The internal burden of lead among children in a smelter town--a small area analysis

Many women who have undergone or will undergo mastectomy request breast reconstruction and feel that it is an important part of their total cancer treatment. Autogenous tissue methods take a place more and more important in breast reconstruction. The autologous latissimus dorsi flap, is a recent method of autologous breast reconstruction. We have done a retrospective study based on a series of 60 consecutive reconstructions operated between march 1993 and april 1995. The advantages of the autologous latissimus dorsi flap are the same of the others autologous breast reconstruction methods: the reconstructed breasts are soft and match an opposite normal breast more successfully than those made with implants. The disadvantages of this technique is mainly the dorsal seroma that was observed in 70% of cases but was easily managed by aspirations. The aesthetics results have been judged by two surgeons as very good in 85% of cases, good in 11.6% and low in 3.3%. The satisfaction rate of the patients in high: 86.6% are pleased and 13.3% are satisfied. The autologous latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction is a safe and reliable technique and provides an excellent alternative to the TRAM flap, when the patient prefer the dorsal donor site or when there are some risk factors to do a TRAM flap. Finally this technique bring a major advance in the field of breast reconstruction, immediate or delayed.     

Using the latissimus dorsi flap for breast reconstruction

The preferred method for breast reconstruction is the simplest type that can meet the patient's needs and expectations (Bostwick, 1989). Several breast reconstruction procedures are presented in this issue. In this article, only breast reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi flap is discussed.     

Effect of calcium on the energy status of rat brain synaptosomes under acidosis

Defects created after excision of abdominal wall tumors pose a challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. The task is made more difficult by the wide variety of flaps available for this purpose. We present a simple classification of abdominal wall defects and our choice of flaps for reconstruction. The abdomen was divided into six regions for the purpose of reconstruction. The deep inferior epigastric artery flap alone is the flap of choice for central supraumbilical defects. For lateral supraumbilical defects the latissimus dorsi flap fulfills all the requirements. Infraumbilical defects, central or lateral, are ideally suited to reconstruction by unilateral or bilateral tensor fascia lata flaps. Patients representing each scenario are presented.     

Autologous latissimus breast reconstruction: a 3-year clinical experience with 100 patients

This article presents our technique of autologous breast reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi flap and studies the advantages, disadvantages, and results that can be expected. A consecutive sample of 100 patients was studied. The average length of follow-up was 20 months (range 8 to 44 months), and all of the subjects were reviewed in consultation without loss to follow-up. The supplementary volume of the latissimus dorsi was obtained from five fatty zones: fat on the cutaneous paddle, fat taken from the surface of the muscle, the scapular fat pad, the anterior fatty zone, and the supra-iliac fat pad. This technique must be measured against the transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap, free or pedicled, when the patient needs an autologous breast reconstruction. It can be used when the TRAM flap is contraindicated (this corresponds to 45 percent of patients of our sample) or when the dorsal donor site is preferred (55 percent of cases of our sample). The major complications are rare (1 percent partial necrosis and 1 percent total necrosis of the flap). The minor complications are represented mainly by the dorsal seroma. This is the main drawback of the technique, as it occurs in 79 percent of cases and regularly in obese patients. In view of this frequency, patients should be warned of its likely occurrence. The dorsal donor-site morbidity is relatively low; 4 percent of dorsal sequelae were classed as moderate, and 96 percent were considered low. The scapular sequelae have been classed as low in 97 percent of cases, and temporary scapular sequelae aggravation has been noted in 3 percent. Results of breast reconstruction using this technique are most encouraging. The level of patient satisfaction is high; 87 percent of them were deeply satisfied, 10 percent were satisfied, and only 3 percent were poorly satisfied. This group of poorly satisfied subjects (3 percent) consists of patients who suffered a serious postoperative complication. The aesthetic results have been judged excellent by surgeons in 85 percent of the cases, good in 12 percent of the cases, and poor in 3 percent of the cases; no result has been judged bad. This technique of breast reconstruction by autologous latissimus dorsi brings a major advance in breast reconstruction. The best indications of this technique are when one can bury the cutaneous paddle: cases of skin-sparing mastectomy, cases where the latissimus dorsi flap can be combined with an abdominal advancement flap, and cases of conversion of implant reconstruction to an autologous reconstruction.     

Poland's syndrome and vascular malformations

Unilateral hypoplasia of the breast and the pectoralis muscle with a missing anterior axillary fold as part of Poland's syndrome are of major concern, especially for women. The latissimus dorsi is one of the most suitable flaps for breast and anterior thorax reconstructions but it may be hypoplastic or absent. If so, a free tissue transfer of the contralateral latissimus dorsi muscle is the next possible option for reconstruction. As Poland's syndrome is additionally associated with vascular malformations of the diseased hemithorax such as hypoplastic or missing vessels, a preoperative angiography is mandatory for planned microvascular tissue transfer.     

The inflammatory reaction in elective flap surgery

The inflammatory response in three different flap procedures was investigated by measuring the preoperative and postoperative levels of C-reactive protein, leukocyte count, and body temperature. Patients scheduled for delayed breast reconstruction were operated on with the lateral thoracodorsal flap, the latissimus dorsi flap, or the pedicled TRAM flap. All patients received 2 gm of intravenous cloxacillin for antibiotic prophylaxis and 1 gm of paracetamol four times a day as basic treatment for postoperative pain. Within each treatment group, significant postoperative changes in C-reactive protein levels, leukocyte count, and body temperature were noted when compared with preoperative values. The highest C-reactive protein level (130 mg/ml) was found in the TRAM group on the third postoperative day. The kinetic pattern of C-reactive protein was similar for the latissimus dorsi flap and lateral thoracodorsal flap procedures, but the maximum C-reactive protein levels were significantly lower, 74 and 44 mg/ml respectively. Small (0.5 to 0.9 degrees C) but significant differences in body temperature were also noted on the second and third postoperative day. The TRAM flap group had the highest, the latissimus dorsi flap group intermediate, and the lateral thoracodorsal flap group the lowest value. The postoperative C-reactive protein levels seem to reflect the extent of the surgical trauma.     

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.     

Sensate myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap

A case using a sensate myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap for oral defect reconstruction is reported. Preparation of the cutaneous branches of a latissimus dorsi autologous transfer and their subsequent anastomoses with sensitive nerves at the recipient site resulted in superficial and deep sensibility of the transfer, following a short rehabilitation period. As early as 4 months postoperatively, pain and pressure sensations could be evoked in the flap. Sharp and blunt discrimination and sense of vibration were found 6 months postoperatively. Nine months postoperatively, caloric differentiation could be elicited.     

Titanium bone-integrated implants in extraoral facial prosthetic rehabilitation: surgical planning and long-term follow-up

The authors report on their clinical experience in the reconstruction of complex facial deformities using titanium osseo-integrated implants for the retention of soft silicone prostheses. They also evaluate the importance of this surgical technique as a viable alternative to traditional reconstructive procedures using autologous grafts, both in patients with severe osteomuscular defects and corrective surgery of unsuccessful reconstruction operations. The patients who underwent implantation operations were studied by CT 3D and 99m Tc SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography) procedures to evaluate osseo-integration at 3 weeks, 3, 6, 12, 24 months. The study demonstrates that the radiation emission peaks three weeks after surgery with the maximum bone remodeling activity, and after the functional loading of the implants, 3 months after surgery. High uptake past the eight month after surgery has never been detected and must be considered abnormal. SPECT offers the possibility of obtaining a three dimensional reconstruction of the photon emission of selected structures. The use of these nuclear medicine methods in addition to traditional-type radiological procedures introduce new possibilities, although still in the clinical experimentation phase, for the long-term follow-up of the inserted implants in craniofacial rehabilitation.     

The expression of regenerative growth factors in chronic liver injury and repair

The outcomes of surgical reconstruction for patients who have undergone extensive tumor resection of the mandible and associated soft tissue have been less than desirable for many reasons: lack of cancer cure, radiation problems, as well as inadequate functional reconstructive results. These patients traditionally have undergone multiple surgical procedures for restoration of the surgical deformity. With the advent of new donor sites and successful transfer of microvascular hard and soft tissue, one can restore the largest defects created during cancer excision. Combining these techniques with biocompatible dental implants and reconstructive bone plates, technology has advanced to the point of predictable outcomes. The restoration of appearance, mandibular function, and mastication is mandated by patients. Dental implants are now placed in vascularized bone reconstruction of the mandible immediately at the time of ablative surgery. This obviates the need for additional surgical reconstructive procedures, adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and problems associated with the placement of dental implants in irradiated tissue.     

Autoimmune bullous eruption localized to a breast reconstruction site: response to niacinamide

A case of bullous pemphigoid responding to niacinamide as monotherapy is reported. Clinically, the patient presented with bullous lesions localized to the left breast. She had a history of a left breast mastectomy for breast cancer. This was followed by radiation therapy to the left chest wall and delayed left breast reconstruction achieved with a transposition flap of the latissimus dorsi muscle. There have been reports of bullous pemphigoid treated with a combination of tetracycline and niacinamide. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of a case of bullous pemphigoid responding to niacinamide alone.     

Aesthetic outcome of breast implant removal in 85 consecutive patients

As we began to see increasing numbers of women concerned about their gel-filled breast implants, we became aware that we could not advise them with any degree of confidence what they might expect in terms of aesthetic result after implant removal. We decided to review the records and outcomes over a 2-year period of a number of patients who underwent implant removal. Eighty-five consecutive patients were reviewed, 69 of whom had undergone cosmetic augmentation and 16 of whom had breast reconstruction with silicone gel implant(s). Thirty-nine of the 69 cosmetic augmentation patients had removal of implants alone, and 27 had removal accompanied by mastopexy. Three had reaugmentation with saline-filled implants; one had replacement with saline-filled implants. Fifteen of the 16 reconstruction patients underwent autogenous tissue transfer. Preoperative and postoperative photographs of all patients were mixed randomly and rated by two independent raters in four aesthetic categories on a five-point scoring system. Repeatability was measured several weeks later, when each rater scored randomly selected photographs from this patient pool. The patients also performed their own outcome evaluations by means of questionnaire. We discovered that cosmetic augmentation patients who undergo implant removal only often suffer adverse aesthetic results. The postremoval appearance of many cosmetic augmentation patients actually will be improved over their preoperative appearance when mastopexy is performed in conjunction with implant removal. The study demonstrated that patients with certain body types could expect a particular outcome; i.e., women with asthenic builds and older patients with lax, striated breast skin generally had unsatisfactory aesthetic outcomes with implant removal only. Patients selected for autogenous breast reconstruction had favorable results, with extended latissimus dorsi and TRAM flaps yielding equally good outcomes. The study allows us to offer patients an optimistic view of postoperative results following breast implant removal. We have begun to advise selected patients that implant removal accompanied by mastopexy provides a more pleasing aesthetic outcome than implant removal alone.     

A review of 716 consecutive free flaps for oncologic surgical defects: refinement in donor-site selection and technique

Free-tissue transfer has become an important method for reconstructing complex oncologic surgical defects. This study is a retrospective review of a 10-year experience with 716 consecutive free flaps in 698 patients. Regional applications included the head and neck (69 percent), trunk and breast (14 percent), lower extremity (12 percent), and upper extremity (5 percent). Donor sites included the rectus abdominis (195), fibula (193), forearm (133), latissimus dorsi (69),jejunum (55), gluteus (28), scapula (26), and seven others (17). Microvascular anastomoses were performed to large-caliber recipient vessels using a continuous suture technique; end-to-end anastomoses were preferred (75 percent). Flaps were designed to avoid the need for vein grafts. Conventional postoperative flap monitoring methods were used. These included clinical observation supplemented by Doppler ultrasonography, surface temperature probes, and pin prick testing. Buried flaps were either evaluated with Doppler ultrasonography or not monitored. The overall success rate for free-flap reconstruction of oncologic surgical defects was 98 percent. Fifty-seven flaps (8 percent) were reexplored for either anastomotic or infectious problems. Reexplored flaps were salvaged in 40 cases (70 percent). Surviving flaps resulted in a healed wound and did not delay postoperative radiation or chemotherapy. The incidence of major and minor postoperative complications was 34 percent. The mean duration of hospitalization was 20 days, and the average cost was $40,224. The results of this study support the need for only seven donor sites to solve the majority (98 percent) of oncologic problems requiring microsurgical expertise. The evolution of preferred donor sites for specific regional applications is illustrated in this 10-year experience. Technical refinements have simplified performing the microsurgical anastomoses and essentially eliminated the need for vein grafts. Conventional monitoring has led to the rapid identification of vascular compromise and subsequent flap salvage in the majority of non-buried free flaps.     

Postoperative sensitivity of vascular pedicles latissimus dorso transplant without neural anastomosis

It is still a matter of controversy whether anastomosis of the sensory nerves is necessary in free transplants of microvascular reanastomosed myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flaps in the oral cavity and oropharynx. Some surgeons perform this routinely because they expect fewer complications in skin with a sensory nerve supply. We clinically examined 30 patients in order to assess the sensory innervation of the transplant tissue. All patients received free transplants of microvascular reanastomosed latissimus dorsi flaps during a tumor operation in the oral cavity. Sensation was determined clinically according to pain, temperature, pressure, two point discrimination and vibration. In most patients sensation in the Latissimus dorsi flap does not return. These findings suggest that reinnervation in the myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap mostly does not occur, indicating that there is a need for anastomosis of a sensory nerve during transplant surgery with a myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap to reinnervate it.     

Acute adenosine treatment is effective in augmentation of ischemic tolerance in muscle flaps in the pig

The objective of the present project was to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of acute (10-minute) adenosine treatment for augmentation of ischemic tolerance in muscle flaps in pigs. Varying doses of adenosine were infused into 28 latissimus dorsi muscle flaps through the axillary artery (0, 0.5, or 2.0 mg per flap) and 22 gracilis muscle flaps through the medial circumflex femoral artery (0, 10, or 20 mg per flap) over 10 minutes. Ten minutes after adenosine infusion, these muscle flaps were subjected to 4 hours of sustained warm global ischemia. In addition, one group of latissimus dorsi muscle flaps (n = 6) received a 10-minute intraarterial adenosine infusion (0.5 mg) at the beginning of reperfusion. Muscle biopsies (n = 4 or 5) for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) analysis were obtained before and after adenosine infusion and at the end of 4 hours of ischemia. The extent of muscle infarction was assessed at 48 hours of reperfusion by the tetrazolium dye staining technique. Muscle blood flow in latissimus dorsi muscle flaps was measured at the end of adenosine infusion (0 or 0.5 mg per flap, n = 8) by the radioactive microsphere (15-microns) technique. It was observed that adenosine, at all doses tested, significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the extent of muscle infarction in latissimus dorsi muscle flaps (control, 40.3 +/- 2.2 percent; 0.5 mg, 20.6 +/- 1.6 percent; 2.0 mg, 18.2 +/- 1 percent) and gracilis muscle flaps (control, 31.0 +/- 1.5 percent; 10 mg, 14.3 +/- 3 percent; 20 mg, 11.6 +/- 1.2 percent). Preischemic adenosine treatment (0.5 mg per flap) was associated with maintenance of a significantly (p < 0.05) higher muscle content of ATP in latissimus dorsi muscle flaps at the end of 4 hours of ischemia compared with saline-treated ischemic controls. Postischemic adenosine treatment did not protect latissimus dorsi muscle flaps against infarction. Furthermore, adenosine treatment did not have any significant effect on mean systemic arterial blood pressure or muscle blood flow in latissimus dorsi muscle flaps. It is concluded that acute (10-minute) preischemic adenosine treatment is effective in augmentation of ischemic tolerance in muscle flaps and that this protective effect of adenosine may be, at least in part, the result of slowing muscle ATP depletion during sustained ischemia. The possible mechanisms of this adenosine-induced energysparing effect are discussed.     

Vertical double flap design for repair of wide defects of the lower limb, using combined ascending scapular and latissimus dorsi flaps

Two cases are presented in which a scapular osteocutaneous flap and a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap were applied as combined flaps with a single pedicle, to repair massive soft-tissue defects resulting from tibial hemisection in the lower limb. In each case, the oval-shaped donor site was divided into two parts (an ascending scapular flap and a latissimus dorsi flap, respectively) to repair the resected area, using a vertically designed, combined flap from the dorsolateral region. Consequently, after flap elevation, the donor site could be closed primarily and functions of the affected limb could be completely reconstructed. For reconstruction of defects too large to be covered with a single flap, the vertical double flap design of a combined ascending scapular and latissimus dorsi flap is a good alternative. It has the merits of easy dissection, broad area skin coverage and it also provides a composite flap that contains a scapular bone graft. Moreover, it allows a simple microsurgical anastomosis, as well as direct closure of the donor site. In addition, when the recipient site is on the lower leg, flap elevation can be carried out simultaneously with surgery at the recipient site. This means that the operative time can be shortened.     

Autologous breast reconstruction after breast-conserving cancer surgery

Breast-conserving therapy, which aims to reduce trauma by preserving as much of a patient's natural appearance as possible, does not necessarily lead to an optimal cosmesis. We hypothesized that combining plastic and oncologic surgeries would greatly reduce the physical and psychological traumas and produce an optimal cosmesis without impairing the oncologic outcome. We performed breast reconstruction on 40 cancer patients. Of those 40 patients, 15 received combined plastic and oncologic surgeries. Procedures depended on breast size: mammareduction plasty in cases with sufficient volume, and reconstruction using myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flaps for those with less volume. Cosmetic results were rated good to poor. Of the 15 primary reconstruction patients, 86.7 percent of the cases showed good results and 13.3 percent fair; in the secondary cases, 68 percent were good, 16 percent fair, and 16 percent poor. Through a follow-up and cosmetic evaluations by both surgeons and patients, the study showed that combining aesthetic improvements and oncologic surgery does not compromise patient safety, reduces mental and physical trauma, and frequently results in superior cosmesis, thereby improving the patient's overall health.     

Application of contemporary reconstructive techniques in head and neck surgery for anterior oral-facial cancers

One hundred and seventy-eight patients underwent surgical therapy for oral and cervical cancers from 1964 to 1975. About 25 percent of the patients underwent neck dissection and/or "pull-through" procedures. However, majority of patients required a spectrum of reconstructive techniques extending from marginal mandibulectomy with or without skin flaps (39), partial mandibulectomy with immediate prosthetic mandible reconstruction (36), to extended resections with skin flaps or staged reconstructive procedures (48). The advantages and disadvantages of each reconstructive procedure have been observed and a scheme of graded management has been developed. The therapeutic goal is to maximize functional oral reconstruction without compromising tumor cure. There were two operative deaths--one from myocardial infarction after operation and one from halothane hepatitis. The tumors were grouped according to TNM classification. In the follow-up of the 178 patients, 47 per cent are known to be alive and free of tumor. The better results (greater than 70% free of tumor) are in the group with smaller tumors (less than 2 cm.) and no node involvement, and there are less favorable rates for those patients with larger tumors and nodal metastasis or invasion of adjacent structures. There was a 49 percent 2 year survival rate and 12 of the deaths were from nontumor causes. Ninety percent of these patients smoked more than one pack of cigarettes per day, accounting for the high rate of synchronous or subsequent oroairway cancers (7 percent). Seventy-five percent were considered to be "heavy alcoholics" with evidence of cirrhotic liver disease. These two factors significantly decreased the survival from rate 54 to 47 percent. The series shows that planned primary reconstructive surgery can be done at a low risk, that it can enhance resectability of head and neck cancers, and that it does improve oral function after operation.     

Presence and modulation of interleukin-12 in seminal plasma of fertile and infertile men

A case of bilateral facial atrophy diagnosed as atrophic connective tissue panniculitis is presented. Reconstruction of both cheeks was performed with two staged latissimus dorsi muscle flaps. The initial good result on the right cheek deteriorated as the disease continued to progress after surgery. The good result on the left cheek, however, remained stable. Detailed clinical examinations, laboratory analysis, and deep biopsies from the affected areas are important for accurate diagnosis. Reconstructive procedures should be delayed while the disease is still active.     

Use of ultrasonography to evaluate muscle thickness and blood flow in free flaps

The purpose of this study was to investigate the common belief that a microvascular transfer of a non-innervated free muscle flap loses muscle bulk over time. Sixteen patients (latissimus dorsi = 8, rectus abdominis = 7, and gracilis muscle = 1) were evaluated an average of 41 months after free flap transfer. Latissimus dorsi and lower extremity flaps displayed significantly more swelling than the other flaps. Flap bulk was measured by ultrasound. The mean thickness of upper extremity flaps was 10.3 +/- 1.8 mm (control muscles 11.8 +/- 2.8), lower-extremity 14.5 +/- 3.7 mm (control muscles 10.9 +/- 0.7), latissimus dorsi 14.3 +/- 2.2 mm (control muscles 10.3 +/- 0.8, P = 0.018), and rectus abdominis 11.2 +/- 1.2 mm (control muscles 12.4 +/- 1.9). Color Doppler ultrasonography was used to detect the pedicles of the free flaps and also to measure the peak velocity of blood flow intramuscularly and in the pedicles. In the upper extremities (n = 5) the pedicles could be found in only 20% of cases whereas in the lower extremities (n = 11) 91% of pedicles were located. (P = 0.013). Peak flow within the free flaps was significantly higher in the lower extremity (50% of the peak flow of the common femoral artery) than in the upper extremity (5% of the peak flow of the common femoral artery, P = 0.013). This study demonstrated that non-innervated free muscle flaps in the extremities maintain the original muscle thickness, although lower extremity and latissimus dorsi flaps have a trend to be thicker. Most pedicles of free muscle flaps in the upper extremities could not be located by ultrasound. However, flaps in the lower extremities most often have patent pedicles and also more vigorous intramuscular blood flow.