Clinical Outcomes and Applicability of Serratus Anterior Muscle Flap With Split Thickness Skin Graft in Thin Resurfacing Reconstructive Surgeries: A Retrospective Analysis.

ABSTRACT: This retrospective study evaluates the efficacy of the serratus anterior muscle (SAm) free flap combined with a split thickness skin graft (STSG) for thin resurfacing in reconstructive surgery, presenting an alternative to pure skin perforator flaps. It analyzes 14 SAm free flap procedures performed between January 2015 and December 2023. The study cohort comprised 5 women and 9 men, aged 31-80 years, addressing defects caused by infection, malignancy, burn, and trauma, located in various body parts.The study involves harvesting the SAm flap while focusing on anatomical features such as the distinct direction of muscle fibers and the surface location of the vascular pedicle for efficient dissection. It emphasizes the anatomical advantages of the SAm flap, such as robust vascular supply, controlled flap thickness, and preservation of the long thoracic nerve, making it suitable for a range of surgical needs. Complications included STSG loss, partial necrosis, and infection, all managed effectively. Postoperative shoulder function assessment showed no significant impairment.Results demonstrated the successful application of the SAm flap in all cases, with an average flap dimension of 38.21 cm2 and pedicle length of 7.3 cm. The average operation time was 122.1 minutes. The study underscores the SAm flap's adaptability, versatility, and minimal donor site morbidity.It concludes that the SAm flap, in conjunction with STSG, is a viable alternative for thin resurfacing in reconstructive surgery. However, limitations such as the small sample size and procedural variability suggest the need for further research to fully establish the flap's potential in diverse surgical contexts.

Outcomes and Complications of Sole Reconstruction Using Lateral Thoracic Free Tissue Transfer.

BACKGROUND: The complex structure of the sole of the foot makes the repair of extensive defects challenging. The present study, therefore, aimed to address a gap in current research by evaluating the potential of the lateral thoracic free flap, including perforator options and chimeric configurations, to be used as an advanced solution for comprehensive sole reconstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected the following data from the charts of patients with sole defects, due to various causes, who underwent lateral thoracic free tissue transfers: patient demographics; etiologies; comorbidities; flap types and dimensions; pedicle length; operative time; follow-up period; complications; and management. RESULTS: The present study included 54 patients who underwent lateral thoracic free tissue transfer, citing infection, trauma, tumor, and posttraumatic sequelae as the major etiologies. We used the following techniques for the reconstruction of sole defects: thoracodorsal artery perforator free flap (83.3%); latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap (1.9%); and various chimeric pattern flaps (14.8%). Free tissue transfer in the lateral thoracic region offers versatility for reconstruction, as well as low donor site morbidity. Complications observed in the present study included wound dehiscence (9.3%), partial necrosis (9.3%), and pressure ulcers (22.2%), although most patients healed favorably without flap loss. CONCLUSIONS: The lateral thoracic free flap is a viable option for the reconstruction of the sole of the foot and allows for the effective reconstruction of complex defects. It contains a sustainable skin paddle, and multiple components can be easily included as a chimeric type. Further studies should seek to identify ways to prevent pressure ulcers, which was the only known long-term complication in the present study.

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.

Linked Flaps of the Thoracodorsal Vascular Tree for Correcting Extensive Post-Burn Deformities and Achieving Optimal Reconstruction Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Autologous skin grafting has been the popular method for reconstructing post-burn defects. However, this technique has limitations such as high contracture rates and inadequate volume coverage. This report aims to propose the principles and advantages of utilizing microsurgically linked perforator flaps for the reconstruction of extensive burn defects and associated post-burn scar contracture in the lower and upper extremities and trunk. METHOD: Patients who underwent free tissue transfer for primary and secondary burn wound reconstruction at a single institution between 2016 and 2023 were included in the study. Patients received thoracodorsal vascular tree-linked flaps for the correction of post-burn deformities. Postoperative results were evaluated, including flap survival, complications, and the DASH self-report questionnaire for upper extremity reconstruction. RESULT: Among the 20 patients, 12 required primary reconstruction, while 8 underwent secondary reconstruction using anastomotic chimeric free tissue transfer. The majority of burn injuries resulted from thermal contact (n = 8), followed by flames (n = 5), scalds (n = 4), electrical contact (n = 2), and friction (n = 1). The most frequently utilized combinations were the thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAp) and anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap (11 cases). Additionally, four cases involved the pedicled TDAp flap in conjunction with the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap. The average DASH score for upper extremity burn patients was 10.58. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional tissue coverage achieved through the linkage of two or even three independent free flaps is increasingly utilized in post-burn reconstruction. This approach offers multiple advantages and represents a viable option for burn reconstruction.

Diabetic foot resurfacing using microvascular tissue transfer from lateral thoracic region.

AIMS: Diabetic foot ulcer is a major complication of diabetes mellitus and amputation is often needed. Since mortality rate after amputation is comparatively high, saving diabetic foot is required not only for preserving function and life quality, but also for decreasing mortality rate. This study was designed to analyse experience of limb salvage in patients with diabetic foot using free flaps from the lateral thoracic region over a 10-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2009 and 2018, 297 cases of diabetic foot underwent surgical procedures. We analysed the 83 cases who underwent free flap from lateral thoracic region. Patient data were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 83 patients, 56 of them males, were included in this study. Age of patients ranged from 27 to 80 years. Twenty patients underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty procedures. The latissimus dorsi muscle sparing technique was used in 7 cases. A thoracodorsal artery perforator flap was used in 68 cases. A thoracodorsal artery perforator chimaeric flap was performed in 8 cases. The flap survival rate was 98.8% and the limb salvage rate was 96.4%. The mean follow-up was 6.5 years. During follow-up 14 patients suffered recurrence of foot ulcers. CONCLUSIONS: Ten-year experience of using flaps from the lateral thoracic region revealed superior outcomes in terms of flap survival and limb saving compared to those in a recent meta-analysis and other reports. Long vascular pedicle technique and the chimaeric technique might be the alternative methods for multiple or vascular insufficient diabetic foot defects.

Reconstruction of soft tissue defect around knee with thoracodorsal artery perforator flap and muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi flap.

INTRODUCTION: Around the knee reconstruction is challenging for reconstructive surgeons. Several methods have been proposed, including perforator and muscle flaps; however, all have advantages and disadvantages. As the success rate of free-flap surgery increases, reconstruction around the knee using this method is becoming increasingly popular. Nevertheless, there are no large-scale case reports in the previous literature using either a thoracodorsal artery perforator flap (latissimus dorsi (LD) perforator flap) or a muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi (msLD) flap for reconstruction around the knee. In this retrospective report, we describe our clinical experiences and present an algorithm regarding recipient vessel choice in free-flap reconstructive surgery of around the knee defects. PATIENT AND METHODS: Fifty-six cases in which a flap from the lateral thoracic area was used to reconstruct an around the knee defect between January 2016 and March 2022 were reviewed. The patients were aged 18-87 years (mean, 52.13 years), and of the 56 patients, 36 were male and 20 were female. Injuries were caused by trauma, contracture, rheumatoid vasculitis, tumor, infection, burns, sunken deformity, and pressure sores. The 56 cases included 22 with a defect including the knee, 14 with a defect below the knee (7 of the primary below-knee amputation [BKA] and 7 of the secondary BKA), 9 involving the distal medial thigh, 8 involving the distal lateral thigh, 2 involving the popliteal area, and 1 involving the middle thigh. Most cases were reconstructed using a single LD perforator flap or msLD flap. Chimeric or supplementary flaps were used when extensive coverage or dead space obliteration was required. The average size of the defect area was 253.6 cm2 (range: 5 × 6-21 × 39 cm2 ). RESULTS: In the cases, the recipient artery used included the following: descending genicular artery (23), superficial femoral artery (14), descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (14), anterior tibial artery (2), popliteal artery (2), and posterior tibial artery (1). The recipient vein included the greater saphenous vein (24), descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral vein (14), superficial femoral vein (7), descending genicular vein (6), anterior tibial vein (2), popliteal vein (2), and posterior tibial vein (1). The average flap size was 281.8 cm2 (range: 4 × 8-35 × 19 cm2 ). All flaps survived; however, seven complications occurred, including 2 partial flap losses, 1 arterial insufficiency, 1 hematoma, 1 minor dehiscence, 1 donor-site graft loss, and 1 short BKA. Normal knee range of motion (121-140°) was observed in 34 patients and 16 showed varying degrees of limited range of motion. Motion was not observed in four patients who underwent knee fusion and could not be evaluated in two patients who underwent above-knee amputation. The mean follow-up duration was 24.6 months (range: 4-72 months). CONCLUSION: The LD perforator flap is ideal for the reconstruction of around the knee defects because it enables a long pedicle, large flap, and chimeric design. The msLD flap is ideal because it enables strong stump support, dead-space obliteration, and infection control. Moreover, since the two flaps are distant from the knee, this method is advantageous in terms of postoperative rehabilitation and there is minimal donor-site morbidity due to the thin nature of the LD muscle. In addition, the flap can be elevated in three positions and the operation can be completed without positional changes in various recipient vessel locations. Based on our experience, we conclude that the LD flap has the potential to be used as widely as or in preference to the anterolateral thigh flap in the reconstruction of around the knee defects.

Multiple digit resurfacing with a lateral thoracic free flap: Two-stage mitten hand and division procedures.

PURPOSE: The conventional abdominal and groin flaps for resurfacing the defect have several disadvantages, including the risk of flap failure due to accidental traction or detachment, immobilization of the arm before division, and aesthetic dissatisfaction because of the flap bulkiness. The aim of this study was to share our experiences with the free lateral thoracic flap and elucidate the optimal timing of division in complex hand reconstruction, which yielded favorable outcomes in terms of both functionality and aesthetics. METHODS: This article is a retrospective review of multiple digit resurfacing using free tissue transfer from 2012 to 2022. Patients who underwent two-stage operation including mitten hand creation using superthin thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAp) free flap and secondary division were included. A flap was elevated over the superficial fascia layer the midportion between the anterior border of the latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major muscles and once the pedicle was found, an outline that matched the defect was created. A process named "pushing with pressure and cutting" was carried out before pedicle ligation until all the superficial fat tissue had been removed except for around the perforator. Two cases (18%) involved defects of the entire fingers reconstructed by TDAp flap with anterolateral thigh flap. Six cases (55%) had a super-thin TDAp flap only. In two cases (18%), non-vascularized iliac bone grafting was required for finger lengthening. One case (9%) was resurfaced with a TDAp chimeric flap including a skin paddle with the serratus anterior muscle. The primary outcome was defined as the survival or failure of the flap, while the secondary outcomes associated complications such as infection and partial flap necrosis. A statistical analysis was not performed due to the size of the case series. RESULTS: All 13 flaps survived completely without any complications. Flap dimension ranged from 12 cm × 7 cm to 30 cm × 15 cm. Mitten hand duration prior to division was 41.9 days on average which was essential for the optimal result. During the division procedures, there were nine cases of debulking (82%), six cases of split-thickness skin graft (STSG) (55%), and three cases of Z-plasty performed on the first web space (27%). The mean follow-up period was 20.2 months. Mean Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire score was 10.76. CONCLUSIONS: We resurfaced severe soft tissue defects of multiple fingers with thin to super-thin free flaps, mainly TDAp flaps. Surgeons can restore original hand shape using a two-stage reconstructive strategy of mitten hand creation and proper division timing to create a 3-dimensional hand structure, even in severely injured hands with multiple soft tissue defects of the digits.

Reconstruction of recalcitrant pressure ulcers with latissimus dorsi muscle-splitting free flaps.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of recalcitrant pressure ulcers is very challenging because all available local tissues have been exhausted. Although occasionally suggested as reconstructive options in some reports, free flaps are still not favored for pressure ulcers because of the less available recipient vessels in buttock area and the need for position change. Here, we describe our experience with latissimus dorsi muscle-splitting free flaps harvested in prone position for recalcitrant pressure ulcers. METHODS: Between January 2012 and January 2020, 10 patients of recalcitrant pressure ulcers underwent reconstruction using latissimus dorsi muscle-splitting free flaps. To harvest flaps in the prone position, the curvilinear incision was made along the line connecting the lateral border of the scapula and the midaxillary line of the armpit and the latissimus dorsi muscle was split just below the skin incision. Only the required amount of muscle was harvested including the 5 × 3 cm sized muscle cuff around bifurcation points of the transverse and descending branches. RESULTS: Flap size ranged from 16 × 9 to 24 × 14 cm and the gluteal vessels were mainly used as recipients. The mean operation time was 170 mins. All the flaps survived but two patients suffered wound disruption and partial flap loss, respectively. During the mean follow-up periods of 2.45 years, there were no recurrences at the reconstruction site, and no patient complained of donor site morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results obtained from this consecutive series of patients, latissimus dorsi muscle-splitting free flaps are valuable option for recalcitrant pressure ulcer reconstruction.

Resurfacing of lower extremities: Versatility of thigh flap as pedicle extension graft with consecutive thoracodorsal artery perforator-based flap.

BACKGROUND: For successful microsurgical reconstruction using free tissue transfer, healthy recipient vessels must be obtained from outside the zone of injury. Securing an appropriate length pedicle length is also essential, and various techniques for lengthening a vascular pedicle have been developed. Herein, we present our experience using the descending branch (DB) of the lateral circumflex femoral vessels (LCFVs) with a thigh flap as an extender graft for consecutive second flap. METHODS: We reconstructed the complex and vessel-depleted defects of nine patients. The mean age was 47.6 years. The defects were located in the lower leg in four patients, in the perineum in two patients and in the forearm in three patients. The two patients who suffered from Fournier's gangrene underwent a pedicled anteromedial thigh (pAMT) flap with the DB of the LCFVs and seven patients, five who suffered high-energy trauma and two who had scar contracture, underwent a free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with the distal run-off DB of the LCFVs. In all patients, second consecutive free latissimus dorsi or thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps were prepared and the thoracodorsal vessels of the second flap were anastomosed to the distal DB of the LCFVs. RESULTS: The total length of the thigh flap pedicles measured from both ends of the DB of the LCFVs varied from 15 to 20 cm, which was sufficient for use as a vascular conduit. Of the 18 flaps, 17 survived completely without any complications and 1 pAMT flap showed partial necrosis, which was covered with a perineal perforator-based island flap. The mean follow-up period was 16.7 months. Unfortunately, one patient, who suffered a total amputation below the knee and had replantation surgery, underwent amputation due to venous congestion in the distal leg. However, the previous two flaps survived and were used for coverage of the stump. CONCLUSIONS: Using a thigh flap as a vascular extender graft for second flap may be an alternative option in vessel-depleted reconstructions.

Resurfacing of Face and Neck Using Superthin Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Free Flaps.

BACKGROUND: Resurfacing of facial and neck defects is challenging due to the unique skin color, texture, and thickness of the region. With the development of microsurgical reconstruction, perforator- free flaps can provide adequate soft tissue. However, despite various modifications, such flaps hardly satisfy cosmetic requirements, due to differences in color and bulkiness. We have used superthin thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAp) free flaps to overcome these limitations. METHODS: Between January 2012 and January 2020, 15 patients underwent reconstructive procedures for facial and neck soft tissue defects using superthin TDAp free flaps. First a perforator was found above the deep fascia and a flap was elevated over the superficial fascia layer. A process named "pushing with pressure and cutting" was carried out before pedicle ligation until all the superficial fat tissue had been removed except for around the perforator. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a questionnaire about color, contour, and overall satisfaction a minimum of 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Flap size ranged from 6 × 4 cm to 25 × 14 cm (mean, 126.3 cm2). Final flap thickness ranged from 4 to 6 mm. (mean, 4.97 mm). All flaps survived without any loss and there were no flap-related complications. After a mean follow-up period of 14.4 months, patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results, and cervical range of motion increased by 11.25 degree on average in burn scar contracture patients. CONCLUSIONS: The superthin TDAp free flap is an excellent alternative to face and neck resurfacing, providing a large and thin flap with excellent color matching and good vascularity.

Application of paste-type acellular dermal matrix in hard-to-heal wounds.

OBJECTIVE: The extracellular matrix (ECM) is one of the most important elements in wound healing. Absence or dysfunction of the ECM may impair wound healing. The application of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) as a substitute for ECM has been suggested. This study investigated the clinical application and wound healing effects of a paste-type ADM in patients presenting with hard-to-heal wounds due to various causes. METHOD: Patients with a hard-to-heal wound for >1 month, from September 2017 to February 2019, were included in this study. After debridement, the paste-type ADM was applied, at zero (baseline), two and four weeks. After application of the paste-type ADM, a conventional dressing was applied using polyurethane foam. Wound size, the formation of granulation tissue, re-epithelialisation, complete healing and adverse events were recorded at zero (baseline), one, two, four, eight and 12 weeks after the initial treatment. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients took part (eight male, 10 female, mean age of 56±16.16 years). The mean wound area decreased from 17.42±10.04cm2 to 12.73±7.60cm2 by week one (p<0.05), to 10.16±7.00 by week two (p<0.0005), to 5.56±5.25 by week four (p<0.0001), to 2.77±5.15 by week eight (p<0.0001) and to 2.07±4.78 by week 12 (p<0.0001). The number of patients with >75% re-epithelialisation increased from two (11.1%) at two weeks to five (27.8%) at four weeks, to 11 (61.1%) at eight weeks and to 13 (72.2%) at 12 weeks. The number of patients showing complete wound healing was two (11.1%) at four weeks, nine (50.0%) at eight weeks and 12 (66.7%) at 12 weeks. No adverse events were reported during treatment. CONCLUSION: The paste-type ADM used in this study is a viable option for facilitating wound healing; it can shorten hospitalisation, and promote a faster recovery and return to normal life activities.

Application of acellular human dermis and skin grafts for lower extremity reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To use both acellular human dermis and skin grafting simultaneously for improved skin grafting without contracture. The study also aims to address the lack of research on the application of an acellular human dermis in diverse clinical cases. METHOD: The study examined patients who had received acellular human dermis (CGDerm, CGBio, Seoul, Korea) and split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) simultaneously for lower limb, full-thickness skin defects between September 2012 and June 2014. The researchers performed chart reviews retrospectively and examined the patients based on the following factors: gender, age, injury mechanism, size, exposed structure, pre-coverage dressing method, coverage method, post-operational engraftment and total healing period, contracture development, elasticity, and infection development. RESULTS: A sample of 27 patients with a total of 30 wounds took part in the study. Of these wounds, 29 showed successful engraftment without infection or contracture. In one case, continued seroma was observed and, following new coverage of both the acellular human dermis and STSG, engraftment was successful. CONCLUSION: Human dermis can play an important role in securing the availability of surrounding tissue and in contracture prevention, both of which are key to lower limb reconstruction. Of the types available, acellular human dermis showed lower infection rates than other human dermis types, and its engraftment rate was higher than in STSG-only cases. These findings suggest that acellular human dermis use in STSG is effective and safe in lower limb reconstruction.

Reconstruction of severe atherosclerotic and obstructive diabetic feet using thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps with long vascular pedicles.

BACKGROUND: Foot ulcers in diabetic patients often require free flaps. A long vascular pedicle is mandatory so that more proximal vessels can be used as recipient vessels, especially when the flap is used to reconstruct distal foot defects. We evaluated the outcome of diabetic foot defect that were reconstructed using thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flaps with long vascular pedicles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reconstructed the foot defects of 22 diabetic patients. Nineteen patients were male, and the mean age was 56.4 years. The defects were located in big toe in 11 patients; fourth and/or fifth toe, including lateral aspect of the foot, in 8 patients; and dorsum of the foot, medial plantar, and first metatarsal medial head in 1 patient each. CT angiography showed that the two main vessels of the lower leg remained intact in 7 patients, only one vessel was intact in the lower leg of 11, and no vessels were visible in 4. RESULTS: The flap size ranged between 5 × 4 cm2 and 18 × 11cm2 , with a mean pedicle length of 16.5 cm. The anterior tibial artery was used as the recipient vessel in 15 patients, while the posterior tibial artery was used in 7. All the flaps survived. Three wound disruptions and two partial flap losses healed conservatively, without further surgery. Ulcer due to diabetes recurred in three cases. The mean follow-up period was 46.1 months. All wounds healed completely. CONCLUSIONS: TDAP flaps with long vascular pedicles may be a viable choice for reconstructing defects in the feet of diabetic patients.

A thoracodorsal artery perforator chimeric free flap for prevention of microvascular pedicle compression in lower extremity reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Chimeric flaps are often used in reconstructive fields for multiple defects, different functional defects, and extensive defects. In this article, we present the results of the use of thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAp) chimeric flaps including a latissimus dorsi (LD) or serratus anterior (SA) muscle to prevent pedicle compression for lower extremity reconstruction. METHODS: Nineteen TDAp chimeric flaps were used to prevent pedicle compression. Seven were female and 12 male. Patients' age ranged from 32 to 73 years. After harvesting TDAp skin flap, LD or SA muscle could be harvested along with the thoracodorsal vessels. Skin flap was incorporated into the main defect and muscle cuffs were positioned along the vascular pedicle. RESULTS: In 11 cases, there were two components, a skin flap and a muscle flap, and the other 8 were three components, a skin flap and two muscle flaps. The dimensions of the skin flaps ranged from 8 × 5 to 18 × 10 cm, and the muscle flaps ranged from 3 × 2 cm to 8 × 6 cm. The recipient vessel was anterior tibial artery or dorsalis pedis artery. All flap survived. Five cases suffered minor complications including donor site wound disruption, skin flap wound disruption, partial loss of the skin flap, and partial loss of the SA muscle flap. The mean follow-up was 13.9 months. All the patients were able to wear shoes without debulking procedures. CONCLUSION: The TDAp chimeric flaps including LD or SA muscle flaps were useful for covering the vascular pedicle and relieved vascular compression during lower extremity reconstruction. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 38:46-50, 2018..

Reconstruction of diabetic lower leg and foot soft tissue defects using thoracodorsal artery perforator chimeric flaps.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of complicated diabetic lower leg and foot defects involving multiple tissue components remains a challenge. The purpose of this report is to introduce thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) chimeric flaps for reconstructing diabetic lower leg and foot soft tissue defects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 2010 and August 2016, 17 patients with multiple diabetic lower leg and foot defects underwent reconstruction with TDAP chimeric flaps. Nine were women and the mean age of the patients was 57.7 years (range 35-73 years). One patient had 3 separate defects, 14 patients had 2 separate defects, and 2 patients had defects with dead space. The size of the defects ranged from 5 × 3 cm to 20 × 10 cm. RESULTS: Fifteen patients received TDAP chimeric flaps with two components (skin and muscle components), and two received three components (skin, latissimus dorsi (LD), and serratus anterior [SA] components). The skin paddle ranged from 10 × 3 cm to 25 × 14 cm. The LD components ranged from 3 × 5 cm to 20 × 10 cm and SA components ranged from 5 × 2 cm to 8 × 7 cm. All flaps survived except for partial loss of one muscle component. Four patients suffered postoperative complications including wound disruption and infection, all of which healed conservatively. The mean follow-up was 31.3 months (range 8-60 months). Fifteen patients were able to walk, one patient walked with walker, and one patient who had amputation due to Charcot joint infection walked with prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: The TDAP chimeric flap may be another option for the complicated and complex wound coverage required to reconstruct diabetic lower leg and foot soft tissue defects.

A simple and fast dressing for skin grafts: comparison with traditional techniques.

OBJECTIVE: The split-thickness skin graft (STSG) is commonly used for reconstruction of skin and soft tissue defects. For a successful graft, the thin skin must be in close contact with the recipient bed until the graft stabilises. This study introduces a simple and fast dressing technique, and compares it with the traditional tie-over dressing. METHOD: All patients who received STSGs between January 2013 and March 2015 were identified. From these patients, those who were treated with skin graft only were included in the study. For comparison of the dressing techniques, operation times from skin incision to the end of procedure were analysed, together with the outcomes of the grafts. For the simple and fast method, the dressing was fixed with a skin stapler, and for tie-over dressings, the graft was fixed with sutures. RESULTS: A total of 67 patients (38 females, 29 males), mean age 58.4 years (range: 24-86 years) were included in the study. Average operation times were 22.9 minutes (range: 10-40 minutes) using the simple and fast dressings and 45.3 minutes (range: 20-120 minutes) using the tie-over dressings, demonstrating a significant difference in operation times. Partial graft loss was reported in three cases with the tie-over dressings and in four cases with the simple and fast dressings, without significant difference. CONCLUSION: The simple and fast dressing is easy to apply, is able to be shaped according to the wound surface, and provides a secure dressing over the skin graft.

Managing necrotising fasciitis to reduce mortality and increase limb salvage.

OBJECTIVE: Necrotising fasciitis is a rare soft-tissue infection with a high mortality rate. In this paper we describe our management protocol for necrotising fasciitis, focused on surgical approaches, which increased patients' survival rate. METHOD: Between March 2009 and December 2014, patients suspected of having necrotising fasciitis (based on laboratory and MRI examinations), underwent management for the infection. A patient suspected of having necrotising fasciitis had surgical exploration performed within eight hours. Patients underwent serial debridement every 24-72 hours until infection had been fully eradicated, after which reconstructive surgery was considered. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients underwent management for necrotising fasciitis, 31 of which had the infection confirmed. From this group, the 18 patients who underwent free flap reconstructive surgery were included in the study, nine of which were female with a mean age of 54.3 (range: 28-77) years. The patients underwent 2-5 repeat debridements (mean: 3.5). Reconstructive procedures were latissimus dorsi (LD) myocutaneous flap in 11 patients, and latissimus dorsi chimeric flap in six patients; the remaining patient received an latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, an latissimus dorsi perforator flap and an anterolateral thigh flap simultaneously. Patients were discharged from hospital and returned to daily life three weeks after the final procedure. The mean length of follow-up was 34.8 months (range: 12-60 months). All 18 patients survived. CONCLUSION: With multidisciplinary management, the challenge of necrotising fasciitis can be overcome without risk of mortality risk.

Long-term functional outcomes after resection of tongue cancer: determining the optimal reconstruction method.

The appropriate tongue reconstruction method is critical for better functional outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal reconstructive method for restoring postoperative function based on the extent of resection. We retrospectively reviewed 43 patients with lateral oral tongue cancer who underwent glossectomy between January 2010 and October 2014. Tongue mobility, articulation, verbal diadochokinesis, speech intelligibility and swallowing outcomes were assessed 2-3 years postoperative and were analyzed according to resected tongue volume and the method of reconstruction. In partial glossectomy cases, the secondary intention group had better function in tongue mobility, articulation, and speech intelligibility (p < 0.001 for all) than the free flap reconstruction group. In contrast, in hemi-glossectomy cases, the free flap reconstruction group had better tongue mobility, articulation, verbal diadochokinesis and speech intelligibility (p < 0.05 for all) than the secondary intention group. There was no significant difference in swallowing outcome between the secondary intention and flap reconstruction groups in both partial glossectomy and hemi-glossectomy cases. In conclusion, secondary intention appears to be the most appropriate option after partial glossectomy. However, flap reconstruction is necessary to restore tongue volume and function in patients who undergo a resection of more than half of the tongue volume.

Effect of fibrin sealant in positioning and stabilizing microvascular pedicle: A comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: Fibrin sealants have had applications in hemostasis, cohesion, and promotion of healing in plastic surgery. In this article, we review cases where fibrin sealant was used to stabilize microvascular pedicles and compared with previous free flaps performed without fibrin sealant. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2010, 62 consecutive patients underwent free tissue transfer for reconstruction; this involved 33 latissimus dorsi perforator flaps, 14 thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps, 9 latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps, 3 lateral thoracic artery perforator flaps, and 3 transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps, used in head and neck reconstruction, lower limb reconstructions, breast reconstructions, and facial palsy reconstruction. Following microvascular anastomosis, the microvascular pedicles were placed in the optimal position, and fibrin sealant was used to fix and stabilize them. The complications, such as venous thrombosis, arterial thrombosis, hematoma, and vascular pedicle kinking, were compared with that of 672 previous free flaps without fibrin sealant for stabilizing microvascular pedicles. RESULTS: Among the 62 free tissue transfers using fibrin sealant, there was only one complication involving flap failure (1.6%), in this case due to venous thrombosis. Analysis of 672 free flaps performed without application of fibrin sealant revealed 24 complications (3.6%), due to 3 venous thrombosis, 1 arterial thrombosis, 4 vascular pedicel compression due to hematoma, and 16 pedicle kinking. However, the comparison of complications between the free flap using fibrin sealant and the free flap without fibrin sealant were not statistically significant (P = 0.65). CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin sealant can be used to prevent vascular kinking and to position anastomosed vessels after successful micro-anastomosis and allow the reconstructive surgeon to overcome challenging situations of vascular pedicle related complications © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:406-409, 2017.