The microvascular anatomy of superior and inferior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP and IGAP) flaps: a fresh cadaveric study and clinical implications

Inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flap in autologous breast reconstruction: A proportional meta-analysis of surgical outcomes

BACKGROUND

The inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flap is an alternative technique for autologous breast reconstruction. In contrast to other commonly used techniques, there is a paucity of literature on the safety and efficacy of the IGAP flap. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of postoperative outcomes and complications associated with the IGAP in autologous breast reconstructions to validate its safety.

METHODS

A systematic review of literature was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Articles reporting post-operative outcomes of IGAP flaps in autologous breast reconstruction were included. A proportional meta-analysis of post-operative complications was performed to obtain their proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, which represented a total of 239 IGAP flaps in 181 patients The total flap loss rate was 3% (95% CI 0-8%), partial flap loss rate was 2% (95% CI 0-4%), haematoma rate was 3% (95% CI 0-7%), overall donor-site complication rate was 15% (95% CI 5-28%), overall recipient-site complication rate was 24% (95% CI 15-34%), and the overall complication rate was 40% (95% CI 23-58%).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis provides comprehensive knowledge on the safety and efficacy of the IGAP flap in autologous breast reconstruction. It evidences the IGAP flap in autologous breast reconstruction's overall safety and validates its role as an effective option in breast reconstruction.

Gluteal Propeller Perforator Flaps: A Paradigm Shift in Abdominoperineal Amputation Reconstruction

Abdominoperineal amputation (AAP) is a gold standard procedure treating advanced abdominal and pelvic cancers. The defect resulting from this extensive surgery must be reconstructed to avoid complications, such as infection, dehiscence, delayed healing, or even death. Several approaches can be chosen depending on the patient. Muscle-based reconstructions are a reliable solution but are responsible for additional morbidity for these fragile patients. We present and discuss our experience in AAP reconstruction using gluteal-artery-based propeller perforator flaps (G-PPF) in a case series. Between January 2017 and March 2021, 20 patients received G-PPF reconstruction in two centers. Either superior gluteal artery (SGAP)- or inferior artery (IGAP)-based perforator flaps were performed depending on the best configuration. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected. A total of 23 G-PPF were performed-12 SGAP and 11 IGAP flaps. Final defect coverage was achieved in 100% of cases. Eleven patients experienced at least one complication (55%), amongst whom six patients (30%) had delayed healing, and three patients (15%) had at least one flap complication. One patient underwent a new surgery at 4 months for a perineal abscess under the flap, and three patients died from disease recurrence. Gluteal-artery-based propeller perforator flaps are an effective and modern surgical procedure for AAP reconstruction. Their mechanic properties, in addition to their low morbidity, make them an optimal technique for this purpose; however, technical skills are needed, and closer surveillance with patient compliance is critical to ensure success. G-PPF should be widely used in specialized centers and considered a modern alternative to muscle-based reconstructions.

Free Flap Reconstruction of Oncologic Gluteal Defects

ABSTRACT

A number of studies have already examined gluteal reconstruction with free flaps. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of free flap reconstruction for oncologic gluteal defects. This retrospective cohort study included 23 patients who underwent immediate soft tissue reconstruction for an oncologic gluteal defect. Fifteen patients underwent reconstruction with a free flap and 8 with a regional flap. The postoperative results were compared between the free and regional flaps. In the free flap group, the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap was used in 12 patients, the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap in 2 patients, and the anterolateral thigh flap in 1 patient. Recipient vessels were the inferior gluteal vessels or their branches in 8 patients and the superior gluteal vessels or their branches in 7 patients. All flaps have fully survived in both groups without vascular compromise. Dehiscence of the gluteal wound tended to be more common in the regional flap group; however, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. The use of free flap reconstruction for large oncologic defects in the gluteal region is a feasible and reliable option. Tension-free wound closure and simplified suture lines can provide reliable wound coverage irrespective of the postoperative patient's position or movement. Because of the risk of postoperative compression on the vascular pedicle, selecting the appropriate recipient vessel and type of microvascular anastomosis is key for the success of free flap transfer in this region.

A Single Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap in Reconstruction of Large Midline Sacral Defects: A Method for Practical Harvest and Safe Closure

BACKGROUND

Large midline sacral defects are reconstructive challenges. Superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap provides enough tissue and versatility to cover large defects; however, a single flap may be insufficient. We present a technique to cover large defects using single SGAP flaps.

METHODS

Large sacral defects (>100 cm2) reconstructed with single SGAP flaps were included. Angle of transposition (45°-60°) was determined based on the tissue laxity and mobility of gluteal area. Perforator identification, intramuscular dissection, or skeletonization was not performed. Outcomes were measured as achieving durable reconstruction, flap viability, and complications.

RESULTS

There were 17 patients (12 male, 5 females; aged 25-72 years) with different etiologies. The mean flap surface area (136.1 ± 45.6 cm2, between 9 × 8 and 26 × 10 cm) was smaller than the mean defect surface area (211.1 ± 87.2 cm2, between 10 × 10 and 28 × 14 cm) (P < 0.001). All flaps survived with no partial or complete flap loss. Minor dehiscence in 4 patients (2 at donor site and 2 at recipient site) healed with dressing changes or using negative-pressure vacuum therapy. All patients had durable outcomes without any recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Single unilateral SGAP flaps can be used to completely cover midline large sacral defects. It is important to design the flaps to have a joint side with the defect in the proximal part and use the intrinsic mobility of gluteal soft tissues for the closure. Flaps can be (1) planned to be smaller than the defects, (2) harvested with no intramuscular perforator dissection or pedicle skeletonization, and (3) transposed with an angle less than 60°.

V-Y Gluteal Advancement Fasciocutaneous Flap for Reconstruction of Perineal Defects After Surgery for Anorectal Cancers- A Single-Center Experience

An ideal method of perineal closure after resection for low rectal cancer surgery is a topic of debate. Morbidity associated with primary perineal closure due to wound break down delays recovery from surgery and adjuvant treatment with poor oncological outcome at the end. Herewith, we present our experience with V-Y gluteal advancement fasciocutaneous flap done for 131 patients for reconstruction of perineal and pelvic defect. With our experience, this is a safe and simple method with an acceptable complication rate that can be practiced by colorectal surgeons, even in the absence of a dedicated plastic surgery team.

Clover-Style Fasciocutaneous Perforator Flap for Reconstruction of Massive Sacral Pressure Sores

BACKGROUND

As a common complication of the long-term bedridden patients, pressure sore is a great challenge for surgeons. The purpose of this study was to explore the surgical method of using a clover-style fasciocutaneous perforator flap raised on the buttocks for the treatment of massive sacral pressure sores and report the clinical outcomes.

METHODS

The study included 15 patients from January 2015 to June 2017 with an average age of 52.87 years (range, 32-73 years). The size of the sacral pressure sores ranged from 10 cm × 13 cm to 18 cm × 20 cm. The defects were reconstructed using a fasciocutaneous perforator flap raised on the buttocks after debridement and vacuum sealing drainage treatment for 1 to 2 weeks. All the donor areas were sutured directly.

RESULTS

All flaps survived completely; 13 patients achieved healing by primary intention, and the other 2 patients achieved healing by secondary intention. At the mean follow-up period of 20.8 months (range, 12-46 months), the appearance of the flap, including its texture and color, in all patients was satisfactory. No patients had deep infection, necrosis, or shrinkage of the flap during the follow-up period. One patient had a recurrent bedsore during the 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The clover-style fasciocutaneous perforator flap is ideal for the reconstruction of massive sacral pressure sores because it is a relatively simple procedure and results in good appearance and function, few complications, and a low recurrence rate.

Radiological anatomy of the perforators of the gluteal region: The "radiosome" based anatomy

BACKGROUND

The superior (SGA) and the inferior gluteal artery (IGA) perforator flaps are widely used in pressure-sore repair and in breast reconstruction. The aim was to exhaustively depict the topographical anatomy of the whole system of perforators in the buttock.

METHODS

Eighty lower-extremity computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of patients (20 males/20 females, mean age 61-years old, range 38-81) were considered. The source artery, location, type, and caliber of gluteal perforators were analyzed. The location of perforators was reproduced using a standardized two-dimensional grid on the coronal plane, centered onto defined bone landmarks. We defined "radiosome" the cutaneous vascular territory of a source artery inferred through the representation of its whole perforator system at the exit point through the deep fascia.

RESULTS

A mean number of 25.6 ± 5.7 perforators in the gluteal region was observed, distributed as follows: 11.6 ± 4.8(45.2%) from SGA; 7.9 ± 4.5(30.8%) from IGA; 1.5 ± 0.8(5.8%) from fifth lumbar artery; 1.2 ± 0.8(4.7%) from internal pudendal artery; 1.2 ± 1(4.8%) from lateral circumflex femoral artery; 0.3 ± 0.7(1.2%) from circumflex iliac superficial artery. At least one large (internal diameter > 1 mm) SGA septocutaneous perforator was present in 77.5% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The gluteal region is vascularized by perforators of multiple source arteries. Septocutaneous perforators of SGA and IGA were planned along a curve drawn from the posterior-superior border of the iliac crest to the greater trochanter. The lumbar artery perforators are clustered over the apex of the iliac crest; the internal pudendal artery perforators are clustered medially to the ischiatic tuberosity. Contributions can also come from the sacral and superficial circumflex iliac arteries.