Clinical experience and indications of the free serratus fascia flap: a report of 21 cases

The free "serratus fascia" flap as a free flap was first described by Wintsch and named a free fascia flap of gliding tissue; however, it has not yet been given a distinct name. The particular advantages of this flap consist of an easy access and a low donor-site morbidity without functional deficit. Additionally, it may be designed very variably and molded even three-dimensionally as a tendon wraparound flap or folded to fill up cavities. In our clinic, we used this flap in 21 patients for distinct indications and in 7 patients as a vascular graft in fingers or great toe with a minimal adjacent layer of gliding tissue around the vessels for the treatment of cold intolerance after finger replantation or severe finger or toe trauma. In the other cases, this versatile flap served for the coverage of traumatically exposed tendons or bones at the extremities, covered with a skin graft. Eighteen flaps survived completely, whereas 3 flaps developed partial or superficial necrosis. Only once did a major complication by unintentional sacrification of the long thoracic nerve during flap harvesting occur, resulting in a wing scapula. We recommend this flap for defect cover at sites where a thin vascularized gliding layer for defect cover is needed, especially in distal extremities with exposed tendons or nerves, and present the current indications in discussing our experiences.     

Preexpansion of the tensor fasciae latae for free-flap transfer

Preexpansion has become an established technique to prefabricate elective free flap transfers. We report the use of the tensor fasciae latae flap as a donor site in two cases for reconstruction of a burn scar neck contracture and an unstable contralateral below-knee amputation stump, of which other donor sites were ruled out either by the patients' condition or by choice. Implantation and transfer were straightforward and the donor sites of very large flaps were minimized by preexpansion. The preexpanded muscle fasciocutaneous flaps were transplanted with microsurgical anastomoses of the vessels. Apart from a small area of necrosis at the distal tip of the flap developing on the sixth postoperative day, which we excised in a second operation, there were no major complications. The advantages of the combination of preexpansion and free flap transfer as well as the unique anatomical and functional qualities of this musculocutaneous unit are emphasized.     

Fate of free flap microanastomosis distal to the zone of injury in lower extremity trauma

The decision to perform free flap microanastomosis to clearly uninjured vessels proximal to the zone of injury for lower extremity reconstruction must be weighed against the anatomic and technical difficulties of performing such an anastomosis. Preserved blood flow through vessels traversing the zone of injury has been shown. The records of all patients who underwent lower extremity reconstruction with microvascular free flaps at NYU Medical Center and Bellevue Hospital Center from January 1979 through August 1995 were reviewed. Patients with free flap microanastomoses distal to the zone of injury were compared with those with proximally based anastomoses. The group of patients was subdivided further into acute (1-21 days), subacute (22-60 days), and chronic (greater than 60 days) reconstruction groups. Of 451 microvascular free flaps, 35 were performed with recipient vessels distal to the zone of injury. Time interval from injury to coverage ranged from 24 hours to 57 years. Of 35 distally based flaps, 33 (94 percent) were successful and 5 required reoperation (14 percent). There was a similar incidence of thrombotic complications throughout all after-injury phases. Of 416 free flaps performed with microanastomoses to vessels proximal to the zone of injury, 388 (93 percent) were successful and 62 (15 percent) required reoperation. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in outcome between distal and proximal anastomoses and no significant difference (p > 0.05) in rates of reoperation. Timing of operation after injury had no bearing on outcome. Distally based microvascular free flaps anastomoses may be technically less difficult with rates of survival equal to those of proximally based flaps. The consideration and use of microanastomoses distal to the zone of injury are encouraged in selected patients.     

Second free flaps in head and neck reconstruction

Over the past decade, free-tissue transfer has greatly improved the quality of oncology-related head and neck reconstruction. As this technique has developed, second free flaps have been performed for aesthetic improvement of the reconstructed site. This study evaluated the indications for and the success of second free flaps. Medical files for patients who underwent second free flaps for head and neck reconstruction at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, from May 1, 1988 to November 30, 1996, were reviewed. The flaps were classified as being either immediate (done within 72 hr) or delayed (done within 2 years) reconstructions. Indications, risk factors, recipient vessels, outcome, and complications were analyzed. Of the 28 patients included in this study, 12 had immediate (nine as salvage after primary free flap failure, and three for reconstruction of a soft-tissue defect), and 16 had delayed second free flaps (two for reconstruction of a defect resulting from excision of recurrent tumors, and 14 for aesthetic improvement). Reconstruction sites included the oral cavity in 18 patients; the midface in six; the skull base in two; and the scalp in two. The success rate for the second free flaps was 96 percent. Five patients had significant wound complications. In a substantial number of cases, identical recipient vessels were used for both the first and second free flaps. The authors conclude that second free flaps can play an important role in salvaging or improving head and neck reconstruction in selected patients. In many cases, the same recipient vessels can be used for both the first and second flaps.     

A modified design of the buried radial forearm free flap for use in oral cavity and pharyngeal reconstruction

OBJECTIVE: We present a new design for the radial forearm flap that includes a small monitor segment that is connected to the primary skin paddle by a fascial subcutaneous segment of tissue. This design modification permits buried flaps to be easily monitored and provides vascularized tissue coverage of the flap vessels as well as the great vessels in the neck. Immediate augmentation of the radical neck deformity can be achieved. SETTING: This study was conducted at a referral center. PATIENTS: Fifteen patients with squamous cell cancer of the pharynx and tongue base were included in this study. The defects in these patients were judged to be best reconstructed with a radial forearm free flap. RESULTS: All free flaps in this series survived. There was one case, described in detail, in which the fascial subcutaneous portion of the flap was exposed to salivary contamination. The flap vessels remained well protected and flap viability was unimpaired.     

Nucleotide sequence of plasmid pAQ1 of marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC7002

A delay in identifying incipient flap failure may inevitably lead to complete pedicle thrombosis and the no-reflow phenomenon. The authors report a clinical case of a lateral arm free flap that suffered complete pedicle thrombosis. They successfully salvaged this flap, a type C fasciocutaneous "flow-through" flap, by manually moving the thrombus from proximal to distal in the main flap artery. This freed the septofasciocutaneous upward-perforating branches, by smoothing and applying firm pressure to the vessel, combined with thrombolytic therapy. Their technique is offered as an alternative procedure for salvaging a failing flow-through flap.     

Which vessel is more important in the supercharged flap--artery, vein, or both? An experimental study

The supercharged flap is one which is expected to attain better survival, by anastomosing the distal vessels of the flap to the recipient vessels. An experimental study is reported to determine whether the vessel to be anastomosed should be an artery, a vein, or both. The authors advise anastomosing an artery and a vein, but they believe that arterial inflow is more important than venous drainage.     

Role of the perforating vein in vascular pedicle of free forearm flap

An innovation in the preparation of the vascular pedicle of the free radial forearm flap is presented. While the radial artery is commonly used as the arterial pedicle of the flap, either the cutaneous venous system or the radial comitant vein (deep venous system) is used as the venous pedicle. The perforating vein communicates between these two venous systems at the cubital fossa, and we confirmed its presence in all but one of more than 180 cases. When the vascular pedicle is dissected proximally to the perforating vein contained in the flap, the venous drainage of both the deep and cutaneous systems can be restored by anastomosis of only one vein: the cutaneous or the radial comitant vein. On the other hand, the flap can be raised with the radial vessels (without the cutaneous vein) at the start of surgery, and a large caliber cutaneous vein, such as the median cubital, the cephalic, or the basilic, can be used for anastomosis in cases where the cutaneous veins in the distal forearm are too thin, or where the radial comitant vein is composed of two thin separated veins. We believe that preserving the perforating vein would make the forearm flap more reliable and more convenient in reconstructive surgery.     

Posterior interosseous free flap: various types

The posterior interosseous artery is located in the intermuscular septum between the extensor carpi ulnaris and extensor digiti minimi muscles. The posterior interosseous artery is anatomically united through two main anastomoses: one proximal (at the level of the distal border of the supinator muscle) and one distal (at the most distal part of the interosseous space). In the distal part, the posterior interosseous artery joins the anterior interosseous artery to form the distal anastomosis between them. The posterior interosseous flap can be widely used as a reverse flow island flap because it is perfused by anastomoses between the anterior and the posterior interosseous arteries at the level of the wrist. The flap is not reliable whenever there is injury to the distal forearm or the wrist. To circumvent this limitation and to increase the versatility of this flap, we have refined its use as a direct flow free flap. The three types of free flaps used were (1) fasciocutaneous, (2) fasciocutaneous-fascia, and (3) fascia only. Described are 23 posterior interosseous free flaps: 13 fasciocutaneous flaps, 6 fasciocutaneous-fascial flaps, and 4 fascial flaps. There were 13 sensory flaps using the posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve. The length and external diameter of the pedicle were measured in 35 cases. The length of the pedicle was on average 3.5 cm (range, 3.0 to 4.0 cm) and the external diameter of the artery averaged 2.2 mm (range, 2.0 to 2.5 mm). The hand was the recipient in 21 patients, and the foot in 2. All 23 flaps covered the defect successfully.     

Remnant-like particle cholesterol levels in patients with dysbetalipoproteinemia or coronary artery disease

Fibula osteocutaneous free tissue transfer to reconstruct the oromandibular complex is a widely recommended technique following oncologic resection. Preoperative determination of adequate perfusion to the donor extremity is necessary to assure lower extremity viability after flap harvest. Vascular variations and/or peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) may exist whereby sacrifice of peroneal vessels can cause ischemia to the lower leg and foot. Additionally, variability of cutaneous perforators can make the fibula skin paddle viability unpredictable. Color flow Doppler (CFD) is a reliable modality to preoperatively assess the lower extremity in fibula osteocutaneous free tissue transfer patients. Prospective CFD examination of 38 consecutive patients (76 legs) considered for fibula free flap reconstruction was performed. A standard protocol was designed to evaluate the lower extremity vasculature and identify cutaneous perforators with CFD. Findings were studied with respect to flap choice, operative findings, and reconstruction outcomes. Number of cutaneous perforators and their impact on skin paddle design were also recorded. Color flow Doppler's ability to image peroneal vessels as well as determine collateral and distal perfusion were effective. CFD accurately identified bilateral vascular anomalies in one patient (2.6%), and significant arterial disease in three patients (7.9%). Cutaneous perforators were also accurately mapped and confirmed intraoperatively in 31 patients. In several instances, the information provided by the CFD examination altered flap selection, 4/38 patients (10.5%), or skin paddle design, 5/32 patients (15.6%). Color flow Doppler allowed successful fibula transfer in all the free flap candidates with normal exams. It has the advantages of low cost and no morbidity. CFD allows for accurate mapping of fibula cutaneous perforators which facilitates skin paddle design. We recommended the use of preoperative CFD in all patients being considered for fibular free flap surgery.     

Moxonidine inhibits Na+/H+ exchange in proximal tubule cells and cortical collecting duct

The lateral arm free flap can be harvested as a fascial flap or fasciocutaneous flap. In this report we describe the use of the lateral arm fascial flap for degloving injuries of the fingers and for skin loss on the dorsum of the hand with exposure of tendons and bones. Concomitant reconstruction of a missing phalanx with a portion of the distal humerus is also described. The use of the fascial flap allows a large area of tissue to be harvested, and still, the donor site can be closed primarily. The fascia is thin and pliable and so conforms well to the contour of the fingers. Its bulk does not interfere with finger motion, and its undersurface creates a gliding surface for tendons. Complications in the reported cases were negligible.     

Papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid

A free puboinguinal hair-bearing flap was transferred with anastomosis of the external pudendal vessels, for reconstruction of a bearded chin in an adult male. Although the flap does not match the skin of the chin in texture or color, it can provide an excellent beard in terms of the color, density and quality of hair growth. Donorsite morbidity is minimal.     

Free combined thin wrap-around flap with a second toe proximal interphalangeal joint transfer for reconstruction of the thumb

The combined thin wrap-around flap from the big toe and the proximal interphalangeal joint of the second toe is characterized by (1) a single vascularized joint, which is used to preserve the second toe with a free iliac bone graft, (2) a thin wrap-around flap, which allows the pulpal fatty tissue on the remaining bone of the big toe to be retained and accept a skin graft, (3) a wrap-around flap with a partial distal phalangeal bone, and (4) a microplate for firm fixation at the proximal bone union and early joint motion. The advantages of this method are (1) the cosmetic appearance is excellent with use of the thin wrap-around flap; (2) there is joint motion in the reconstructed thumb with strong pinch and vice pinch; (3) the vascularized joint with a microplate allows for early postoperative motion; (4) bone grafting from another donor site is unnecessary; (5) bone growth is possible in children with open epiphyses; and (6) the big and second toes are preserved with minimal donor-site morbidity. This method is indicated for thumb losses at a level distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint or at the level of the proximal phalanx.     

Cerebral revascularization by omental free flap using contralateral superficial temporal vessels as recipient vessels: case report

BACKGROUND: Although the most common technique of cerebral revascularization is superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass, we occasionally encounter a situation in which the ipsilateral superficial temporal artery is not available. Treatment may require several techniques including long vein graft bypass. METHODS: A 54-year-old man experienced transient ischemic attacks, and cerebral angiography revealed occlusion of the right common carotid artery. Cerebral blood flow study revealed reduced perfusion reserve capacity of the right cerebral hemisphere. We applied an omental free flap to the brain surface using the contralateral superficial temporal vessels as recipient vessels. RESULTS: Cerebral blood flow study revealed improvement of perfusion reserve capacity. Cerebral angiography revealed good collateral circulation from the omentum to the brain. The patient has not experienced a transient ischemic attack, following additional ligation of the occipital artery 13 months after the first operation. CONCLUSIONS: Because an omental flap has a long pedicle and its circulation can be monitored easily, this method is safe and as effective as a long bypass graft in a patient such as ours in whom the ipsilateral superficial temporal artery is not available for anastomoses.     

The use of free rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap to close the empyema space with alveolar fistula--a case report

A 59-year-old man, who had had right middle and lower lobectomy for pulmonary tuberculosis, admitted for the treatment of empyema with fistula. Closure of empyema space with free rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was performed following open window thoracotomy and thoracoplasty. As he previously underwent two major operation, lobectomy by posterolateral approach and gastrectomy for gastric ulcer, free rectus abdominis flap was chosen instead of omental flap or latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. Postoperative CT film showed that this flap was filled up in all interstices of the empyema cavity. The pedicle vessels to this flap are large enough to provide long stalks, so microsurgical anastomosis can be accomplished safely. The use of free rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap is one of a useful maneuver for chronic empyema with fistula.     

Paraumbilical perforator flap without deep inferior epigastric vessels

With the introduction of supramicrosurgery, a new paraumbilical perforator flap without a deep inferior epigastric vessel and with very small perforator anastomoses was used for nine patients. The abdominal defects of two patients, the lower leg or foot defects of five patients, and the scalp defects of two patients were repaired with an island perforator flap. The advantages of the paraumbilical perforator flap are as follows: (1) there is a very short operating time for flap elevation; (2) there is no invasion or sacrifice of any rectus abdominis muscle; (3) for middle-aged, obese patients, the donor site may be the best from the cosmetic point of view; (4) many small recipient vessels to anastomose the perforator exist throughout the body; (5) a thin skin flap with adequate thickness can be created easily with simultaneous removal of fatty tissue; (6) secondary defatting around the perforator can be done by minor surgery under local anesthesia; and (7) a vascularized adiposal flap with adequate thickness can be created easily. This flap seems to be indicated for female patients with defects in the abdominal wall and the lower leg. The island flap can easily resurface abdominal skin defects, such as intestinal fistula or radiation ulcers. The free flap is suitable for covering defects in the lower leg, foot, and scalp temporarily before administration of a tissue expander.     

Surgical cover of dorsolumbar radionecrosis. Apropos of 6 cases

Thoracolumbar radionecrosis may be difficult to cover. We often use muscular or myocutaneus flaps available in this location, mainly the latissimus dorsi flap. It can be used as a pedicle, free, or especially a "reversed" flap with lumbar pedicles. However in our experience and in the literature this reversed flap is difficult to use because of the morbidity of the flap, transposed without its main pedicle. The authors consider the current methods of cover by flaps in six cases and in the literature. Surgical possibilities are now more numerous. First, a latissimus dorsi muscular flap autonomized by vascular delay, half-free flap, or a flap with the lengthening of its pedicle is possible. Second, we can also use an intercostal island flap for the back and a gluteal thigh flap in the lumbar region.     

Posterior interosseous reverse forearm flap: experience with 80 consecutive cases

The results of an anatomic investigation performed in 40 fresh cadaver specimens and 80 consecutive clinical cases of the posterior interosseous reverse forearm flap are reported. It was observed that there is a choke anastomosis between the recurrent dorsal branch of the anterior interosseous artery and the posterior interosseous artery at the level of the middle third of the posterior forearm. Ink injections through a catheter placed in the distal part of the anterior interosseous artery stained the distal and middle thirds of the posterior forearm, but the proximal third remained unstained; this secondary territory cannot be captured through the choke anastomosis between the anterior interosseous artery and the posterior interosseous artery. Intravital fluorescein injection into the distal arterior interosseous artery revealed (under ultraviolet light) that the distal third of the posterior forearm is irrigated by direct flow through the recurrent branch of the arterior interosseous artery (the traditionally called distal anastomosis of the interosseous arteries). Therefore, we can assume that the blood flow is not reversed when the so-called posterior interosseous reverse forearm flap is raised. From this point of view, this flap could be renamed as the recurrent dorsal anterior interosseous direct flap; however, the classical name is maintained for practical purposes. From the venous standpoint, the cutaneous area included in this flap belongs to an oscillating type of venous territory and is connected to the deep system through an interconnecting venous perforator that accompanies a medial cutaneous arterial branch located at 1 to 2 cm distal to the middle point of the forearm.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Role of emergency reconstruction of fingers by the "reposition-flap" technique. Report of eight cases

Following replantation failure, fingertip reconstruction was performed as an emergency "reposition-flap" procedure in seven patients (eight fingers). This technique was intended for amputations distal to the DIP joint in long fingers, and IP joint in the thumb. Pulp was excised on the amputated segment, and the remaining bone and nail bed were reattached to the proximal stump with Kirschner wires. Pulp was reconstructed with a local advancement and sensitive flap. Trophicity and nail regrowth as well as mobility and strength were satisfactory in five cases. MRI examination showed revascularization of the distal bone fragment in four cases. This procedure is an alternative to amputation after replantation failure when patients do not accept finger shortening. The more distal the amputation, the better is the result.     

Relationship between imaging and pathological features and clinical factors in surgical cases of temporal lobe epilepsy]

The advantages of the free TRAM flap over the conventional Tram flap are known. The use of its main pedicle--the deep inferior epigastric system--improves the blood supply, decreasing the risk of skin and fat necrosis. The harvesting of 5-7 cm of muscle, and the preservation of its lateral border decreases the risk of abdominal wall bulge or hernias. Delayed breast reconstructions in patients submitted to radiotherapy were performed by end to side anastomosis between flap vessels and axillary vessels, avoiding the thoracodorsal irradiated vessels, and improving the blood flow. Ten patients were submitted to breast reconstruction by free TRAM flaps. There was one total flap necrosis, and one delayed healing around the periumbilical suture. Neither skin nor fat necrosis were seen. One patient developed an abdominal wall bulge. Two patients presenting tumor metastasis abandoned the plastic surgery outpatient clinic. Two patients refused the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) reconstruction. The outcome of five NAC reconstructions was very good, breasts being symmetrical without an opposite breast operation.