Comparative Study of Small Vessel (under 0.8 mm) Anastomosed Free Flap and Larger Vessel (over 0.8 mm) Anastomosed Free Flap; Does Supermicrosurgery Provide Sufficient Blood Flow to the Free Flap?

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to quantify the blood flow of free flaps and compare the blood flow of small vessel (<0.8 mm) and larger vessel (>0.8 mm) anastomosed free flaps. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients treated successfully with a perforator free flap in the lower extremity between June 2015 and March 2017. A color duplex ultrasound system measured the flow volume through the pedicle by analyzing the mean flow peak velocity, flow volume, and flow volume per 100 g of the flap. RESULTS: A total of 69 patients were enrolled in this study. There was no statistical difference in peak velocity between the small vessel anastomosed free flap (25.2 ± 5.6) and larger vessel anastomosed free flap (26.5 ± 5.4). Flow volume (6.8 ± 4.2 vs. 6.3 ± 3.6) and flow volume/100 g (3.6 ± 3.9 vs. 6.2 ± 6.9) also did not show significant differences. CONCLUSION: Small vessel (<0.8 mm) free flaps showed similar flow velocity and flow volume to larger vessel (>0.8 mm) anastomosed free flaps. Blood flow to the small vessel anastomosed free flap was sufficient despite its small vessel size.

Maximizing the Versatility of Thin Flap from the Groin Area as a Workhorse Flap: The Selective Use of Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator (SCIP) Free Flap and Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery (SIEA) Free Flap with Precise Preoperative Planning.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the selective use of the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) and the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap as a workhorse flap from the groin area with precise preoperative surgical planning. METHODS: A total of 79 free flap reconstructions were performed in the study period; 35 SCIP free flaps and 19 SIEA free flaps were performed in the study period. Detailed preoperative surgical planning was performed using computed tomography (CT) angiography and color Doppler ultrasound. Detailed anatomical information of the flaps and reconstructive outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Flap characteristics between SCIP free flaps and SIEA free flaps were similar. The average transverse distance of the perforator from anterior superior iliac spine was 15.91 cm in SCIP free flaps and 43.15 cm in SIEA free flaps. The overall flap success rate was 96.4%. Majority of the patients achieved satisfactory contour without debulking surgery. Donor site morbidity was minimal with one case of wound dehiscence. CONCLUSION: The selective use of the SCIP and SIEA free flap in groin area is a safe and useful technique. The surgical outcomes were reliable and similar between the SCIP and SIEA free flaps. Preoperative vascular planning using CT angiography and color Doppler ultrasound is essential for selecting the proper flap.

Effect of Simvastatin Use in Free Tissue Transfer: An Experimental Study in a Rat Epigastric Free Flap Model.

BACKGROUND: Statins are traditionally used in lowering cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein biosynthesis, but recent reports show their beneficial effect on microcirculation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of simvastatin on the microcirculation and in conjunction with aspirin in a rat free epigastric flap model. METHODS: Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into group A (control, n = 12), group B (simvastatin treated, n = 12), and group C (simvastatin and aspirin, n = 12). Bilateral free epigastric skin flap was used to evaluate the effect. At 48 hours, flaps biopsies were evaluated for inflammatory activity, nitric oxide content, and thrombomodulin regulation in the endothelial lining of microvessels. Flap survival was evaluated on day 7. RESULTS: The diameter of microvessels and nitric oxide activity in groups B and C were significantly higher than in group A (p < 0.005 and 0.015, respectively). The perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrates and intravascular adhesions were predominant in group A compared with groups B and C (p < 0.005). Groups B and C demonstrated significant higher degree of thrombomodulin expression. The flap survival rate on day 7 was 70.8% for group A, and 87.5% and 91.7%, respectively, for groups B and C without significance between the two (p = 0.675). CONCLUSION: Simvastatin significantly improves the free flap survival by effective anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, and anticoagulant activities. Combined therapy did not have an antagonistic effect and further study is needed to see synergistic action through different mechanisms.

Direction of Flap Rotation in Propeller Flaps: Does It Really Matter?

BACKGROUND: This article investigates the effect of 180° rotating propeller flaps and evaluates whether each flap has a "preferable" rotating direction. METHODS: Part 1 evaluates the flap pedicle velocity and flow volume in neutral, 180°counterclockwise, and clockwise rotated position for 29 consecutive flaps. The data (velocity and volume) were divided into three groups: neutral, high value, and low value group then evaluated. Part 2 compares the outcome from the prospective study where a preferable rotation with high value was selected against 29 patients from 2012 to 2016 who had the same operation without selecting a preferable rotation direction. RESULTS: In part 1, the three groups (neutral, high value, and low value groups) showed mean velocity of 28.06 ± 7.94, 31.92 ± 10.22, 24.41 ± 8.12 cm/s, respectively, and mean volume of 6.11 ± 4.95, 6.83 ± 6.69, 4.62 ± 3.55 mL/min, respectively. The mean velocity and volume of the perforator in the high value group were significantly higher than that in the low value group (p = 0.0001). In part 2, although no statistical significance in the outcome was observed, there were two cases of total, two cases of partial flap loss, and three cases of wound dehiscence in the patients where preferable rotations was not selected compared with only two wound dehiscence for flaps with preferable rotation. CONCLUSION: The velocity and flow of the flap are significantly different based on the rotation direction of the flap. Using the preferred rotation direction with statistically higher value of velocity and flow may increase the overall outcome of the propeller flap, especially where larger flaps are used.

Is Early Compression Therapy after Perforator Flap Safe and Reliable?

BACKGROUND: Due to the concern of circulation compromise, many surgeons hesitate to dangle or challenge the flap in the early postoperative phase. In our experience, early compression may have advantages such as collapse of dead space, evacuation of hematoma, reduction of edema, and stabilization of flap when ambulating. In this study, the effect of early compression of flaps with regard to flap physiology and outcome is evaluated. METHODS: From postoperative day 3 to 5, a custom-made compression garment was fitted aiming to compress with a pressure of 30 to 35 mmHg. A total of 52 patients (52 flaps) were enrolled for the study and 48 flaps underwent early compression. The compression was applied not only over the flap but also over the extremity or trunk. The flap outcome as well as flow velocity and flow volume of the pedicle before and after compression was measured and evaluated. RESULTS: There was no flap complication during the early compression and early ambulation. And, there was no statistical difference either in the flow velocity or in the volume before and after the compression therapy (29.21 vs. 29.42 cm/s and 7.13 vs. 6.56 cm3/s, respectively). CONCLUSION: Early compression with a 30-mmHg pressure customized pressure garment after the flap surgery does not affect the hemodynamics of the perforator and can be safely used after extremity reconstruction before ambulation.

Is Reconstruction Preserving the First Ray or First Two Rays Better Than Full Transmetatarsal Amputation in Diabetic Foot?

BACKGROUND: The benefits of total transmetatarsal amputation over higher level amputation are well known. However, there are no studies evaluating the effects of first ray- or first two ray-sparing transmetatarsal amputation with flap coverage. The authors evaluated this approach with regard to functional outcome and to identify long-term complications. METHODS: Retrospective data of 59 patients were evaluated according to their surgical method. Complete transmetatarsal amputation with free flap reconstruction was designated as the transmetatarsal amputation group with 27 patients and first ray- or first two ray-preserving transmetatarsal amputation with free flap reconstruction was designated as the ray group, with 32 patients. Demographics, flap outcomes, additional procedures after initial healing, and functional outcomes were measured and evaluated. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in demographic distribution and flap outcomes in either group, except for poor blood glucose control in the ray group. Additional procedures after initial healing showed no statistical difference, but the tendency of minor procedures was higher in the ray group. The maximum achieved ambulatory function was significantly better in the ray group, with an ambulatory function score of 4.4 compared with 3.7 in the transmetatarsal amputation group (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: The preservation of the first ray or first two rays with free flap reconstruction may functionally benefit the patients despite the higher tendency toward minor procedures after initial healing. Furthermore, the progressive deformity of the preserved first and second toes will inevitably occur, requiring patients to undergo further surgery. Further studies are warranted to evaluate this approach. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Lipo-prostaglandin E1 increases immediate arterial maximal flow velocity of free flap in patients undergoing reconstructive surgery.

BACKGROUND: In free flap surgery, the maintenance of proper blood flow after anastomosis of flap pedicle vessels is important. Lipo-prostaglandin E1 (lipo-PGE1) has been empirically administered to prevent blood flow insufficiency in a free flap reconstruction. We tested our hypothesis that lipo-PGE1 administration increases the arterial inflow of free flap. We also evaluated lipo-PGE1-related haemodynamic changes and complications. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients who underwent free flap reconstruction were analysed. Lipo-PGE1 was administered 10 minutes after the vascular anastomosis of the free flap. The maximal blood flow velocity was measured at the free flap pedicle artery before and 30 minutes after lipo-PGE1 administration using duplex ultrasonography. The primary outcome was the difference in the maximal blood flow velocity before and 30 minutes after lipo-PGE1 administration. The arterial blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, stroke volume variation, and pulse pressure variation were measured simultaneously. Lipo-PGE1-related complications such as hypotension, bradycardia, hypothermia, facial flushing, diarrhoea, apnoea, and seizure were also investigated. RESULTS: The maximal blood flow velocity was significantly increased at 30 minutes after lipo-PGE1 administration compared to the level before lipo-PGE1 administration (mean (standard deviation): 26.3 (8.7) cm/s vs 22.5 (8.0) cm/s, P = 0.002). The haemodynamic variables were not significantly different before and 30 minutes after lipo-PGE1 administration. No lipo-PGE1-related complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Lipo-PGE1 significantly increases the maximal blood flow velocity without complications in patients undergoing free flap reconstruction and may be an effective and safe method of maintaining adequate blood flow in these cases.

Úlceras del pie diabético: importancia del manejo multidisciplinario y salvataje microquirúrgico de la extremidad / Diabetic foot ulcers: importance of a multidisciplinary approach and microsurgical limb rescue

Las úlceras del pie diabético son el principal factor de riesgo para las amputaciones no traumáticas en personas con diabetes. El éxito de la intervención requiere un completo entendimiento de la patogénesis y una implementación oportuna y estandarizada de un tratamiento efectivo. Es necesario un enfoque multidisciplinario para inicialmente controlar y tratar múltiples factores causantes de la ulceración severa del pie diabético. El desbridamiento, control de la infección y revascularización son pasos clave para la estabilización de la herida y su preparación para una reconstrucción exitosa. La microcirugía y supermicrocirugía permite proporcionar un tejido bien vascularizado para controlar la infección, un contorno adecuado para el calzado, durabilidad y anclaje sólido para resistir las fuerzas de cizallamiento durante la marcha. De esta manera, se puede lograr el salvataje de la extremidad, mejorando la calidad de vida y aumentando la sobrevida.

Diabetic foot ulcers are the main risk factor for non-traumatic amputations in people with diabetes. A succesful intervention requires a thorough understanding of the pathogenesis and a timely and standardized implementation of an effective treatment. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to initially control and treat multiple factors that cause severe diabetic foot ulceration. Debridement, infection control, and revascularization are key steps in wound stabilization and preparation for successful reconstruction. Microsurgery and supermicrosurgery provide a well-vascularized tissue to control infection, an adequate shoe contour, durability and solid anchorage to resist shearing forces during gait. In this way, the salvage of the limb can be achieved, improving the quality of life and increasing the survival rate.

Supermicrosurgery: Principles and applications.

Supermicrosurgery is defined as microsurgery in less than 0.8 mm vessels. It is an evolved form of microsurgery but with the same principle: (1) enhanced working environment including microscopes and finer instruments; (2) detailed preoperative evaluation and planning; (3) supermicrosurgical technique; and (4) postoperative care. Supermicrosurgery now provides reconstructive solutions to address lymphedema, distal finger amputations, allows minimal invasive reconstruction using a perforator to perforator approach, and will eventually allow targeted customized reconstruction.

Cumulative Experience in Lymphovenous Anastomosis for Lymphedema Treatment: The Learning Curve Effect on the Overall Outcome.

BACKGROUND: The lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) has become one of the treatment options for lymphedema. However, it is regarded as a difficult surgery that many young microsurgeons are reluctant to try. This report investigates the learning curve in regard to symptom improvement. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis performed in 33 consecutive lymphedema patients (38 extremities) who underwent only LVAs from August 2010 to February 2016. Surgical outcomes in regard to surgeon's experience were evaluated. The surgeons experience was divided into three groups: early group with less than 2 years, moderate with 2 to 4 years, and mature group with more than 4 years of experience. RESULTS: A total of 31 limbs (8/8 in upper extremity and 23/30 in lower extremity) showed improvement. When we compare volume change and recurrence of cellulitis with regard to surgeon's experience, there were no statistically significant differences. However, the mean time per LVA was significantly decreased as the experience increased over time (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: LVA is an effective treatment option to reduce the volume in the affected limb and to improve symptoms involved. Regardless of the number and experience of the surgeons, cellulitis improves significantly after LVA. The experience of the surgeon does not significantly impact the positive outcome while proficiency increases with experience.

Using the Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap to Reconstruct Sacral Sore.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

The Efficacy of Perforator Flaps in the Treatment of Chronic Osteomyelitis.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of chronic osteomyelitis involves aggressive débridement followed by soft-tissue coverage. The dictum of muscle coverage being superior has been challenged by successful reports of coverage with skin flaps. The objective of this article is to evaluate the efficacy of perforator flaps for reconstruction of chronic osteomyelitis defects. METHODS: A retrospective review of 120 patients with chronic osteomyelitis who underwent débridement and reconstruction using perforator flaps from April of 2000 to November of 2015 was conducted. Inclusion criteria were cases with chronic osteomyelitis for a minimum of 6 weeks and with a follow-up of at least 2 years after surgery. Correlation between recurrence and the following factors was analyzed: comorbidities, frequency of débridement, duration of chronic osteomyelitis, limb vascular status, and method of dead space obliteration. The outcomes analyzed were flap loss, recurrence rate, primary remission rate, secondary remission rate, and amputation rate. RESULTS: The flap loss rate was 4.2 percent flap, the recurrence rate was 8.3 percent, the primary remission rate was 91.6 percent, the secondary remission rate was 98.3 percent, and the amputation rate was 1 percent. Significant predictors of recurrence were peripheral vascular disease and major vessel compromise, which had 5.1 times higher odds of recurrence (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Used with adequate débridement, bone reconstruction, and obliteration of dead space, a primary remission rate of 91.6 percent and a secondary remission rate of 98.3 percent were achieved using perforator flap. The predictors of chronic osteomyelitis recurrence were peripheral vascular disease and major vascular compromise. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Free-style Deepithelialized Propeller Flaps: An Ideal Local Flap to Obliterate Wounds with Dead Space.

BACKGROUND: The reconstruction of the posterior trunk, especially with large dead spaces, remains challenging. Regional muscle flaps may lack adequate volume and reach. The purpose of this report was to evaluate the efficacy of deepithelialized free-style perforator-based propeller flaps to obliterate defects with large dead space. METHODS: A total of 7 patients with defects on the posterior trunk with large dead spaces were evaluated. After complete debridement or resection, all flaps were designed on a single perforator adjacent to the defect, deepithelialized, and then rotated in a propeller fashion. Flaps were further modified in some cases such as folding the flap after deepithelialization to increase bulk and to obliterate the dead space. RESULTS: The flap dimension ranged from 10 × 5 × 1 to 15 × 8 × 2.5 cm based on a single perforator. The rotation arch of the flap ranged from 90 to 180 degrees. Uneventful healing was noted in all cases. One case showed latent redness and swelling at 7 months after falling down, which resolved with medication. During the average follow-up of 28 months, there were no other flap and donor site complications. CONCLUSION: The deepithelialized propeller flap can be used efficiently to obliterate dead spaces in the posterior trunk and retains advantages such as having a good vascular supply, adequate bulk, sufficient reach without tension, and minimal donor site morbidity.

A Mobile Application for Wound Assessment and Treatment: Findings of a User Trial.

The D+Wound Solution is a mobile phone application (app) that assists users in the assessment and treatment of the wound. The app has 6 components for assessment: need for debridement, infection control, revascularization, and exudate control; whether it is chronic; and finally, the top surface of the skin. These components are named D.I.R.E.C.T. The app makes you review these components as an algorithm to provide a reasonable solution for dressing. It is designed to understand the status of the wound and provide a practical treatment idea for wound care providers. A total of 118 nurses were divided into 2 groups, designated as experienced and less-experienced groups, and surveyed. Both groups found the app to be helpful in making a treatment plan. However, the less-experienced group found it to be significantly more useful in assessing the wound ( P = .026) but difficult to understand the logic. The experienced group found the logic to be significantly easier to understand ( P = .018) and had significantly higher similarities ( P = .015) in treatment protocols compared with the less-experienced group. We may conclude that this app has a logical algorithm resembling experienced wound caregivers and is more useful in the less-experienced group.

Consideration in lower extremity reconstruction following oncologic surgery: Patient selection, surgical techniques, and outcomes.

The goal for reconstruction following oncologic surgery involves providing adequate coverage allowing subsequent adjuvant therapy, preserving function, and to have a reasonable aesthetic outcome. Patients with soft tissue tumors of the lower extremity have en bloc tumor resections with wide margins for local control followed by reconstruction. This reconstructive algorithm demonstrates survival rates equivalent to amputation, with success approaching 95%. Attempting limb salvage has now become the mainstay standard for reconstructing defects following excision of lower extremity cancers. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:955-961. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.