Subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap technique for microscopic reconstruction of eyelid defects

AIM:To describe the subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap technique for the microscopic reconstruction of eyelid defects and evaluate its outcomes.METHODS:The clinical data of 23 patients(23 eyes)who underwent microscopic reconstruction of eyelid defects with the subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap technique were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent eyelid tumor resection and one-stage microscopic reconstruction with the subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap for anterioror posterior-layer eyelid defects.The survival rate of the propeller flap,eyelid function and appearance,tumor recurrence rate,and patient satisfaction were evaluated after the surgery.RESULTS:The patients consisted of 12 men and 11 women,aged 31–82y(mean,58.9y).The longest followup time was 5y,and the shortest was 3mo.All the propeller flaps survived well.There was no significant difference in color and luster between the flap and adjacent tissues,and there was no dog ear phenomenon.No obvious scarring was observed.There were no obvious abnormalities of eyelid morphology or function,and no adverse complications such as exposure keratitis,entropion,ectropion,ptosis,and eyelid retraction.No tumor recurrence was found at the time of the last follow-up.All patients were satisfied with the surgical results.CONCLUSION:The subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap technique for the microscopic reconstruction of eyelid defects has satisfactor y outcomes in terms of eyelid function and esthetics,and merits clinical application.

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.

Progressive trends in timing and imaging of lower extremity reconstruction

The salvage of mangled lower-extremities after severe injury remains a daunting operative dilemma,but one that continues to evolve with advances in microsurgical and orthopedic techniques.Specifically,trends in clinical practice including the decision to salvage and timing of soft-tissue coverage are changing in concordance with improvements in wound care,flap selection for soft-tissue provision,and preoperative imaging.Due to these improvements,more complex wounds are increasingly eligible for reconstruction.It remains unclear,however,whether success in limb salvage confers improved functional patient outcomes.We present a review of the literature tracing recent advances in the salvage of mangled extremities following traumatic injury,with a focus on practice trends regarding timing of reconstruction,operative approaches,and preoperative imaging.