Deep sternal wound infection - latissimus dorsi flap is a reliable option for reconstruction of the thoracic wall

What about the donor site morbidity - how invasive is the free latissimus dorsi flap?

Aims

The free latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) flap represents a workhorse procedure in the field of trauma and plastic surgery. However, only a small number of studies have examined this large group of patients with regard to the morbidity of flap harvest. The aim of this prospective study was therefore to objectively investigate the morbidity of a free LDM flap.

Methods

A control group (n = 100) without surgery was recruited to assess the differences in strength and range of motion (ROM) in the shoulder joint with regard to handedness of patients. Additionally, in 40 patients with free LDM flap surgery, these parameters were assessed in an identical manner.

Results

We measured higher values for all parameters assessing force in the shoulder joint on the dominant side of patients in the control group. Moreover, LDM flap harvest caused a significant reduction in strength in the glenohumeral joint in all functions of the LDM that were assessed, ranging from 9.0% to 13.8%. Equally, we found a significantly reduced ROM in the shoulder at the side of the flap harvest. For both parameters, this effect was diminished, when the flap harvest took place on the dominant side of the patient.

Conclusion

LDM flap surgery leads to a significant impairment of the strength and ROM in the shoulder joint. Moreover, the donor morbidity must be differentiated with regard to handedness: harvest on the non-dominant side potentiates the already existing difference in strength and ROM. Conversely, if the harvest takes place on the dominant side of the patient, this difference is diminished.

The free vastus lateralis-And conjoined vastus lateralis anterolateral thigh/tensor fascia lata flap for oncological chest wall reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

A reconstructive option for extensive chest wall reconstruction is the free myocutaneous vastus lateralis muscle (VL) flap which can be performed in isolation or in conjunction with a fasciocutaneus anterolateral thigh (cVLALT) and/or myofasciocutaneous tensor fascia lata flap (cVLTFL). We aimed to directly compare the outcomes of these reconstructive options.

METHODS

Patients who underwent oncological chest wall reconstruction with a free VL, cVLALT, or cVLTFL flap between February 2010 and 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, as well as medical and reconstructive outcomes, were evaluated. The operative outcomes between myocutaneous VL, cVLALT, and cVLTFL flap reconstructions were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients underwent chest wall reconstruction with a free myocutaneous VL (n = 25; 61%), cVLALT (n = 14; 34%), or cVLTFL Three acute flap thromboses occurred in the entire cohort (3/41, 7%), with one myocutaneous VL flap failing because of recurrent venous thrombosis during the salvage procedure. Total flap necrosis was seen in two cases (5%; VL flap: n = 1; cVLALT flap: n = 1), and partial flap necrosis in one VL flap (1/25, 4%) and in the distal ALT portion of three cVLALT flaps (3/14, 21%). No significant difference was seen between isolated VL and conjoined VL flaps regarding the partial (p = .28) or total flap necrosis rate (p = .9).

CONCLUSION

The free (conjoined) VL flap provides reliable outcomes for obliterating dead space achieving durable reconstruction of complex chest wall defects.

Resection to restoration: Assessing the synergy of polypropylene mesh (Marlex®) combined with methyl-methacrylate and latissimus dorsi flap for primary chest wall sarcomas

BACKGROUND

Chest-wall sarcomas are treated with extensive resections and complex defect reconstruction to restore chest-wall integrity. It is a difficult surgical procedure that incorporates a multidisciplinary approach for the best outcome, preventing paradoxical chest movement issues and reducing complications.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to describe our experience of chest-wall reconstruction using polypropylene mesh (Marlex® Mesh) combined with methyl-methacrylate and soft-tissue coverage with a latissimus dorsi flap following sarcoma resection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Among the 53 patients treated for primary chest-wall sarcomas at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan, Italy, from 1998 to 2020, 14 cases underwent chest-wall resection and reconstruction using polypropylene mesh, methyl-methacrylate and the latissimus dorsi flap. Patients with locally advanced breast cancers, locally advanced lung cancers, squamous cell carcinomas, and other secondary chest-wall malignancies were excluded from the study, as were the patients with different types of chest-wall reconstruction.

RESULTS

In this study, 14 patients (6 men and 8 women) with various primary chest-wall sarcomas were enrolled. On an average, 2 ribs (range: 1-5) were removed during the surgeries, and the chest-wall defects ranged from 20 to 150 cm2 with an average size of 73 cm2. The mean follow-up period for these patients was approximately 63.80 months CONCLUSION: The combination of Marlex® mesh filled with methyl-methacrylate and covered using latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap provides safe, low-cost and effective single-stage chest-wall reconstruction after surgery for primary sarcomas.

Free Flap Reconstruction of Sternal Defects after Cardiac Surgery: An Algorithmic Approach for Dealing with Sparse Recipient Vessels

Background

Sparsity of recipient vessels poses a challenge for microsurgical free flap reconstruction of sternal defects following deep sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery.

Methods

From January 2013, a standardized algorithm for dealing with sparse recipient vessels was strictly followed. In this retrospective study including 75 patients, we compared operative details, surgical complications, and reconstructive outcomes of patients treated according to this algorithm (group A: January 2013-May 2021; n = 46) with a historical control group (group B: January 2000-December 2012, n = 29).

Results

The left internal mammary artery had been harvested for arterial bypass grafting in 40 of 46 cases (87%) in group A and in all cases in group B. The right internal mammary artery (RIMA) and right internal mammary vein (RIMV) were the first choice as recipient vessels. In case of unsuitability of the RIMV, a right cephalic vein (CV) turndown was used for venous outflow. If both RIMA and RIMV proved insufficient, a single-stage arterio-venous loop (AVL) between the CV and subclavian artery (CV-SA AVL), CV and thoracoacromial artery (CV-TA AVL), or subclavian artery and subclavian vein (SA-SV AVL) was established. The algorithmic approach significantly reduced partial flap necrosis [group A: n = 3 (7%) versus group b: n = 7 (24%); P = 0.04], and overall operation time [group A: 360 ± 88 min versus group B: 415 ± 80 min; P = 0.01].

Conclusions

Standardized approaches improve clinical outcomes in microsurgical free flap sternal reconstruction after cardiac surgery.

[Perioperative management of wounds associated with secondary sternal osteomyelitis and/or mediastinitis after sternotomy and its clinical effects]

Objective: To investigate the perioperative management of wounds associated with secondary sternal osteomyelitis and/or mediastinitis after sternotomy, and to evaluate its clinical effects. Methods: This study was a retrospective observational study. From January 2017 to December 2022, 36 patients with wounds associated with secondary sternal osteomyelitis and/or mediastinitis after sternotomy who were conformed to the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Burn Center of PLA of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, including 23 males and 13 females, aged 25 to 81 years. Preparation for surgery was made. For patients with suspected retrosternal mediastinal abscess cavity, all cancellous bone of the unhealed sternum was bitten off to fully expose the retrosternal mediastinum, remove the source of infection and granulation tissue, and to fill the sternum defect with flipped unilateral pectoralis major muscle. For patients who had no retrosternal mediastinal infection but had fresh granulation tissue in unhealed sternal wounds, the necrotic tissue and a small amount of necrotic sternum were palliatively removed, and bilateral pectoralis major muscles were advanced and abutted to cover the sternal defect. After the skin in the donor area was closed by tension-relieving suture, continuous vacuum sealing drainage was performed, and continuous even infusion and lavage were added 24 hours later. The thorax was fixed with an armor-like chest strap, the patients were guided to breathe abdominally, with both upper limbs fixed to the lateral chest wall using a surgical restraint strap. The bacterial culture results of wound exudation specimens on admission were recorded. The wound condition observed during operation, debridement method, muscle flap covering method, intraoperative bleeding volume, days of postoperative infusion and lavage, lavage solution volume and changes on each day, and postoperative complications and wound healing time were recorded. After discharge, the wound healing quality, thorax shape, and mobility functions of thorax and both upper limbs were evaluated during follow-up. The stability and closure of sternum were observed by computed tomography (CT) reexamination. Results: On admission, among 36 patients, 33 cases were positive and 3 cases were negative in bacterial culture results of wound exudation specimens. Intraoperative observation showed that 26 patients had no retrosternal mediastinal infection but had fresh granulation tissue in unhealed sternal wounds, palliative debridement was performed and bilateral pectoralis major muscles were advanced and abutted to cover the defect. In 10 patients with suspected retrosternal mediastinal abscess cavity, the local sternum was completely removed by bite and the defect was covered using flipped unilateral pectoralis major muscle. During the operation, one patient experienced an innominate vein rupture and bleeding of approximately 3 000 mL during mediastinal exploration, and the remaining patients experienced bleeding of 100-1 000 mL. Postoperative infusion and lavage were performed for 4-7 days, with a lavage solution volume of 3 500-4 500 mL/d. The lavage solution gradually changed from dark red to light red and finally clear. Except for 1 patient who had suture rupture caused by lifting the patient under the armpit during nursing on the 3rd day after surgery, the wounds of the other patients healed smoothly after surgery, and the wound healing time of all patients was 7-21 days. Follow-up for 3 to 9 months after discharge showed that the patient who had suture rupture caused by armpit lifting died due to multiple organ failure. In 1 patient, the armor-like chest strap was removed 2 weeks after surgery, and the shoulder joint movement was not restricted, resulting in local rupture of the suture, which healed after dressing change. The wounds of the remaining patients healed well, and they resumed their daily life. The local skin of patient's pectoralis major muscle defect was slightly sunken and lower than that of the contralateral thorax in the patients undergoing treatment of pectoralis major muscle inversion, while no obvious thoracic deformity was observed in patients undergoing treatment with pectoralis major muscle propulsion and abutment. The chest and upper limb movement in all patients were slightly limited or normal. CT reexamination results of 10 patients showed that the sternum was stable, the local sternum was closed or covered completely with no lacuna or defects. Conclusions: Once the wound associated with secondary sternal osteomyelitis and/or mediastinitis after sternotomy is formed, individualized and precise debridement should be performed as soon as possible, different transfer ways of pectoralis major muscle flap should be chosen to cover the defect, and postoperative continuous infusion and lavage together with strict thorax and shoulder joint restraint and immobilization should be performed. This treatment strategy can ensure good wound healing without affecting the shape and function of the donor area.

Antibiotic therapy in reconstructive surgery of deep sternal wound infections

BACKGROUND

The choice of antibiotics and length of administration in the treatment of deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) is unclear. The reason for this is the lack of studies and local differences in resistance. An increase in resistance can be observed in gram-positive cocci, which are the most frequently detected in deep sternal infections. The duration of administration is often 2- 6 weeks or longer, although the benefit of prolonged antibiotic administration has not been confirmed by studies. We evaluated the antibiotic treatment during surgical treatment, consisting of surgical wound debridement and plastic chest reconstruction.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients (n = 260) who underwent reconstructive surgery in the Department of Plastic Surgery at Leipzig University Hospital from 01.05.2012 - 31.12.2020. The duration of intake, results of microbiological swabs and resistance were investigated.

RESULTS

At the time of discharge, closed wound conditions were noted in 177 of 260 cases (68.1%). The largest proportion of patients (n = 238) was treated with a latissimus dorsi flap (91.5%).Antibiotic treatment was conducted in 206 of 260 cases (79.2%). The mean duration of antibiotic administration was 21.4 days (±17.6). Prolonged treatment over 14 days did not alter outcome (p = 0.226), in contrast, the number of multidrug resistances (p < 0.001). There was no prove of resistance against linezolid which is effective against the most common found infectious agents Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 93; 24.0 %) & Staphylococcus aureus (n = 47; 12.1 %).

CONCLUSION

There is no evidence of benefit from antibiotic therapy over 14 days, whereas multidrug resistance increases with prolonged antibiotic use. In the absence of infectious agents or clinical signs of inflammation, surgical treatment without additional antibiotic treatment is effective.Linezolid is a suitable antibiotic in the treatment of gram-positive infections which are the most frequent in DSWI.

A case of multiple median sternotomy for infection and expanding hematoma in 10 years

BACKGROUND

After a median sternotomy, mediastinitis may develop, necessitating reopening of the chest. Rarely, reoperation due to hematoma after cardiovascular surgery is experienced. In the present case, we experienced a patient who initially had mediastinitis, but later developed a chronic hematoma and underwent multiple surgeries.

CASE PRESENTATION

The patient was a 40-year-old man who underwent aortic valve replacement for a bicuspid aortic valve and a graft for a dilated ascending aorta. Postoperatively, he developed hematoma in the anterior mediastinum on multiple occasions with repeated episodes of infection that required multiple median sternotomies.

CONCLUSIONS

We reported our experience with a rare case of multiple median sternotomies. In the early stage, mediastinitis due to infection was observed, and in the late stage, mediastinal dilatation due to hemorrhage was observed.

Free Flaps in Sternal Osteomyelitis After Median Sternotomy: A Center's 12-Year Experience

BACKGROUND

 Adequate treatment of deep sternal wound infections (DSWIs) after open thoracic surgery still presents a major challenge. This study retrospectively analyzes the results of a single center's 12-year experience in treating DSWI, with special emphasis on free flap reconstruction.

METHODS

 In this single-center, retrospective study, all patients admitted with the diagnosis of DSWI after open thoracic surgery between 2009 and 2020 were included. A comparative analysis was performed between: (1) pedicled versus free flaps, (2) the center's two workhorse flaps-the pedicled latissimus dorsi (pLD) versus free anterolateral thigh (fALT) flaps, as well as (3) myocutaneous (MC) versus fasciocutaneous (FC) flaps. Primary endpoints were length of hospital stay (LOS) after reconstruction and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

 Of a total of 165 patients included, 152 underwent DSWI defect reconstruction with a total of 12 different reconstruction methods. Although the defect size was larger in patients who underwent free flap coverage, and the risk profile in the fALT and FC flap groups was higher, the LOS after reconstruction (in days) did not differ significantly between the groups (pedicled vs. free flaps: 23 vs. 28, p > 0.05; pLD vs. fALT: 24.5 vs. 26, p > 0.05; MC vs. FC flaps: 23 vs. 26, p > 0.05). Also, no significant differences were found in terms of in-hospital mortality when comparing the groups (pedicled vs. free flaps: 11.2 vs. 17.4%, p > 0.05; pLD vs. fALT: 11.5 vs. 12.5%, p > 0.05; MC vs. FC flaps: 12.9 vs. 12.5%, p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

 With proper patient selection, free tissue transfer is a valuable alternative in the treatment of sternal dehiscence after a DSWI. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that MC flaps are not necessarily superior to FC flaps in the reconstruction of sternal osteomyelitis defects.

The sternum reconstruction: Present and future perspectives

Sternectomy is a procedure mainly used for removing tumor masses infiltrating the sternum or treating infections. Moreover, the removal of the sternum involves the additional challenge of performing a functional reconstruction. Fortunately, various approaches have been proposed for improving the operation and outcome of reconstruction, including allograft transplantation, using novel materials, and developing innovative surgical approaches, which promise to enhance the quality of life for the patient. This review will highlight the surgical approaches to sternum reconstruction and the new perspectives in the current literature.

Free extended anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap versus combined pedicled pectoralis major-latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps in deep and extensive sternal wound reconstruction

BACKGROUND

The combined pedicled pectoralis major-latissimus dorsi (PM-LD) and free extended anterolateral thigh (ALT) myocutaneous flaps provide well-vascularized tissues for extensive sternal wound reconstruction. However, the outcomes and postoperative complications between the two surgical techniques are different. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of these two reconstructive options.

METHODS

This single-center, retrospective study was conducted between August 2011 and May 2019. Forty-four patients diagnosed with deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) and presented with grade four complications (sternal instability and necrotic bone tissue) were enrolled. Two reconstructive strategies, namely, combined pedicled PM-LD (n = 24) and free extended ALT (n = 20) myocutaneous flaps, were used according to the patients' hemodynamics. Data including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), hospital stay, follow-up, defect/flap size, number of surgical procedures before reconstruction, duration from the last debridement to flap coverage, comorbidities, and postoperative complications, were obtained for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The mean defect size in the combined PM-LD myocutaneous flap group was 188.4 (5*17-10*23) cm² , and the mean flap size was 150.0 (8*12-15*15) cm² and 205.0 (8*15-10*25) cm² in PM and LD flap, respectively. The mean defect size in the free extended ALT myocutaneus flap group was 202.5 (6*16-10*21) cm² , and the mean flap size was 285.2 (9*30-12*25) cm² . No significant differences were observed between the free extended ALT and the combined pedicled PM-LD myocutaneous flaps in relation to age, gender, BMI, hospital days, follow-up, defect size, preoperative procedures, and comorbidities, except for the average operative time (443.2 ± 31.2 vs. 321.3 ± 54.3 mins, p = .048). The combined pedicled PM-LD myocutaneous flap had significantly more donor site complications, including seroma (21% vs. 0%, p = .030), bilateral nipple-areolar complex asymmetry (100% vs. 0%, p < .0001), and skin graft loss with infection (33% vs. 0%; p = .044) than the free extended ALT myocutaneous flap.

CONCLUSION

The free extended ALT and the combined pedicled PM-LD myocutaneous flaps were both feasible and effective options for sternal wound reconstruction. Our findings suggested that the free extended ALT myocutaneous flap may be a better alternative for a comprehensive and extensive reconstruction of sternal wounds. Further studies based on these findings can be conducted.

The Free Myocutaneous Tensor Fasciae Latae Flap—A Workhorse Flap for Sternal Defect Reconstruction: A Single-Center Experience

Introduction: Deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) after cardiac surgery pose a significant challenge in reconstructive surgery. In this context, free flaps represent well-established options. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical outcome after free myocutaneous tensor fasciae latae (TFL) flap reconstruction of sternal defects, with a special focus on surgical complications and donor-site morbidity. Methods: A retrospective chart review focused on patient demographics, operative details, and postoperative complications. Follow-up reexaminations included assessments of the range of motion and muscle strength at the donor-site. Patients completed the Quality of Life 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) as well as the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) questionnaire and evaluated aesthetic and functional outcomes on a 6-point Likert scale. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scales (POSAS) were used to rate scar appearance. Results: A total of 46 patients (mean age: 67 ± 11 years) underwent sternal defect reconstruction with free TFL flaps between January 2010 and March 2021. The mean defect size was 194 ± 43 cm2. The mean operation time was 387 ± 120 min with a flap ischemia time of 63 ± 16 min. Acute microvascular complications due to flap pedicle thromboses occurred in three patients (7%). All flaps could be salvaged without complete flap loss. Partial flap loss of the distal TFL portion was observed in three patients (7%). All three patients required additional reconstruction with pedicled or local flaps. Upon follow-up, the range of motion (hip joint extension/flexion (p = 0.73), abduction/adduction (p = 0.29), and internal/external rotation (p = 0.07)) and muscle strength at the donor-sites did not differ from the contralateral sides (p = 0.25). Patient assessments of aesthetic and functional outcomes, as well as the median SF-36 (physical component summary (44, range of 33 to 57)) and LEFS (54, range if 35 to 65), showed good results with respect to patient comorbidities. The median VSS (3, range of 2 to 7) and POSAS (24, range of 18 to 34) showed satisfactory scar quality and scar appearance. Conclusion: The free TFL flap is a reliable, effective, and, therefore, valuable option for the reconstruction of extensive sternal defects in critically ill patients suffering from DSWIs. In addition, the TFL flap shows satisfactory functional and aesthetic results at the donor-site.

The management of deep sternal wound infection: Literature review and reconstructive algorithm

Deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) is an important complication of open thoracic surgery, with a reported incidence of 0.5-6%. Given its association with increased morbidity, mortality, inpatient duration, financial burden, and re-operation rates, an aggressive approach to treatment is mandated. Flap reconstruction has become the standard of care, with studies demonstrating improved outcomes with reduced mortality and resource usage in patients undergoing early versus delayed flap reconstruction. Despite this, no evidence-based standard for the management of DSWI exists. We performed a thorough review of the literature to identify principles in management, using a PRISMA compliant methodology. Ovid-Embase, Medline and PubMed databases were searched for relevant papers using the search terms "deep sternal wound infection," and "post-sternotomy mediastinitis" to December 2019. Duplicates were removed, and the search narrowed to look at specific areas of interest i.e. negative pressure wound therapy, flap reconstruction, and rigid fixation. The reference list of included articles underwent full text review. No randomized controlled trials were identified. We review the current management techniques for patients with DSWI, and raise awareness for the need for further high quality studies, and a standardized national cardiothoracic-plastic surgery guideline to guide management. Based on our findings and the authors' own experience in this area, we provide evidence-based recommendations. We also propose a reconstructive algorithm.

Comparison of pedicled versus free flaps for reconstruction of extensive deep sternal wound defects following cardiac surgery: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Myocutaneous pedicled flaps are the method of choice for sternal reconstruction after deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) following cardiac surgery. We set out to investigate whether free flaps provide a superior alternative for particularly extended sternal defects.

METHODS

Between October 2008 and February 2020, 86 patients with DSWI underwent sternal reconstruction with myocutaneous flaps at our institution. Patients were retrospectively grouped into pedicled (A; n = 42) and free flaps (B, n = 44). The objective was to compare operative details, outcome variables, surgical as well as medical complication rates between both groups, retrospectively. Binary logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the effect of increasing defect size on flap necrosis.

RESULTS

Rates of partial flap necrosis (>5% of the skin island) were significant higher in pedicled flaps (n = 14), when compared to free flaps (n = 4) (OR: 5.0; 33 vs. 9%; p = .008). Increasing defect size was a significant risk factor for the incidence of partial flap necrosis of pedicled flaps (p = .012), resulting in a significant higher rate of additional surgeries (p = .036). Binary regression model revealed that the relative likelihood of pedicled flap necrosis increased by 2.7% with every extra square-centimeter of defect size.

CONCLUSION

To avoid an increased risk of partial flap necrosis, free flaps expand the limits of extensive sternal defect reconstruction with encouragingly low complication rates and proved to be a superior alternative to pedicled flaps in selected patients.

Bilateral partial pectoralis major muscle turnover flaps for the management of deep sternal wound infection following cardiac surgery

Background

The pectoralis major muscle is a versatile flap used as an advancement or turnover flap for the treatment of deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) after median sternotomy. Advancement flaps provide suboptimal mass volume and sometimes cannot fully fill the dead space in the mediastinum. Turnover flaps can sufficiently cover the inferior sternum and fill dead space; however, the procedure requires disinsertion of the muscle from the humerus, resulting in functional loss and cosmetic deformity. In an attempt to optimize the benefits and minimize the drawbacks of both flaps, we developed a novel turnover flap method using the bilateral partial pectoralis major muscle. In this study, we introduce this new flap method and report its initial clinical results.

Methods

The bilateral pectoralis major muscle is split into upper and lower parts according to the direction of the muscle fibers. The upper part of the pectoralis major muscle on one side and the lower part of the pectoralis major muscle on the other side were selected as the turnover flaps. The parts of the pectoralis major muscle selected as turnover flaps were transected vertically at the midline of the clavicle. Our novel turnover flap method was used to treat 11 patients with DSWI following cardiac surgery.

Results

No deaths occurred in the group. In 10 patients, the chest incision healed without complications and reoperation, while 1 patient experienced delayed healing of the skin incision. None of the patients experienced subcutaneous hematoma or oozing that required reopening and drainage. The average hospitalization time was 14±7.9 days. After 6 months of follow-up, none of the patient had experienced recurrence of DSWI. Abnormal movement of the upper limbs or deformities of the chest wall were not detected in all 11 patients.

Conclusions

Bilateral partial pectoralis major muscle turnover flaps are appropriate for the treatment of DSWI after cardiac surgery. This novel method does not only provide sufficient volume to fill the defect but can also preserve the function of the upper limbs and prevent cosmetic deformity of the chest wall.