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Short- and Long-Term Complications of Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap Reconstructions: A Single-Centre Experience of 92 Consecutive Cases. Surg Res Pract 2022; 2022:2122956. [PMID: 35299587 PMCID: PMC8923785 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2122956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has been amongst the most versatile components of the reconstructive surgeon’s armamentarium. The authors utilise these flaps for a variety of reconstructive procedures including lower limb reconstruction; postsarcoma excision; and open fractures. Few studies have discussed the extent of recipient site morbidity and subsequent revisional procedures. We will report our experience of the ALT flap in 92 consecutive reconstructions with focus on recipient site complications and revisional procedures. Methods. Retrospective data collection was done from 92 patients who underwent ALT flap reconstruction—for various large soft tissue defects—at our unit at the Royal Free Hospital, London. We evaluated primary recipient site complications and the requirements for secondary operations after flap transfer. Results. All flaps survived with the exception of 3 cases (97% survival rate) in which irreversible venous thrombosis was encountered. 16 of 92 patients (17%) required a second recipient site operation for the following: 7 patients experienced major recipient site complications that warranted early return to theatre and 9 patients required a secondary revision thinning procedure(s). 8 of the 16 patients (50%) requiring second operations had construction on their lower leg/ankle/feet (p value = 0.10). Conclusions. Our data demonstrated effective use of the ALT flap in the management of soft tissue reconstructive surgery. Partial flap necrosis was the main complication at the recipient site. In future work, secondary thinning procedures, particularly at the ankle/foot, should be separated from flap-specific complications. Furthermore, we demonstrate tailoring ALT thickness can be performed safely without compromising flap viability.
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Brunetti B, Salzillo R, Tenna S, Morelli Coppola M, Persichetti P. Versatility of the lateral circumflex femoral artery sparing perforator-based anterolateral thigh flaps in loco-regional thigh reconstruction after skin cancer, melanoma, and sarcoma resection. Microsurgery 2021; 42:428-432. [PMID: 34766644 DOI: 10.1002/micr.30836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap represents a workhorse in reconstructive microsurgery but its use in a free style fashion as perforator-based flap has yet to be popularized. We describe our experience with lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) sparing perforator-based ALT flaps for thigh reconstruction after oncological resection in a case series of 24 consecutive patients. METHODS Twenty-four patients underwent thigh reconstruction with 25 perforator-based ALT flaps between 2014 and 2020. Defect etiology was related to skin cancer, melanoma, and sarcoma resection in 3, 7, and 14 cases respectively. Mean defect size was 15 × 8 cm. Six months postoperatively, patients were asked to rate on a 5-point Likert scale the aesthetic and functional outcomes of the reconstructive procedure. RESULTS Eight flaps were advanced in a V-Y fashion (33.3%), whether 16 flaps (66.7%) were rotated in a propeller fashion. The average flap size was 19 × 8 cm, while mean operative time was 197.2 min. Donor sites were always closed by primary intention. Minor complications were registered in 5 cases and managed conservatively. Overall patients' satisfaction was high, with mean aesthetic and functional ratings of 4.46 and 4.21 respectively. CONCLUSIONS LCFA sparing perforator-based ALT flaps proved to be a versatile and reproducible solution to address thigh reconstruction after oncological resection according to the different topographical sub-units involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beniamino Brunetti
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Salzillo
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Tenna
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Morelli Coppola
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Persichetti
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Marchesi A, Amendola F, Garieri P, Steinberger Z, Vaienti L. Wide Local Excisions and Pedicled Perforator Flaps in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Study of Quality of Life. Ann Plast Surg 2021; 86:201-205. [PMID: 32881748 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000002482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin pathology characterized by the occurrence of inflamed and swollen lesions, with a devastating impact of the disease on patient's quality of life. Wide local excision (WLE) of the affected tissue is the criterion-standard treatment, but there is no general consensus on the best reconstructive technique. The aim of this article is to evaluate the quality of life before and after WLE combined with pedicled perforator flap reconstruction, in patients suffering from HS. METHODS We analyzed 26 consecutive patients suffering from Hurley stage III HS. Every patient underwent WLE, followed by reconstruction with pedicled perforator flap. Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) tests were administered to every patient preoperatively and 6 months after surgery, when the clinical condition was considered stable. Dermatology Quality of Life Index scores were compared in terms of means with Student t test. Linear regression studies were used to compare the changes in DLQI score with the surgical and clinical variables. RESULTS Axillary area involvement was found in 21 of 27 patients; 6 patients had more than 1 body region involved. Thirty-two pedicled perforator flaps were performed, and 22 were thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps. Mean DLQI test score before the first operation was 21.31 ± 4.79; the average DLQI score after the last follow-up was 5 ± 2.95 (P < 0.0001). Dermatology Quality of Life Index scores were not influenced by complications including reoperation. There were also no correlations found between DLQI score delta and number of reoperation (-0.18) or days of hospital stay (-0.13). CONCLUSIONS Wide local excision followed by pedicled perforator flap reconstruction allows a radical excision of HS areas with short postoperative healing periods. Dermatology Quality of Life Index scores confirmed high levels of patients' satisfaction. Disadvantages of this technique include difficult learning curve, long operating time, and a nonnegligible complications rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Marchesi
- From the Plastic Surgery, Hand Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery Department, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza
| | - Francesco Amendola
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Garieri
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Luca Vaienti
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
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Chaput B, Meresse T, Bekara F, Grolleau JL, Gangloff D, Gandolfi S, Herlin C. Lower limb perforator flaps: Current concept. ANN CHIR PLAST ESTH 2020; 65:496-516. [PMID: 32753250 DOI: 10.1016/j.anplas.2020.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Following a long period dominated by random fasciocutaneous flaps or muscle flaps, solutions to cover the lower limb have been largely diversified by the advent of so-called "perforator" flaps. Extended knowledge of vascular anatomy has propagated the development of this innovative procedure, in the objective of reducing morbidity. The existence of close to 400 perforator vessels in the body makes it possible to offer new flap perspectives for many defects, which were sometimes previously impossible to manage before except by free flap. For us, perforator flaps have become the current first-line solutions for small to medium size loss of substances. Understanding of vascular physiology and surgical experience are essential in choosing indications, detecting perforators, and modeling flaps to be optimally positioned in the reconstructive decisional algorithm. New skills are needed to master this type of reconstruction and limit failures, which implies a learning curve not only for flap design, perforator detection and surgical procedure, but also for monitoring and management of complications. In this manuscript, we outline the concepts and principles of the majority of the pedicled perforator flaps available for coverage of the lower limb, based on experience of more than 400 perforator flaps suitable for this localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Chaput
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Rangueil University Hospital, 31000 Toulouse, France.
| | - T Meresse
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Lapeyronie University Hospital, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - F Bekara
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Lapeyronie University Hospital, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - J L Grolleau
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Rangueil University Hospital, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - D Gangloff
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Lapeyronie University Hospital, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - S Gandolfi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Rangueil University Hospital, 31000 Toulouse, France; Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, CHU Charles Nicolle, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - C Herlin
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Lapeyronie University Hospital, 34000 Montpellier, France
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[Challenges to endoprosthetic reconstruction after tumor resection around the knee : Management of intra- and postoperative complications]. DER ORTHOPADE 2020; 49:114-122. [PMID: 31974629 DOI: 10.1007/s00132-019-03853-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The good functional outcomes of endoprosthetic knee reconstructions combined with modern oncosurgical concepts have resulted in a decreased rate of primary amputations following tumor resection in the region of the knee, thereby improving the quality of life of affected patients. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to reappraise complications which are more common than in conventional arthroplasties performed for arthritis or trauma due to the complexity of the surgical procedures, the size of the endoprosthetic reconstructions, and neo-/adjuvant therapies. MATERIAL AND METHODS Possible intra- and postoperative complications and treatment options are presented. RESULTS Typical intraoperative complications include malalignment (axis, length, rotation) in implant positioning, unplanned soft tissue defects, impaired implant fixation due to poor bone stock, periprosthetic fractures, vessel/nerve injuries, and lesions/defects of the extensor mechanism. The relevant postoperative complication profile is characterized by local recurrences, periprosthetic infections, thromboembolic events, and mechanical failures (loosening, failure of the constraining mechanism). CONCLUSION Depending on anatomic conditions and the systemic oncological status of the patient, these complications represent tremendous challenges to reconstructive management. Knowledge of the potential problems enables them to be avoided. This requires profound experience in oncosurgery and tumor endoprosthesis revisions.
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Hirtler L, Lübbers A, Rath C. Vascular coverage of the anterior knee region - an anatomical study. J Anat 2019; 235:289-298. [PMID: 31070789 PMCID: PMC6637446 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Descriptions of vessel angiosomes or perforasomes throughout the human body are quite frequent, and led to the development of flaps nowadays commonly used to surgically cover skin and soft tissue defects. In these procedures, the surgeon requires a profound anatomical knowledge of the respective blood vessels and the extent of the perfused area to define the size of the graft. In the region of the knee joint, descriptions of flaps based on the superior lateral genicular artery and descending genicular artery are quite frequent. In contrast, information regarding other popliteal branches is scarce or non‐existent. The aim of this study was to provide a concise and complete overview on the extent and variability of the perforator angiosomes of the femoral and popliteal arteries in the anterior knee region. Twenty lower extremities were dissected, the respective perforators identified and perfused with dye. All resulting angiosomes were marked and documented. A total of 84 angiosomes were identified in all specimens, with an average of 4.2 (3–6) angiosomes per specimen. The average size of the angiosomes was 97.04 ± 72.30 cm2 (8.61–360.41 cm2), their source vessels had an average diameter of 1.42 ± 0.54 mm (0.60–3.25 mm). The complex and highly variable distribution of perforator angiosomes of the anterior knee region and especially of its less frequently investigated distal part was demonstrated. Based on these results, the planning of existing perforator flaps in this region and the development of flaps including the inferior medial or inferior lateral genicular arteries may be facilitated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Hirtler
- Division of Anatomy, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anke Lübbers
- Department of Surgery, Malteser Hospital St Franziskus-Hospital, Flensburg, Germany
| | - Claus Rath
- Division of Anatomy, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defects Around the Knee With Pedicled Perforator Flaps. Ann Plast Surg 2018; 81:462-467. [DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000001544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Jiang L, Liu Y, Zang M, Zhu S, Chen B, Li S. [Clinical applications of distally based anterolateral thigh flaps based on perforating vessels from lateral circumflex femoral artery oblique branch]. ZHONGGUO XIU FU CHONG JIAN WAI KE ZA ZHI = ZHONGGUO XIUFU CHONGJIAN WAIKE ZAZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF REPARATIVE AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY 2017; 31:559-563. [PMID: 29798545 DOI: 10.7507/1002-1892.201612091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Objective To explore the feasibility and technical points of soft tissue defect reconstruction of the lower extremity using the distally based anterolateral thigh (dALT) flap based on perforating vessels from the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) oblique branch. Methods Between July 2010 and July 2016, 7 patients underwent defect reconstruction of the lower extremities using the dALT flap based on perforating vessels from the LCFA oblique branch. There were 4 males and 3 females with an average age of 26.7 years (range, 3-58 years). The etiologies included angiofibrolipoma in 1 case, malignant fibrous sarcoma in 1 case, soft tissue sarcoma in 1 case, and post-burn scar contracture in 4 cases. The disease duration was 13 years, 1 year, and 8 months in 3 patients with tumors respectively, and was from 6 months to 35 years in 4 patients with post-burn scar contracture. After resection of lesion tissues, the defect size ranged from 8 cm×6 cm to 24 cm×8 cm. The flap size ranged from 9 cm×7 cm to 24 cm×8 cm. The length of the pedicle ranged from 12 to 22 cm (mean, 16.6 cm). The distance from the flap pivot point to the superolateral border of the patella ranged from 9.5 to 14.0 cm (mean, 11.8 cm). The donor sites were directly closed in 6 cases and covered with the split-thickness skin graft in 1 case. Results All flaps survived after surgery without any major complications. All wounds at the donor and the recipient sites healed primarily. The patients were followed up from 5 to 54 months (mean, 30.7 months). The color, texture, and thickness of the flaps were similar to those of the surrounding skin. No tumor recurrence was observed. The range of motion of flexion and extension of the knee joint were greatly improved in the patients with post-burn scar contracture. Conclusion For patients who have the oblique branch from the LCFA descending branch which sends out perforating vessels to the skin of the anterolateral thigh region, a dALT flap could be used to reconstruct soft tissue defects of the lower extremities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Jiang
- No.11 Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical School, Beijing, 100144, P.R.China
| | - Yuanbo Liu
- No.11 Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical School, Beijing, 100144,
| | - Mengqing Zang
- No.11 Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical School, Beijing, 100144, P.R.China
| | - Shan Zhu
- No.11 Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical School, Beijing, 100144, P.R.China
| | - Bo Chen
- No.11 Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical School, Beijing, 100144, P.R.China
| | - Shanshan Li
- No.11 Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical School, Beijing, 100144, P.R.China
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