• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.24-30
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• 2005

Thigh perforator flaps are used popularly, because they have a small thickness, a long vascular pedicle and a low rate of donor site morbidity. Among thigh perforator flaps, anterolateral thigh perforator flaps are generally used, but it is not easy to dissect the vastus lateralis muscle to find the vasuclar pedicle. The authors have planed 11 anteromedial thigh perforator flaps that have septocutaneous perforators. We were able to find anteromedial thigh perforators in 8 cases(72.7%). The perforators originated from the medial descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery in 2 cases and a branch to the rectus femoris muscle in 6 cases. Of this type of surgery, 7 flaps survived. However, 1 flap failed because of arterial insufficiency. We believe the anteromedial thigh perforator flap is a good option when the thigh region is decided as a donor site, but surgeons should keep in mind that the perforator of anteromedial thigh flap may be absent.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.15-25
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• 2021

Thoracodorsal artery (TDA) flaps, ranging from the vascular-pedicled thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap, the propeller TDAP flap, and the muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi (MSLD) flap to the conventional latissimus dorsi (LD) flap and the extended LD flap, can all be used for breast reconstruction. The aim of this paper and review is to share our experiences and recommendations for procedure selection when applying TDA-based flaps for breast reconstruction. We describe the different surgical techniques and our thoughts and experience regarding indications and selection between these procedures for individual patients who opt for breast reconstruction. We have performed 574 TDA flaps in 491 patients: 60 extended LD flaps, 122 conventional LD flaps, two MSLD flaps, 233 propeller TDAP flaps, 122 TDAP flaps, and 35 free contralateral TDAP flaps for stacked TDAP breast reconstruction. All the TDA flaps are important flaps for reconstruction of the breast. The LD flap is still an option, although we prefer flaps without muscle when possible. The vascular-pedicled TDAP flap is an option for experienced surgeons, and the propeller TDAP flap can be used in most reconstructive cases of the breast, although a secondary procedure is often necessary for correction of the pedicle bulk. The extended LD flap is an option for women with a substantial body mass index, although it is associated with the highest morbidity of all the TDA flaps. The MSLD flap can be used if the perforators are small or if dissection of the perforators is assessed to be hazardous.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.50-56
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• 2014

Background The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of lateral intercostal artery perforator-based adipofascial free flaps for facial reconstruction in patients with facial soft tissue deficiency. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of five consecutive patients diagnosed with facial soft tissue deficiency who underwent operations between July 2006 and November 2011. Flap design included the area containing the perforators. A linear incision was made along the rib, which had the main intercostal pedicle. First, we dissected below Scarpa's fascia as the dorsal limit of the flap. Then, the adipofascial flap was elevated from the medial to the lateral side, including the perforator that pierces the serratus anterior muscle after emerging from the lateral intercostal artery. After confirming the location of the perforator, pedicle dissection was performed dorsally. Results Dominant perforators were located on the sixth to eighth intercostal space, and more than four perforators were found in fresh-cadaver angiography. In the clinical case series, the seventh or eighth intercostal artery perforators were used for the free flaps. The mean diameter of the pedicle artery was 1.36 mm, and the mean pedicle length was 61.4 mm. There was one case of partial fat necrosis. No severe complications occurred. Conclusions This is the first study of facial contour reconstruction using lateral intercostal artery perforator-based adipofascial free flaps. The use of this type of flap was effective and can be considered a good alternative for restoring facial symmetry in patients with severe facial soft tissue deficiency.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.448-454
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• 2007

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of using the free flap in the reconstruction of maxillary defects. Methods: 27 consecutive cases of maxillary reconstruction with free flap were reviewed. All clinical data were analyzed, including ideal selection of flap, time of reconstruction, recurrence of cancer, postoperative complications, flap design, and follow-up results. The main operative functional items, including speech, oral diet, mastication, eye globe position and function, respiration, and aesthetic results were evaluated. Results: Among the 24 patients who underwent maxillary reconstruction with the free flap, 14 patients underwent immediate reconstruction after maxillary cancer ablation, and 10 patients underwent delayed reconstruction. There occurred 1 flap loss. Recurrences of the cancer after the reconstruction happened in 2 cases. Postoperative complications were 3 cases of gravitational ptosis of the flap, 2 cases of the nasal obstruction, and 1 case of fistula formation. Out of 27 free flaps, there were 15 latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps, 5 radial forearm, 4 rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps, 1 scapular flap, 2 fibula osteocutaneous flap, respectively. Flaps were designed such as 1 lobe in 9 cases, 2 lobes in 9 cases, and 3 lobes in 5 cases. Among the 14 patients who had intraoral defect or who had palatal resection surgery, 2 patients complained the inaccuracy of the pronunciation due to the ptosis of the flap. It was corrected by the reconstruction of the maxillary buttress and hung the sling to the upper direction. All of the 14 patients were able to take unrestricted diets. In 6 patients who had reconstruction of inferior orbital wall with rib bone graft, they preserved normal vision. Aesthetically, most of the patients were satisfied with the result. Conclusion: LD free flap is suggested in uni-maxilla defect as the 1st choice, and fibular osteocutaneous flap and calvarial bone graft to cover the larger defect in bi-maxilla defect.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.171-173
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• 2014

Preoperative perforator marking for deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps is vital to the success of the procedure in breast reconstruction. Advances in imaging have facilitated accurate identification and preselection of potentially useful perforators. However, the reported imaging accuracy may be lost when preoperatively marking the patient, due to 'mapping errors', as this relies on the use of 2 reported vectors from a landmark such as the umbilicus. Observation errors have been encountered where inaccurate perforator vector measurements have been reported in relation to the umbilicus. Transcription errors have been noted where confusing and wordy reports have been typed or where incorrect units have been given (millimetres vs. centimetres). Interpretation errors have also occurred when using the report for preoperative marking. Furthermore, the marking process may be unnecessarily time-consuming. We describe a bespoke template, created using an individual computed tomography angiography image, that increases the efficiency and accuracy of preoperative marking. The template is created to scale, is individually tailored to the patient, and is particularly useful in cases where multiple potential suitable perforators exist.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.441-446
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• 2005

Sole reconstruction should consider both functional and aesthetic aspects; durable weight bearing surface, adequate contour for normal footwear, protective sensation and solid anchoring to deep tissue to resist shearing. The anterolateral thigh perforator free flap has such favorable characteristics as long pedicle, reliable perforators and minimal donor site morbidity. This flap can be safely thinned to 3-4 mm. It can also be elevated with sufficient bulk with muscles like vastus lateralis for complex defect. Between June 2002 and December 2004, 48 cases of sole reconstruction were performed with anterolateral thigh perforator free flaps. Follow up period ranged from 4 to 34 months with a mean of 14.7 months and with exception of one case, all flaps survived. One case of total flap loss was noted due to infection in a patient who was administered lifetime immunosuppressant. Partial necroses developed in three cases but were treated conservatively. Satisfactory aesthetic and functional results were achieved and acceptable gait recovery was noted. Seventy-eight percent of the patients regained protective sensation by 6 months and earlier sensory recovery was noted in sensate flap group. The authors also present a standardized protocol for preoperative patient evaluation and postoperative management and rehabilitation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.94-101
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• 2024

Background For the small glabrous skin defect, Thenar and Hypothenar skin are useful donors and they have been used as a free flap. Because of similar skin characteristics, both flaps have same indications. We will conduct comparative study for the donor morbidity of the Free thenar flap and Hypothenar free flap. Methods From January 2011 to December 2021, demographic data, characteristics of each flap, and complications using retrospective chart review were obtained. Donor outcomes of the patient, who had been followed up for more than 6 months, were measured using photographic analysis and physical examination. General pain was assessed by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score, neuropathic pain was assessed by Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4) score, scar appearance was assessed by modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS), and patient satisfaction was assessed on a 3-point scale. Statistical analysis was performed on the outcomes. Results Out of the 39 survey respondents, 17 patients received Free thenar flaps, and 22 patients received Hypothenar free flaps. Thenar group had higher NRS, DN4, and mVSS (p < 0.05). The average scores for the Thenar and Hypothenar groups were 1.35 and 0.27 for NRS, 2.41 and 0.55 for DN4, and 3.12 and 1.59 for mVSS, respectively. Despite the Hypothenar group showing greater satisfaction on the 3-point scale (1.82) compared with the Thenar group (1.47), the difference was not significant (p = 0.085). Linear regression analysis indicated that flap width did not have a notable impact on the outcome measures, and multiple linear regression analysis revealed no significant interaction between flap width and each of the outcome measures. Conclusion Despite the limited number of participants, higher donor morbidity in general pain, neuropathic pain, and scar formation was noted in the Thenar free flap compared with the Hypothenar free flap. However, no difference in overall patient satisfaction was found between the two groups.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.265-270
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• 2016

Objectives: To gain information on anatomical variation in anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps in a series of clinical cases, with special focus on perforators and pedicles, for potential use in reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects. Materials and Methods: Eight patients who underwent microvascular reconstructive surgery with ALT free flaps after ablative surgery for oral cancer were included. The number of perforators included in cutaneous flaps, location of perforators (septocutaneous or musculocutaneous), and the course of vascular pedicles were intraoperatively investigated. Results: Four cases with a single perforator and four cases with multiple perforators were included in the ALT flap designed along the line from anterior superior iliac spine to patella. Three cases had perforators running the septum between the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris muscle (septocutaneous type), and five cases had perforators running in the vastus lateralis muscle (musculocutaneous type). Regarding the course of vascular pedicles, five cases were derived from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (type I), and three cases were from the transverse branch (type II). Conclusion: Anatomical variation affecting the distribution of perforators and the course of pedicles might prevent use of an ALT free flap in various reconstruction cases. However, these issues can be overcome with an understanding of anatomical variation and meticulous surgical dissection. ALT free flaps are considered reliable options for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the oral and maxillofacial area.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.3-10
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• 2013

Autologous microvascular breast reconstruction is widely accepted as a key component of breast cancer treatment. There are two basic donor sites; the anterior abdominal wall and the thigh/buttock region. Each of these regions provides for a number of flaps that are successfully utilised in breast reconstruction. Refinement of surgical technique and the drive towards minimising donor site morbidity whilst maximising flap vascularity in breast reconstruction has seen an evolution towards perforator based flap reconstructions, however myocutaneous flaps are still commonly practiced. We review herein the current methods of autologous microvascular breast reconstruction.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.80-91
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• 1996

A free rectus abdominis flap can include a variable amount of muscle length depending on recipient site requirements. There is also great flexibility in flap design in terms of size, orientation of its axis, and the level of its location over the muscle. It is safe to design the skin island across the midline. Though skin islands designed over the most inferior portion of the abdomen have not always proved reliable when based on the superior epigastric artery, free flaps based on the inferior pedicle can be successfully designed in this area. As free flap based on the inferior epigastric vessels, this flap has been useful for large head and neck defects following ablative procedures, for facial contour restoration as a buried flap, for upper extremity defects, for lower extremity defects such as coverage of grade III tibial fractures and for breast reconstruction. A free rectus abdominis muscle or myocutaneus flap was used in 8 patients. The operations were performed between Sep. of 1994 and April of 1996. The patients were tongue cancer 1 case, chronic facial palsy 1 case, unilateral breast reconstruction 1 case, upper and lower extremity injury 5 cases. The free rectus abdominis muscle flaps were 4 cases and the free myocutaneous flaps were 4 cases. There was no failure of the flap, except one partial necrosis. One case of the skin grafts on the muscle flap was regrafted. One case of reoperation due to venous thrombosis was performed. In tongue cancer patient, a orocutaneous fistula was occurred, but conservative treatment and secondandry skin graft were done. In conclusion, a free rectus abdominis flap has many advantages such as a long and constant pedicle, easy dissection, enough soft tissue available, scar on the donor site to be hiddened, no need for changing position. So we think that this flap is the most useful one for small or moderate sized defects on the various sites.