Encountering the corona mortis vessel during laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal mesh hernioplasty and its significance.

Corona mortis (CM) is an anastomotic vessel between the inferior epigastric or external iliac vessels and the obturator or internal iliac vessels. The Latin meaning of it is 'crown of death' which corresponds to massive haemorrhage caused by injury to this vessel during surgery. The incidence of this vessel is around 50% in the hemipelvis. We are presenting an intraoperative video of a right laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal mesh hernioplasty demonstrating a CM artery in the right hemipelvis. Care was taken to prevent injury to this vessel. CO2 insufflation pressure was reduced to less than 10 mm Hg to see any venous variant of this vessel. Carefully, polypropylene mesh was placed without a fixation device. Anatomical knowledge of the CM vessel is therefore essential in preventing injury for surgeons who approach the inguinal and retropubic regions.

Thin Profunda Artery Perforator Flap for Hand and Upper Extremity Coverage.

The profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap provides a good option for hand and upper extremity reconstruction. The reliable quality, caliber, and number of perforators in the posteromedial thigh support large flaps with long pedicles. The PAP flap has been widely used for breast reconstruction, although its use in the extremities has been slower to catch on due to the bulk and thickness of the subcutaneous tissue. The authors discuss evolution of thin flaps and our application of the thin and superthin PAP flap for upper extremity reconstruction.

Evolution and Diversity of Medial Sural Artery Perforator Flap for Hand Reconstruction.

The free medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap is a recently popularized flap. It has evolved from a composite myocutaneous flap to a pedicled perforator flap for lower limb reconstruction. It is also a versatile free perforator flap for extremity and head and neck reconstruction. The diversity of the flap designs with options for harvest of non-vascularized grafts enhances the versatility for hand and upper limb reconstruction. The adjunctive use of endoscopy and indocyanine green fluorescence imaging studies can assist and demystify the flap anatomy. The authors present their experience using free MSAP flaps for complex mutilated hand and upper extremity reconstruction.

"Extra-anatomical Pedicle Rerouting" An alternative technique to obtain new recipient vessels for microsurgical reconstruction in unfavorable clinical situations.

BACKGROUND: Lack of adequate recipient vessels in certain anatomically unfavorable locations or in complex clinical situations is still a limitation to successful microsurgical transfer. To address such complex cases, advanced microsurgical techniques should be applied. In this paper, the authors describe their experience with the Extra-anatomical Pedicle Rerouting (EPR) technique, an alternative approach that was used in selected cases throughout the body to obtain healthy recipient vessels for microsurgical reconstruction in unfavorable clinical situations where suitable recipient vessels were difficult to find. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with defects of variable etiology (oncological resection, trauma, previous surgeries) located in the trunk or upper and lower extremities received EPR free flap reconstruction at our Institution. Operative data, postoperative course, and complications were recorded. Clinical and photographic follow-ups were also documented. RESULTS: A total of 15 flaps (6 antero-lateral thigh (ALT), 6 latissimus dorsi/thoracodorsal artery perforator flap (LD/TDAP), 3 deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (DIEP)) were transferred adopting the EPR technique for oncological (11) and post-traumatic (4) defects. According to the different clinical scenarios, the rerouted vessels were the thoraco-acromial, posterior circumflex humeral, thoracodorsal, deep inferior epigastric, lateral circumflex femoral, anterior tibial, and medial sural pedicles. Mean length of the rerouted vascular conduits was 6.53 cm. Mean operative time was 420 minutes. No major complications were registered. Minor wound dehiscence was observed and managed conservatively in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The EPR technique proved to be useful in a reliable and reproducible manner in different regions of the body as an alternative solution to obtain healthy recipient vessels in anatomically and surgically unfavorable clinical situations.

Analysis of Operation Duration in Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Free-Flap Surgery of the Lower Extremities.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study aimed to identify the factors that affect the duration of thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) free-flap surgery and to offer strategies for optimizing the surgical procedure. METHODS: We analyzed 80 TDAP flap surgeries performed by a single surgeon between January 2020 and December 2022, specifically focusing on free flaps used for lower-extremity defects with single-artery and single-vein anastomosis. The operation duration was defined as the time between the surgeon's initial incision and completion of reconstruction. Linear regression analyses were conducted to identify the factors affecting operation duration. RESULTS: The average operative duration was 149 minutes (range, 80-245 minutes). All flaps survived, although 8 patients experienced partial flap loss. The operative duration decreased with increasing patient age and when end-to-end arterial anastomosis was performed. However, the risk increased with larger flap sizes and in patients with end-stage renal disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified several factors and methods that could accelerate TDAP free-flap procedures. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing surgical processes and improving overall surgical outcomes. Although further research is needed to confirm and expand upon these findings, our study provides important guidance for surgeons in developing effective strategies for TDAP flap surgery.

Open versus endovascular repair of penetrating non-aortic arterial injuries: A systematic review and meta analysis.

BACKGROUND: Non-aortic arterial injuries are common and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Historically, open surgical repair (OSR) was the conventional method of repair. With recent advancements in minimally invasive techniques, endovascular repair (ER) has gained popularity. We sought to compare outcomes in patients undergoing endovascular and open repairs of traumatic non-aortic penetrating arterial injuries. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using MEDLINE (OVID), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus Database from January 1st, 1990, to March 20th, 2023. Titles and abstracts were screened, followed by full text review. Articles assessing clinically important outcomes between OSR and ER in penetrating arterial injuries were included. Exclusion criteria included blunt injuries, aortic injuries, pediatric populations, review articles, and non-English articles. Odds ratios (OR) and Cohen's d ratios were used to quantify differences in morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 3770 articles were identified, of which 8 met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The articles comprised a total of 8369 patients of whom 90 % were male with a median age of 28 years. 85 % of patients were treated with OSR while 15 % underwent ER. With regards to injury characteristics, those who underwent ER were less likely to present with concurrent venous injuries (OR: 0.41; 95 %CI: 0.18, 0.94; p = 0.03). Regarding hospital outcomes, patients who underwent ER had a lower likelihood of in-hospital or 30-day mortality (OR: 0.72; 95 %CI: 0.55, 0.95; p = 0.02) and compartment syndrome (OR: 0.29, 95 %CI: 0.12, 0.71; p = 0.007). The overall risk of bias was moderate. CONCLUSION: Endovascular repair of non-aortic penetrating arterial injuries is increasingly common, however open repair remains the most common approach. Compared to ER, OSR was associated with higher odds of compartment syndrome and mortality. Further prospective research is warranted to determine the patient populations and injury patterns that most significantly benefit from an endovascular approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses.

The sucker-like end-to-side arterial anastomosis for free flap in extremities reconstruction: a retrospective study of 78 cases.

BACKGROUND: The application of end-to-side (ETS) anastomosis for flap transfer poses challenges, particularly in cases of significant size discrepancy between the donor and flap arteries. Herein, a novel ETS anastomosis technique, termed "sucker-like ETS anastomosis", is developed to mitigate and rectify such vessel discrepancies. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of this technique in tissue defect reconstruction through free flap transfer. METHODS: Between September 2018 and March 2023, the medical records and follow-up data of 78 patients who underwent free flap transfer using sucker-like ETS anastomosis for significant artery size discrepancies were collected and retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 78 cases that received free flap transfer, the range of artery size discrepancy (flap artery vs donor artery) was 1:1.6-1:4 (mean: 1:2.5). Following anastomosis with the sucker-like ETS technique, 75 cases achieved flap survival without requiring additional surgical intervention, yielding a one-stage success rate of 96.2%. Three cases experienced post-operative venous crises, with two cases surviving after vein exploration and one case undergoing flap necrosis, necessitating a secondary skin graft. Seven cases faced delayed wound healing but eventually achieved complete healing following dressing changes. No arterial crisis was observed during hospitalization. With an average follow-up of 13 months, the surviving flaps exhibited excellent vitality without flap necrosis or pigment deposition. Overall, the application of sucker-like ETS arterial anastomosis for flap transfer resulted in a high overall surgical success rate of 98.7% (77/78). CONCLUSION: The application of sucker-like ETS anastomosis for free flap transfer is highly effective, particularly in cases with significant size discrepancy between the recipient and donor arteries.

Comparison treatment of medium-sized volar fingertips defects with modified triangular neurovascular unilateral advancement flap versus digital artery dorsal perforator flap.

PURPOSE: The reconstruction of medium-sized soft tissue defects of the fingertip remains a challenge for hand surgeons. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of modified triangular neurovascular unilateral advancement flap and digital artery dorsal perforator flap in the treatment of this injury. METHODS: From May 2018 to May 2022, 70 patients with medium-sized volar soft tissue defects were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups based on the flap type: modified triangular neurovascular unilateral advancement flap (Group A) and digital artery dorsal perforator flap (Group B). The debridement times, defect size, operation time, and flap survival rate were recorded. At follow-up, hand function, aesthetics, and complications were evaluated. Function was evaluated using the TAM score. The aesthetics of the reconstructed and donor sites were assessed using the vancouver scar scale (VSS). The static two-point discrimination of the finger pulp served as a measure of tactile agnosia. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients were lost to follow-up for various reasons, resulting in 30 cases remaining in each group. The general information of the two groups showed no significant differences in age, sex, injury side, cause of injury, time from injury to surgery, and operation time (P > 0.05). Additionally, the debridement times and size of the defect were similar between the groups (P > 0.05). However, the operation time was significantly shorter in Group A compared to Group B (P = 0.001). With regard to complications, there was no significant difference between them. At one-month follow-up, TAM scores indicated that Group B performed significantly better than Group A. However, at the final follow-up period, there was no significant difference in TAM scores between the two groups. When considering the VSS, significant differences were observed between the two groups in both the reconstructed site and donor site. CONCLUSION: Both flaps can effectively repair medium-sized fingertip defects. Furthermore, the modified triangular neurovascular unilateral advancement flap offers anatomical reconstruction possibilities, ensuring satisfactory sensation and cosmetic contour.

Preserving the left colonic artery in radical sigmoid and rectal cancer surgery is feasible: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the safety and feasibility of preserving left colonic artery (LCA) in radical sigmoid and rectal cancer surgery. METHODS: Relevant articles were systematically searched on the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Handbook. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the surgical outcomes and oncological outcomes by RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS: Fifteen studies with a total of 5054 patients, including 2432 patients with LCA preservation and 2622 patients without LCA preservation, were included and analyzed in this study. The meta-analysis revealed that preserving LCA in radical surgery of sigmoid and rectal cancer has lower anastomotic leakage incidence (OR = 1.03, 95% confidence interval = 0.83-1.27, P < .0001). There were no significant differences in the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, number of dissected lymph nodes, postoperative complications as well as the oncological outcomes including systemic recurrence, local recurrence, 5-year overall survival rate, and 5-year disease-free survival rate. CONCLUSION SUBSECTIONS: This pooled analysis showed that preserving the LCA is safe and feasible in radical sigmoid and rectal cancer surgery.

Pedicled double-paddle conjoined medial sural artery perforator flap for popliteal defect coverage after skin tumor excision: A case report.

Defect coverage in the popliteal region represents a challenging task because of its peculiar features. The tissue here has to be thin and pliable, to enable proper function, but also resistant to the high stress forces typical of this region. In addition, the adjacent skin is limited in availability and mobility. Therefore, complex reconstruction procedures are usually required to cover defects in the popliteal region. The medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap is a thin and pliable flap, with a long arc of rotation provided by its pedicle length, which makes it a suitable procedure for local and regional defects reconstruction. In the present work, we report the use of a pedicled double-paddle conjoined MSAP flap to reconstruct a 7 cm × 7 cm soft tissue defect after resection of a basal cell carcinoma in the popliteal fossa. The MSAP flap was based on two perforators of the medial sural artery. Therefore, the cutaneous island could be split into two islands, which were rearranged to cover the defect side by side in a so-called "kissing flap" technique. The further postoperative course was uneventful. Despite the complex perforator dissection, which can be challenging because of its intramuscular dissection, we believe that the MSAP flap represents a valid solution for local defect coverage in the popliteal region, providing a sufficient amount of tissue and meeting the "like-with-like" criteria.

Transverse Cervical Artery for Head and Neck Reconstruction with Free Jejunal Flaps: A Retrospective Study of Computed Tomography Angiography.

BACKGROUND: The transverse cervical artery is less commonly used than other external carotid arteries as a recipient vessel. Therefore, we aimed to compare the utility of the transverse cervical artery as a recipient vessel with that of the external carotid artery system for microvascular head and neck reconstruction by quantitative analysis of dynamic-enhanced computed tomography. METHODS: Fifty-one consecutive patients who underwent free jejunum transfer following total pharyngolaryngectomy between January 2017 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Ninety-four pairs of the diameters of the transverse cervical artery, superior thyroid artery, and lingual artery, measured via computed tomography angiography, were analyzed. Operative outcomes were compared between the following groups based on the recipient artery: transverse cervical artery (n = 27), superior thyroid artery (n = 17), and other artery (n = 7) groups. RESULTS: In the analysis of the computed tomography angiography, nine transverse cervical arteries (9.6%) could not be identified. However, the percentage was significantly lower than the percentage of superior thyroid arteries (20.2%) and lingual arteries (18.1%) (p < 0.01). Among the identified vessels, the transverse cervical arteries (2.09 ± 0.41 mm) and the lingual arteries (1.97 ± 0.40 mm) were significantly larger than the superior thyroid arteries (1.70 ± 0.36 mm) in diameter at the commonly used level (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that prior radiation therapy was not an independent factor significantly affecting transverse cervical artery diameter (p = 0.17). Intraoperative anastomotic revision was required in only two cases of the superior thyroid artery. CONCLUSION: The transverse cervical artery can offer a larger caliber and more reliable candidate than the superior thyroid artery for a recipient artery. More liberal use of the transverse cervical artery may improve the safety of microsurgical head and neck reconstruction.

Reconstruction of finger contracture with an expanded first dorsal metacarpal artery perforator flap: A case report.

Volar finger contractures can be challenging for plastic surgeons. The dorsal metacarpal artery perforator (DMCAP) flap is frequently used to cover bones, tendons, and neurovascular structures in the dorsum of the hand after trauma and burns as an alternative to grafts and free flaps. We aimed to report volar finger defect reconstruction with expanded DMCAP flap. A 9-year-old male patient applied to our clinic with the complaint of inability to open the second finger of the left hand after an electrical burn that caused proximal and distal interphalangeal joints flexion contractures. Reconstruction was planned for the patient with a two-session expanded first DMCAP flap. A 16 mL 5 × 3 cm tissue expander was placed in the prepared area from the vertical incision in the first session. The tissue expander was inflated with 4 mL of isotonic solution. The DMCA area was enlarged 6 weeks later by giving 22 mL of isotonic solution. After the pedicle dissection, the 9 × 3 cm DMCAP flap was elevated by dissection over the paratenon. With 180° of rotation, the left-hand second finger was adapted to the 6 × 2 cm defect area on the volar face. The flap donor site was closed primarily. The operation was terminated by placing the hand on a protective splint. There were no complications in the flap in the postoperative 6 months. The patient was referred to the physical therapy and rehabilitation department. As a result, an expanded DMCAP flap may cover volar tissue defects up to the distal phalanx. This report may present the first case in which volar finger contracture reconstruction was performed with an expanded first DMCAP flap after an electrical burn in a pediatric patient.

Clinical Study on the Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap in Breast-Conserving Reconstruction of T2 Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Breast-conserving surgery combined with oncoplastic breast surgery has become the standard surgical treatment for early breast cancer. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap (TDAPF) in breast-conserving reconstruction of T2 breast cancer. METHODS: Thirty patients with T2 breast cancer admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were enrolled to receive pedicled TDAPF for repairing breast defects after breast-conserving surgery. Intraoperative conditions, postoperative complications, and shape satisfaction after breast reconstruction were recorded. RESULTS: The operation was successfully completed in all 30 patients, with an operation time of 177.77 ± 24.39 min, bleeding of 44.17 ± 7.67 mL, and length of hospital stay of 5.23 ± .97 d. There was no deformity or seroma at the donor site. Breast shape recovered well after operation. After operation, one patient had fat liquefaction in the recipient site, which healed well after wound treatment. The incidence of postoperative complications was 3.33%. Postoperative follow-up lasted 16-28 months, with a median of 22 months. The Breast-Q score for breast satisfaction was 61.83 ± 12.87 at 6 months after operation, compared to 62.07 ± 11.78 before operation (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: TDAPF, featuring a high survival rate, moderate flap area, fewer postoperative complications, and high satisfaction with breast shape after operation. For east asian women with moderate breast size, TDAPF is a safe, effective choice for repairing defects in breast-conserving surgery for T2 breast cancer.

Long-term functional outcomes of upper extremity civilian vascular trauma.

OBJECTIVE: Civilian analyses of long-term outcomes of upper extremity vascular trauma (UEVT) are limited. Our goal was to evaluate the management of UEVT in the civilian trauma population and explore the long-term functional consequences. METHODS: A retrospective review and analysis was performed of patients with UEVT at an urban Level 1 trauma center (2001-2022). Management and long-term functional outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 150 patients with UEVT. Mean age was 34 years, and 85% were male. There were 42% Black and 27% White patients. Mechanism was penetrating in 79%, blunt in 20%, and multifactorial in 1%. Within penetrating trauma, mechanism was from firearms in 30% of cases. Of blunt injuries, 27% were secondary to falls, 13% motorcycle collisions, 13% motor vehicle collisions, and 3% crush injuries. Injuries were isolated arterial in 62%, isolated venous in 13%, and combined in 25% of cases. Isolated arterial injuries included brachial (34%), radial (27%), ulnar (27%), axillary (8%), and subclavian (4%). The majority of arterial injuries (92%) underwent open repair with autologous vein bypass (34%), followed by primary repair (32%), vein patch (6.6%), and prosthetic graft (3.3%). There were 23% that underwent fasciotomies, 68% of which were prophylactic. Two patients were managed with endovascular interventions; one underwent covered stent placement and the other embolization. Perioperative reintervention occurred in 12% of patients. Concomitant injuries included nerves (35%), bones (17%), and ligaments (16%). Intensive care unit admission was required in 45%, with mean intensive care unit length of stay 1.6 days. Mean hospital length of stay was 6.7 days. Major amputation and in-hospital mortality rates were 1.3% and 4.6% respectively. The majority (72%) had >6-month follow-up, with a median follow-up period of 197 days. Trauma readmissions occurred in 19%. Many patients experienced chronic pain (56%), as well as motor (54%) and sensory (61%) deficits. Additionally, 41% had difficulty with activities of daily living. Of previously employed patients (57%), 39% experienced a >6-month delay in returning to work. Most patients (82%) were discharged with opioids; of these, 16% were using opioids at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: UEVT is associated with long-term functional impairments and opioid use. It is imperative to counsel patients prior to discharge and ensure appropriate follow-up and therapy.

Haemorrhoidal artery distribution in patients with grade III and IV haemorrhoids treated with artery ligation and rectoanal repair. Assessment of Doppler guidance.

INTRODUCTION: While haemorrhoidal dearterialization and mucopexy are accepted as a valid alternative to haemorrhoidectomy, differences exist regarding the fixed or variable location of the arteries to be ligated. Our aim was to shed light on this issue of arterial distribution in candidates for surgery. METHODS: The study included consecutive patients diagnosed with Goligher grade III and IV haemorrhoids, who had undergone Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation (DG-HAL) and rectoanal repair (RAR) at 2 medical centres in Spain. The main objective was to evaluate the number and 12-h clock locations of arterial ligatures necessary to achieve Doppler silence. RESULTS: In total, 146 patients were included: 111 (76%) men, and 35 (24%) women. Average age was 54 years (21-84). Grade III and grade IV haemorrhoids were diagnosed in 106 (72.6%) and 40 (27.4%) patients, respectively. The average number of ligatures per patient was 7 (range 2-12). Ligature percentages greater than 60% occurred at clock positions 7, 11, 10, 12, 9, and 1. The average number of mucopexies per patient was 3 (range 1-4). The most frequent mucopexy locations were the left posterior, right posterior, and right anterior octants. CONCLUSIONS: While the greatest frequency of arterial ligatures occurred in odd-numbered clock positions, non-negligible percentages occurred in even-numbered clock positions, which, in our opinion, makes the use of Doppler necessary, given that arterial distribution is not the same in all patients. We also noted that more ligatures and mucopexies were needed on the right half of the rectal circumference than on the left side, suggesting greater right-side vascularization.

Intravascular flipping technique for end-to-side microvascular anastomosis.

Recent advances in minimally invasive perforator flaps, such as the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIP) flap, have increased the demand for anastomosing vessels with diameters less than 0.8 mm. However, discrepancies in size can occur, underscoring the significance of end-to-side anastomosis. Nevertheless, the conventional interrupted end-to-side suturing technique with vessel turnover presents challenges in situations with a limited operative field, short vascular pedicle, and tiny vessels. Therefore, we developed an intravascular flipping technique for end-to-side microvascular anastomosis with an inside technique or rotation-outside technique. The study involved 20 rats and with 15 arteries in 10 rats undergoing the flipping technique with inside or outside rotation. Both the inside and rotation-outside techniques exhibited a 100% immediate patency rate in the rats; however, after 1 week, this decreased to 80% and 86%, respectively. The SCIP flap and replantation procedures were successfully performed. The flipping technique offers several advantages, including ease of vessel manipulation using nylon threads and vascular clips, improved vessel visualisation, and spontaneous widening of the vessel lumen.