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Varnava C, Kueckelhaus M, Wellenbrock S, Hirsch T, Wiebringhaus P. One versus two vein anastomoses in breast reconstruction with a profunda artery perforator flap-does it make a difference. Microsurgery 2024; 44:e31179. [PMID: 38676605 DOI: 10.1002/micr.31179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap has gained popularity as a reliable alternative in breast reconstruction. Extensive research has focused on its vascular supply, dissection techniques, and broader applications beyond breast reconstruction. This study aims to investigate the correlation between the number of veins anastomosed for the PAP flap and postoperative complications. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of breast reconstructions with PAP flaps at our institution between 2018 and 2022. A total of 103 PAP flaps in 88 patients were included. Statistical analysis was performed to compare outcomes between flaps with one vein anastomosis and those with two vein anastomoses. Patient characteristics, intra and postoperative parameters were analysed. RESULTS One vein anastomosis was used in 36 flaps (35.0%), whereas two vein anastomoses were used in 67 flaps (65.0%). No significant differences were found in patient characteristics between the one vein and two vein groups. The comparison of ischemia times between flaps with one versus two veins revealed no statistically significant difference, with mean ischemia times of 56.2 ± 36.8 min and 58.7 ± 33.0 min, respectively. Regarding outcomes, there were no statistically significant differences in secondary lipofilling, revision of vein anastomosis, or total flap loss between the two groups. Fat necrosis was observed in 5 (13.9%) one vein flaps and 5 (7.5%) two vein flaps, indicating no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = .313). In the one vein group, the most frequently employed coupler ring had a diameter of 2.5 mm. In the two vein group, the most prevalent combination consisted of a 2.0 mm diameter with a 2.5 mm diameter. CONCLUSION Based on our study results, both one vein anastomosis and two vein anastomoses are viable options for breast reconstruction with PAP flap. The utilization of either one or two veins did not significantly affect ischemia time or flap loss. Fat necrosis exhibited a higher incidence in the single-vein group; however, this difference was also not statistically significant. These findings underscore the effectiveness of both approaches, providing surgeons with flexibility in tailoring their surgical techniques based on patient-specific considerations and anatomical factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Varnava
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Fachklinik Hornheide, Muenster, Germany
- Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Maximilian Kueckelhaus
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Fachklinik Hornheide, Muenster, Germany
- Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Sascha Wellenbrock
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Fachklinik Hornheide, Muenster, Germany
- Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Tobias Hirsch
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Fachklinik Hornheide, Muenster, Germany
- Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Philipp Wiebringhaus
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Fachklinik Hornheide, Muenster, Germany
- Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
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Li KR, Lava CX, Neughebauer MB, Rohrich RN, Atves J, Steinberg J, Akbari CM, Youn RC, Attinger CE, Evans KK. A Multidisciplinary Approach to End-Stage Limb Salvage in the Highly Comorbid Atraumatic Population: An Observational Study. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2406. [PMID: 38673679 PMCID: PMC11050798 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The use of free tissue transfer (FTT) is efficacious for chronic, non-healing lower extremity (LE) wounds. The four pillars of managing patient comorbidities, infection control, blood flow status, and biomechanical function are critical in achieving successful limb salvage. The authors present their multidisciplinary institutional experience with a review of 300 FTTs performed for the complex LE limb salvage of chronic LE wounds. Methods: A single-institution, retrospective review of atraumatic LE FTTs performed by a single surgeon from July 2011 to January 2023 was reviewed. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, preoperative management, intraoperative details, flap outcomes, postoperative complications, and long-term outcomes were collected. Results: A total of 300 patients who underwent LE FTT were included in our retrospective review. Patients were on average 55.9 ± 13.6 years old with a median Charlson Comorbidity Index of 4 (IQR: 3). The majority of patients were male (70.7%). The overall hospital length of stay (LOS) was 27 days (IQR: 16), with a postoperative LOS of 14 days (IQR: 9.5). The most prevalent comorbidities were diabetes (54.7%), followed by peripheral vascular disease (PVD: 35%) and chronic kidney disease (CKD: 15.7%). The average operative LE FTT time was 416 ± 115 min. The majority of flaps were anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps (52.7%), followed by vastus lateralis (VL) flaps (25.3%). The immediate flap success rate was 96.3%. The postoperative ipsilateral amputation rate was 12.7%. Conclusions: Successful limb salvage is possible in a highly comorbid patient population with a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, and end-stage renal disease. In order to optimize patients prior to their LE FTT, extensive laboratory, arterial, and venous preoperative testing and diabetes management are needed preoperatively. Postoperative monitoring and long-term follow-up with a multidisciplinary team are also crucial for long-term limb salvage success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen R. Li
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jayson Atves
- Department of Podiatry, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - John Steinberg
- Department of Podiatry, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Cameron M. Akbari
- Department of Vascular Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Richard C. Youn
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Christopher E. Attinger
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Karen K. Evans
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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Sulli D, S C, Rao A. In Search of Optimal Practice: A Retrospective Comparative Study of Single- Versus Dual-Venous Anastomosis in Microvascular Flaps. Cureus 2024; 16:e58573. [PMID: 38765325 PMCID: PMC11102574 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In the current era of reconstructive surgery, microvascular free flap transfers are the most popular reconstructive procedures performed. The main reason for the failure of the flap and re-exploration is venous thrombosis. Traditionally, most surgeons prefer performing two-vein anastomoses. There is insufficient literature to support that dual-venous anastomosis is better than single-venous anastomosis. In this study, we compared the success rate of single-venous anastomosis with dual-venous anastomosis of different free flap reconstructions. Methodology The retrospective cohort study was conducted with a total of 101 patients. Eighty-three were in the one-vein group, and the remaining 18 were in the two-vein group. Outcomes were compared between the two groups regarding re-exploration and flap failure. Results The overall success rate of free flap reconstruction was 96%. Among the 101 free flaps, 16 flaps had signs of venous compromise and were re-explored. Out of the 16 flaps, 11 flaps (13.2%) were in the one-vein group, and 5 flaps (27.7%) were in the two-vein group. In the two-vein group, 100% of the flaps were salvaged, and in the one-vein group, only 63% of the flaps were salvaged after re-exploration. There was no statistically significant difference between the one-vein group and the two-vein group concerning re-exploration. Conclusions The rate of re-exploration was lower in the one-vein group when compared to the two-vein group. However, this difference was not statistically significant. Hence, a single-vein anastomosis is sufficient for a successful microvascular free flap. However, the rate of flap salvage is better with two-vein anastomosis if there is venous congestion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chandni S
- Plastic Surgery, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore, IND
| | - Amar Rao
- Surgical Oncology, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore, IND
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Kim JS, Lee HH, Koh SH, Lee DC, Roh SY, Lee KJ. Hand Reconstruction Using Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap by Terminal Perforator-to-Digital Artery Anastomosis: Retrospective Analysis. Arch Plast Surg 2024; 51:87-93. [PMID: 38425858 PMCID: PMC10901603 DOI: 10.1055/a-2161-7419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze cases of anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap used for hand reconstruction with terminal perforator-to-digital artery anastomosis. Patients who underwent ALT free flap placement with terminal perforator-to-digital artery anastomosis for hand reconstruction between January 2011 and August 2021 were included. The number, length, and diameter of the perforators and veins, flap size, and operative time were investigated through a retrospective review of charts and photographs. The occurrences of arterial thrombosis, venous thrombosis, arterial spasm, and flap necrosis were analyzed. In total, 50 patients were included in this study. The mean diameter and length of the perforators were 0.68 mm and 3.25 cm, respectively, and the mean number of veins anastomosed was 1.88, with a mean diameter of 0.54 mm. Complications included four cases of arterial thrombosis, one case of venous thrombosis, seven cases of partial necrosis, and one case of total flap failure. Regression analysis showed that a longer perforator was associated with arterial thrombosis whereas larger flap size and number of anastomosed veins were associated with partial necrosis ( p < 0.05). The terminal perforator-to-digital artery anastomosis offers advantages in using compact free flaps with short pedicle lengths to cover small hand defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Soo Kim
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gwangmyeong Sungae General Hospital, Gwangmyeong, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Hyung Lee
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gwangmyeong Sungae General Hospital, Gwangmyeong, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hoon Koh
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gwangmyeong Sungae General Hospital, Gwangmyeong, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Chul Lee
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gwangmyeong Sungae General Hospital, Gwangmyeong, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Young Roh
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gwangmyeong Sungae General Hospital, Gwangmyeong, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Jin Lee
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gwangmyeong Sungae General Hospital, Gwangmyeong, Republic of Korea
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Hagiga A, Adeboye T, Dheansa B. The impact of pre-existing venous pathology on lower limb free flap reconstruction and the role of preoperative screening: a systematic review. Acta Radiol 2022:2841851221145661. [PMID: 36567667 DOI: 10.1177/02841851221145661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Lower limb reconstruction is performed to replace like with like and achieve tissue durability. Free flaps are a method of reconstruction commonly used to manage cases of lower limb deficits. However, the failure rate is 8.5%, with venous thrombosis and congestion playing a significant role. Despite this, preoperative venous mapping of recipient site before free flap reconstruction is not routinely practiced, often resulting in pathologies remaining unidentified until the intraoperative stage. The aim of the review was to evaluate the existing literature on the topic of lower limb preoperative venous assessment, screening, and its effect on lower limb free flap survival. Five different databases were searched from their inception to August 2021. The search terms and included studies were independently reviewed by two investigators for their eligibility. Eleven articles were eligible for inclusion, with a combined patient population of 99, and 107 flaps were identified to have lower limb pathology at the donor or recipient vein. Venous pathology was detected preoperatively in 69 veins using ultrasound duplex scanning and computed tomography angiography; of them, 3 (4.34%) resulted in failure. In comparison, 38 veins were diagnosed with venous pathology intraoperatively; of them, 5 (13.85%) failed. The studies evaluated in this review demonstrated that preoperative screening for venous pathology showed a higher flap survival rate. It can therefore be inferred that developing a standardized preoperative process for identifying venous issues in lower limb free flap reconstruction may improve outcomes. This can be explored in future research, with a focus on assessing the validity and efficacy of such screening tools, and their role in the management of patients identified with venous pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Hagiga
- Plastic Surgery Department, 8962Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, East Grinstead, UK
| | - Teniola Adeboye
- 2241East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, Kent, UK
| | - Baljit Dheansa
- Plastic Surgery Department, 8962Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, East Grinstead, UK
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Arakelyan S, Aydogan E, Spindler N, Langer S, Bota O. A retrospective evaluation of 182 free flaps in extremity reconstruction and review of the literature. GMS INTERDISCIPLINARY PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY DGPW 2022; 11:Doc01. [PMID: 35111561 PMCID: PMC8779818 DOI: 10.3205/iprs000162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: During the past decades, free flaps have been given a central role in the reconstructive surgery. Especially in the extremities, where there is a scarcity of available tissues for local flaps, free flaps play a central part. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors contributing to partial and total flap failure. Patients and methods: In a retrospective cohort study, all data concerning patients who underwent free flap reconstruction of the extremities during the first five years since the founding of the department of plastic surgery were gathered. Patient- and surgery-related risk factors were analyzed in correlation to the postoperative complications. Results: In total, 182 free flaps were included in this study. Partial and total flap failure were noted in 21.42% and 17.03%, respectively. A correlation was seen between the time lapsed from debridement until flap coverage, with flaps performed between day 4 and 14 having the least quote of flap failure (p=0.022). Gender, age, arterial hypertension, nicotine abuse, diabetes mellitus, peripheral arterial disease and the number of anastomosed veins were not significantly associated with free flap failure. Conclusion: Our study showed that free flaps can be safely performed in healthy patients as well as in patients with risk factors, with an acceptable flap loss rate. Randomized controlled studies are needed to clarify the exact role of each risk factor in free flap surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Arakelyan
- Department of Orthopedics, Trauma and Plastic Surgery, University of Leipzig, Germany,*To whom correspondence should be addressed: Sergey Arakelyan, Department of Orthopedics, Trauma and Plastic Surgery, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 20, 04103 Leipzig, Germany, E-mail:
| | - Emrah Aydogan
- Department of Orthopedics, Trauma and Plastic Surgery, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nick Spindler
- Department of Orthopedics, Trauma and Plastic Surgery, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Langer
- Department of Orthopedics, Trauma and Plastic Surgery, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Olimpiu Bota
- University Center of Orthopaedic, Trauma and Plastic Surgery University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany
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Dodd SX, Morzycki A, Nickel KJ, Campbell S, Guilfoyle R. One or two venous pedicles by anastomoses for free flaps in reconstruction of the lower extremity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Microsurgery 2021; 41:792-801. [PMID: 34569653 DOI: 10.1002/micr.30811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microsurgical free tissue transfers are a mainstay of lower extremity reconstruction. Despite being a reliable source of soft tissue, complications do arise. Venous congestion is among the most common causes of flap failure in lower extremity reconstruction, an issue that is attributed to venous stasis and impaired venous return in this region. There remains significant debate whether dual venous drainage improves outcomes. The aim of this study was thus to compare one versus two venous anastomoses in lower limb free flap reconstruction. METHODS A systematic review of Medline, EMBASE, EBSCO CINAHL, SCOPUS, Proquest Dissertations and Theses Global, Cochrane Library, and PROSPERO from inception to May 20, 2020, was conducted. Two independent reviewers screened titles and extracted data. Our primary outcome was total free flap necrosis. Secondary outcomes were partial flap necrosis, minor complications, flap reoperation, venous thrombosis, and amputation. Methodological quality was assessed using the MINORS criteria and level of evidence. RESULTS Three-hundred and fourteen unique titles were identified. All studies were level VI evidence and had a mean MINORS score of 16.1/24. Seven studies (comprising 1499 patients, 910 single venous anastomoses, and 579 double venous anastomoses) met criteria for inclusion. The mean (SD) patient age was 46.5 (7.1) years. Double venous anastomoses did not reduce the rate of minor complications, flap takeback, venous thrombosis, total flap necrosis, or partial flap necrosis when compared to a single vein (all p > .05). CONCLUSION In microvascular lower extremity reconstruction, two venous anastomoses did not reduce the rate of minor or major complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn X Dodd
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alexander Morzycki
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kevin J Nickel
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sandra Campbell
- John W. Scott Health Sciences Library, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Regan Guilfoyle
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Unscheduled return to the operating theatre after head and neck surgery with free flap repair. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2020.08.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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