The combined free partial vastus lateralis with anterolateral thigh perforator flap reconstruction of extensive composite defects

Reliability of Long Vein Grafts for Reconstruction of Massive Wounds

When handling large wounds, zone of injury is a key concept in reconstructive microsurgery, as it pertains to the selection of recipient vessels. Historically, surgeons have avoided placing microvascular anastomosis within widely traumatized, inflamed, or radiated fields. The harvest of vein grafts facilitates reconstruction in complex cases by extending arterial and/or venous pedicle length. To illustrate the utility and fidelity of these techniques, this paper reviews the indications and outcomes for vein grafting in ten consecutive patients at a single tertiary referral center hospital. The case series presented is unique in three aspects. First, there are two cases of successful coaptation of the flap artery to the side of the arterial limb of an arteriovenous loop. Second, there is a large proportion of cases where vein grafts were used to elongate the venous pedicle. In these 10 cases, the mean vein graft length was 37 cm. We observed zero flap failures and zero amputations. Although limited in sample size, these case data support the efficacy and reliability of long segment vein grafting in complex cases in referral centers.

Assessment of post-surgical donor-site morbidity in vastus lateralis free flap for head and neck reconstructive surgery: An observational study

BACKGROUND

Vastus lateralis (VL) can be used to reconstruct defects of the head and neck. Whilst the advantages are documented, donor-site morbidity is not well described. This study aimed to assess donor-site morbidity after VL flap harvest. Results will determine future directions for preventative and post-operative care to improve patient health outcomes.

METHODS

Ten participants (mean age 55 years) were assessed for the presence of donor-site morbidity after VL harvest. Musculoskeletal (pain, muscle strength, muscle length and tactile sensation), quality of life (SF-12), lower extremity function, gait (function and speed) and sit to stand were assessed using validated and standardized procedures. The outcomes were compared to age-matched healthy reference values or to the non-operative side. Analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests.

RESULTS

There was no difference in muscle strength (knee extension), muscle length, ability to sit-to-stand, or gait function (all P > 0.05). Knee flexor muscle strength was significantly less on the operated leg compared to the non-operated leg (P = 0.02) and walking speed was slower than age-matched healthy values (P < 0.001). Thigh tactile sensation was impaired in 89% of participants. Quality of life was significantly less for the physical health component of the SF-12 (P < 0.001). The mental health component of the SF-12 was similar to healthy controls (P = 0.256).

CONCLUSION

There was no effect on donor site morbidity with regards to knee extensor strength, pain, walking function, ability to sit-to-stand and muscle length. VL harvest affected donor-site knee flexion strength, walking speed, tactile sensation and physical health-related quality of life.

Chimeric Anterolateral Thigh Flap in Skull Base Reconstruction: A Case-Based Update and Literature Review

Oncologic and traumatic neurosurgery may have to cope with the issue of skull base defects, which are associated with increased risk of meningitis, epidural abscess and cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) leak. The aim of skull base reconstruction is to repair the dural exposure and to separate the intracranial contents from the nonsterile sino-nasal cavities and extracranial space. Currently, many different surgical techniques have been described, and one of the most performed is the use free flap. In the present paper we performed a case-based update and literature review of the use of chimeric anterolateral thigh free flap harvested from rectus femoris, reporting the case of a 68-year-old man with recurrent spheno-ethmoidalis plane meningioma.

A neglected problem in the utilization of free anterolateral thigh flap toward reconstructing complicated wounds of extremities: the obliteration of deep dead space

Background

Deep dead space may be thought as an independent risk factor of the poor infection control after flap reconstruction in complex limb wounds. But it can be easily neglected. The conventional skin flap and musculocutaneous flap are difficult to obliterate the deep dead space in irregular shape effectively. It was investigated that the clinical application of chimeric anterolateral thigh perforator flap in the treatment of complex wounds complicated with deep dead space of the extremities in the paper.

Methods

Fifty-six cases complicated with deep dead space wounds were registered in group. Following thorough debridement and treatment with VSD, the granulation tissues grew with well-controlled infection. And then the chimeric anterolateral thigh perforator flap was used to obliterate the deep dead space and repair the wounds. The postoperative flap survival and infection conditions were evaluated.

Results

Overall, the infection was effectively controlled, without persistent exudation or sinus tract formation after wound healing. While 5 cases lost to follow-up, the remaining 51 cases were followed up until 15 months on average. Generally, the affected extremities recovered satisfactorily with normal appearances and texture of the flaps, along with normal functions. Importantly, no recurrence of infection was observed.

Conclusion

During the grafting of chimeric perforator flap pedicled with lateral thigh muscle flap, the muscle flap is recommended to obliterate the deep dead space while the skin flap is being used to cover the wound. The combination of these two technologies performed well in the repair and reconstruction of the complex wounds of the extremities, possessing potential for broader clinical application.

Versatile design of compound vastus lateralis muscle and anterolateral thigh musculocutaneous perforator free flaps for customized reconstruction of complex skin and soft tissue defects in the extremities

BACKGROUND

Compound anterolateral thigh flaps are popular for three-dimensional reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects. We present our 10-year experience using compound vastus lateralis (VL) muscle and anterolateral thigh musculocutaneous perforator (ALTP) flaps, and introduce three versatile customizations of this flap for individualized reconstruction of complex three-dimensional soft tissue defects.

METHODS

From May 2008 to June 2017, compound VL muscle and ALTP flaps were performed in 67 consecutive patients aged 14-75 years (62 men and 5 women). The defects were in either the lower (n = 53) or upper extremity (n = 14), and ranged in size from 8 × 4 cm2 to 25 × 6 cm2. Dead space volume ranged from 4 × 2 × 1 cm3 to 20 × 3 × 2 cm3, and all flaps were harvested from patients' thighs as one of three types. In type A, a single perforator supplied both the skin and muscle components, with the vascular bundle penetrating the muscle component. In type B, a single perforator supplied both skin and muscle components with separate branches to the skin and muscle. In type C, separate vessels supplied the skin and muscle.

RESULTS

In the 67 patients, 65 flaps survived, and the donor site was closed directly. Vascular compromise occurred in four patients on the first postoperative day. Two flaps were salvaged after emergency re-exploration. Flap loss occurred in two patients, and these defects were repaired using other flaps. The follow-up period ranged from 8 to 60 months (mean, 11.9 months). All flaps had satisfactory appearance and texture, and no patients experienced limited hip and knee joint mobility from the donor site operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Compound VL muscle and ALTP flaps are a reliable option to reconstruct complex defects of the extremities. Identifying three flap types allowed for more precise customization to cover complex defects with limited donor site morbidity.

Chimeric Vastus Lateralis and Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Restoring Facial Defects and Dynamic Function following Radical Parotidectomy

BACKGROUND

Extirpation of malignant tumors of the parotid results in creation of a complex facial defect often in combination with facial nerve palsy. This study presents the authors' experience using vastus lateralis muscle as a chimeric flap with anterolateral thigh flap to allow both soft-tissue reconstruction and dynamic reanimation in radical parotidectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the medical records of cancer patients who had undergone radical parotidectomy and reconstruction using a chimeric vastus lateralis and anterolateral thigh flap between March of 2013 and May of 2017 was performed using the Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute database. The return of dynamic midface movement was the primary outcome investigated. Electronic, clinician-graded facial function scale grades were used to formally assess postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 27 patients were included in the study with an average age of 72 years (range, 31 to 88 years). Thirteen patients (48 percent) had developed dynamic function by the end of the study period. Young age predicted a more rapid return to dynamic function (p = 0.018). Both being a woman and having an intact facial nerve before surgery improved dynamic midface movement (p = 0.005 and p = 0.036, respectively). On multivariable analysis, superior midface dynamic function was associated with neurotization using midface facial nerve branches as opposed to using nerve-to-masseter alone (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The chimeric vastus lateralis and anterolateral thigh flap is a suitable option for restoring defects and dynamic function following radical parotidectomy.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Single stage reconstruction of complex head and neck defects involving the skin with a single ALT flap: A ten year review

Background

Multicomponent defects of the head and neck involving the cervical skin pose a reconstructive challenge for microsurgeons and usually requires two flaps. However, many patients who undergo such surgical treatment had prior treatment with radiotherapy and the availability of recipient vessels for free flap reconstruction may be limited. The purpose of this study was to review our experience in the reconstruction of these extensive head and neck defects using a single ALT free flap.

Methods

A total of 21 patients with complex defects of the head and neck involving multiple anatomical subunits, including the overlying cervical skin, underwent reconstruction with a single ALT flap. The clinical, functional, and aesthetic outcomes of these patients were reviewed.

Results

The mean hospital stay was 24 days. There was one total flap loss due to pedicle thrombosis. The patient underwent a further ALT reconstruction with no postoperative complications. Cervical fistulas occurred in three patients, and all fistulas were healed by simple wound packing. Three patients with tracheal defect had a functional tracheostoma with adequate stomal patency. A modified barium swallowing study was performed on each patient, and all of them achieved total oral intake. Among them, two patients tolerated only a pureed diet.

Conclusions

Complex neck reconstruction can be accomplished with a single ALT flap with good clinical and functional results, minimal morbidity and quick recovery.

[Modified pedicled anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap for large full-thickness abdominal defect reconstruction]

Objective

To investigate the reconstructive methods and effectiveness of modified pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) myocutaneous flap for large full-thickness abdominal defect reconstruction.

Methods

Between January 2016 and June 2018, 5 patients of large full-thickness abdominal defects were reconstructed with modified pedicled ALT myocutaneous flaps. There were 3 males and 2 females with an average age of 43.7 years (range, 32-65 years). Histologic diagnosis included desmoid tumor in 3 cases and sarcoma in 2 cases. The size of abdominal wall defect ranged from 20 cm×12 cm to 23 cm×16 cm. Peritoneum continuity was reconstructed with mesh; lateral vastus muscular flap was used to fill the dead space and rebuild the abdominal wall strength; skin grafting was applied on the muscular flap, the rest abdominal wall soft tissue defects were repaired with pedicled ALT flap. The size of lateral vastus muscular flap ranged from 20 cm×12 cm to 23 cm×16 cm, the size of ALT flap ranged from 20 cm×8 cm to 23 cm×10 cm. The donor site was closed directly.

Results

All flaps and skin grafts survived totally, and incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6-36 months (mean, 14.7 months). No tumor recurrence occurred, and abdominal function and appearance were satisfying. No abdominal hernia was noted. Only linear scar left in the donor sites, and the function and appearance were satisfying.

Conclusion

Modified pedicled ALT myocutaneous flap is efficient for large full-thickness abdominal defect reconstruction, decrease the donor site morbidity, and improve the donor site and recipient site appearance.

The utility of the musculocutaneous anterolateral thigh flap in pharyngolaryngeal reconstruction in the high-risk patient

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Prior radiotherapy leads to increased wound complication rates for microsurgical reconstruction of pharyngolaryngeal (PL) defects. Incorporating vastus lateralis muscle together with anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) skin in defect reconstruction is useful in protecting vital structures and reinforcing irradiated neck skin and suture lines. This study shows the utility of the musculocutaneous ALT (MC ALT) in PL reconstruction in previously irradiated patients.

METHODS

A single-surgeon, retrospective chart review of all patients with defects of the PL region where an MC ALT was used for reconstruction from February 2014 to May 2016. The harvest of the MC ALT is described.

RESULTS

Thirteen consecutive patients underwent reconstruction with a MC ALT flap. All 13 patients had received previous radiotherapy. PL defects included five partial, five subtotal, and three total. There was a 100% flap survival rate with five early recipient site complications including three fistulas, one neck abscess, and one partial muscle necrosis. Three patients (23%) developed strictures requiring dilatation, two of whom had received post-reconstruction radiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the MC ALT for reconstruction of PL defects should be considered to mitigate the negative effects of prior irradiation and provide a back-up plan in instances where complications occur.

One plus one: Two free flaps from same donor thigh for simultaneous coverage of two different defects

Introduction:

Primary microvascular reconstruction of multiple defects is challenging particularly if it has to be simultaneous. In trauma cases, harvesting two independent free flaps from different sites is very time-consuming and adds to morbidity. To eliminate these disadvantages, we sought to find out a reliable alternative method of harvesting two independent free flaps based on the descending branch of circumflex femoral artery, i.e., one anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap and one rectus femoris muscle flap.

Aim:

To study the feasibility of transferring two free flaps, i.e., ALT and rectus femoris muscle flap simultaneously from the same thigh for coverage of two different limb defects.

Materials and Methods:

From 2003 to 2012, five patients with two defects each were managed with a total of ten flaps harvested from five donor sites based on independent pedicles of descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery and used to cover severe injuries of extremities. Three cases had both lower limb defects and two cases had one upper limb and one lower limb defect. In each case, one ALT flap and one rectus femoris muscle flap were used for coverage.

Results:

All reconstructive procedures were completed without any major complications. All flaps survived well. There were no re-explorations and no complications related to donor sites.

Conclusion:

We conclude that our approach of simultaneous harvest of ALT and rectus femoris muscle from the same thigh offers two flaps for two different defects in terms of economy of donor site and operating time.

The vastus lateralis free flap for lower extremity gustilo grade III reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Orthopedic trauma patients with Gustilo grade III injuries to the distal third of lower extremity present challenges to optimum reconstructive management. There is no consensus on the ideal autologous tissue for transfer in large lower extremity defect reconstruction. We present a large case series utilizing the vastus lateralis (VL) free flap for lower extremity Gustilo grade III reconstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a case series of patients who underwent VL free tissue transfer for Gustilo grade III injuries. A total of 38 free tissue transfers were performed for lower extremity reconstruction, 19 of which were VL flaps. Mean interval between injury and reconstruction was 46 days (range 7-240 days).

RESULTS

The mean wound size was 11.37 cm x 11.42 cm and all cases underwent delayed reconstruction. Seven day flap viability was 100% and 30-day flap viability was 17/19 (89%). There were six complications: two hematomas requiring drainage, one flap dehiscence, one distal flap loss requiring a reverse saphenous vein graft extension, and two complete flap losses. Of the two failed flaps, one was attributed to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and the other to venous congestion complicated by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The VL free flap is a reliable and versatile flap that can be tailored and tangentially thinned to match the shape and size of a defect, and the long pedicle allows the surgeon to stay away from the zone of injury. This flap should be strongly considered for lower extremity reconstruction, especially in salvage operations for large defects. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:212-217, 2017.

Refinements and restoring contour in head and neck reconstruction

BACKGROUND

To date head and neck reconstructions of oncological defects have concentrated on primarily filling the defect to achieve primary wound healing, secondly restore function and lastly cosmesis. This paper describes a refinement of existing free tissue transfer techniques for improvement of contour, function and aesthetics.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 38 patients operated on by one surgeon at St Vincent's, Royal Melbourne and Western Hospitals over a 3-year period was conducted. Data were collected on patient demographics, tumour details, nature of the defect, type of reconstructive procedure, nature of additional tissue used, radiotherapy, complications and outcome.

RESULTS

We present refinements in using de-epithelialized skin paddles, flexor hallucis longus, and rectus and vastus lateralis muscle in order to achieve optimal reconstruction. Free tissue transfer refinements are discussed in anterolateral thigh, fibula, rectus and anteromedial thigh free flaps. The average defect size and volume of neck dissection prior to reconstruction is presented. A variation of radical, modified radical and selective neck dissections were required for oncological staging and clearance. Rare and minor associated complications are discussed. Post-operative radiotherapy treatment was used in the majority of patients with preoperative adjuvant therapy required in some salvage cases. All patients achieved primary wound healing post-operatively with no salivary leaks, flap failures or exposure of neck vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementary microsurgical tissue transfer of de-epithelialized skin, vastus lateralis, flexor hallucis longus and rectus muscles is a valuable option for restoring contour, aesthetics and vessel protection post-radiotherapy.

Prophylactic chimera anterolateral thigh/vastus lateralis flap: preventing complications in high-risk head and neck reconstruction

PURPOSE

In high-risk head and neck cases treated with tumor resection and associated radical neck dissection, orocutaneous fistulas and wound breakdowns in the neck are relatively frequent and can have serious consequences, such as carotid blowout syndrome (CBS), the need for salvage reoperations, and prolonged recovery time. The authors present the application of a prophylactic chimeric anterolateral thigh (ALT) and vastus lateralis (VL) flap to prevent complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of a historical group (96 patients) of patients with head and neck cancer treated with tumor resection, radical neck dissection, and microsurgical reconstruction of the tumor site only and a prospective cohort (21 patients) in which a chimeric ALT-VL flap was used to simultaneously reconstruct the tumor site and sternocleidomastoid muscle to fill dead space and protect the carotid artery.

RESULTS

The rate of complications was higher in the historical group: CBS occurred in 4.1% and orocutaneous fistulas in 11.5% of patients; 5.2% of patients required major salvage surgery for a wound complication. In the cohort group, no CBS or orocutaneous fistula occurred and no major salvage surgical procedure was needed.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic ALT-VL flaps in high-risk head and neck cancers provide adequate and long-lasting soft tissue coverage for the carotid artery, with minimal additional morbidity, and could be beneficial in preventing serious and life-threatening wound complications and the need for reoperation.

Reconstruction of extensive abdominal wall defect using an eccentric perforator-based pedicled anterolateral thigh flap: a case report

Reconstruction of extensive abdominal wall defects is a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. In this report, a case of reconstruction of a large abdominal wall defect using an eccentric perforator-based pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is presented. A 30-year-old man presented with recurrent desmoid-type fibromatosis in the abdominal wall. The recurrent tumor was radically excised, and the en bloc excision resulted in a full-thickness, large abdominal wall defect (25 cm × 20 cm). An eccentric perforator-based pedicled ALT flap, including wide fascial extension, was transferred to the abdominal defect; fascial portions were sutured to the remnant abdominal fascia. Plication of the fascia along the sutured portion was performed to relieve the skin tension between the flap and the marginal skin of the abdominal defect. Eight months after surgery, the reconstructed abdomen had an acceptable esthetic appearance without tumor recurrence or hernia. The use of an eccentric perforator-based pedicled ALT flap may be an alternative method for the reconstruction of extensive abdominal wall defects.

Composite anterolateral thigh perforator flaps in the management of complex hand injuries

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) fasciocutaneous flap has been well described for hand skin cover, however its use in its composite (multiple tissue) form incorporating bone, muscle and/or fascia has been less well described. We report the usefulness of the composite ALT flap in six complex hand trauma cases, four male and two female (age range 14-46 years). The palm of the hand was affected by injury in three cases, the dorsum in two cases, and the radial side in one case. The first web formed part of the injury in three cases. There was variable involvement of the tendons, nerves and bones. Fascia lata was included in the flap to provide a gliding surface in four cases, part of the vastus lateralis muscle was included to obliterate dead space in two cases and to create a first web in one case, and a bone block from the iliac crest was included to reconstruct the lost metacarpals in one case. All flaps survived with minimal complications. This work shows that the anterolateral thigh composite flap is a reliable option when multiple tissue types are required in hand reconstruction.

Perforator flap: A novel method for providing skin cover to lower limb defects

BACKGROUND

Soft tissue defects in the lower limb pose a formidable challenge due to lack of reliable local flap options. Due to thin non-expendable soft tissues and predisposition to massive edema formation, even small defects become problematic. Perforator flaps represent the latest trends in soft tissue coverage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of perforator flaps as coverage of soft tissue defects in lower limbs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A series of patients with soft tissue defects of various etiologies in the lower limb were treated using perforator flap at a tertiary care service hospital. Six were free flaps and fourteen pedicled flaps. Doppler ultrasound was used to identify recipient and donor vessels pre-operatively.

RESULTS

Only one flap was lost due to venous congestion. In another case of carcinoma penis there was delayed healing due to persistent lymphorrhoea as a result of post-operative status following lymph node dissection and radiotherapy. Fifteen donor sites required split skin grafting, as they could not be closed directly.

CONCLUSION

Perforator flaps are a reliable option for closure of soft tissue defects of lower limb irrespective of size, location and depth. There is minimal donor site morbidity. It has the advantage of rapid dissection, flap elevation and reliable skin territory. As no special equipment is required it can be replicated in smaller centers also.

Medial sural artery perforator flap

In the last decade, the medial sural artery perforator flap (MSAP) has emerged as one of the most popular reconstructive options for multiple body sites. The versatility of the flap hinges on the ability to harvest multiple tissue components in various combinations but from the same wound. The flap can be used as a pedicled, free, or chimeric design, or even may be used in sequential order. Anatomic anomalies of these perforators are rare compared with other perforator flaps, but well-prepared preoperative planning and the identification of perforators remain the cornerstone of successful flap harvest. So far, the MSAP has been proved to be an excellent alternative for skin resurfacing and functional reconstruction in head and neck as well as in the extremities. In this review, the anatomy, preoperative planning and flap design, harvest technique, and its clinical application in multiple body sites are summarized. Both the advantages and disadvantages are also included.

The anterolateral thigh - Vastus lateralis conjoint flap for complex defects of the lower limb

INTRODUCTION

Complex and extensive lower limb defects remain difficult reconstructive problems. Conventional flaps may not be large enough or lack the versatility that allows precise tissue positioning to optimally cover the wound. The anterolateral thigh-vastus lateralis conjoint flap provides a superior reconstructive solution for these difficult wounds.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

From Jan 2010 to June 2011, seven patients were reconstructed with the anterolateral thigh-vastus lateralis conjoint flap. Three cases were traumatic degloving injury of the lower limb, three were open fractures of the tibia with extensive soft-tissue loss and one was a large soft-tissue defect as a result of necrotising fasciitis. The skin island and muscle component were raised with independent pedicles to allow complete freedom in the inset of each flap based on a common pedicle. The descending and oblique branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery were used as the pedicle of the conjoint flap in four and three cases, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean size of the skin flap was 355 cm(2) (range: 312-420 cm(2)) and the volume of the muscle flap was 210 cm(3) (range: 42-360 cm(3)). All flaps survived completely and no infective complications were noted in our patients. The skin and muscle component were widely separated to expand the area of coverage. In cases where specific areas of the wound were severely traumatised with significant tissue loss, the muscle component can be precisely positioned to obliterate the dead space and to optimise soft-tissue coverage of the wound.

CONCLUSION

The anterolateral thigh-vastus lateralis conjoint flap is superior to conventional flaps available for coverage of extensive defects of the lower limb. It can cover far greater area as well as providing the versatility needed to optimise soft-tissue coverage.

Anterolateral thigh perforator flap: varying perforator anatomy

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap is based on the septocutaneous or musculocutaneous perforators from the lateral circumflex femoral vessels. Each perforator artery should be accompanied by 2 veins. Anomalies of the perforator anatomy in the subfascia and intramuscular layer are rarely reported. This study analyzed 6 anatomic perforator variations from subfascial to intramuscular level out of 1043 ALT perforator flaps performed from 2005 to 2007 in China Medical University Hospital in Taichung, Taiwan and from 2004 to 2007 in E-Da Hospital in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The perforator flaps included (1) 1 perforator artery and 4 accompanying veins, (2) 1 perforator artery and 1 accompanying vein, (3) 1 tortuous perforator artery and 1 accompanying vein, (4) 1 perforator artery with no accompanying vein, (5) 2 veins with no accompanying perforator artery, and (6) 1 vein only. These variations in perforator anatomy were believed to be the causes of total or partial flap failure after excluding all the other possibilities such as vessel kinking or perforator injury during intramuscular dissection. Further, the nearby anteromedial thigh or tensor fasciae lata flaps were considered alternative flaps in cases of unusual perforator anatomy. The contralateral ALT flap was also necessary in some cases. However, anatomic variations in perforators from subfascial to intramuscular layer must be considered if the flap is to be used safely and reliably.

Cadaveric comparison of two facial flap-harvesting techniques for alloplastic facial transplantation

BACKGROUND

Functional and aesthetic reconstruction of severe facial deformities presents a major challenge, and the results are rarely satisfactory. Recent clinical success of composite tissue allograft transplantation and improvements in autoimmune regulation have initiated efforts to reconstruct severe facial deformities with alloplastic tissue. Few reports address the full facial flap dissection approach, where lengthy procedural times remain a limiting factor in achieving optimal graft survival. Extensive vascular anastomoses within facial tissues provide a unique opportunity to explore alternative graft harvesting strategies to optimise operative ischaemia.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to shorten donor-graft harvesting time and reduce warm ischaemia. We evaluated alternative facial harvesting strategies through mock cadaveric facial transplantations.

METHODS

Cadaveric dissections were performed to explore facial-scalp reconstruction alternatives. Six paired sub-superficial muscloaponeurotic system (SMAS) plane composite facial-scalp flaps were harvested using either a superficial temporal artery (STA) or a facial artery (FA) pedicle technique (Group I) or an external carotid artery (ECA) pedicle technique. Total harvesting times and lengths of vascular pedicles were measured.

RESULTS

Harvesting time for a STA and FA pedicle total facial flap (mean=113min, range = 105-120 min, SD = 6 min) was shorter than that for an ECA pedicle flap (mean = 232 min, range = 225-240 min, SD = 6 min) (P<0.01). Mean pedicle lengths for the STA, the FA, the ECA, the external jugular vein, and the facial vein were 37 +/- 2.1, 35 +/- 1.8, 26 +/- 1.4, 52 +/- 3.0 and 42 +/- 2.6mm, respectively. Mean pedicle lengths for the supraorbital, supratrochlear, infraorbital, mental, and facial nerve were 15 +/- 1.5, 14 +/- 1.4, 24 +/- 1.2, 30 +/- 1.6 and 32 +/- 1.8mm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Compared with previously reported ECA pedicle total facial allograft harvesting techniques, an STA and FA pedicle flap provides a shorter harvesting time and potentially safer dissection method for facial transplantation by avoiding interference with the complicated anatomy of the carotid and submental triangle. Early graft ischaemic damage can be minimised by this harvesting technique, which significantly shortens harvesting time compared with previously described approaches, while maintaining adequate full facial perfusion.

Kombinierter Latissimus-dorsi- und A.-thoracodorsalis-Perforatortranspositionslappen

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction or complete cover of extended but polygonal defects is limited by the size of transplantable tissue. One of the largest composite tissue components to be transplanted is the myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap. Under certain circumstances even this large-scale flap is not sufficient for complete defect cover. Based on experiences with the thoracodorsal artery perforator (TAP) flap, the skin island adjacent to the latissimus muscle may be raised, pedicled on the perforator vessels penetrating the underlying muscle. Thus this island may easily be transposed or rotated to enable additional defect cover.

METHODS

This method was applied in eight patients for defect cover at the extremities, thorax or for hypopharynx reconstruction. The exact location of perforator vessels may be determined pre- or intraoperatively with a hand Doppler so that skin flap transposition can already be planned before surgery.

RESULTS

All of the skin flaps transposed or rotated healed without complications. It may even be assumed that utilizing this method helped to avoid further complications like scar contractures, because tension-free wound closure was feasible.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined latissimus dorsi- thoracodorsal artery perforator-transpositional free flap is capable of covering very extensive polygonal as well as defects over joints in order to prevent scar contractions.