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Haumer A, Speck NE, Kurlander DE, Wolff T, Mujagic E, Lunger A, Haug MD, Schaefer DJ, Ismail T. Free Flaps in Patients with Advanced Arteriosclerosis of the Tibial Vessels: Mini Vein Graft to the Peroneal Artery. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2024; 12:e5814. [PMID: 38752220 PMCID: PMC11095955 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000005814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Lower extremity reconstruction with free flaps in patients with only peroneal artery runoff remains a challenge. Here, we present a novel technique for reconstruction of medial defects in the distal leg using a medial approach to the peroneal artery and a short interposition vein graft anastomosed end to side to the peroneal artery. A retrospective, single-center study was performed including all patients who underwent lower extremity reconstruction with free flaps anastomosed to the peroneal artery using a mini vein graft from November 2020 to March 2022. The primary outcome measure was limb salvage. Secondary endpoints were flap survival and postoperative complications. Seven patients received lower extremity free flap reconstruction with a mini vein graft to the peroneal artery. Flap loss rate was 0%. Limb salvage was achieved in five patients (71%). At 6-month follow-up, all patients were ambulatory. One patient died 1 month after surgery due to heart failure. Mini vein graft to the peroneal artery allows reliable and safe free flap reconstruction of distal leg defects in patients with only peroneal artery runoff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Haumer
- From the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicole E. Speck
- From the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David E. Kurlander
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Ill
| | - Thomas Wolff
- Vascular Surgery and Organ Transplantation, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Edin Mujagic
- Vascular Surgery and Organ Transplantation, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Lunger
- From the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin D. Haug
- From the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dirk J. Schaefer
- From the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tarek Ismail
- From the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Coriddi M, Kim L, Haglich K, Nelson J, Shahzad F, Dayan J, Disa J, Mehrara B, Cordeiro P, McCarthy C. Comparisons of Impact of Vein Grafting with Different Indications on Outcomes of Reconstruction with Free Flaps. J Reconstr Microsurg 2024. [PMID: 38190987 DOI: 10.1055/a-2240-1534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies have shown an increased risk of complications and flap loss with the use of vein grafts in microsurgery. We hypothesize that indication for use of a vein graft can affect flap complications and loss rates. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of all patients at our institution from 2010 to 2020 who underwent free flap reconstruction and required use of a vein graft. Indications for vein grafting included: salvage of flap during primary operation after microvascular compromise, augmentation of flow during primary operation, lengthening of the flap pedicle during the primary operation, and salvage of the flap during a secondary salvage operation after microvascular compromise. RESULTS A total of 79 patients met the study inclusion criteria. There were significant differences among the vein graft indication groups and the following: area of reconstruction (p = 0.002), vein graft length (p = 0.018), vessels grafted (p = 0.001), vein graft donor site (p = 0.011), and total flap loss (p = 0.047). Of the four indications for vein grafting, salvage of the flap during secondary salvage operation after microvascular compromise had the highest rate of total flap loss (26.7%). There were no significant associations between other flap complications and vein graft indications. CONCLUSION Vein graft use in the primary reconstructive setting is efficacious, with low risk of thrombosis. Use in secondary procedures, however, is associated with higher rates of total flap loss, likely due to the thrombotic process, which was initiated prior to the use of the graft resulting in the salvage procedure and not secondary to the graft itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Coriddi
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Leslie Kim
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Kathryn Haglich
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jonas Nelson
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Farooq Shahzad
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Joseph Dayan
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Joseph Disa
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Babak Mehrara
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Peter Cordeiro
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Colleen McCarthy
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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Karamanos E, Hazboun R, Saad N, Bialowas C, Wang H, Cromack D. Full versus Baby Dose Aspirin for Antithrombotic Prophylaxis in Free Tissue Transfer: Does Size Matter? PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2022; 10:e4719. [PMID: 36601590 PMCID: PMC9799171 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000004719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The postoperative prophylactic use of aspirin is a common practice among plastic surgeons after free tissue transfer. The use of baby aspirin (81 mg) has become more popular due to previously published literature in other fields. We hypothesized that a full dose daily aspirin is nonsuperior to a baby dose daily aspirin in preventing arterial thrombosis in free tissue transfer. METHODS All patients undergoing free tissue transfer of the extremities from 2008 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. They were divided into two groups based on the postoperative dose of aspirin administered (full versus baby dose). The decision to administer full or baby dose was based on the surgeon's preference. Primary outcome was revision of the arterial anastomosis. Secondary outcomes included flap complications. RESULTS A total of 183 patients were identified. Out of those, 78 patients received full dose aspirin postoperatively, whereas 105 received a baby dose of aspirin. Patients who received baby aspirin did not have a higher incidence of returning to the operating room for revision of their arterial anastomosis [7.6% versus 7.7%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.93 (95% confidence interval, 0.28-3.11); adjusted P, 0.906]. No differences were found between the two groups in complete and partial flap loss, wound dehiscence, or infection. None of the patients experienced any aspirin-related gastrointestinal complications. CONCLUSIONS In patients undergoing free tissue transfer, thrombosis of the arterial anastomosis is rare. Administration of a full dose of aspirin postoperatively was not superior to a baby dose of aspirin in preventing arterial-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstathios Karamanos
- From the The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Tex
| | - Rajaie Hazboun
- From the The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Tex
| | - Noah Saad
- From the The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Tex
| | | | - Howard Wang
- From the The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Tex
| | - Douglas Cromack
- From the The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Tex
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Complex reconstructive microsurgery cases: the role of arteriovenous loops. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PLASTIC SURGERY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00238-021-01801-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Gazyakan E, Xiong L, Sun J, Kneser U, Hirche C. Vein Grafting in Microsurgical Lower Extremity Reconstruction: Outcome Analysis of Primary versus Secondary Salvage Procedures. J Reconstr Microsurg 2021; 37:608-616. [PMID: 33592633 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1723823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many microsurgeons fear high complication rates and free flap loss when vein grafting is necessary to restore blood flow at the recipient site. The aims of this study were to comparatively analyze surgical outcomes of interposition vein grafts (VG) in microsurgical primary lower extremity reconstruction and secondary salvage procedures. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on 58 patients undergoing free flap transfers with vein grafting for primary lower extremity reconstruction (cohort 1) and secondary salvage procedures (cohort 2) between 2002 and 2016. A matched-pair analysis of both cohorts and 58 non-VG flaps was performed. Patient data, preoperative conditions, flap and vein graft characteristics, postoperative outcomes such as flap failure, thrombosis, and wound complications were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 726 free flap transfers were performed. In total, 36 primary reconstructions (5%) utilized 41 interposition VG (cohort 1). Postoperative vascular compromise was observed in 65 free flaps (9%). In total, 22 out of 65 secondary salvage procedures (33.8%) utilized 26 interposition VG (cohort 2). Two total flap losses occurred in each cohort (5.6 vs. 9.1%; p = 0.63). Postoperative complications were observed in 38.9% of free flaps in cohort 1 and 72.7% in cohort 2 (p = 0.01). Takeback for microvascular compromise was comparable in both cohorts (19.4 vs. 22.7%; p = 0.75). Microvascular complications occurred more often in cohort 2 (22.7%) than in cohort 1 (8.3%; p = 0.28). Lower extremity salvage rates were high among both cohorts (94.4 vs. 90.9%; p = 0.63). Matched-pair analysis did not show any relevant differences on takebacks and flap loss (p = 0.32 and p = 1.0). CONCLUSION In complex lower extremity reconstructions, VG can be performed with acceptable complication rates and outcomes in primary and especially in salvage cases. With careful planning and a consistent surgical protocol, VG can provide reliable success rates in limb salvage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Gazyakan
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Lingyun Xiong
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany.,Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaming Sun
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ulrich Kneser
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Christoph Hirche
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany
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Haug V, Kadakia N, Panayi AC, Kauke M, Hundeshagen G, Diehm Y, Fischer S, Hirche C, Kneser U, Pomahac B. Combined (endo-)vascular intervention and microsurgical lower extremity free flap reconstruction-A propensity score matching analysis in 5386 ACS-NSQIP patients. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2020; 74:1031-1040. [PMID: 33436337 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2020.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compromised lower limb perfusion due to vascular changes such as peripheral artery disease impedes wound healing and may lead to large-scale tissue defects and lower limb amputation. In such patients with defects and compromised or lacking recipient vessels, combined vascular reconstruction with free flap transfer is an option for lower extremity salvage. METHODS By using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database (2005-2018), we analyzed two patient cohorts undergoing (A) free flap lower limb reconstruction (LXTR) only and (B) combined (endo-)vascular reconstruction (vascLXTR). The preoperative variables assessed included demographic data and comorbidities, including smoking, diabetes mellitus, preoperative steroid use, and American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) Physical Status Classification. Using a neighbor matching algorithm, we performed a 1:1 propensity score matching of 615 LXTR patients and 615 vascLXTR patients. Bivariate analysis for postoperative surgical and medical complications was performed for outcomes in the propensity-matched cohort. RESULTS We identified 5386 patients who underwent microsurgical free flap reconstruction of the lower extremity. A total of 632 patients underwent a combined (endo-)vascular intervention and lower extremity free flap reconstruction. Diabetes and smoking were more prevalent in this group, with 206 patients having diabetes (32.6%) and 311 being smokers (49.2%). More patients returned to the operating room in the cohort that underwent a combined vascular intervention (24.4% versus 9.9%; p<0.0001). The 30-day mortality for patients undergoing a combined vascular procedure was 3.5%, compared with 1.3% with free tissue transfer only (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION Despite the risks associated, the combined intervention decreases the very high mortality associated with limb amputation in severely sick patient populations. Careful preoperative assessment of modifiable risk factors may reduce complication rates while allowing limb salvage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Haug
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 45 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Microsurgery, Burn Trauma Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Nikita Kadakia
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 45 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, USA; University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Adriana C Panayi
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 45 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Martin Kauke
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 45 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gabriel Hundeshagen
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Microsurgery, Burn Trauma Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Yannick Diehm
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 45 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Microsurgery, Burn Trauma Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Fischer
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Microsurgery, Burn Trauma Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Christoph Hirche
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Microsurgery, Burn Trauma Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kneser
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Microsurgery, Burn Trauma Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Bohdan Pomahac
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 45 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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[Reconstruction of lower limbs in old age-an interdisciplinary approach : Strategies for trauma surgery, vascular surgery and plastic surgery]. Chirurg 2019; 90:806-815. [PMID: 31501936 DOI: 10.1007/s00104-019-01023-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of complex injuries of the lower extremities in geriatric and/or multimorbid patients requires optimized preoperative and perioperative management as well as differentiated and interdisciplinary surgical approaches. Timely and definitive treatment should be strived for to avoid longer periods of immobilization. Temporary external stabilization of complex fractures, when necessary, should be followed by permanent loading stable internal osteosynthesis as soon as possible. Accompanying soft tissue defects are reconstructed after wound débridement using the full armamentarium of plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures, including microvascular free flap. In the context of perfusion compromised soft tissue situations, negative pressure wound therapy can provide sterile temporary defect coverage and aid in preconditioning poorly vascularized tissue before definitive reconstruction. A clarification of the vascular status in geriatric patients is paramount and relevant perfusion disorders should be treated either by intervention or open surgery before complex reconstructive interventions. Close interdisciplinary coordination of the various surgical procedures is imperative in order to guarantee an optimized stable reconstructive outcome with acceptable patient risk. Taking these principles into account, the reconstruction of complex trauma to the extremities can be carried out even in geriatric or multimorbid patients in specialized interdisciplinary surgical centers with excellent functional results.
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