• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.68-79
• /
• 2010

Lower abdominal tissue is regarded as an ideal donor site for the breast reconstruction because it provides large skin territory and huge amount of soft tissues enough to the breast size. However it is not easy for the surgeon to reconstruct the really natural breast, and needs the learning curve with long time experience. Author represent the various reconstruction procedures for the breast using lower abdominal tissue such as muscle sparing free TRAM, DIEP, and SIEA free flaps to reinsure like breast. Indications, and selection of reconstructive methods, surgical timing, selection of donor sites and recipient vessel of these flaps were reviewed. In addition, detailed procedures, surgical tips and secondary adjuvant procedures are described for more symmetry of reconstructed breast. The muscle sparing free TRAM, DIEP, and SIEA free flaps would be enough to provide supple, huge amount of well vascularized tissue for the breast, if these flaps were selected for the appropriate indication according to patient's general condition, obesity, the opposite breast and abdominal tissue condition. Lower abdominal tissue was able to provide versatile designs with sufficient adipose tissue without compromising the integrity of abdominal wall.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.47 no.5
• /
• pp.451-459
• /
• 2020

Background For volar soft tissue defects of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, free flaps are technically challenging, but have more esthetic and functional advantages than local or distant flaps. In this study, we compared the long-term surgical outcomes of arterial (hypothenar, thenar, or second toe plantar) and venous free flaps for volar defects of the PIP joint. Methods This was a single-center retrospective review of free flap coverage of volar defects between the distal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joint from July 2010 to August 2019. Patients with severe crush injuries (degloving, tendon or bone defects, or comminuted/intra-articular fractures), thumb injuries, multiple-joint and finger injuries, dorsal soft tissue defects, and defects >6 cm in length were excluded from the study, as were those lost to follow-up within 6 months. Thirteen patients received arterial (hypothenar, thenar, or second toe plantar) free flaps and 12 received venous free flaps. Patients' age, follow-up period, PIP joint active range of motion (ROM), extension lag, grip-strength ratio of the injured to the uninjured hand, and Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder & Hand (QuickDASH) score were compared between the groups. Results Arterial free flaps showed significantly higher PIP joint active ROM (P=0.043) and lower extension lag (P =0.035) than venous free flaps. The differences in flexion, grip strength, and QuickDASH scores were not statistically significant. Conclusions The surgical outcomes of arterial free flaps were superior to those of venous free flaps for volar defects of the PIP joint.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.7 no.2
• /
• pp.81-87
• /
• 1998

We have investigated the clinical results of 33 cases of free flap transfer performed for the soft tissue defects of heel and sole. In donor sites, tensor fascia lata flaps were 4, dorsalis pedis flaps were 10, forearm flaps were 9, and latissimus dorsi flaps were 10. The recipient sites were heel in 22 cases, sole in 7 cases, and heel and sole in 4 cases. In these cases, the postoperative complications, morbidity of donor sites, recovery of sensation, and cosmetic results were evaluated in each flap. All the flaps survived successfully. The free flaps provided excellent functional and cosmetic results. The tensor fascia lata flap was more reliable free flap for the reconstruction of heel and sole defects.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.119-124
• /
• 2007

Purpose: Management of the soft tissue defect in the lower extremity caused by trauma has always been difficult. Coverage with local and free muscle flaps after complete surgical excision of necrotic soft tissue and bone is a major strategy for treatment. There is no doubt that muscle provides a good blood supply, thus improving bone healing and increasing resistance to bacterial inoculation. However, accompanying problems are seen in cases with shallow dead space. This research was conducted to assess the efficacy of raising anterolateral thigh flaps and transferring them to the defect after complete debridement of non-viable, infected, and scar tissue as an alternative way to use local or free muscle flaps. Methods: From March 2005 to October 2007, 18 cases of soft tissue defect on lower extremities were re-surfaced with an anterolateral thigh perforator free flap. Results: The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 31 months with a mean of 15.9 months. All flaps survived completely. Satisfactory aesthetic and functional results were achieved. Under a two-point discrimination test, 13 patients had sensory recovery from 11 mm to 20 mm after 6 months postoperatively. Conclusion: Reconstruction of the lower extremity with anterolateral thigh perforator free flaps after appropriate debridement is a good alternative way to use local or free muscle flaps.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.7-12
• /
• 2015

Purpose: The rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (RAM) flap has contributed to the efficient reconstruction of soft tissue defects. The flap has the advantage of easy dissection, minimal donor site morbidity, and the constant vascular anatomy with long pedicle. Authors used the free RAM flap to reconstruct multi-located soft tissue defects while still considering functionality and aesthetics. We present the long-term outcomes and versatility of free RAM flaps. Materials and Methods: From 1994 to 2004, all patients who underwent soft tissue reconstruction with free RAM flap were reviewed retrospectively. The site of the reconstruction, vessels of anastomosis, type of RAM flap, and outcomes, including flap success rate, hospital stay after flap transfer, conduction of secondary procedure, flap complications, and donor-site complications were analyzed. Results: Twenty-one patients underwent 24 free RAM flaps in site of breast, face, upper extremity and lower extremity. Mean follow-up period was 36.1 months (range, 3~156 months). The overall success rate was 92% with only a loss of 2 flaps. Minor complications related to transferred flaps were necrosis of 2 partial flaps, hematoma formation in 3 cases, and a wound infection in 1 case. Donor site morbidity was not observed. Debulking surgery was performed in 4 patients, and scar revision was performed in 3 patients. Conclusion: Free RAM flap is a workhorse flap for general soft-tissue reconstruction with minimal donor site morbidity with aesthetically good results. Thus, the free RAM flaps are versatile, and sturdy for any sites of soft-tissue where reconstruction could be performed.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.14-18
• /
• 2008

Purpose: Evaluation of results of free flap as a method of reconstruction in soft tissue defect after wide excision of soft tissue tumor of extremity. Materials and Methods: From 2000 through 2007, 11 patients received free flap surgery for soft tissue defect after wide excision operation for soft tissue tumor of limbs. Four cases were upper extremities and seven were lower extremities. Four subjects were diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma, three as malignant melanoma, two as synovial sarcoma and one as malignant fibrous histiocytoma and alveolar soft part sarcoma. Donor sites of free flap varied with anterolateral thigh flaps in six cases, latissimus dorsi flaps in four, reverse forearm flap in one. By the method of doppler ultrasound, venous circulation was evaluated for the survival of each flap on the third, fifth and seventh day respectively after the operation. Results: 10 of 11 free flaps were successfully survived. Necrosis of free flaps in 1 cases occurred in case of anterolateral thigh flap. Conclusion: Free flap can be a useful method for reconstruction of soft tissue defect after wide excision of soft tissue sarcoma of extremity.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.553-558
• /
• 2012

Purpose: This article reviews a few of the commonly used types of vascularized osseous free flaps in maxillofacial reconstruction, which still represents the gold standard of restoration. We also discuss the developing concepts in maxillofacial reconstruction. Recent findings: Most of the literature reconfirms the established patterns of reconstruction with the aid of vascularized osseous free flaps. This method of free-tissue transfer is also feasible in cases of osteoradionecrosis or bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. These flaps are also suitable for prosthetic restoration using osseointegrated dental implants. Summary: Vascularized osseous free flaps still remain the standard of care. Improvements upon the free-tissue transfer method employing vascularized osseous free flaps, such as distraction osteogenesis, tissue engineering, and imaging techniques, currently require further development, but these technologies could lead to improved outcomes of maxillofacial reconstruction in the near future.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.49 no.1
• /
• pp.61-69
• /
• 2022

Background Single free flaps are a commonly used reconstructive method for multiple soft tissue defects in digits. We analyzed the flap size, division timing, and degree of necrosis in cases with various types of flap division. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of the medical charts of patients who had undergone single free flap reconstruction for multiple soft tissue defects across their digits from 2011 to 2020. The flap types included were the lateral arm free flap, venous forearm free flap, thenar free flap, hypothenar free flap, anterolateral thigh free flap, medial plantar free flap, and second toe pulp free flap. Flap size, anastomosed vessels, division timing, and occurrence of flap necrosis were retrospectively investigated and then analyzed using the t-test. Results In total, 75 patients were included in the analysis. The success rate of the free flaps was 97.3%. All flaps were successfully divided after at least 17 days, with a mean of 47.17 days (range, 17-243 days) for large flaps and 42.81 days (range, 20-130 days) for the medium and small flaps (P=0.596). The mean area of flap necrosis was 2.38% in the large flaps and 2.58% in the medium and small flaps (P=0.935). Severe necrosis of the divided flap developed in two patients who had undergone flap division at week 6 and week 34. Conclusions In cases where blood flow to the flap has been stable for more than 3 weeks, flap division can be safely attempted regardless of the flap size.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.45-50
• /
• 2014

Palmar soft tissue defects are best reconstructed using a replacement flap of proper size with adequate soft tissue stability for mechanical resistance as well as with protective sensation. Reconstructive approaches are dictated by injury mechanism, defect size and location, and the status of the wound bed and tendino-skeletal structure. While uninjured portions of the hand can be used as a source for local flaps, the use of free flaps allows for maximal access for selection of the most ideal replacement tissue for the defect to be restored as close to the initial state as possible. Here, we review the garden variety of free flaps used in reconstruction of palmar soft tissue defects.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.21-28
• /
• 2010

Purpose: To report the clinical results of the use of arterialized venous free flaps in reconstruction in soft tissue defects of the finger and to extend indications for the use of such flaps based on the clinical experiences of the authors. Materials and Methods: Eighteen patients who underwent arterialized venous free flaps for finger reconstruction, between May 2007 and July 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. The mean flap size was 4.7${\times}3.2$ cm. The donor site was the ipsilateral volar aspect of the distal forearm in all cases. There were 8 cases of venous skin flaps, 5 cases of neurocutaneous flaps, 4 cases of tendocutaneous flaps, 1 case of innervated tendocutaneous flap. The vascuality of recipient beds was good except in 4 cases (partial devascuality in 2, more than 50% avascuality (bone cement) in 2). Results: All flaps were survived. The mean number of included veins was 2.27 per flap. Mean static two-point discrimination was 10.5 mm in neurocutaneous flaps. In 3 of 5 cases where tendocutaneous flaps were used, active ROM at the PIP joint was 60 degrees, 30 degrees at the DIP joint and 40 degrees at the IP joint of thumb. There were no specific complications except partial necrosis in 3 cases. Conclusions: An arterialized venous free flap is a useful procedure for single-stage reconstruction in soft tissue or combined defect of the finger; we consider that this technique could be applied to fingers despite avascular recipient beds if the periphery of recipient bed vascularity is good.