Surgical Outcomes Following Partial Breast Reconstruction with Chest Wall Perforator Flaps

Introduction: In the last two decades, chest wall perforator flaps (CWPF) have become a versatile tissue replacement technique for partial breast reconstruction following breast-conserving surgery (BCS) in well-selected cases. We present the surgical outcome of 81 patients with chest wall perforator flaps used for breast-conserving surgery. Methods: We recorded the outcomes of three oncoplastic breast surgeons who performed partial breast reconstruction with chest wall perforator flaps from 1st January 2018 to 30th June 2022 at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Data were collected on patient demographics, including age, BMI, smoking status, bra size, previous treatments, type of CWPF procedure, tumor size (measured clinically, via imaging and histologically), biopsy results, specimen weight, margins involvement, re-operation rate, surgical site infection (SSI), flap loss, flap shrinkage, hematoma, and seroma rates. Results: A total of 81 patients were included in this study, with an average age of 55.7 years and a body mass index (BMI) of 26.7 kg/m2. The bra size varied between A to FF with A (7.4%), B (28.3%), C (38.2%), D (13.6%), DD (11.1%), and FF (1.2%). 14.8% of the patients had neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). For 45 patients, LICAP (lateral intercostal artery perforator), 16 AICAP (anterior intercostal artery perforator), 13 MICAP (medial intercostal artery perforator), and for seven patients, LTAP (lateral thoracic artery perforator) flaps were used. The average tumor was measured at 15.75 mm clinically, 19.1 mm via imaging, and 19.6 mm histologically. Biopsy showed that 16% of the tumors were ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and 84% were invasive. 16% of patients had involved margins, and re-excision was required in 10 patients, and completion mastectomy was performed in 2 patients. A thirty-day SSI rate was 6.2%, with flap-related complications, including flap loss and shrinkage, at 3.7% and 4.9%, respectively. In addition, 3.7% had a hematoma, and 17.3% had other complications. Conclusion: Partial breast reconstruction with perforator flaps is an excellent volume replacement technique in breast-conserving surgery with acceptable complications in well-selected cases.

Nasolabial perforator flap for nasal defects

Nasal defects can be reconstructed with a nasolabial perforator flap,resulting in good aesthetic outcomes based on the facial subunit principle,owing to the combined advantages of the traditional nasolabial flap and the perforator flap.However,the localization of perforators makes the clinical application of a nasolabial perforator flap difficult.This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the nasolabial perforator flap from anatomical,methodological,and clinical application aspects,intending to provide plastic surgeons with a reference on conducting nasal reconstruction with a nasolabial perforator flap.

Clinical applications of paraumbilical perforator flaps in multiple angiosomes for the reconstruction of the upper limbs

Background:Repair of extensive deep wounds in the forelimb remains challenging for surgeons.The objective of this study was to evaluate the surgical technique and clinical significance of multiple-territory paraumbilical perforator(PUP)flaps in patients with massive soft tissue defects in the upper limbs.Methods:Between January 2017 and September 2021,16 patients(6 women and 10 men)aged 24–54 years(average,41.4 years)who were hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and the North District of the Suzhou Municipal Hospital were investigated.Their injuries included damage to the fingers,dorsal skin of the hands,wrist,or forearm.Their tendons or bones were exposed after debridement.In some patients,multiple-territory PUP flaps that encompassed adjacent angiosomes were transplanted to cover the soft tissue defects.Results:All flaps survived and healed well.After a follow-up of 2–54 months,all patients recovered satisfactorily in terms of characteristic and functional review.Conclusions:The application of PUP flaps,especially those encompassing multiple angiosomes(multiple-territory PUP flaps),can be an optimal reconstruction method for repairing massive soft tissue defects in the forelimb.

Pedicled abdominal flap using deep inferior epigastric artery perforators for forearm reconstruction: A case report

BACKGROUND Pedicled abdominal flaps are a widely used surgical technique for forearm reconstruction in patients with soft tissue defects.However,some drawbacks include restricted flap size,partial flap loss,and donor-site morbidity.To address these concerns,we present a case of a pedicled abdominal flap using the deep inferior epigastric artery perforators(DIEP)for forearm reconstruction in a patient with a large soft tissue defect.CASE SUMMARY A 46-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with forearm injury caused by a pressing machine.A 15 cm×10 cm soft tissue defect with complete rupture of the ulnar side structures of the forearm was found.One week after orthopedic management of the neurovascular injury and fractures using the first stage of Masquelet technique,the patient was referred to the plastic and recon-structive surgery department for wound coverage.Surgical debridement and negative-pressure wound therapy revealed a 20 cm×15 cm soft tissue defect.A pedicle abdominal flap with the DIEP was used to cover the defect.Three weeks later,the flap was detached from the abdomen,and the abdominal defect was directly closed.Subsequently,the second stage of Masquelet technique was performed at the fracture site at week 10.Finally,all donor and recipient sites healed without complications,such as flap dehiscence,infection,hematoma,or necrosis.Fracture site osteosynthesis was achieved without complications.CONCLUSION Pedicled abdominal flap using the DIEP provides a reliable option for forearm reconstruction in patients with large soft tissue defects.

Deep inferior epigastric perforator flap for breast reconstruction:experience with 43 flaps

Background In the past decade, there has been increasing breast reconstructions after mastectomy. The ideal material for reconstruction of a breast is fat and skin. The transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous （TRAM） flap has been the gold standard for breast reconstruction until recently. Abdominal wall function is a major concern for plastic surgeons in breast reconstruction with TRAM flaps. The deep inferior epigastric perforator （DIEP） free flap spares the whole rectus abdominis muscle, includes skin and fat only, and therefore preserves adequate abdominal wall competence. The aim of this study was to summarize our experience in breast reconstruction with DIEP flap. Methods Between March 2000 and August 2005, a total of 43 breast reconstructions were performed on 40 patients by our surgeons using DIEP flap （3 patients had bilateral procedures）, 14 of them were immediate surgeries and 26 were delayed. Abdominal function, satisfaction with the donor site and reconstructed breast, and the sensation recovery was assessed respectively during follow-up. Results The mean age of the patients was 38.6 years （range, 28-50）. The size of the flaps was 11 cm×26 cm in average （height 10-12 cm, width 15-33 cm）. The mean length of the vascular pedicles was 9.3 cm （range, 7-12）. The patients were followed up for a mean of 16 months （range, 6-30 months）. During the follow-up, 2 （5%） patients had total flap loss, 2 （5%） had partial necrosis, 4 （9%） had wound edge necrosis in the abdomen, and 1 had axillary seroma. None of the patients had hernia, and all of them were able to resume their daily activities after the operation. Patient satisfaction with the reconstructed breast rated high, 95% of the patients achieved spontaneous return of sensation in the reconstructed breast, but none of them had a sensation equivalent or approximate to the normal. Conclusions The DIEP flap has the same benefits as the TRAM flap without destroying the continuity of the rectus muscle. It can reduce donor-site morbidity and provide an aesthetic refinement in breast reconstruction.

Imaging for thinned perforator flap harvest:current status and future perspectives

With advances in anatomical knowledge and technology,increased interest has been directed towards reconstruction with enhanced aesthetic and functional outcomes.A myriad of thinned perforator flap harvest approaches have been developed for this purpose;however,concerns about jeopardizing their vascularity remain.To ensure optimum reconstructive outcome without hampering the flap’s microcirculation,it is important to make good use of the existing advanced imaging modalities that can provide clear visualization of perforator branches,particularly in the adipose layer,and an accurate assessment of flap perfusion.Therefore,this review will highlight the imaging modalities that have been utilized for harvesting a thinned perforator flap from these two perspectives,along with future insights into creating both functionally and aesthetically satisfying,yet simultaneously safe,thinned perforator flaps for the best reconstructive outcomes for patients.

Reconstruction of soft tissue defect of the extremity with the perforator flap from inguinal region

Background The perforator flap has become a very useful reconstructive means of soft tissue defect of extremities. The perforator flap from the inguinal region has advantages that include the ability to cover a large area with little donor site morbidity and provision of suitable thickness for reconstruction. Methods From July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2007, 10 patients with various types of soft tissue defect underwent reconstruction with 10 perforator flaps from the inguinal region. Six flaps were applied to the upper extremities and four flaps to the lower extremities. The dimensions of the transferred flaps ranged from 7-30 cm in length and 4-10 cm in width. Results The postoperative course of all 10 flaps was uneventful and all flaps survived. Distal small partial necrosis was observed in one case due to arterial insufficiency of the distal part of the flap. All patients were satisfied with the functional and esthetic resurfacing outcome. Conclusion Use of perforator flap from the inguinal region could overcome the disadvantages of the traditional free groin flap, and represents a safe and useful tool for coverage of soft tissue defects.

Quadrilobed superior gluteal artery perforator flap for sacrococcygeal defects

Background Perforator flaps are used extensively in repairing soft tissue defects. Superior gluteal artery perforator flaps are used for repairing sacral defects, but the tension required for direct closure of the donor area after harvesting of relatively large flaps carries a risk of postoperative dehiscence. This research was to investigate a modified superior gluteal artery perforator flap for repairing sacrococcygeal soft tissue defects. Methods From June 2003 to April 2010, we used our newly designed superior gluteal artery perforator flap for repair of sacrococcygeal soft tissue defects in 10 patients （study group）. The wound and donor areas were measured, and the flaps were designed accordingly. Wound healing was assessed over a follow-up period of 6-38 months. From January 1998 to February 2003, twelve patients with sacrococcygeal pressure sores were treated with traditional methods, VY advancement flaps or oblong flaps, as control group. Results After debridement, the soft tissue defects ranged from 12 cm× 10 cm to 26 cm× 22 cm （mean 16.3 cm× 13.5 cm）. Four patients were treated using right-sided flaps ranging from 15 cm × 11 cm to 25 cm × 20 cm （mean 18.2 cm × 14 cm）. Four patients were treated using left-sided flaps, and two were treated using both right- and left-sided flaps. Suction drains were removed on postoperative Days 3-21 （mean 5.9） and sutures were removed on postoperative Days 12-14. Each flap included 1-2 perforators for each of the donor and recipient sites. Donor sites were closed directly. All flaps survived. In eight patients, the wounds healed after single-stage surgery. After further debridement, the wounds of the remaining two patients were considered healed on postoperative Days 26 and 33, respectively. The rate of first intention in the study group （80%, 8/10） significantly increased than that of control group （（25%, 3/12）, X2=4.583, P=0.032）. Follow-up examinations found that the flaps had a soft texture without ulceration. In the two patients without paraplegia, the range of motion of the hip joints was not affected. Conclusion The use of the quadrilobed superior gluteal artery perforator flap can overcome the disadvantages of traditional perforator flaps and represents an improved approach for repairing soft tissue defects in the sacrococcygeal region.

Rhomboid Flap vs. Keystone Perforator Island Flap (KPIF) in the Treatment of Pilonidal Sinus Disease: Comparison of Short-Term Results

Background: Pilonidal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the sacrococcygeal region that mainly affects young people. Its incidence is 26 cases per 100,000 persons. Although many techniques have been described, there is no consensus on the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease (PSD). Materials and Methods: This study included 30 patients with PSD who were treated between May 2014 and September 2017. All cases underwent excision and flap reconstruction. The operative time, postoperative complications, the length of hospital stay, painless sitting and walking time, patient satisfaction and recurrence were evaluated prospectively. Results: The results of this prospective, randomized and comparative study are based on experience of a single surgical centre. All patients were followed up 18 months after discharge from the hospital. There is a difference in surgery durations (minutes) between the two groups (33.86 ± 2.89 min. in “keystone” flap vs. 41.26 ± 4.19 in the “rhombic” flap group) (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences in the length of hospital stay, painless sitting and walking time or patient satisfaction. The total complication rate was 66.6% after rhomboid flap compared with 6.6% after keystone flap. There was no flap necrosis. Conclusions: Both of these methods have shown to be successful in treatment of PSD. The KPIF is associated with the advantages of very simple design, abundant blood supply from the perforator vessels and lower rate of complication.

Limb preservation with suprafascial and thin perforator flaps: salvaging osteomyelitis, Charcot collapse and critical limb ischemia

AIM: There are limited reports in the United States demonstrating outcomes of primarily thinned fasciocutaneous flaps in the setting of critical limb ischemia, Charcot collapse and osteomyelitis. We hope to determine patient and flap related outcomes in advanced lower extremity disease. Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective review of fasciocutaneous free flaps of variable thickness for lower extremity salvage. Osteomyelitis and non-osteomyelitis patients were compared according to our primary outcome measures: functional ambulation, bone healing and complications to flap and patient. Subgroups with critical limb ischemia, Charcot collapse and diabetic foot were analyzed separately. Results: Fifty-nine patients underwent free flap reconstruction: osteomyelitis (n = 20, 34%), Charcot collapse (n = 22, 37%), and/or critical limb ischemia (n = 12, 20%). All patients underwent anterolateral thigh flaps tailored for defect-specific thicknesses: 17 superthin, 25 suprafascial, 17 subfascial. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of partial and complete flap loss (P = 1.000 and P = 0.108). Ninety-one percent of patients were ambulatory at follow up. Eighty-tive percent of individuals with osteomyelitis cleared their infection demonstrating radiographic bone healing. Two patients developed recalcitrant deep space infections ultimately requiring amputation. Subgroup analysis did not show any differences in flap related complications within the diabetic Charcot population. In multivariate regression, preoperative revascularization was independently associated with failure of limb salvage. ;Conclusion: Primarily thinned perforator flaps performed well in the setting of lower extremity limb salvage, critical limbischemia, osteomyelitis, and the Charcot foot - expanding their role in the armamentarium for lower extremity care.

Evolution of local perforator flaps in lower extremity reconstruction

Lower extremity reconstruction is challenging for a variety of reasons.New techniques for soft tissue coverage continue to evolve.While free flaps are always an option,free flaps require significant microsurgical expertise,a proficient staff,advanced equipment,and a patient with a somewhat healthy baseline.However,as microsurgery has evolved,so has the identification of new anatomy and new techniques-namely,perforator based pedicled flaps.These flaps have expanded options for lower extremity reconstruction,and continue to advance the field of microsurgery.The purpose of this article is to review the evolution of perforator based pedicled flaps in the lower extremity,review the anatomy,and offer examples of design and indications.

Keystone design perforator island flap in facial defect reconstruction

Facial defect coverage is a common subject in the field of reconstructive surgery.There are many methods for facial defect reconstruction,and reconstructive surgeons should choose the most appropriate method on a case-by-case basis to achieve both functional and aesthetic improvement.Among various options for facial reconstruction,the local flap technique is considered the best reconstructive modality to provide good tissue matches of color and texture,which is consistent with the ideal goal of reconstruction(replacement of like-with-like).Keystone design perforator island flap(KDPIF),devised by Behan in 2003,has been applied to various fields of reconstructive surgery in the past decade due to its design simplicity,robust vascular supply,and reproducibility.Several studies have reported KDPIF reconstruction of facial defects,such as large parotid defects,small-to-moderate nasal defects,and eyelid defects.However,KDPIF has been used relatively less in facial defects than in other body regions,such as the trunk and extremities.The purpose of this review is to provide an organized overview of facial KDPIF reconstruction including the classification of KDPIF,modifications,physiology,mechanism of flap movement,consideration of facial relaxed skin tension lines and aesthetics,surgical techniques,clinical applications,and precautions for successful execution of KDPIF reconstruction.

Repairing small wounds around ankle by medial planta island flaps pedicled with anterior tibial artery perforator in front of inner malleolus

Objective To discuss the application of medial planta island flaps pedicled with anterior tibial artery perforator in front of inner malleolus for repairing small wounds around ankle Methods From Jan. 2005 to Jun. 2009,10 cases with small wounds around ankle

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.

Reconstruction of complex chest wall defects:A case report

BACKGROUND Chronic radiative chest wall ulcers are common in patients undergoing radiation therapy.If not treated early,then symptoms such as erosion,bleeding and infection will appear on the skin.In severe cases,ulcers invade the ribs and pleura,presenting a mortality risk.Small ulcers can be repaired with pedicle flaps.Because radioactive ulcers often invade the thorax,surgeons need to remove large areas of skin and muscle,and sometimes ribs.Repairing large chest wall defects are a challenge for surgeons.CASE SUMMARY A 74-year-old female patient was admitted to our department with chest wall skin ulceration after radiation therapy for left breast cancer.The patient was diagnosed with chronic radioactive ulceration.After multidisciplinary discussion,the authors performed expansive resection of the chest wall ulcers and repaired large chest wall defects using a deep inferior epigastric perforator(DIEP)flap combined with a high-density polyethylene(HDPE)patch.The patient was followed-up 6 mo after the operation.No pigmentation or edema was found in the flap.CONCLUSION DIEP flap plus HDPE patch is one of the better treatments for radiation-induced chest wall ulcers.

Perforator propeller flaps in lower limb reconstruction: a literature review and case reports

Perforator-pedicled propeller flaps, which base their blood supply on isolated perforators, have been gaining popularityamong plastic surgeons over the past two decades. They have proven to be of great value in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in different areas of the body but are, thanks to their maximal mobility, mostly used in the reconstruction of extremities. In this article, we focus on perforator-pedicled propeller flaps in lower limb reconstruction, where they can be implemented in the coverage of primary as well as secondary soft tissue defects. Firstly, a brief literature review on evolution of propeller flap use in lower extremity is provided. Moreover, we present our surgical technique including the use of indocyanine green real-time angiography for reliable flap transfer. In addition, we report 3 cases of patients in whom we used a local propeller flap for the closure of skin defects in different parts of the leg.

The keystone-design perforator-based flap for leg defects: a synthesis of philosophies

Aim:The classical keystone-design flap,although elegantly employed for various trunk defects,has limited movement on the leg.This study aims to modify the keystone–design flaps for leg defects.Methods:A keystone-design flap,in which perforators are identified and dissected,is described specifically for elliptical defects overlying the tibia.Results:It retains the unique advantages of both the perforator island flap concept as well as the keystone-design philosophy.Conclusion:The technique as well as the possibilities of raising such flaps over various areas of the leg is outlined.

Dynamic infrared thermography and smartphone thermal imaging as an adjunct for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative perforator free flap monitoring

Aim:The versatile application of perforator free flaps for coverage of any extremity has been well proven.Often,a"freestyle"-like approach is used to design these flaps,as conventional imaging techniques for perforator identification may be too expensive or unavailable.As will be demonstrated,the recent application of a thermal imaging camera using a smartphone is a cheaper and therefore more universal means to better identify the requisite perforators upon which a free flap can be designed and then monitored.Methods:Smartphone thermography can be used on any patient preoperatively to identify preferable perforators or vascular network"hot spots"within the desired donor site territory.Intraoperative management of the choice of perforators and subsequent flap dissection can be similarly facilitated.Intermittent postoperative monitoring based on changes of the thermal image color palette will provide a comparison that can be used to determine if perfusion across the microanastomosis is sustained.Results:An overview of how to use a smartphone in concert with a thermal imaging camera is outlined.Dynamic infrared thermography represents a thermal stress necessary with a smartphone to better identify donor site"hot spots".Conclusion:Smartphone thermography is an inexpensive and expeditious means for identification of"hot spots"that correlate with perforators that would suffice to insure perfusion to a free perforator flap.However,since perforator caliber and course cannot be determined,this should be considered to be only a complementary adjunct for conventional methods.Nevertheless,its simplicity will overall improve the safer design,harvest,and subsequent monitoring of free flaps.

Surgery for scar revision and reduction:from primary closure to flap surgery

Scars are the final result of the four processes that constitute cutaneous wound healing,namely,coagulation,inflammation,proliferation,and remodeling.Permanent scars are produced if the wounds reach the reticular dermis.The nature of these scars depends on the four wound healing processes.If the remodeling process is excessive,collagen degradation exceeds collagen synthesis and atrophic scars are produced.If the inflammation phase is prolonged and/or more potent for some reason,inflammatory/pathological scars such as keloids or hypertrophic scars can arise.If these pathological scars are located on joints or mobile regions,scar contractures can develop.When used with the appropriate timing and when selected on the basis of individual factors,surgical techniques can improve mature scars.This review paper focuses on the surgical techniques that are used to improve mature scars,burn scars,and scar contractures.Those methods include z-plasties,w-plasties,split-thickness skin grafting,full-thickness skin grafting,local flaps(including the square flap method and the propeller flap),and expanded flaps,distant flaps,regional flaps,and free flaps.

Superiorly based perforator plus fl ap for inguinal defects

Aim:Inguinal block dissections for metastasis to inguinal lymph nodes and occasionally trauma are always associated with soft tissue loss over the groin region.A clinical study was undertaken to demonstrate the ability to utilize a superiorly-based perforatorflap with reliable vascularity and less donor site morbidity to cover defects in the inguinal region.Methods:A prospective study was performed on 7 patients with inguinal soft tissue defects managed in our institution from January 2013 to September 2013.During the study period,a“superiorly-based perforator plusflap”was used for soft tissue coverage over the femoral vessels in the inguinal region.Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was administered postoperatively.The postoperative period,hospital course,and follow-up after radiotherapy was documented in patients with inguinal block dissection.Results:Seven patients presented with soft tissue defects in the inguinal region.Five of the defects were secondary to prior surgery,and 2 were secondary to trauma.A superiorly-based perforator plusflap was performed in all patients.The defect sizes ranged from 9 cm×4 cm to 17 cm×8 cm.Theflap dimensions ranged from 12 cm×5 cm to 20 cm×10 cm.No secondary procedures were necessary following surgery.Postoperatively,there was no evidence of partial or totalflap loss.Noflap revisions were required,and no complications were experienced at either the donor or recipient site following radiotherapy.Patients were followed-up for 10-18 months.Conclusion:Inguinal defects require stable soft tissue coverage to withstand radiotherapy following inguinal block dissection surgery,and are susceptible to wound complications.The superiorly-based perforator plusflap technique is simple,requires little operative time,and is a reliableflap for coverage of the femoral vessels and inguinal region with improved tolerance to postoperative radiotherapy.