Pedicled flap transfer after chest wall malignant tumor resection and potential risk of postoperative respiratory problems for patients with low FEV1.0

Introduction

Musculoskeletal transfer for chest wall tissue defects is a crucial method, and pedicled flaps around the chest wall are preferred in terms of location and simplicity of transfer. These require special care because of complications such as partial necrosis, fistula, wound dehiscence, infection, hematoma and restricted function of the arm or shoulder. However, studies of respiratory function are rare. In the present study, we investigated the complications including respiratory problems after wide resection for malignant chest wall tumors with musculoskeletal pedicle transfer.

Methods

A total of 13 patients (15 operations) who underwent wide resection of primary, recurrent, or metastatic malignant chest wall tumors and musculoskeletal pedicle transfer for coverage of tissue defects were enrolled in the present study. A retrospective review of all patients was performed using data collected from hospital records and follow-up information. The complications of musculoskeletal transfer after chest wall wide resection, including respiratory problems, are evaluated.

Results

Rib or sternal resection was performed in 12 operations, and only soft tissue resection was performed in 3 operations. Latissimus dorsi (LD) pedicle transfer was performed in 13 operations, and pectoralis major (PM) pedicle transfer was performed in 2 operations; basically, wounds were closed primarily. Surgical complications were observed following 5 of the 15 operations (33.3%). Respiratory complications were seen in 7 of the 15 operations (46.7%). Patients with respiratory complications showed significantly lower preoperative FEV1.0% values than those without respiratory complications (p = 0.0196). Skin resection area tended to be higher in the complication group than in the no complication group (p = 0.104).

Discussion

Pedicled myocutaneous flap transfers such as LD, PM, and rectus abdominus can be used following multiple resections. After harvesting LD or PM, the wound can be closed primarily for an 8-10-cm skin defect in patients with normal respiratory function. However, for patients with low FEV1.0%, after primary closure of LD or PM transfer for wide soft tissue defects, attention should be paid to postoperative respiratory complications.

Management of a 20-year-old longstanding oroantral fistula: A case report and review of literature

A systematic treatment plan and an appropriate selection of surgical technique are the critical requirements for an effective closure of oroantral fistula (OAF). A 45-year-old female patient had sinus opening after she underwent a surgical tooth extraction 20 years back. On her frequent visits to the dentists some attempts were made for closure including surgical intervention, only for the lesion to return back. Computerized tomography (CT) scan was taken to rule out any bony extension of a lesion, the CT revealed a 1 × 1 cm radiolucency with a through - through communication from the alveolar bone to the right maxillary sinus because of the bony defect in the floor of maxillary sinus along with thickening of the maxillary sinus lining. The closure of the defect was done by a lateral pedicle flap raised from the right side was elevated and laterally slid to cover the defect without tension and was sutured with 4-0 resorbable interrupted suture while maintaining a bare surgical bed covered by the periosteum and a thin layer of connective tissue. This technique provides immediate repair of the defect to the patient, and also maintains comparatively normal anatomic architecture to the oral cavity. Eight months postoperative follow-up revealed a complete closure of OAF without any complications. The findings of this case suggest that lateral sliding pedicle flap can be a conservative approach in managing a long-standing OAF.

Reconstruction of a large nasal-facial defect using an augmented temporal myocutaneous tube flap in a dog

The muzzle region of dogs contains various composite tissues, which are challenging to recreate during reconstruction. Small or moderate facial/nasal defects can be closed primarily or left for second‐intention healing. However, larger defects require the application of composite tissue or labial advancement flaps. Axial pattern flaps based on the caudal auricular artery, superficial temporal artery (STA), angularis oris artery, and other cutaneous arteries have been reported. In our case, we aim to report the reconstruction of a large composite defect of the rostral and dorsal nasal regions in a dog using an augmented, axial myocutaneous flap based on bilateral STAs. This is a clinical report on a spayed female mixed‐breed dog (age, 7 years; weight, 15 kg), in which a large‐scale nasal–facial composite tissue defect was surgically reconstructed using an axial myocutaneous flap based on bilateral STA branches. A delay technique was applied to prefabricate the flap to enrich the blood supply. New nostrils were created on a folded, rostral hard palate. As a result, the axial tube rotational flap was successfully transferred. The use of delay technique for prefabricating the tube flap optimized its size and survival. In addition to the folded rostral hard palate, the flap fully closed the defects on the face and nose. Functional and cosmetic outcomes were satisfactory, with minimal donor‐site morbidity. In, conclusion, a large‐scale nasal–facial defect in a dog was successfully reconstructed using an augmented tube pedicle flap based on the bilateral STAs, which may, thus, be used to repair very large facial‐nasal defects in dogs.

A large‐scale nasalfacial defect in a dog was successfully reconstructed using an augmented tube pedicle flap based on the bilateral STAs, which may, thus, be used to repair very large facial‐nasal defects in dogs.

Repair of facial scars using free and pedicle-expanded deltopectoral flaps

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and long-term outcomes of free and pedicled, expanded deltopectoral flaps with perforation of the internal thoracic artery to repair facial scars. This retrospective review was of 37 patients who presented between June 2013 and June 2019 with various types of facial scar. Ten patients received a free expanded deltopectoral flap and 27 a pedicled, expanded deltopectoral flap. During the stage-one operation, the expander was implanted into the deltopectoral area and fully expanded by normal saline injection. In stage two, the facial lesions were incised, and the free or pedicled flap transferred to reconstruct the defect. Flap necrosis did not occur in the 10 patients treated with free flaps. Two patients need to have the pedicle trimmed three months after surgery because it had become bloated. Distal necrosis occurred in five of 27 patients who received a pedicled, expanded deltopectoral flap. Healing by conservative treatment was noted in two cases and healing after skin grafting was documented in the other three. All 37 patients achieved satisfactory results. A pedicled, expanded deltopectoral flap appears to be a reliable and safe option for the treatment of facial scars.

Hip disarticulation with pedicled total leg fillet flap for recurrent fungating sarcoma

Soft tissue sarcomas may be treated with limb-sparing procedures in the majority of cases; however, certain cases involving significant tumor spread and fungation may call for amputation. In the thigh, hip disarticulation typically involves a pedicled gluteus maximus flap or a pedicled anterior quadriceps flap. In this case report, we describe a rare situation in which the anterior flap, posterior flap, and adductor flap musculature were contaminated with tumor; therefore, a hip disarticulation was performed applying a pedicled total leg fillet flap for closure. Eighteen months after treatment, the patient continues to have no local recurrence of disease, a stable flap site, and ambulates with a walker. We present this amputation and closure method as a potentially effective modality in treating extensive oncologic disease of the proximal lower extremity.

New approach to an overlooked flap: Technique to augment venous drainage of the infrahyoid myocutaneous flap

BACKGROUND

To describe a technique in which the anterior jugular vein is preserved in the infrahyoid myocutaneous flap (IHMCF) to augment skin paddle venous drainage.

METHODS

From April 2018 to December 2019, 14 patients with primary oral cancer underwent radical resection and IHMCF reconstruction. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the anterior jugular vein was used to assess the venous drainage of the skin paddle preoperatively. The anterior jugular vein was preserved during dissection of the flap. Healing of the recipient and donor sites was observed.

RESULTS

Total flap necrosis occurred in one patient and marginal skin paddle necrosis occurred in one patient. No flap complications occurred in the other 12 patients.

CONCLUSION

This new approach to augment venous drainage of the IHMCF appears to be effective for decreasing risk of flap necrosis.

Supraclavicular Flap for Large Anterior Chest Wall Defects-A Road Less Travelled

Large upper central chest wall defects are a reconstructive challenge. The commonly described flaps for this area do not provide very large skin paddle, and free tissue transfer remains the only option for large skin defects. Supraclavicular flap as a local flap is widely used for head and neck reconstruction and has been described for upper chest wall defects earlier. We have used nonislanded supraclavicular flap for reconstruction of two cases of large chest wall defects, which would otherwise need free tissue transfer, single flap in one case and bilateral flaps in the other. It is easy to do and has minimal morbidity. Supraclavicular flap offers a simple solution for large skin defects of the upper central chest wall and is especially useful in patients with high-operative risk and guarded prognosis.

Treatment of Recurrent Tracheocutaneous Fistulas in the Irradiated Neck with a Two Layers-Two Flaps Combined Technique

The development of a tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) is a well-documented complication after tracheostomy, especially in chronic morbid patients, in whom tubes or cannulas are left in place over time, or in irradiated patients.

Surgical treatments are therefore needed which range from simple curettage and dressings to local skin flaps, muscle flaps and, in the more complex cases, microsurgical free tissue transfers.

We present a novel combined technique used to successfully treat recurrent TCFs in irradiated patients, involving a superiorly based turnover fistula flap and a sternocleidomastoid transposition flap.

Revisiting the temporal artery posterior auricular skin flap with an anatomical basis stepwise pedicle dissection for use in targeted facial subunit reconstruction

BACKGROUND

This study demonstrates the anatomy of the pedicled temporal artery posterior auricular skin (TAPAS) flap, its variable arc of rotation based on stepwise dissection, and case reports demonstrating clinical use. This flap provides excellent color match and ultrathin tissue for targeted reconstruction of small- to medium-sized facial subunit defects.

METHODS

Twenty-six cadaver dissections were performed. The authors measured the reach and rotation limits of the flap in a pedicled fashion depending on a stepwise approach for vascular pedicle dissection. Two clinical cases demonstrating maximum arc of rotation are seen.

RESULTS

The pedicled TAPAS flap maximal rotation limits allow for reconstruction of facial subunits encompassing nearly the entire ipsilateral face. No venous congestion, wound complications, or partial/total flap loss were encountered with extreme clinical applications.

CONCLUSION

The pedicled TAPAS flap has extensive versatility for reconstruction of a variety of facial subunit defects. The flap also has, in theory, multiple applications for intraoral reconstruction.

Total Gluteal Reconstruction with "IGA-based V-Y Myocutaneous Advancement Flap"

Introduction  A 44-year-old man was presented with chronic discharging multiple perianal fistula and squamous cell carcinoma of the left buttock.

Report  The patient was subjected to wide local excision of the entire left gluteal and adjacent sacral regions and reconstruction with extended island inferior gluteal artery based V–Y myocutaneous advancement flap.

Result and Conclusion  Extended island inferior gluteal based V–Y flap can be a good option for extensive defects involving the gluteal region and the sacrum.

Does 3D volumetric analysis predict the reach of endoscopically harvested buccal fat pad flap

OBJECTIVES

To determine if the volume of buccal fat, ascertained by computed tomography (CT) scanning, would correspond to surface area and reach (length and width) of the flap intraoperatively to aid in the reconstruction of selected skull base defects.

METHODS

Cadaveric study of five specimens, 10 sides. Methods CT imaging and evaluation using the Osirix 9 software (Pixmeo; Bernex, Switzerland). of cadaveric heads to calculate the volume of the buccal fat bilaterally. The flap was then harvested endoscopically. Measurements were taken. Two heads were also dissected via a transfacial approach.

RESULTS

The volume of the buccal fat pad (BFP) as well as the maximum length and width of the endoscopically harvested flap were documented. There was a positive correlation shown between the calculated volume of the BFP based on CT imaging and the dissected length and width of the flap (Pearson correlation, r = 0.83 and r = 0.80, respectively). The transfacial dissection demonstrated the lobes of the BFP well, showing that most of the endoscopic mobilization of the BFP was limited to the posterior lobe, in particular to the temporalis and pterygoid components, with minimal displacement of the superficial components. This minimized the risk of visibly hollowing the buccal fullness.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative calculation of the CT-based volume of the BFP correlates positively with the intraoperative maximum reach of the flap for both length and width. Whereas the volume may be lower in some instances, the BFP would still have adequate reach to provide coverage for the lower and mid-clival region in most patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA. Laryngoscope, 130:1670-1673, 2020.

Use of expanded deltopectoral skin flaps for facial reconstruction after sizeable benign tumor resections

The overall unsightliness of expansive benign facial tumors imposes both physical and mental suffering. Although excision is generally the optimal recourse in such instances, reconstructing the subsequent surgical defects is always a critical issue. Herein, we have described our experiences using expanded deltopectoral skin flaps to manage large facial wounds after excising benign tumors. Our endeavor called for retrospective review of 22 patients presenting between July 2007 and March 2017 with various facial growths, including hemangiomas, nevi, and neurofibromas. Depending upon areas of facial involvement, unilateral or bilateral deltopectoral skin flaps were expanded. The stepwise process was as follows: expander implantation, flap transfer, pedicle delay, and eventual separation. Ultimately, all 22 patients undergoing this procedure expressed satisfaction with the results in terms of skin texture, color, and flexibility. This particular method may thus be a reasonable choice for repairing sizeable defects in the wake of benign facial tumor excisions.

Benefits of urethroplasty for managing urethral amyloidosis: A case report

Urethral amyloidosis is a rare condition in which eosinophilic amyloid proteins are deposited in the urethra. Only a small number of reports on urethral amyloidosis have been published. Increased interest has been associated with this disease due to its clinical similarities with urothelial carcinoma. A biopsy of the lesion and a histological examination are essential for the correct diagnosis. Conservative management has been suggested by various urologists as the optimal treatment approach for urethral amyloidosis; however, recurrence and urethral stricture are common, and typically further treatment is required. Urethroplasty has been used in a limited number of urethral amyloidosis cases, with beneficial short-term outcomes; however, long-term follow-up data are lacking. The present case report describes the cases of 2 patients with urethral amyloidosis who underwent urethroplasty without recurrence or progression for >2 years. These findings indicate that urethroplasty is beneficial for the long-term management of urethral amyloidosis.

Reverse Sural Artery Island Flap With Skin Extension Along the Pedicle

The distally based sural flap is an efficient flap for reconstruction of soft tissues defects of lower limb. The unstable vascular pedicle, however, is prone to compression by the subcutaneous tunnel, especially when a long pedicle covers the distal area of the foot. The aim of the present study was to introduce a modified surgical technique that leaves the skin extension over the pedicle and to report the clinical results of this modification. A total of 25 consecutive patients with a mean age of 51.7 ± 14.7 years underwent surgery. We modified the conventional sural flap technique by leaving a skin extension over the entire length of the pedicle, creating a fasciocutaneous vascular pedicle. The postoperative flap survival rates, complications, and the characteristics of the flaps such as flap size, pedicle length, and the most distal area that could be covered with this modification, were reviewed. At the last clinical follow-up examination, all the flaps survived, although partial necrosis was observed in 2 (8%) cases. Four cases of venous congestion developed but healed without additional complications. The mean flap size was 5.9 ± 1.8 × 9.2 ± 2.7 cm. With this modification, the sural flap could cover the defect located in extreme distal areas, such as the medial forefoot and dorsum of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, with a longer pedicle (≤27 cm) in 7 patients (28%). A skin extension along the pedicle achieved the favorable survival rate of the sural flap and successfully extended the surgical indications to more distal areas.

Achieving ideal breast aesthetics with autologous reconstruction

Achieving ideal breast aesthetic has become a top priority for women considering breast reconstruction following mastectomy. The use of autologous tissue is generally regarded as providing the most natural results because donor tissues quality and consistency is similar to that of the native breast. There are several donor sites that are particularly useful for autologous reconstruction that include the abdomen, gluteal region, posterior thorax, and the thigh. Traditional and microsurgical techniques can be used. Shaping is a critical component and involves a basic understanding of the footprint, conus, and skin envelope. This manuscript will review many aspects of breast shaping in-order to achieve aesthetically pleasing results in a predictable manner.

Review of appendiceal onlay flap in the management of complex ureteric strictures in six patients

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate appendiceal onlay flap ureteroplasty for repairing complex right proximal and mid-ureteric strictures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between August 2006 and August 2012 four women and two men (mean age 34.2 years) underwent right laparoscopic appendiceal onlay flap ureteroplasty. The mean stricture length was 2.5 cm. Stricture formation was secondary to impacted ureteric stones in three patients and failed pyeloplasty for congenital pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in the remaining three. Each patient had ipsilateral flank pain before surgery.

RESULTS

The mean operating time, estimated blood loss and hospital stay were 244 min, 175 mL and 3.2 days, respectively. No intra- or peri-operative complications were noted. The objective success rate was 100% (all patients had radiographic and/or endoscopic resolution of their ureteric strictures). The subjective success rate was 66%, (two patients developed recurrent discomfort, which upon exploration was found to be attributable to fibrosis away from the appendiceal onlay graft, where the gonadal vessels crossed the ureter). Both patients with recurrent pain underwent laparoscopic ureterolysis and bladder advancement flap proximal to the appendiceal onlay, which markedly improved one patient's pain but the other patient continued to have discomfort, ultimately resulting in a laparoscopic nephroureterectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Appendiceal onlay ureteroplasty is a viable treatment option for patients with complex right proximal and mid-ureteric strictures, while minimising the potential morbidity of appendiceal and ileal interposition.

Experience with peroneus brevis muscle flaps for reconstruction of distal leg and ankle defects

Objective:

Peroneus brevis is a muscle in the leg which is expendable without much functional deficit. The objective of this study was to find out its usefulness in coverage of the defects of the lower leg and ankle.

Patients and Methods:

A retrospective analysis of the use of 39 pedicled peroneus brevis muscle flaps used for coverage of defects of the lower leg and ankle between November 2010 and December 2012 was carried out. The flaps were proximally based for defects of the lower third of the leg in 12 patients and distally based for reconstruction of defects of the ankle in 26 patients, with one patient having flaps on both ankles.

Results:

Partial flap loss in critical areas was found in four patients requiring further flap cover and in non-critical areas in two patients, which were managed with a skin graft. Three of the four critical losses occurred when we used it for covering defects over the medial malleolus. There was no complete flap loss in any of the patients.

Conclusion:

This flap has a unique vascular pattern and fails to fit into the classification of the vasculature of muscles by Mathes and Nahai. The unusual feature is an axial vessel system running down the deep aspect of the muscle and linking the perforators from the peroneal artery and anterior tibial artery, which allows it to be raised proximally or distally on a single perforator. The flap is simple to raise and safe for the reconstruction of small-to moderate-sized skin defects of the distal third of the tibia and all parts of the ankle except the medial malleolus, which is too far from the pedicle of the distally based flap. The donor site can be closed primarily to provide a linear scar. The muscle flap thins with time to provide a good result aesthetically at the primary defect.

Tunica Vaginalis Pedicle Flap for Reconstruction of Anterior Urethral Stricture

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the intermediate-term clinical efficacy and success rate of tunica vaginalis (TV) pedicle flap for reconstruction of bulbo-penile urethral stricture.

METHODS

We assessed the medical records of 15 male patients who had undergone TV pedicle flap urethroplasty for reconstruction of anterior urethral stricture between January 2006 and December 2011. The surgical outcome was assessed by comparison of four parameters including the maximum flow rate (Qmax ), international prostate symptom score (IPSS), residual urine (RU) and quality of life (QOL) in all patients pre- and postoperatively. Moreover, pre- and postoperative retrograde urethrography films were compared in all patients. t-test was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 38.1 ± 9.3 years (range: 25-55), mean stricture length was 4.2 ± 1.1 cm (range: 3-6.1 cm), and the mean follow up time was 14.6 ± 1.9 months (range: 12-18) months. There was a statistically significant difference between Q(max) , IPSS, RU and QOL pre- and postoperatively (P < 0.01). The clinical success rate in this study was 86.6% (13/15). The early complication was one case of wound infection and subsequent wound dehiscence, one case of hematoma formation in another patient, which did not have any influence in the long-term clinical outcome.

CONCLUSION

At intermediate-term follow up, TV pedicle flap urethroplasty has a high clinical success rate with low complication. However, a large clinical trial with long-term follow up is needed to confirm the result.

Double laterally rotated bilayer flap operation for treatment of gingival recession: A report of two cases

Esthetic concerns of the patient have become an essential part of dentistry, especially Periodontics. Periodontal plastic surgery is a rapidly emerging field, which helps us to meet this criterion. Root coverage is being achieved by a variety of techniques namely pedicle grafts and free soft tissue grafts. This article highlights on 2 case reports in which a new pedicle graft technique has been used for root coverage.