Free Flow-through Anterolateral Thigh Flaps for Wrist High-tension Electrical Burns:A Retrospective Case Series

Objective The objective of this report was to demonstrate the clinical application of free flow-through anterolateral thigh flaps for the treatment of high-tension electrical wrist burns.Methods We collected the data of 8 patients with high-tension electrical wrist burns admitted to Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from January 2014 to December 2018.The clinical and pathological data were extracted from electronic hospital medical records.We obtained follow-up information through clinic visits.Results The injury sites for all 8 patients were the wrists,specifically 5 right and 3 left wrists,all of which were on the flexor side.Five patients had ulnar artery embolism necrosis and patency,with injury to the radial artery.Two patients had ulnar and radial arterial embolization and necrosis.The last patient had ulnar arterial embolization and necrosis with a normal radial artery.After debridement,the wound area ranged from 12 cm×9 cm to 25 cm×16 cm.The diagnoses for the eight patients were type II to type III high-tension electrical wrist burns.Free flow-through anterolateral thigh flaps(combined with great saphenous vein transplantation if necessary)were used to repair the wounds.The prognosis for all patients was good after six months to one year of follow-up.Conclusion Treating wrist types II and III high-tension electrical burns is still challenging in clinical practice.The use of free flow-through anterolateral thigh flaps(combined with great saphenous vein transplantation if necessary)to repair the wound and to restore the blood supply for the hand at the same time is a good choice for treating severe wrist electrical burns.

The application of anterolateral thigh flap in post-operative repairing of vulva tumor

Objective： The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of the application of anterolateral thigh flap in postoperative repairing of vulva tumor. Methods： Anterolateral thigh flap with the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and the pedicle of anterolaterat thigh cutaneous nerve was used in primary repairing of the defect from postoperative vulva tumor, the sizes of the flaps ranged from 10 cm ×14 cm-14 cm× 20 cm. Results： All flaps survived, during a follow-up of 2 to 12 months, the appearance of the flaps was satisfactory with sensitive function without local recurrences. Conclusion： Anterelateral thigh flap has fairly long vessel pedicle, wider vessel diameter, and is in the covert area. Anterolateral thigh flap with sensory nerve is the ideal choice for postoperative repairing of vulva tumor.

A Case of Harvesting Anterolateral Thigh Flaps Twice from the Ipsilateral Thigh of a Single Patient in Separate Operations

Until now, harvesting of flap elevations from the ipsilateral thigh twice in the same patient in two operations has not been reported. We harvested thigh flaps twice from the ipsilateral thigh of a single patient in separate operations. A 44-year-old man had skin defects of the right thumb and the left middle finger. In the first operation, his right thumb was reconstructed by the hemi-pulp flap. The anterolateral thigh flap harvested from the left thigh transferred to the donor site defect of the hemi-pulp flap. Sixteen days after the first operation, another anterolateral thigh flap harvested from the left thigh transferred to the defect of the left middle finger. This operative procedure is very useful for cases requiring multi-flap transfer.

Scalp and Dura Matter Complex Reconstruction Using Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap with Vascularized Fascia

The reconstruction of large scalp and dural defects is difficult. Anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is now widely used because of its reliable blood supply to the skin paddle. Additionally, ALT can be harvested with a large skin paddle and large, well-vascularized fascia. We have successfully treated eight scalp and dural composite defect cases (five male and three female) using ALT with vascularized fascia. The patients’ mean age was 59.1 ± 20.4 years ranging from 31 to 83 years. The mean dural defect size was 73 ± 21 cm2, ranging from 50 to 120 cm2. There were no postoperative infections, bleeding, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, or meningitis. Further discussion about the usefulness of vascularized fascia may be required and we believe that plastic surgeons, head and neck surgeons, and neurosurgeons should report on the results of dural reconstruction.

Prefabricated Anterolateral Thigh Flaps for Phalloplasty in Female-to-Male Transsexuals

Background Phalloplasty is still a challenging operation because of the high urethral complication rate.Several options regarding different flaps can be chosen,but there is still no perfect solution for phalloplasty in female-to-male(FTM)transgender patients.Our group tried to use prefabricated anterolateral thigh(ALT)flaps for phalloplasty to overcome the urethral complications.Methods A total of 21 transgender patients were included from 2010 to 2019.A twostage operation was performed to reconstruct the phallus.The vaginal mucosa was prefabricated as neourethra at the first stage,and the shaft of the phallus was reconstructed at the second stage.Results All reconstructed phallus survived completely in our study,and the satisfaction rate was 76.2%.The total complication rate was 57.1%.The occurrence of fistula and strictures after the operation was 52.4%and 5.8%,respectively Conclusion Prefabricated ALT flaps with vaginal mucosa have a lower stricture rate.This technique provides a simple,effective surgical option in FTM transsexuals.

Two Cases of Distal Anterolateral Thigh Flap

We report our experience with two cases of anterolateral thigh flaps based on the musculocutaneous perforators arising from a more distal part of the descending branch than in the conventional anterolateral thigh flap. Case 1: A 53-year-old man with a skin ulcer over the anterior surface of the left tibia secondary to plate fixation for an open fracture. The perforator marked with preoperative Doppler was located 8 cm proximal to the superior border of the patella. Without thinning, the flap was 10 × 4 cm in size and 5 mm thick. Case 2: A 46-year-old man with necrosis of the right index finger after replantation. The flap was 5 × 3 cm in size and 3 mm in thickness. This “distal” anterolateral thigh flap can be raised as a quite thin flap with a long pedicle and, therefore, is considered useful in the reconstruction of various soft tissue defects.

Utility of Preoperative Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in Localizing Perforator Vessels of Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap

Objectives: The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is often considered the workhorse in soft tissue reconstruction of head and neck defects secondary to trauma, infection, or tumor resection. Despite its many advantages, ALT flaps have been criticized due to variability in vasculature, which may result in inadequate or non-existent perforators. This retrospective study aims to investigate the utility and validity of positron emission tomography (PET) scan to identify the location and characteristics of perforators to the ALT flap. Methods: We performed a 10-year retrospective review of ALT flaps at our institution to identify patients with preoperative PET scans available for analysis. Three reviewers (attending physician, fellow, and resident) were asked to identify the number, location, and characteristics (myocutaneous versus septocutaneous) of ALT perforators on imaging, and reviewer agreement was assessed. Results were then compared to available operative data. Results: One hundred twenty-one patients were identified who underwent ALT free flap surgery. Thirty-eight preoperative PET scans were identified for review. At least one perforator was identified in 92.1% of scans. Agreement percentages regarding the number of perforators ranged from 53% - 61% whereas agreement regarding the location of a single perforator ranged from 79% - 90%. However, reviewers did not agree regarding the type of perforator, with agreement ranging from 34% - 53%. Poor agreement was observed when compared to intraoperative data, with the number of perforators ranging from 26% - 34% and the type of perforator 11% - 24%. These findings are likely due to insufficient data available in operative reports. Conclusion: Although initial studies suggest that PET scan shows promising evidence to support the capacity to preoperatively identify ALT perforators, future prospective studies are warranted to fully validate these findings.

Unusual case of a free anterolateral thigh flap partial necrosis in a COVID-19 positive young male following extremity reconstruction

Free flap procedure provides an overall success rate of 97%, which decreases to 85% in hypercoagulable states. COVID-19, as a pro-thrombotic disorder, therefore seems detrimental to free flap survival. We encountered a case of unique pattern of free flap partial failure in a young male who underwent extremity reconstruction. The patient was diagnosed as COVID-19 positive on the 3rd day post-reconstruction. The flap survived well for the first 7 days post-operatively, but gradually the skin got necrosed and the subcutaneous fat layer was preserved when debriding. To our knowledge, this is the only case in which the skin of the free flap of a COVID-19 positive patient was necrosed almost entirely subsequently, while the subcutaneous fat was relatively preserved.

Repair of a severe palm injury with anterolateral thigh and ilioinguinal flaps: A case report

BACKGROUND In daily life and work,there are more and more patients with trauma to the hand,which often results in skin and soft tissue defects.Although there are many repair methods,the function and appearance of the fingers will be adversely affected if the repair is inadequate.CASE SUMMARY In the present report we describe an 18-year-old male patient whose right hand was mangled by a machine.X-ray imaging showed that a right hand bone(middle finger)was absent and the alignment was poor.After hospitalization,he was diagnosed with a severe right hand injury,skin and soft tissue defects,partial finger defects,and a skin degloving injury.He underwent reconstructive surgery with anterolateral thigh and ilioinguinal flaps.After two repair operations,satisfactory results were obtained,including good fracture healing,good skin flap shape,and good wrist joint function.CONCLUSION This case highlights the good effect of anterolateral thigh and ilioinguinal flaps repair technique on severe palm injury.

Clinical observation of endoscopic skull base reconstruction with an anterolateral thigh free fascia flap

Objective:Radiation osteonecrosis of the skull base after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is one of the most serious complications,affecting patient survival and quality of life.To date,surgical resection is the main treatment for radiation osteonecrosis.The repair after the operation is very important.Inappropriate repair or lack of repair can easily cause local infection that can even spread to the brain,aggravating osteonecrosis.This study aimed to verify the feasibility and safety of the ante-rolateral thigh free fascia flap in repairing large skull base defects.Methods:From June 2021 to July 2022,a total of 12 patients with a history of radiotherapy for naso-pharyngeal carcinoma received surgical treatment at the Department of Otolaryngology Head&Neck Surgery,Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine.All patients were diagnosed with radiation osteonecrosis of the skull base with large skull base defects.During the endoscopic operation,a free anterolateral thigh fascia flap was used to repair the skull base and complete vascular anastomosis reconstruction.The preoperative and postoperative pain scores were retrospectively analyzed,and the dynamic changes in endoscopic surgery sites were observed.Results:The 12 patients had a median age of 58 y,with 8(66.7%)males and 4(33.3%)females.The median headache score for the patients was 5(4-7)before surgery.The patient's headache was significantly relieved postoperatively,with 11 patients having a score of 0 and one patient having a score of 1.The stench was completely resolved after the operation.There were no serious complications during the perioperative period or 12 months after the operation.Conclusion:The application of anterolateral thigh free fascia flap in skull base reconstruction is a safe and reliable reconstruction technique suitable for endoscopic surgical repair of large-scale skull base necrosis.

The Antero-Lateral Thigh Flap in Coverage of Extensive Post Traumatic Upper Limb Defects

Objective: To assess the role of antero-lateral thigh flaps in coverage in cases with traumatic injury to the upper limb. Methods: A total of fifteen cases of upper limb trauma were studied between May 2014 and February 2016. Antero-lateral thigh flaps were performed to cover post traumatic upper limb soft tissue defects. Brachial interposition grafts were used in all cases. Harvesting was performed using saphenous vein graft. A 10% larger than defect, flap was used to cover defect. Results: The age range was 15 to 46 years. All 15 cases were male. The indication for soft tissue reconstruction was trauma all patients. Each procedure was performed by a “two team” approach with an experienced surgeon raising the flap and a team preparing the recipient vessels. Flap size ranged from 15 to 25 cm in length and from 8 to 10 cm in width. Ischaemic time ranged from 91 to 157 min. We experienced a 100% flap success rate, with good cosmesis and return to function in all cases. Only two anastomoses required explorations or revision. Minor complications were seen in two patients including a superficial wound infection and a small wound dehiscence. The donor site was closed directly all cases, light dressing with slab support was utilized in all patients Early postoperative management warming the patient, half-hourly flap observations, and ensuring adequate hydration and urinary output. All patients received antithrombotic therapy. Conclusion: The anterolateral thigh flap is one of the most versatile and useful perforator flaps for multidimensional reconstructions for head and neck, limb, trunk, and perineal region. It can be ultrathin flap for resurfacing and filling dead spaces with superior functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Reconstructing abdominal wall defects with a free composite tissue flap:A case report

BACKGROUND Reconstructive repair of huge full-thickness abdominal wall defects following debridement for abdominal electric burns remains a clinically challenging task.An ideal abdominal wall repair means a re-closure of the defected abdominal wall with pedicled neurovascular myofascial flaps,restoration of the abdominal wall integrity,and maintenance of the abdominal wall muscle tension to prevent the occurrence of abdominal wall hernia.When treating huge full-thickness defects,composite autologous tissue flaps are a good option for the repair.CASE SUMMARY This study reported the case of a 43-year-old male patient suffering from fullthickness abdominal wall defects complicated with necrosis of multiple bowel segments and duodenal leak following high-voltage burns involving the left upper limb and abdomen.After debridement for abdominal electric burns and end-to-end anastomosis for the necrotic bowels,reconstruction with acellular dermal matrix grafting and vacuum sealing drainage were performed for temporary abdominal closure.The remaining 18 cm×15 cm full-thickness abdominal wall defect was repaired using a combined anterolateral thigh and tensor fascia lata free flap.The proposed method achieved the functional reconstruction of the abdominal wall.CONCLUSION This approach restored the abdominal wall integrity,maintained certain muscle tension,avoided abdominal hernia,reached satisfactory aesthetic effect,and resulted in no complications in the grafting regions.

股前外侧皮瓣修复足踝部复合组织缺损的临床疗效分析

目的研究分析股前外侧皮瓣修复足踝部复合组织缺损的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2020年1月至2023年6月本院收治的足踝部复合组织缺损患者共92例,根据皮瓣修复手术方法不同将92例患者分为两组,其中观察组51例,行股前外侧皮瓣修复治疗,对照组41例,行小腿岛状穿支皮瓣修复治疗。结果观察组患者的手术治疗时间,皮瓣愈合时间均明显短于对照组患者,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);两组患者术后皮瓣均完全成活;术后3个月,观察组患者AOFAS评分明显高于对照组(P<0.05);术后3个月,观察组患者BMRC感觉功能恢复分级中,S3-S4级占比明显高于对照组患者(P<0.05);观察组患者术后并发症发生率(11.76%)与对照组患者术后并发症发生率(12.20%)无明显差异,比较无统计学意义(χ^(2)=0.8214,P>0.05)。结论采用股前外侧皮瓣修复足踝部复合软组织缺损,可以获得较好的临床疗效,患者术后足踝功能以及皮瓣感觉功能恢复更好,适合临床选择应用。

股前外侧穿支皮瓣的个性化精准设计:十年1079例临床疗效分析

目的探讨个性化精准设计的股前外侧穿支皮瓣重建各种复杂组织缺损的临床疗效。方法回顾分析我科2013年1月-2023年1月采用个性化精准设计的各种股前外侧穿支皮瓣修复的1079例患者的临床疗效。以旋股外侧动脉降支为血管蒂切取1013例(其中小儿65例)、横支为血管蒂切取40例、斜支为血管蒂切取26例(小儿1例),以旋股内侧动脉或股动脉来源穿支为蒂切取9例。其中传统股前外侧穿支皮瓣游离移植441例、带蒂转移27例、特殊形式穿支皮瓣基本术式511例、衍生术式100例。修复下肢787例,上肢264例,躯干部17例,头颈部4例,上述多部位7例。并对各种个性化精准设计的股前外侧穿支皮瓣术后临床疗效及并发症发生率进行统计比较。结果本组1079例股前外侧穿支皮瓣中,术后顺利成活1063例,其中发生血管危象行探查术成活14例,总成功率为98.52%。比较游离股前外侧穿支皮瓣、带蒂转移、特殊形式穿支皮瓣基本术式和衍生术式各组成功率,结果显示各组间成功率无明显差异(P>0.05)。本组1079例股前外侧穿支皮瓣主要并发症发生情况:静脉危象35例(3.24%),动脉危象22例(2.04%),感染19例(1.76%),切口延迟愈合6例(0.56%),完全坏死16例(1.48%),部分坏死35例(3.24%)。统计学分析显示静脉危象方面特殊形式穿支皮瓣基本类型组发生率低于衍生术式组(P<0.001),切口感染方面带蒂转移组发生率高于特殊形式穿支皮瓣组(P=0.007),切口延迟愈合方面传统游离移植组发生率高于特殊形式穿支皮瓣组(P=0.04),皮瓣部分坏死方面带蒂转移组发生率高于特殊形式穿支皮瓣组(P=0.008)。结论股前外侧穿支皮瓣个性化精准设计,可以获得良好的临床疗效,值得临床推广应用。

股前外侧皮瓣穿支解剖学特征与定位方法的专家共识(2024版)

股前外侧皮瓣(Anterolateral thigh flap,ALTF)是以股前外侧为组织供区、主要以旋股外侧动脉(Lateral circumflex femoral artery,LCFA)穿支为供血系统的外科皮瓣。ALTF作为一种经典的“万能皮瓣”广泛应用于临床修复重建领域。为了对ALTF穿支解剖特征与定位方法的研究成果进行系统的梳理和总结,由中华医学会显微外科学分会与中国解剖学会临床解剖学分会牵头,《中国临床解剖学杂志》编辑部组织国内多名从事显微修复重建外科的专家共同讨论,拟定《股前外侧皮瓣穿支解剖特征与定位方法的专家共识(2024版)》,旨在进一步推广其临床应用并展示我国学者在ALTF发展过程中所做的贡献。

股前外侧穿支皮瓣游离移植修复四肢皮肤缺损的临床疗效

目的:探究股前外侧穿支皮瓣游离移植修复四肢皮肤缺损的临床疗效。方法:选取2018年6月-2023年9月笔者医院收治的98例四肢皮肤缺损患者进行研究,患者皮肤软组织缺损面积为6.12 cm×9.34 cm~15.23 cm×32.74 cm,均行股前外侧穿支皮瓣游离移植修复,皮瓣切取面积为7.35 cm×10.34 cm~17.63 cm×34.49 cm。观察手术疗效、术后损伤部位功能、感觉恢复情况及术后并发症发生情况。结果:术后随访6个月,皮瓣全部成活,通过皮瓣供血优良度判断,术后优86例,良12例;DASH评分为18~24分,平均(21.46±1.27)分,下肢功能LEFS量表评分为36~52分,平均(43.97±5.57)分。79例患者感觉功能恢复至S3,其余恢复保护性感觉,两点辨别觉为5.3~8.2 mm。供区皮肤饱满红润,无感觉功能障碍。出现并发症共4例(4.08%),其中,感染3例,经抗感染治疗后得到控制;皮瓣边缘坏死1例,经换药或皮瓣移植后愈合,未发生血管危象、感觉障碍等情况。结论:股前外侧穿支皮瓣游离移植修复四肢皮肤缺损疗效显著,能够改善缺损部位的外观和功能,恢复损伤肢体感觉,并发症少,是一种较为理想的选择。

股前外侧皮瓣与颌面缺损个性化修复

口腔颌面部不仅维持颜面容貌,还承担着咀嚼、吞咽、呼吸和发声等重要功能。口腔颌面部肿瘤尤其是晚期或复发性恶性肿瘤,其累及范围广泛,根治性切除往往会导致大范围的组织缺损甚至器官缺失,严重影响患者的生活质量[1]。由于该区域的解剖结构复杂,既有颅颌面骨、牙齿等硬组织,也有唇、颊、舌、软腭、口底等软组织,因此,需针对不同类型的组织缺损,采用个性化的修复方法才能达到理想的外观和功能重建目标。

超声引导下腹股沟上髂筋膜阻滞对游离股前外侧皮瓣修复术后早期恢复质量的影响

目的探讨术前超声引导下腹股沟上髂筋膜阻滞对四肢毁损伤患者游离股前外侧皮瓣修复术后早期疼痛及恢复质量的影响。方法选择因四肢毁损伤择期行游离股前外侧皮瓣修复术的患者79例,男47例,女32例,年龄18~60岁,BMI 16~28 kg/m^(2),ASAⅠ—Ⅲ级。采用随机数字表法将患者分为两组:超声引导下腹股沟上髂筋膜阻滞组(F组,n=39)和对照组(C组,n=40)。F组在麻醉诱导前行超声引导下腹股沟上髂筋膜阻滞,注射0.375%罗哌卡因和地塞米松5 mg混合液共30 ml;C组不行神经阻滞,所有患者全麻用药方案相同。记录术中丙泊酚、瑞芬太尼、舒芬太尼、血管活性药物用量、拔管时间、PACU停留时间;出PACU时、术后2、6、12、24、48 h静息时NRS疼痛评分;术后第1、2天镇痛泵有效按压次数及补救镇痛情况;术前、术后第1、2天15项恢复质量量表(QoR-15)评分;术后48 h内不良反应(头晕、恶心呕吐、皮肤瘙痒、呼吸抑制、低氧血症等)发生情况;出院时皮瓣供区伤口愈合、受区存活情况及住院时间。结果与C组比较,F组术中瑞芬太尼、舒芬太尼用量及使用血管活性药的例数明显降低,拔管时间、PACU停留时间明显缩短(P<0.05);术后2、6 h静息时NRS疼痛评分和术后第1天镇痛泵有效按压次数、补救镇痛率均明显降低(P<0.05);术后第1、2天的QoR-15评分均明显提高(P<0.05);术后48 h内头晕、恶心呕吐的发生率明显降低(P<0.05)。两组术中丙泊酚用量,出PACU时、术后12、24、48 h静息时NRS疼痛评分,术后第2天镇痛泵有效按压次数及补救镇痛率,术后皮肤瘙痒、呼吸抑制、低氧血症发生率,皮瓣供区愈合率、受区存活率及住院时间差异均无统计学意义。结论超声引导腹股沟上髂筋膜阻滞应用于游离股前外侧皮瓣修复四肢毁损伤可减少围术期镇痛药用量,缩短麻醉复苏时间,缓解术后早期疼痛,减少术后不良反应发生,提高术后早期恢复质量。

股前外侧皮瓣:万能皮瓣,修复利器——历38年逾千例临床应用研究经验体会

股前外侧皮瓣由于其解剖学特点的优异性及广泛的适用性,被誉为“万能皮瓣”。本文是作者38年逾千例股前外侧皮瓣临床应用的心路历程和总结。文中分享了作者学习、研究、应用股前外侧皮瓣的经历,介绍了拓展该皮瓣应用范围和发现高位穿支的过程,总结了手术适应证和术中操作技巧。以期为股前外侧皮瓣更好的研究、发展和推广,作出绵薄的贡献。

不同皮瓣修复术对口腔颌面部肿瘤术后缺损手术时间及口腔功能指标的影响

目的:分析口腔颌面部肿瘤术后缺损患者行不同皮瓣修复术治疗的效果。方法:选择口腔颌面部肿瘤术后缺损患者58例,随机分为对照组和观察组,各29例。两组均施以皮瓣修复手术治疗,对照组胸大肌位置选择皮瓣,观察组为股前外侧皮瓣,比较不同部位皮瓣的效果差异。结果:观察组并发症总发生率低于对照组;手术时间、拔除胃管时间、经口进食时间、皮瓣愈合时间短于对照组;皮瓣制作+显微吻合时间长于对照组;外形修复、正常进食、口腔开合功能、口腔容纳水测试、正常吞咽、咀嚼功能、语言表达能力、正常咬合功能分数,皮瓣成活率和修复满意度高于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:口腔颌面部肿瘤术后皮瓣修复患者行不同皮瓣修复术的效果存在差异,股前外侧皮瓣相对比胸大肌皮瓣更具备优势,可缩短手术时间,改善口腔功能,安全度、患者满意度较高。