced recovery program at Mayo Clinic, Rochester (USA). Donor site closure was divided into barbed progressive tension sutures (B-PTS) without drains, and standard abdominal closure with drains(S-AD). Demographics, perioperative data and donor site complications were documented. RESULTS: 93 patients were included in the study, 42 in the B-PTS no drain group and 51 in the S-AD with drains. 81% of all procedures were bilateral and 39% were immediate. Patients were discharged faster to the ward postoperatively and total hospital admission was reduced in the B-PTS group, 3.7 (SD = 1.4) days versus 4.7 (SD = 2.1) days in the standard group (P = 0 < 0.001 and 0.004 respectively). Less morphine was required postoperative day (POD) 1, 2 and 3 (P = 0.04, 0.03, 0.02 respectively), and time to mobilize was quicker but not statistically significant (P = 0.09) in the B-PTS group. Overall there were 18 patients in the S-AD group who had complications versus 9 in the B-PTS group (P = 0.14). The incidence of complications occurring within 30 days were lower in the B-PTS group (P = 0.05). The overall seroma rate was 5.4% and rates in the B-PTS group was 2.4% versus 7.8% in the S-AD group, P = 0.37. CONCLUSIONS: Use of barbed progressive tension sutures for abdominal closure after DIEP flap harvest can obviate the need for abdominal drains, reduce postoperative pain and encourage early discharge from the hospital without an increased risk in complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Body composition analysis in bariatric surgery: use of air displacement plethysmograph.

Body weight, body mass index (BMI), and percent excess weight loss are used to assess patient outcomes after bariatric surgery; however, they provide little insight into the true nature of the patient's weight loss. Body composition measurements monitor fat versus lean mass losses to permit interventions to reduce or avoid lean body mass loss after bariatric surgery. A retrospective review of patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 2002 and 2008 was performed. Patients underwent body composition testing via air displacement plethysmography before and after surgery (6 and 12 months). Body composition changes were assessed and compared with the BMI. Results include 330 patients (54 male, 276 female). Average preoperative weight was 139 kg, BMI was 50 kg/m(2), fat percentage was 55 per cent, and lean mass percent was 45 per cent. Twelve months after surgery average weight was 90 kg, mean BMI was 32 kg/m(2), fat percentage was 38 per cent, and lean mass percent was 62 per cent. Body composition measurements help monitor fat losses versus lean mass gains after bariatric surgery. This may give a better assessment of the patient's health and metabolic state than either BMI or excess weight loss and permits intervention if weight loss results in lean mass losses.

Further reduction of hospital stay for laparoscopic colon resection by modifications of the fast-track care plan.

BACKGROUND: Fast-track surgery has been described as a plan to facilitate early recovery. We present one surgeon's modifications to fast-track surgery for laparoscopic colectomy patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 48 consecutive patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colectomy treated by a modified fast-track plan between 2004 and 2008. Elements included preoperative education, pre-anesthesia dexamethasone, immediate postoperative general diet, no urinary catheter, no epidural anesthesia, and no flatus or bowel movement as a discharge requirement. Data collected included the following: age, sex, body mass index, resection indications, surgical time, blood loss, pain score, time to ambulation, time to bowel function, length of stay, complications, and mortality. RESULTS: The mean length of stay was 37 hours (1.5 d), with 29 of 48 patients discharged without passage of flatus or stool. Only 1 patient required readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Our modified fast-track plan achieved significant improvement in length of stay for laparoscopic colectomy compared with previous results.

Prenatal interventional and postnatal surgical therapy of extralobar pulmonary sequestration.

Extralobar sequestration, a discrete developmental mass of pulmonary parenchyma which is enclosed within a separate pleural envelope and has its own vascular supply, is recently diagnosed prenatally by ultrasonography. We report two male newborn babies, 10 days old, who prenatally underwent amnioperitoneal shunt, pleural drainage and laser ablation of the feeding artery. Both babies underwent thoracotomy on their 10th day of life, removal of the sequestration, ligation of the feeding vessel which remained patent despite laser treatment in the first case and drainage of a large pleural effusion in the second case. Both babies had an uncomplicated course and are well 80 and 48 months after surgery, respectively. Extralobar sequestration should undergo operation as early as possible after birth, even after prenatal laser ablation of the feeding artery, since mortality and morbidity of surgery are extremely low, while newborns are protected from future infections.

The Nicks-Nunez posterior enlargement in the small aortic annulus: immediate-intermediate results.

OBJECTIVES: To avoid prosthesis-patient mismatch, posterior enlargement of the small aortic annulus using the Nicks-Nunez surgical approach was performed in fifteen patients and the immediate-intermediate results are reported retrospectively. METHODS: During the period November 1995 to June 2005, 220 patients underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) for primary aortic stenosis (AS). Fifteen patients (15/220 - 6%), all women, 40-76 years old (mean age 65.8 years) with AS, underwent AVR applying the Nicks-Nunez posterior enlargement of the small aortic annulus with an effective aortic valve area 0.7+/-0.2 cm(2). In addition, mitral valve replacement (MVR) was performed in two patients and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in three (2 grafts/pt). Endarterectomy of the ascending aorta was performed in one patient. With the exception of one patient, mechanical valves were used. In all cases, transesophageal echo (TEE), normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), left ventricular venting, antegrade crystalloid cardioplegic arrest and local myocardial cooling, was used. The defect after the enlargement was closed with autologous pericardium in four and synthetic graft in eleven patients. The follow-up period was 5-120 months (mean 61.5 months). RESULTS: There was no operative or hospital mortality. The length of CPB and aortic crossclamping was increased as well as the duration of mechanical ventilation. In one, out of two patients, in whom the decision for enlargement was delayed, intraaortic balloon pump was used. However, there was no other morbidity and the final length of stay was 7-10 days (same as for routine AVR). One patient died five years later from lung cancer. Serial follow-up transthoracic echoes have shown statistically significant improvements in left ventricular-intraventricular septum thickness (LVIVS) (16.5+/-1.3 mm vs. 14.3+/-1.7 mm, P<0.01), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) (16.7+/-1.4 mm vs. 14.5+/-1.8 mm, P<0.01), left ventricular (LV) mass/g (415+/-33 vs. 388+/-41, P<0.01), peak gradient (98+/-10 mmHg vs. 48+/-7 mmHg, P<0.001) and in mean gradient (58+/-10 mmHg vs. 22+/-8 mmHg, P<0.001). The functional aortic valve orifice postoperatively was 1.4+/-0.5 cm(2). The ejection fraction (EF) and the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate and intermediate results reveal the safety of the procedure and the significant functional and anatomical improvement of the left ventricle. Although the number of patients is small, female patients, small or large, seem to be the usual candidates for this procedure.