• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.50 no.6
• /
• pp.586-592
• /
• 2023

Background One-stage reconstruction with "thin perforator flaps" has been attempted to salvage limbs and restore function. The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is a commonly utilized flap in breast reconstruction (BR). The purpose of this study is to present the versatility of DIEP flaps for the reconstruction of large defects of the extremities. Methods Patients with large tissue defects on extremities who were treated with thin DIEP flaps from January 2016 to January 2018 were included. They were minimally followed up for 36 months. We analyzed the etiology and location of the soft tissue defect, flap design, anastomosis type, outcome, and complications. We also considered the technical differences in the DIEP flap between breast and extremity reconstruction. Results Overall, six free DIEP flaps were included in the study. The flap size ranged from 15 × 12 to 30 × 16 cm². All flaps were transversely designed similar to a traditional BR design. Three flaps were elevated with two perforators. Primary closure of the donor site was possible in all cases. Five flaps survived with no complications. However, partial necrosis occurred in one flap. Conclusion A DIEP flap is not the first choice for soft tissue defects, but it should be considered for one-stage reconstruction of large defects when the circulation zone of the DIEP flap is considered. In addition, this flap has many advantages over other flaps such as provision of the largest skin paddle, low donor site morbidity with a concealed scar, versatile supercharging technique, and a long pedicle.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.76-81
• /
• 2014

Purpose: Anteromedial surface of the leg is susceptible to trauma, which frequently induces soft tissue defect. When the size of a soft tissue defect is small to moderate, a local muscle flap is an easy and reliable alternative to a free flap. The authors performed medial hemisoleus flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects on the anteromedial surface of legs. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and effectiveness of the medial hemisoleus flap. Materials and Methods: Twelve patients underwent the medial hemisoleus flap for reconstruction of a soft tissue defect on the anteromedial surface of the leg from February 2009 to December 2013. There were eight males and four females with a mean age of 47.8 years (15 to 69 years). The mean size of defects was $4.7{\times}4.2cm$ ($2{\times}2$ to $9{\times}6cm$). Flap survival and postoperative complications were evaluated. Results: Mean follow-up period was 39.6 months (7 to 64 months) and all flaps survived. There were two cases of negligible necrosis of distal margin of the flap, which were healed after debridement. All patients were capable of full weight bearing ambulation at the last follow-up. Conclusion: The medial hemisoleus flap is a simple, reliable procedure for treatment of a small to moderate sized soft tissue defect on the anteromedial surface of the leg.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.43 no.5
• /
• pp.438-445
• /
• 2016

Background The goal of reconstruction is to provide coverage of exposed vital structures with well-vascularized tissue for optimal restoration of form and function. Here, we present our clinical experience with the use of the scapular fascial free flap to correct facial asymmetry and to reconstruct soft tissue defects of the extremities. Methods We used a scapular fascial free flap in 12 cases for soft tissue coverage of the extremities or facial soft tissue augmentation. Results The flaps ranged in size from $3{\times}12$ to $13{\times}23$ cm. No cases of total loss of the flap occurred. Partial loss of the flap occurred in 1 patient, who was treated with a turnover flap using the adjacent scapular fascial flap and a skin graft. Partial loss of the skin graft occurred in 4 patients due to infection or hematoma beneath the graft, and these patients underwent another skin graft. Four cases of seroma at the donor site occurred, and these cases were treated with conservative management or capsulectomy and quilting sutures. Conclusions The scapular fascial free flap has many advantages, including a durable surface for restoration of form and contours, a large size with a constant pedicle, adequate surface for tendon gliding, and minimal donor-site scarring. We conclude that despite the occurrence of a small number of complications, the scapular fascial free flap should be considered to be a viable option for soft tissue coverage of the extremities and facial soft tissue augmentation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.46 no.2
• /
• pp.176-180
• /
• 2019

Post-traumatic soft tissue defects sometimes require sequential flap coverage to achieve complete healing. In the era of propeller flaps, which were developed to reduce donor site morbidity, Feng et al. introduced the concept of the free-style puzzle flap, in which a previously harvested flap becomes its own donor site by recycling the perforator. However, when a perforator cannot be found with a Doppler device, we suggest performing a new type of flap, the flip-flap puzzle flap, which combines two concepts: the free-style puzzle flap and the flip-flap flap described by Voche et al. in the 1990s. We present the cases of three patients who achieved complete healing through this procedure.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.42 no.5
• /
• pp.265-270
• /
• 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 Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.29-35
• /
• 2002

Free flap reconstruction of the foot has become one of the standard procedures at the present time, but choice of a free flap for the soft tissue defect of the foot according to location and size remains controversial. We evaluated the results of free flap reconstruction for the soft tissue defects of the foot. Twenty seven free flaps to the foot were performed between May 1986 and December 2000 in the department of Orthopedic Surgery. Patient age ranged from 3 to 60 years. Male to female distribution was 20:7. Mean follow-up period was 30.5 months which ranged from 12 months to 60 months. The indications for a specific flap depended on the location and extension of the foot defect. In weight-bearing area and amputation stump, the authors chose the sensate (reinnervated) dorsalis pedis flaps (n=7) and sensate radial forearm flaps (n=2). In nonweight-bearing area including dorsum of the foot and area around Achilles tendon, we performed nonsensate (non-reinnervated) free flap reconstructions which included dorsalis pedis flaps (n=5), groin flap (n=1), radial forearm flaps (n=6), scapular flaps (n=4), latissimus dorsi flaps (n=2). Twenty-six flaps transferred successfully (96.3%). The sensate flaps which were performed in weight-bearing area and amputation stumps survived in all cases and recovered protective sensation. Mean two-point discrimination was 26 mm at the last follow up. As a conclusion, the selection of a proper flap depends on the location and extension of the foot defect and patient's age. Fasciocutaneous flap including radial forearm flaps and dorsalis pedis flaps were the best choice in nonweight-bearing area. The sensate free flaps which are performed in the weight-bearing area and amputation stumps can produce better outcome than nonsensate free flap.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.70-76
• /
• 2006

This study investigated the clinical application of anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap in reconstruction of soft tissue defect of lower extremity. There were twenty-one patients who had been taken soft tissue reconstruction with anterolateral thigh perforator flap. There were 19 males and 2 females between 3 and 65 years (mean, 36 years). This study included 4 cases of pedatric case of under 10-year-old. All cases were a cutaneous flap. Flap size averaged $160\;cm^2\;(20{\sim}450\;cm^2)$. 19 cases were musculocutaneous perforator flaps and 2 were septocutaneous perforator. T-shaped pedicle were used to reconstruct and to preserve major artery of lower extremity in 2 cases. 19 cases flaps survived completely and 2 cases flap were marginal necrosis partially. There was venous congestion in one case of type of reverse island flap but that was improved after salvage procedure with leech. While the donor sites were closed directly in 5cases, 16 cases underwent skin graft. ALT flap is suitable for coverage of defects in lower extremity where have various condition and reliable in children as in adult.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.222-226
• /
• 2014

Four patients with soft tissue defects around the ankle joint were covered with peroneal artery perforator-based propeller flaps. Using color Doppler sonography, the flap was designed by considering the location of the perforator and soft tissue defects. The procedure was then performed by rotating the flap by $180^{\circ}$. Additional skin graft was required in a patient due to partial necrosis, and delayed wound repair was performed in another patient with poor blood circulation at the distal part of the flap. The remaining patients did not have any complications and results were considered excellent. Good outcomes were eventually obtained for all patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.41 no.1
• /
• pp.50-56
• /
• 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
• /
• v.34 no.5
• /
• pp.580-586
• /
• 2007

Purpose: High tension electrical injuries result in major tissue(eg. bones, tendons, vessels and nerves) destruction. Therefore, the management of mutilating wrist caused by electrical injuries still represents a challenge. There are various approaches to this problem including local and regional flaps as well as pedicled distant flaps and microsurgical free tissue transfer. Although it has not gained wide acceptance, because of the technically demanding dissection of the pedicle, posterior interosseous flap is now well accepted for the reconstruction of hand and wrist in hand surgery. The principal advantages of this flap are minimal donor site morbidity, minimal vascular compromise, one stage operation. This flap also offers the advantages of ideal color match and composition. In this report, we describe our experience with the reverse posterior interosseous island flap for reconstruction of mutilating wrist with main vessel injuries. Methods: From October, 2004 to June, 2006, we treated 11 patients with soft tissue defects and main vessel injuries on the wrist that were covered with reverse posterior interosseous island flap. Results: These 11 patients were all male. The ages ranged from 27 to 67 years(mean age 41.75) and the follow-up period varied from 4 to 19 months. Complete healing of the reverse posterior interosseous island flaps were observed in 11 patients(12 flaps). The majority of these flaps showed a certain degree of venous congestion, which in a flap was treated with medical leech. 1 flap has partial necrosis owing to sustained venous congestion, requiring secondary skin graft. flap size varied from $3.5{\times}8cm$ to $10{\times}12cm$(mean size $6.4{\times}8.9m$). The donor site defect was closed directly in 5 flaps, and by skin graft in 7 flaps. Conclusion: We found that the reverse posterior interosseous island flap is reliable and very useful for reconstruction of mutilating wrist and we recommend it as first choice in coverage of soft tissue defects in the wrist with electrical arc injuries.