Reconstruction of Large Full-Thickness Abdominal Wall Defects Using a Free Functional Latissimus Dorsi Muscle

Free Flap Reconstruction of Abdominal Wall Defects: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction of extensive abdominal wall defects poses significant challenges, often requiring free tissue transfer when traditional methods are inadequate. This review examines the past decade's literature on free flaps for abdominal wall reconstruction to guide decision-making.

METHODS

A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted on July 17, 2024, using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus. Studies from 2013 to 2023 involving free flap reconstruction with at least 3 months follow-up were included. Surgical complications and outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 2269 articles, 32 met inclusion criteria, involving 104 free flaps. There were no reports of flap loss. The average defect size was 330.0 ± 200.8 cm2. Oncologic resection was the leading indication (57%), with the latissimus dorsi flap used most frequently (36%). The most common recipient vessels were the deep inferior epigastric vessels (66.7%). The most common recipient vessels were the deep inferior epigastric vessels (66.7%). Mesh was used in 53% of cases, predominantly in a sublay position. The majority of reconstructions were immediate (52.9%), followed by delayed (31.8%) and staged (15.3%). Complications included partial flap necrosis (5.8%), surgical site infection (5.8%), and hernia development (4.8%). There were no significant differences in outcomes when stratified by reconstruction timing, flap choice, recipient vessels, or mesh characteristics. Infection as the defect etiology independently predicted surgical site infection (p = 0.03), whereas mesh usage (p = 0.07) and diabetes (p = 0.09) trended toward increased infection risk. Donor site complications were minimal.

CONCLUSION

Free flap reconstruction is safe and effective for large abdominal wall defects, with similar outcomes across flap types. Infection as the initial etiology was the strongest predictor of postoperative infection. Further studies are needed to establish guidelines for patient and flap selection.

Prevascularized Hydrogel Enhancing Innervation and Repair of Full-Thickness Volumetric Muscle Loss in Abdominal Wall Defects

Current materials for repairing abdominal peritoneal defects face rapid degradation, infection risk, insufficient vascular ingrowth, slow muscle regeneration, and suboptimal postoperative integration, often causing fibrotic healing and hindering volumetric muscle loss (VML) repair exceeding 30%. To address these issues, photo-cross-linkable gelatin hydrogels are combined with blood vessel-forming cells to reconstruct vascular networks, providing temporary nutrient and gas channels that support cell repair. By developing a polymer-chain propagation time technique, hydrogel properties are optimized, avoiding limitations of conventional light exposure. These gels guide blood-vessel formation in vitro and promote robust microvessel and neural development in vivo. Precise control of light exposure and propagation times balances cross-linking and degradation, fostering blood vessel growth and host motor neuron ingrowth. In 55% VML, these hydrogels enable full-thickness abdominal muscle regeneration, restoring up to 70% of lost muscle while mimicking healthy tissue's strength and structure. Achieving higher degradation rates and a vascular density exceeding 50 vessels/mm-2 is essential for functional muscle repair. These strategies effectively bridge current clinical gaps, advancing regenerative medicine. The ability to fine-tune degradation and stiffness underscores gelatin hydrogels' potential as cell carriers, allowing the reconstruction of temporary vascular and neural channels at injury sites and significantly enhancing muscle tissue regeneration.

Functional Reconstruction of a Huge Lateral Thoraco-Abdominal Defect With Combined Innervated Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Flap and Vastus Lateralis Free Functional Muscle Transfer: A Case Report

Full thickness thoraco-abdominal defects are traditionally challenging to reconstruct, exposing the patient to a significant risk of wound complications and functional impairment. The authors present an extremely challenging and unique case where a huge lateral thoraco-abdominal defect was reconstructed with a combination of innervated flaps allowing to completely restore contour and function of the operated region. A 77-year-old male patient presented with a leiomyosarcoma arising in the right lateral thoraco-abdominal region. Full-thickness resection involved the anterior part of the latissimus dorsi (LD) and serratus anterior muscles along with IX to XII ribs, a cuff of diaphragm muscle and the entire lateral abdominal wall, creating a 30 × 25 cm defect with exposure of right lung, liver, and ascending and transverse colon. After the placement of a synthetic mesh, a 28 × 16 cm pedicled innervated LD flap was advanced in V-Y fashion to cover the thoracic part of the defect. Then the patient was turned supine and a vastus lateralis free functional muscle transfer (FFMT) from the contralateral thigh was used to reconstruct the abdominal part of the defect. The recipient vessels were provided transposing the ipsilateral deep inferior epigastric pedicle according to the extra-anatomical pedicle rerouting technique. Motor branch for the VL was coapted to a sizeable intercostal nerve. The muscle was covered with split-thickness skin grafts. Both flaps healed uneventfully, allowing to obtain a complete restoration of form and function with M5 score according to the MRC Scale for muscle strength 8 months after surgery. Functional reconstruction of the lateral abdominal wall with FFMT has never been reported. Our successful case shows the importance of functional reconstruction of lateral thoraco-abdominal defects to prevent abdominal weakness or herniation, trunk instability, postural deficiencies and core strength loss.

Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Angiography as a Predictor of Distal Flap Necrosis in Latissimus Dorsi Free Flaps

BACKGROUND

Vascularization of the distal latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle flap determines the success of the procedure, particularly in large defects. Failure due to distal flap necrosis can necessitate reoperation and increase mortality. Indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICGFA), as a modality that allows for intraoperative imaging of fasciocutaneous flap perfusion, has revolutionized free flap surgery. Evidence of use in muscle flap perfusion assessment is lacking. We investigate the efficacy of ICGFA in predicting distal flap necrosis in large LD free flaps.

METHODS

We prospectively recorded all cases of large LD free flap reconstruction (surface area > 250 cm2) at our institution (01/2018-12/2022). Patients were grouped according to the intraoperative perfusion assessment: ICGFA or clinical judgment. The primary outcome was distal flap necrosis > 5% of the total flap. Secondary outcomes included reoperation and total operation time. Multivariable analyses were applied to identify independent risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients with mean age of 57 ± 18 years and BMI of 29 ± 6 kg/m2 were included. Thirty-six patients (34%) underwent ICGFA. ICGFA was associated with a significant reduction in distal flap necrosis (18.3% vs. 2.8%, OR: -0.15, 95% CI: -0.29 to -0.02; p = 0.03) and reoperation (40.8% vs. 19.4%, OR: -0.21, CI: -0.41 to -0.02; p = 0.03), with no prolongation of the operation time (158 ± 63 vs. 191 ± 91 min, p = 0.39).

CONCLUSION

ICGFA is associated with increased success of large LD free flap reconstruction, allowing a more accurate and reliable assessment of perfusion. This highlights the immense potential of ICGFA as a clinical standard, surpassing its application solely in fasciocutaneous free flap surgery and, showcasing its efficacy in free muscle flap procedures.

REGISTRATION

This study has been registered at https://www.researchregistry.com (identification number: researchregistry9496).

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia as a component of the seatbelt syndrome: A case report of complete abdominal wall muscle transection

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Seat belt syndrome (SBS) is a rare condition described as injuries sustained due to thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic compression in the context of traffic accidents. These injuries can range from minor skin abrasions to large lesions of internal organs and spinal cord involvement. Traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWH) are one of the injuries that can be associated.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 21-year-old male suffered a severe injury, resulting in complete transection of all abdominal wall musculature due to SBS, with associated visceral injury. Emergency surgery included intestinal and sigmoid colon resection, along with cava vein repair. After a prolonged recovery, a second-stage surgery for abdominal wall reconstruction was planned. Prehabilitation involved botulinum toxin and pneumoperitoneum, with surgical planning utilizing CT scan and 3D reconstruction. The second-stage surgery included transversus abdominis release and placement of double mesh.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Managing traumatic abdominal wall hernias in polytrauma patients necessitates emergent surgery for vital injuries, while reconstructive surgery timing is crucial, with patient preparation being essential. Surgical planning, including 3D reconstructions, enhances accuracy, and safety, with repair technique selection depending on anatomical features. Given our patient's athletic background and preoperative vascular CT findings, flapless reconstructive surgery was chosen to mitigate vascular risks.

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic approach to traumatic abdominal wall injuries should be individualized to each patient, with a focus on addressing vital injuries first and considering abdominal wall reconstruction surgery at a subsequent stage. Utilizing CT scan with 3D reconstruction can be a valuable tool for preoperative planning in cases involving significant abdominal wall defects.

From Angiosomal to Bi-Angiosomal and Extra-Angiosomal Pedicled Perforator Flaps: Optimizing the Use of Local Tissues in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

The use of free-style and propeller perforator-based flaps has been popularized for the reconstruction of moderate size defects in the trunk and extremities, while their application in the field of abdominal reconstruction is seldom reported. The purpose of this report is to describe the authors experience with the use of pedicled perforator-based flaps in abdominal wall reconstruction, presenting the innovative concept of transition from angiosomal to bi-angiosomal and extra-angiosomal perforator flaps and showing applications of the different flap designs according to the multiple clinical scenarios.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 15 patients underwent abdominal wall reconstruction with angiosomal, bi-angiosomal, and extra-angiosomal pedicled perforator-based flaps harvested from the surrounding abdominal subunits for superficial or full thickness defects of the abdominal wall of moderate and large dimensions. The defects were consequent to soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) resection in 11 and 4 cases, respectively. Operative data, post-operative course, and complications were recorded. Moreover, at 12 months follow-up, patients were asked to rate the esthetic and functional outcomes of the reconstructive procedure on a 5-point Likert scale.

RESULTS

Ten angiosomal perforator flaps (4 DIEP, 4 SCIP, 1 SEAP, and 1 LICAP flaps) and 5 bi-angiosomal and extra-angiosomal conjoined perforator flaps including different vascular territories (3 bilateral DIEP, 1 bilateral SEAP, and 1 ipsilateral DIEP-SEAP flap) were successfully transferred in 15 patients. In two patients, microsurgical anastomoses were performed to guarantee proper vascularization of the additional cutaneous territory. Mean age was 59.3 years. Defect sizes ranged from 98 to 408 cm2 (mean size was 194.7 cm2). Mean operative time was 280 min. Flap surface ranged from 108 to 336 cm2 (mean surface was 209.3 cm2). No major complications were registered. One bi-angiosomal bilateral DIEP flap suffered from partial necrosis and required an additional flap reconstruction. All patients underwent a 12-month follow-up except one, who did not show for clinical follow-up but responded at the Likert scale at clinical follow-up at 9 months. Overall patients' satisfaction was high, with mean esthetic and functional ratings of 4.27 and 3.87.

CONCLUSION

The use of local tissues is an under-utilized solution in the field of abdominal wall reconstruction. Angiosomal, bi-angiosomal, and extra-angiosomal perforator flaps proved to be a reliable option to provide the transfer of a significant amount of tissue and offer like with like reconstruction while maximizing flap survival.

Contemporary Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: Emerging Techniques and Trends

Abdominal wall reconstruction is a common and necessary surgery, two factors that drive innovation. This review article examines recent developments in ventral hernia repair including primary fascial closure, mesh selection between biologic, permanent synthetic, and biosynthetic meshes, component separation, and functional abdominal wall reconstruction from a plastic surgery perspective, exploring the full range of hernia repair's own reconstructive ladder. New materials and techniques are examined to explore the ever-increasing options available to surgeons who work within the sphere of ventral hernia repair and provide updates for evolving trends in the field.

Reconstructive Techniques for Diaphragm Resection

A variety of diaphragmatic and non-diaphragmatic pathologies may require resection, reconstruction, or repair of the diaphragm. Adequate reconstruction is crucial in cases of diaphragmatic resection to prevent the herniation of abdominal organs into the chest and to maintain optimal respiratory function. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the techniques used for surgical diaphragm reconstruction, taking into account factors such as the size and location of the defect, available options for reconstructive materials, potential challenges and pitfalls, and considerations related to the recurrence or failure of the repair.

Dynamic Reconstruction Using Accessory-innervated Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Upper Trapezius Muscle Defect

The upper part of the trapezius muscle attaches to the acromion and elevates the shoulder, so a defect in the trapezius muscle greatly impairs shoulder-brachial movement. We encountered a case in which the upper trapezius muscle was completely resected due to myxofibrosarcoma that occurred in the upper part of the left trapezius muscle, and reconstruction was performed using a pedicled latissimus dorsi flap with the accessory nerve transferred, resulting in favorable motor function. A 74-year-old woman developed myxofibrosarcoma in her left neck 1 year and 4 months ago, and underwent two surgical excisions at a nearby hospital. However, two months prior, she relapsed again, and was referred to our hospital, where she underwent submandibular lymph node dissection, wide tumor resection, and reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi flap. For latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap transfer, the stump of the thoracodorsal nerve and accessory nerve were anastomosed to facilitate nerve transfer. Four months after surgery, she was able to raise her shoulder, and surface electromyography showed potentials comparable to her unaffected side. The innervated latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is frequently used for dynamic reconstruction of facial, brachialis, rectus abdominis, and deltoid muscles, but this is the first case report describing its use for dynamic reconstruction of the trapezius muscle.