An alcoholic 50-year-old male patient with a history of schizophrenia sustained stab wounds into both ventricles and left lung, and survived following an emergency department thoracotomy. The EDT wound, however became infected requiring serial debridements of soft tissue, rib cartilage and sternum. Regional flap options such as pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi muscle ...

Ventral hernia formation is a common complication of rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap harvest. The site and extent of harvest of the flap are known contributing factors. Therefore, an accurate location of the arcuate line of Douglas, which marks the lower extent of the posterior wall of the rectus sheath, may be relevant before ...

Following unilateral iliac artery injection of radiopaque Microfil in cadavers, coronal sections of the anterior abdominal wall at 1-cm intervals were obtained employing computerized axial tomography of the intact specimen as well as xerography of frozen slices. Because they avoid the distortion and disruption of the vasculature induced by anatomical dissection, these studies ...

The unipedicled TRAM flap is an useful alternative to breast reconstruction after mastectomy in patients who refuse mammary implants. There is however the risk of unpredictable partial skin necrosis even after rigorous surgical procedures. Certain authors have proposed color flow doppler assessment before reconstructive surgery better to identify the vascular network and ...

This article reports a case of re-elevating a prior vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap as a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator-based propeller flap to cover a recurrent chest wall defect. This case demonstrates that a conventional musculocutaneous flap tissue with a preserved perforator can be ...

In 15 patients chest walls were excised because of recurrent breast cancer, radiation ulcer, or rib tumor. In most cases the full-thickness defect of the chest wall was about 10 x 10 cm. Reconstruction was performed using only a rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap. No patient developed circulation problems in the flap or severe ...

Coverage of large defects of the soft tissue of the groin present a challenging problem. Exposure of the femoral vessels or prosthetic grafts requires urgent coverage with well vascularized tissue. The medial and lateral femoral circumflex arteries supply the gracilis, sartorius, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris and tensor fascia lata muscles, permitting the use of these muscles or myocutaneous ...

We present a case of a failed bipedicled (unilateral rectus flap with superior epigastric pedicle preserved and inferior epigastric vessels anastomosed to the thoracodorsal trunk as the second pedicle) transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap that had compromised the dominant pedicle of the latissimus dorsi muscle. A salvage procedure ...

A very rare condition of osteoma cutis was presented by a patient who required an unusual solution to an unusual problem. Multiple surgical procedures were performed during the treatment of the disease, thereby prohibiting the use of more common regional or distant flaps to achieve successful mandibular reconstruction. Microvascular tissue transfer was also not feasible ...

Harvesting the rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap results in defects in both the rectus abdominis muscle and the anterior rectus sheath, which may be circumvented by dissecting a perforator flap (DIEP flap) instead. However, the latter is associated with a reduction in the number of ...

The transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap is widely used in free microvascular tissue transfer for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. Flap survival may be compromised by failure at the microsurgical anastomosis due to both venous and arterial thrombosis. It is unclear, whether hereditary thrombophilia represents a risk ...

In 36 patients the first experience of performance of one-stage mammarial glands reconstruction is presented, using tissues of their own after conduction of mastectomy for the mammarial gland cancer. In 27 women patients the transposition or free microvascular transplantation of lower musculocutaneous flap basing on m. Rectus abdominis (transverse rectus ...

We report a case of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma of the chest wall. After resection, the chest wall defect was reconstructed using polypropylene mesh and a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. A 61-year-old woman presented with a 16-year history of a slow-growing mass underneath the right chest wall. After percutaneous biopsy, preoperative ...

Recurrent poststernotomy mediastinitis has significant morbidity and mortality. Reconstructive treatment begins with pectoral muscle or omental flaps. When these options are unavailable or inadequate, surgeons resort to internal mammary artery-based vertical rectus abdominis muscle flap. If the internal mammary artery is harvested for ...

Breast reconstruction using the lower abdominal free superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap has the potential to virtually eliminate abdominal donor-site morbidity because the rectus abdominis fascia and muscle are not incised or excised. However, despite its advantages, the free SIEA flap for breast reconstruction is ...

The objective of the study is to compare the long term outcomes of two common techniques of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction: tissue expansion/breast implants and transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps. This four year prospective s...

The goal of reconstruction of the skull base is to repair dural defects with a watertight seal and separate it from the nasopharynx and the exterior environment with well vascularised tissue. This prevents cerebro-spinal fluid leakage and secondary contamination leading to the potentially life threatening complications of meningitis or extradural abscess. Following large composite resections, ...

With improved detection and genetic screening for breast cancer, increasing numbers of patients are choosing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction. Advances in breast reconstruction and mastectomy techniques over the last 25 years have increased expectations for breast reconstruction. The purpose of this review is to describe the role of the pedicled transverse rectus ...

We have used a contralateral vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap based upon the superior epigastric vessels in six patients to provide coverage after resection of locally recurrent breast carcinoma in irradiated tissues. Primary healing of defects as large as 16 cm X 35 cm has been obtained using this technique. Although there is no evidence to ...

A case of a 32-year-old motorcyclist, who sustained an open comminuted fracture of the left tibia and subsequently developed spontaneous cecal perforation following successful fixation of the fracture and reconstruction of the soft tissue defect with a rectus abdominis free flap, is reported. Although benign cecal perforation has been described in patients ...

Prevention of hernia or bulge of the abdominal wall after TRAM breast reconstruction has been a challenge for the reconstruction surgeon. Different techniques have been described to avoid this complication. The use of anterior rectus abdominis sheath (ARAS) for the repair of various abdominal wall hernias has been well described in the literature and is the basis of the ...

Breast conserving surgery for breast cancer has led to an increased interest in reconstruction following mastectomy. The transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap has been proven to give good results in terms of restoration of body symmetry with near normal contour and consistency. Furthermore, immediate reconstruction has the advantage of a single ...

Extremely large chest wall defects may result following salvage oncological surgery. Typically these defects involve a large skin defect combined with a variable resected area of underlying muscle and ribs. In situations where the skin defect is very large the use of a large latissimus dorsi flap may require skin grafting to the donor site if a myocutaneous ...

An alternative treatment for low rectal cancer is the extended posterior perineal approach with reconstruction of the pelvic floor (cylindrical technique). Pelvic floor defects often require flap reconstruction using gracilis flaps, vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps or local fasciocutaneous ...

Abdominal wall herniation is a relatively rare but well recognized complication that is known to occur following TRAM flap mobilization. Herein is presented a novel means to approach such a hernia, using the minimally invasive surgical approach to repair the defect with a piece of prosthetic material. PMID:9774021

BACKGROUND: Closure of donor-site defects from large cutaneous flap harvesting often faces significant morbidity, which limits the utility of workhorse flaps in large-soft-tissue defect reconstruction. To overcome this limitation, we introduced the concept of a second 'buddy' flap to reconstruct the donor-site defect. METHODS: Between ...

We report a case of abdominal wall reconstruction following excision of irradiated skin and a ventral hernia. A very large tensor fascia lata musculocutaneous flap was used with good results. The anatomical features of this flap make it an excellent method of abdominal wall reconstruction.

The pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap remains a popular choice for patients requesting breast reconstruction. Criticism of all techniques that harvest the rectus abdominis muscle centre on abdominal wall weakness.[Dulin WA, Avila RA, Verheyden CN, Grossman L. Evaluation of abdominal wall strength after TRAM ...

Free flaps are now an established, successful, method of reconstruction for complex soft tissue defects. Improvements in microsurgical techniques, anatomical understanding and instruments have resulted in the evolution of free flap surgery to now encompass synchronous double free flap surgery and "free style" type ...

Free TRAM flap breast reconstruction was performed in 23 patients from july 1993 through november 1995 at the Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris. The surgical team was composed of eight different surgeons. In all cases a delayed breast reconstruction procedure was performed. All patients in this series had previously received radiation therapy and 82.6% patients presented with ...

Different reconstruction techniques of the anterior and middle skull base as consequence of a defect after surgical treatment of neoplastic pathologies are described in the literature. The aim of the present study is to present our experience regarding the use of microvascular free flaps for reconstruction of the anterior or middle skull base after large defects caused by ...

Knee reconstruction with endoprosthesis after tumor resection is accepted as superior when compared with the other methods. But sometimes soft tissue reconstruction would be a challenging problem in this way of treatment. Five patients who were operated for tumor resection in this location, followed by reconstruction were presented with their one-year post operative results. Four latissimus dorsi ...

The chorda tympani is an important anatomical structure in the tympanic cavity. It may have some anatomic variations. Its anatomic variations are of interest in certain otologic surgical procedures. There are limited reports in the literature about the variations of the chorda tympani. A 49-year-old female patient was refered to our ...

BACKGROUND: In our own experience over the last 15�years, the primary transpelvic vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap is a reliable tool to prevent perineal wound complications after cylindrical excision in radical anorectal tumor surgery. To minimize the operative trauma in such patients, we performed a laparoscopic abdominoperineal ...

The dorsalis pedis fasciocutaneous flap has been used successfully in soft tissue reconstruction both as a pedicled and a free flap. The long-term donor site problems associated with this dorsalis pedis flap prompted us to look at the use of the dorsalis pedis fascial flap in soft tissue reconstruction. We describe ...

The deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) distributes musculocutaneous perforators in a uniform pattern that comprises "medial row" versus "lateral row" perforators, with these two rows having anatomical and functional differences. This pattern of two perforator rows is distributed from the DIEA regardless of the number of major DIEA trunks, with there variably being one to ...

The authors report their experience in the use of the reversed fascio-subcutaneous flap of the leg in 11 cases for covering soft tissue defects of the distal third of the leg, the malloli and the posterior heel. An anatomical study has been performed on fifteen fresh cadavers (30 legs), in order to precise the indications and limits in the dissection of ...

Although abdominal perforator flaps based on a cutaneous branch of the deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEP flaps) have many advantages, preparing these flaps is technically difficult and requires great skill, especially as the portion of the artery running under the anterior rectus abdominis sheath must be ...

Microvascular flap surgery is a common technique in reconstructive surgery. The wide indications and variable patients provide challenge also for anesthesiologist. Both hypotension and hypoperfusion can be harmful to the flap. Hypotensive patients are treated with fluid resuscitation and vasopressors (e.g., norepinephrine), if needed. As vasoconstrictors, ...

BACKGROUND: Recently, the supraclavicular artery island flap has gained popularity as a regional flap for head and neck reconstruction. During clinical follow-up, some patients report referred sensation to the shoulder when there is contact with the flap skin island surface. The authors examine the anatomical ...

The authors retrospectively reviewed the computerized records of 71 women undergoing 80 deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstructions after mastectomy over a 1-year period. There were 33 normal, 26 overweight, and 12 obese patients. No statistically significant difference in flap complications was found between groups. Overall fat ...

Tumors of the gluteal region are rare. Defects from resection often can be closed primarily. Some patients require local flaps such as a gluteus maximus V-Y advancement flap. Such flaps typically result in some muscle dysfunction. In addition, the use of local irradiated tissue may lead to wound complications and prolonged ...

PURPOSE: The inferior gluteal artery perforator flap, which is vascularised by perforator branches of the inferior gluteal artery (formerly ischiatic artery) is harvested in the gluteal crease. The purpose of this anatomical study was to clarify the anatomical features of this flap and locate the perforators of the ...

The purpose of this study was to investigate sensory recovery in 33 patients who underwent conventional mastectomy, skin-sparing mastectomy, or nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction using abdominal flaps. Reconstructions included a pedicled transverse (28 cases) or vertical (five cases) rectus abdominis musculocutaneous ...

In defect reconstruction following radical oncologic resection of malignant chest wall tumors, adequate soft-tissue reconstruction must be achieved along with function, stability, integrity, and aesthetics of the chest wall. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the oncoplastic concept following radical resection of malignant chest wall infiltration with an interdisciplinary ...

Empyema continues to be an uncommon, frustrating, and potentially lethal complication of pneumonectomy. Between 1990 and 1994 we treated 16 cases of recalcitrant postpneumonectomy (partial or total) empyema with combinations of pulse lavage, sharp debridement, muscle flaps, myodermal flaps, and thoracoplasty. We performed 11 pectoralis muscle ...

Preoperative Doppler ultrasonography for planning free perforator flaps is widely established to identify preoperatively perforators. The method allows one to localise the penetrating point of the perforator through the abdominal fascia. By this means it is not possible to see the intramuscular course or the position of the perforator in relation to the inferior epigastric ...

During recent years, clinical research on the donor site morbidity after free or pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap surgery has been focusing on the reduced flexion capacity of the abdominal wall. However, the rectus abdominis muscles have close interactions with their synergists and antagonists and ...

IntroductionBreast reconstruction with autologous tissue transfer is now a standard operation, but abnormalities of the abdominal wall contour represent a complication which has led surgeons to invent techniques to minimize the morbidity of the donor site.Case presentationWe report the case of a woman who had bilateral transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous ...

To determine the best method for preserving abdominal-wall integrity after TRAM flap breast reconstruction, the records of 130 patients followed for at least 6 months (mean 18 months) were examined. Three strategies for management of the abdominal-wall repair were compared. In the first group (72 patients), the entire width of the rectus abdominis muscle ...

To assess the results of surgical resection and chest wall reconstruction we reviewed our experience with the complete chest wall reconstruction after en bloc excisions according to an original algorithm based on the location of the thoracic defect. The 14 reconstructions were performed by the senior author. We found 5 central, 6 lateral and 3 borders locations. In the central locations with a ...

We have reviewed all the cases of flap reconstruction following resection of a gynaecological malignancy at the Royal Marsden Hospital over 12 years from 1993 until 2005. Forty-six patients were identified who required 53 flaps. The predominant site of the primary tumour was vulva, accounting for 83% of the cases, with cervix, ovary, vagina and endometrium ...

Skull-base surgery is associated with a high risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, infection, and functional and aesthetic deformity. Appropriate reconstruction of cranial-base defects following surgery helps to prevent these complications. Between March 1998 and May 2000, 28 patients (age: 1-68 years) underwent reconstruction of the anterior and middle cranial fossae. The indications for ...

Inadequate blood supply of pedicle flaps results in partial necrosis, and prolonged ischemia during free-tissue transfer can result in partial or complete flap necrosis. Recent research in the field of cardiovascular surgery has shown that ischemic preconditioning (repeated brief episodes of coronary artery occlusion followed by reperfusion) improves ...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The supraclavicular artery island flap is a rotation flap that offers a versatile reconstructive option for head and neck defects. Recent anatomical studies have improved our understanding of the vascular supply of the supraclavicular artery island flap. Furthermore, several published large ...

A microdissected thin groin flap is a uniform thin flap with a long vascular pedicle prepared by microdissection of the deep branch of the superficial circumflex femoral system (SCIS). However, the safe dimensions of the flap are not known, and anatomical variations of the SCIS sometimes impede elevation of the ...

In rectus abdominis myocutaneous island flaps (3.0 x 1.5 cm) of 86 rats (Uje: WIST) transcutaneous oxygen tension measurements (tcPO2) were made by a Universal-PO2-Meter MO 10.1 (PRACITRONIC, Dresden, GDR) for monitoring flap viability following blood flow insufficiency produced experimentally. This insufficiency was induced by ...

Wide, complex defects of the scalp caused by various insults always represent reconstructive challenges for surgeons. Our study group consisted of 18 patients (14 males and 4 females) with a mean age of 40.2 years. Nineteen free-tissue transfers were used to reconstruct the scalp defects. The selected cases included 8 latissimus dorsi muscle flaps, 3 latissimus dorsi ...

Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy without reconstruction is not accepted by the majority of patients. Successful reconstruction is therefore a mandatory condition for prophylactic mastectomy. Of the many options for autologous breast reconstruction, the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap best meets requirements for bilateral reconstruction in selected patients. ...

BACKGROUND:: Selective embolization of the inferior epigastric arteries can serve as a method for transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap delay. The purpose of this study was to determine whether delay by selective arterial embolization is comparable to traditionally surgically delayed TRAM flaps as reported in the ...

We present reconstruction of a wide anterior abdominal defect measuring 30 x 45 cm(2), the result of necrotising pancreatitis. After serial debridements and reconstruction of the peritoneum using a Prolene mesh support, a delayed extended groin flap was transposed. No complications were encountered afterwards. An extended groin flap can be used safely to ...

This study compared the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap and the free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap in postmastectomy reconstruction using a cost-effectiveness analysis. A decision analytic model was used. Medical costs associated with the two techniques were estimated from the Ontario Ministry of ...

This combined anatomic and clinical study illustrates the first experiences of an osteomyocutaneous flap from the medial femoral condyle for reconstruction of composite tissue defects. We analyzed the anatomic consistency and the vascular distribution of this flap and showed that muscle tissue can easily be added ...

Closure of fascia after transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap has usually been performed with direct closure or synthetic material. The dermal autograft removed from zone IV of the flap is an alternative to reinforce fascial closure. Record of the patients who had been undergone breast and head and neck reconstruction by ...

This article details the experiences of United States military reconstructive surgeons in the soft tissue management of war wounds of the foot and ankle resulting from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. War wounds from this conflict are commonly caused by blast and fragmentation, and are characteristically extensive, heterogeneous, and severe. Multiple serial d�bridement episodes are ...

Breast cancer is a common cancer among women. The transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap is a popular option because not only does it provide a breast with satisfactory bulk composed of autogenous tissue but it also provides an abdominal dermolipectomy to the patient. Fat necrosis remains a common problem following TRAM ...

This study aimed at evaluating various reconstructive procedures for chest wall radionecrosis after breast carcinoma therapy. Four different techniques were performed between 1973 and 1992 in 120 patients: latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap (LDF; n = 81); transposed omentum and split-thickness skin graft (TGO; n = 20); fasciocutaneous flap (FCF; n = ...

The transversus abdominis plane block (TAP) has been described recently for pain management following abdominal surgery. Although many techniques have been described using anatomical landmarks, a simple ultrasound (US) guidance technique for the block has not been described in children. An article published by Hebbard and colleagues on the use of ...

Breast reconstruction with transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap raises two contradictory questions: the vascular safety of the flap and the late abdominal wall sequellae. In order to analyse these sequellae, 71 patients with TRAM flap breast reconstruction at the Institut Curie had a late postoperative ...

BackgroundAlthough multiple strategies for autologous breast reconstruction exist, a vertical midline scar in the abdominal wall as a result of previous laparatomy or abdominoplasty represents a major surgical challenge. To date, little research has been conducted on the regeneration potential of the abdominal wall�s superficial vascular, perforator and choke vessel system after surgery using a ...

Introduction and aim. Management of complicated wounds after tumor extipiration of pelvic and proximal lower limb musculoskeletal sarcoma represents an essential component in the outcome of these patients. The authors present modified vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (VRAM) flap techniques to reconstruct extensive defects after debridment of ...

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforated rectus abdominis (DIEAP-ra) free flap is a modification of the classic myocutaneous DIEA free flap in which only fasciocutaneous tissue is harvested based on the paraumbilical perforators of the medial row. The aim of this retrospective study is to describe our experience with this ...

Objective:Cytokines may be a mechanism by which surgical delay can increase flap survival. We previously found that preoperative vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) administration in the rat transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap could improve skin paddle survival. In this study, we used partial elevation of the rat ...

The transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap can create a good breast shape, however, the patchwork-like scar obviously shows that the breast has been reconstructed. To reconstruct a breast without the patchwork-like appearance, we used a two-stage procedure using a tissue expander before transplanting a de-epithelialised TRAM ...

This study compares the outcome of Singapore flap, vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap (VRAM), and gracilis musculocutaneous flap vaginal reconstruction. A retrospective review of 99 consecutive patients with complete vaginal defects was conducted at the Mayo Clinic from January 1988 to October 2001. ...

In view of the good results of breast reconstruction with the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap, we used this method in 48 patients, but we observed abdominal complications, which are difficult to accept for cosmetic surgery. Hartrampf, one of pioneers of this technique, reports a very low complication, rate by closing the abdominal wall ...

Abdominal wall function is a major concern for plastic surgeons performing 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. Between January of 1995 and May of ...

SUMMARYDesmoid tumor is a rare, benign fibroblastic tumor that is characterized by highly aggressive local invasiveness.The authors report the case of a 35 year old male who presented with a 20 cm para-umbilical tumor invading the right rectus abdominis muscle. This required a wide excision of the abdominal wall. The resulting defect was closed with a single-stage latissimus ...

Facial defect after an extended total maxillectomy is one of the most difficult deformities to reconstruct aesthetically, because the defect is not only large but also three-dimensional. Although free-flap reconstruction is useful, the patchwork-like scar, bad colour match and poor texture match are major problems. The contracture and displacement of the reconstructed eyelids ...

The author carried out 50 free flaps in 49 patients during 10 year consulting practice in orthopaedic departments in the regional hospital in Otwock. 43 flaps were transplanted to lower extremities and 7 to upper. Extensive bone defects (bd), requiring reconstruction of shafts especially in case of tibiae predominated. The recipient sites of free tissue ...

PURPOSE: The vertical rectus abdominis muscle (VRAM) flap is considered a safe and simple option to cover defects of the trunk and proximal thigh. Detailed long-time follow-up studies in oncologic patients including complications and donor site morbidity are rare. In this study, complications and donor site morbidity were analysed. METHODS: Data of 78 ...

Full-thickness chest wall resection is performed for complete removal of primary and secondary malignant chest wall tumors. Large defects of the chest wall after resection must be repaired to maintain adequate ventilation, to protect important intrathoracic structures, and to preserve cosmetic integrity. Various materials have been utilized over the years to replace the rigid chest wall. At ...

This study is designed to evaluate the effect of abdominal quilting sutures on the incidence of abdominal seroma formation in patients undergoing pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap reconstruction. It is theorized that the use of such sutures during closure of abdominal flaps will collapse dead space, thus ...

The authors report the successful repair of large lower abdominal hernia defects after transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction in 11 patients using a technique of intraperitoneal application of synthetic polypropylene (Prolene) mesh anchored to the peritoneal surface of the abdominal wall tissues. Five of these patients had ...

Microvascular free tissue transfer in head and neck reconstruction requires suitable recipient vessels which are frequently compromised by prior surgery or radiotherapy to the neck. This article details a new technique of arterial free flap pedicle anastomosis to the internal carotid artery in a vessel-depleted neck. A 63-year-old female was referred because of recurrence of ...

The relative importance of oxygen in relation to resistance to infection was assessed in 24 mongrel dogs. Rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (MC) and corresponding cutaneous random pattern (RP) flaps based at the level of the xiphoid were elevated, replaced, and sutured. Immediately after the surgical procedure, 0.1 ml saline containing 10(8) Staphylococcus ...

Prelamination is sometimes required for reconstruction of specialized organs. The purpose of this study was to create a chimeric flap model in dogs for prelamination. The anatomy of the deep and superficial caudal epigastric vessels, which supply the rectus abdominis muscle and superficial ventral fascia, respectively, were measured in 14 dogs. Their ...

Autologous breast reconstruction with the latissimus dorsi (LD) musculocutaneous flap has several problems including scarcity of tissue and postoperative atrophy of muscles. We report a modification of the flap based on a re-evaluation of the intramuscular and perforating vascular anatomy focused on the intercostal vascular system. Our ...

The goal of the study was to assess whether endothelin-1 levels are increased in tissue and plasma in free flaps. To assess this hypothesis, blood samples were taken from the general circulation before and after reperfusion and from the flap after reperfusion in 20 patients undergoing breast reconstruction with free transverse rectus ...

The transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap is ideal for postmastectomy reconstruction but is tenuous in morbidly obese patients. Because of their relatively high incidence of postoperative complications, morbidly obese patients are often not considered candidates for autogenous reconstruction. The midabdominal TRAM flap ...

The tumescent technique has been shown to be efficacious in reducing both operative and postoperative bleeding without significant deleterious side effects in suction lipectomy. In this study, the effects of the tumescent technique on postoperative complications in transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction are investigated. ...

OBJECTIVE: Patients with and without radiation treatment before their breast reconstruction were compared to study the relationship of radiation to flap-related complications. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap for breast reconstruction involves a a vascular pedicle and recipient bed, both ...

Objective:To evaluate the suitability of microvascular flaps for the reconstruction of extensive full-thickness defects of the chest wall.Summary Background Data:Chest wall defects are conventionally reconstructed with pedicular musculocutaneous flaps or the omentum. Sometimes, however, these flaps have already been used, are not ...

Surgically delaying a unipedicled lower abdominal transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap has been shown to improve flow within the flap. This delay, however, also affects blood supply and drainage of the entire anterior abdominal wall. The purpose of this study was to compare the abdominal complications between ...

A series of 15 consecutive patients with various hand defects requiring flap coverage was reviewed in this study. The defects were all covered with the distally based posterior interosseous flap. Its main indications were in complex hand trauma, severe burn injury, or skin cancer ablation, either acute or postprimary. In 12 of the patients, ...

Tissue loss from trauma, particularly in the hand and forearm, occasionally requires immediate skin-flap coverage to ensure optimal healing. A consistently safe technique of skin-flap coverage is use of a groin flap. Anatomic studies of this flap have revealed the reliability of blood supply by ...

Reestablishing anterior rectus fascial integrity remains a clinical challenge after transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction. The main concerns include herniation and bulging due to abdominal weakness. Mesh-assisted closure of the fascial defect has improved bulging and herniation rates but infection, extrusion, and ...

Necrosis in TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous) still occurs in flap breast reconstruction. Blood flow may be improved by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an endogenous protein that stimulates neovascularization. Experimental studies of gene therapy with plasmid vector expressing human VEGF (hVEGF) presented inadequate results. Low ...

We report the successful repair for tracheoinnominate fistula, in which the innominate artery was interposed with a synthetic graft and the pectoralis muscle was used as a seal against infection. We know of 10 other reported cases. PMID:20158425

This report describes an in vitro alternative animal model for dermatology and cutaneous toxicology. An anatomically intact, viable, isolated perfused skin preparation would be a useful model for studying percutaneous drug absorption because venous and ar...

An experimental study was planned to examine whether the blood supply of muscle would be maintained by reverse flow from the cutaneous arteriolar microcirculatory system via the musculocutaneous perforators. A flap model containing both muscle and skin based on the inferior superficial epigastric vessels was designed with the blood supplied directly from the cutaneous ...

The lower trapezius muscle and musculocutaneous flap has been useful in providing a reliable, expeditious closure for compromised defects of the upper spine and dorsal calvarium. It has been successfully employed in 6 patients as a one-stage procedure, all of whom had recalcitrant, postoperative wounds that failed to heal. It provides serviceable tissue that is able to ...

A case of successful reconstruction of the umbilicus using a depressed scar in an 11-year-old girl with a large and rigid scar spreading around the centre of the abdominal wall is presented. The anatomical umbilicus was replaced by a large scar after a previous surgery for umbilical cord hernia. The difficulty of the conventional method compelled us to use a distant scar ...

The objective of the present study was the evaluation of MRI of the breast in the follow-up of patients who had undergone autogenous tissue breast reconstruction using either a latissimus-dorsi muscle flap or a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap as correlated with patients' clinical, conventional mammographic and ...

The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block acts on the nerves localised in the anterior abdominal wall muscles. We evaluated the efficacy on post-bariatric (PB) patients undergoing body-contouring abdominoplasty. We retrospectively evaluated PB patients undergoing abdominoplasty with flank liposuction and compared results to a matched group of TAP aesthetic patients. Outcomes ...

Barraquer-Simons syndrome, a disorder of unknown etiology, is characterized by a cephalothoracic lipodystrophy. We present 2 patients treated with a bilateral free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap to restore facial contour. Our technique of using a muscle component to fill the cheek defect was based on our experience with free muscle ...

To find an alternative to synthetic mesh closure of abdominal fascial defects after transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap harvest, dermal autografts were removed from tissue to be discarded and used for fascial closure. Dermal grafts have been used for herniorrhaphy and fascial repair after TRAM harvest previously, but have never been ...

The free thenar flap is useful for coverage of volar finger defects but has an inconstant innervation based on the presence of either the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LABC) or the superficial sensory branch of the radial nerve (SSRN). A detailed anatomic study on 30 adult fresh frozen cadavers preinjected with silicone rubber compound to demarcate ...

BackgroundVarious surgical options are available for reconstruction of intraoral soft tissue defects. For smaller defects of the oral mucosa in different anatomic locations of the oral cavity the nasolabial flap is a very useful and simple alternative to other pedicled flaps and free flaps.MethodsThe results of ...

Background: The groin flap, based on the superficial circumflex iliac artery, was the first successful free flap. However, its popularity was lost essentially due to variable arterial anatomy. Clinical applications of perforator flap based on superficial circumflex iliac artery suggest that a dominant perforator based on his deep ...

An anterolateral thigh flap is very useful in head and neck reconstruction because of its long and large-caliber vascular pedicle, large skin territory and elevation simultaneous with tumour resection. However, the number and locations of cutaneous perforators vary individually, and thus, it is not widely used because flap elevation is often complicated ...

Although perforator flaps mark an important conceptual change in reconstructive surgery, individual perforator vessels show a high degree of variability with respect to anatomic landmarks. We have developed an intraoperative imaging system that simultaneously displays surgical anatomy and otherwise invisible near-infrared images. In 22 adult pigs, ...

Perioperative blood loss during and following breast reconstruction surgery can have substantial impact on free flap survival and patient morbidity. Transfusion rates of up to 95% have been reported following transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap breast reconstruction, with blood loss described as significant in most cases. ...

Nipple-areola complex (NAC) is a unique part of the human body. Not only is it a functional structure, but it plays an aesthetic role as well. It offers the final touch to the convex shape of the breast. Its lack frequently leads to depression in patients. This paper describes the method used by the authors for reconstructing nipple mound projection in patients following an autologous breast ...

The vascular anatomy of the dorsal aspect of the hand is variable. Nevertheless the presence of the first and the second dorsal metacarpal artery (DMA) is constant. DMA3 and 4 are more variable. The anatomical study presented demonstrates the segmental vascularization of the metacarpal bones and the possibility of harvesting metacarpal bone flaps. The ...

This paper presents the anatomy and clinical applications of an iliac crest flap pedicled on the iliolumbar artery. 54 iliolumbar arteries were filled with pink plastic in 27 adult cadavers. Their origin, course and branches, and the surroundings were investigated, and the external diameter, length of segments and terminal distribution were measured. The iliolumbar artery was ...

Fingertip amputations are a common injury in both adults and children. Replantation with revascularisation provides the gold standard result but is not always possible due to lack of expertise, degree of injury or patient factors. Perionychial grafts harvested from the amputated digit tip, anatomically restored and supported by a local flap are already ...

In the patient with a radiation ulcer of the chest wall, the first question is whether the lesion contains persistent or recurrent cancer. It is also important to determine whether any other local problems such as mediastinal abscess may interfere with the reconstruction. Whether or not cancer is present, all nonviable tissue must be removed. If cancer is not present, and a partial thickness of ...

The most common complication after abdominoplasty is seroma formation. The incidence of seroma formation in abdominal procedures as a whole, including abdominoplasty, panniculectomy and transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap abdominal donor sites, ranges from 1% to 38%. A recent concern among surgeons is the possibility of a causal relationship ...

Modern surgical treatment of cancer of the hypopharyngo-esophageal cannot be conditioned by the reconstructive procedures. Reconstructive options are based on the size and position of the defect in this important anatomical region. Currently the reconstruction of the hypopharyngo-esophageal tract allows a rapid and suitable restoration of the vital functions, a low morbidity ...

When reconstructing the thoracic wall, non-adaptation of the suture line is a critical concern, especially when artificial implants are used. Therefore, a reliable and safe flap is required. Based on an anatomical study of cadavers, we decided to dissect the pectoralis major musculo-cutaneous flap into two parts, on the surface and ...

As a first choice for treating pressure sores, we present our experiences with gluteal perforator flaps and a simplified surgical technique. Twenty-three gluteal perforator flaps were used in 20 patients (13 males, 7 females; aged, 8-68 years) with pressure sores. The pressure sores were sacral in 16 patients, ischial in 2, and trochanteric in 2 patients. ...

An accurate preoperative evaluation of the vascular anatomy of the abdominal wall is essential in deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction. We present our experience of using computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the abdomen as part of our standard preoperative assessment of abdominal-based breast reconstruction. One hundred consecutive cases were ...

Major complications of radiation directed to the breast, axilla, and mediastinum were treated in 54 patients from 1974 to 1983. A classification of these complications facilitates both an understanding of the pattern of injury and the development of a treatment plan. Classification: I. Breast necrosis; II. Radionecrosis and Chest Wall Ulceration; III. Accelerated Coronary Atherosclerosis with ...

Major complications of radiation directed to the breast, axilla, and mediastinum were treated in 54 patients from 1974 to 1983. A classification of these complications facilitates both an understanding of the pattern of injury and the development of a treatment plan. Classification: I. Breast necrosis; II. Radionecrosis and Chest Wall Ulceration; III. Accelerated Coronary Atherosclerosis with ...

Cantrell syndrome is a very rare congenital anomaly with up to five features: a midline, upper abdominal wall abnormality, lower sternal defect, anterior diaphragmatic defect, diaphragmatic pericardial defect, and congenital abnormalities of the heart. This report describes our experience of performing a reconstruction of a chest wall defect in a Cantrell syndrome case with herniation of the ...

The infusion pain pump has been a valuable addition to postoperative pain management in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential ischemic or infectious complications of placing a catheter beneath the operative site for infusion of local anesthesia (+/- epinephrine). The purpose of this review is to document our experience with this form of postoperative ...

Gluteal artery perforator flaps have gained popularity due to reliability, preservation of the muscle, versatility in flap design without restricting other flap options, and low donor-site morbidity in ambulatory patients and possibility of enabling future reconstruction in paraplegic patients. But the inconstant anatomy of the ...

Over the recent years, an increased alertness for thorough knowledge of anatomical variants with clinical significance has been recorded in order to minimize the risks of surgical complications. We report a rare case of bilateral strap-like sternalis muscle of the anterior chest wall in a female cadaver. Its presence may evoke alterations in the electrocardiogram or confuse a ...

Over the recent years, an increased alertness for thorough knowledge of anatomical variants with clinical significance has been recorded in order to minimize the risks of surgical complications. We report a rare case of bilateral strap-like sternalis muscle of the anterior chest wall in a female cadaver. Its presence may evoke alterations in the electrocardiogram or confuse a ...

With the increasing use of preoperative imaging of the abdominal vasculature prior to free flaps based on the abdominal wall, the identification of a previously undescribed anatomic structure has, that of large-vessel (macroscopic) arteriovenous communications, has emerged. These macrovascular arteriovenous shunts are observed in most patients, and provide ...

One of the crucial factors in the success of guided bone regeneration procedures is the correct management of the soft tissues. This allows for stable primary wound closure without tension, which can result in premature exposure of the augmentation area, jeopardizing the final outcome. The use of vertical and periosteal incisions to passivate buccal and lingual flaps in the ...

Skin defects around the knee remain a challenge for the reconstructive surgeons. Choosing appropriate flaps for coverage is crucial to preserve the knee joint or to restore its function. On the basis of anatomic results in 20 cadaveric specimens, we found a constant supragenicular fasciocutaneous perforator within 3 cm above the adductor tubercle, which ...

Another perforator flap, the gracilis perforator flap, has recently been added to the armamentarium of reconstructive surgeons. A detailed study of the anatomy of this flap was undertaken in this study. Forty-seven dissections were performed in cadavers and clinical cases of gracilis muscle harvesting for various reconstructive ...

Meningomyelocele is one of the most common congenital defects of the central nervous system. Reconstruction of these defects must be performed immediately after delivery to prevent complications such as primary meningitis and to protect the neural tissues. The most important factors in the surgical treatment of meningomyelocele defects are the size of the defect, its location, the presence of ...

Acquired nostril stenosis usually develops from scar contracture due to trauma or infection. The purpose of surgical repair is to emulate the lobule-columella-ala complex, anatomically reconstruct adequate nostrils and maintain long-term patency. A linear scar contracture may be released by a Y-to-V advancement technique, as part of a running Y-V plasty procedure. Nostril ...

Soft-tissue wounds of the foot and especially the heel are challenging problems for reconstructive surgeons. An important principle that guides heel reconstruction is to provide sensate skin with a similar thickness to resurface the weight-bearing heel and avoid late flap ulceration. Among various techniques to achieve this result, the sensate medial plantar perforator ...

BACKGROUND:: Performing a sacrectomy from an exclusively posterior approach allows for the en bloc resection of tumors without the morbidity of a laparotomy. However, the reconstruction of the resultant extensive soft-tissue defects is challenging, as a vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap is not harvested. OBJECTIVE:: We report the largest series ...

Technical advances in myocutaneous flap preparation have resulted in primary reconstruction now being generally indicated for malignant tumors extensively infiltrating the pelvic cavity and perineum. Pelvic tumor resection can dramatically improve the health-related quality of life (QOL) of patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer complicated by infection and pain. ...

Background: Upper lip defects less than one-fourth of total upper lip length are typically closed directly, but larger defects require reconstruction. Established techniques, such as the Abbe/Estlander flap, often require multiple procedures. This report discusses a single-step method, involving a skin-mucosa double opposing V-Y advancement flap, which was ...

Background: Upper lip defects less than one-fourth of total upper lip length are typically closed directly, but larger defects require reconstruction. Established techniques, such as the Abbe/Estlander flap, often require multiple procedures. This report discusses a single-step method, involving a skin-mucosa double opposing V-Y advancement flap, which was ...

The purpose of this study is to describe the harvesting technique, anatomic variations, and clinical applications of a compound flap from the great toe and vascularized joint from the second toe used for thumb reconstruction. Five fresh cadaver dissections were studied, focusing attention on the dorsal or plantar vascular dominance, position of the ...

The application of composite tissue allograft (CTA) transplants in clinical reconstruction is parallel with extended knowledge of anatomy, microsurgical skills and development of transplantation immunology. CTAs are composed of multiple tissues, some of which such as skin are highly immunogenic and cause strong immunologic responses. Strong antigenic nature of skin may be related to Langerhans ...

Background: Breast reconstruction techniques have focused increasingly on using autologous tissue, with emphasis being placed on employing muscle sparing adipocutaneous flaps to reduce abdominal wall complications such as hernias, bulges, weakness, and length of hospital stay. The result has been the emergence of the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) ...

The reconstruction of the columella poses a significant challenge to the plastic surgeon. A multitude of techniques have been developed to address this issue; however, the end result is often unsatisfactory or comes at too high a morbid cost. Gillies described an alar margin flap in 1949 that never gained significant popularity. This technique had been refined by Servant over ...

Background: The reconstruction of major burn and other deformities resulting from significant soft tissue deficits of the face and neck is a continuing challenge for surgeons who wish to reliably restore facial function and aesthetic appearance. A primary problem is deficiency of well-matched donor skin. Other problems include the unique characteristics of facial skin, the fine ...

Chronic flexion contractures of the palm of the hand impair hand function considerably and cause a poor esthetic appearance. Various reconstructive methods have been used for the treatment. However, satisfactory esthetic and functional results are difficult to achieve due to the unique anatomic characteristics of the palmar region, such as thick, cornified, stratified squamous ...

The traditional reconstructive ladder has withstood the test of time, serving as a thought paradigm to guide surgeons in choosing their method of wound closure for an assortment of defects. Advances in anatomical understanding and technological innovations have improved our ability to achieve definitive closure in a wide variety of patients. In this article, the older ...

Defects of the nasal dorsum or sidewall can result from trauma, congenital lesions, extirpation of neoplasms, or iatrogenic injuries. Simple techniques are often used to reconstruct defects in this area with excellent outcomes. Complex defects require more sophisticated techniques including multilayer closures using pedicled flaps or free tissue transfer. This review discusses ...

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:Participants will be able to understand: The anatomical basis, including peri-orbital zonal analysis of the reconstructive patientHow to perform simple to complicated upper lid reconstructionHow to perform simple to complicated lower lid repairsHow to utilize adjacent flaps for repair of larger defectsHow to address lower lid ...

Desmoid tumors are non-metastatic mesenchymal tumors with an aggressive local growth. Depending on the anatomic location, morbidity varies. We report of a patient with a desmoid tumor of the right shoulder which was treated in our department by surgical excision, plastic-surgical wound closure and postoperative adjuvant radiation. PMID:21394193

Desmoid tumors are non-metastatic mesenchymal tumors with an aggressive local growth. Depending on the anatomic location, morbidity varies. We report of a patient with a desmoid tumor of the right shoulder which was treated in our department by surgical excision, plastic-surgical wound closure and postoperative adjuvant radiation.

Skull-base tumor resection and reconstruction produce a major physiologic and anatomic impact on the patient. At our institution, the use of vascularized, free-tissue transfer has replaced pedicled flaps as the preferred modality for reconstructing complex cranial base defects involving resection of dura, brain, or multiple major structures adjacent to ...

The peroneal artery is the dominant supply of the osteomyocutaneous fibular flap. It has been shown that there can be anatomical variants that could jeopardise the blood supply to the lower limb during harvest of the flap. To avoid postoperative ischaemia of the lower leg, preoperative evaluation of adequate collateral perfusion is ...

... Title : ACTION OF PYRIDINE-2-ALDOXIME METHOCHLORIDE (PAM) ON THE RECTUS ABDOMINIS MUSCLE OF THE FROG,. ...

Pectoral major flap is one of most frequently used flaps in head and neck reconstruction. The wide attractiveness of this flap is based on secure vascular stalk made from pectoral branch of thoracoacromial artery. The aim of study was to analyze the variations in vascular supply of pectoral major muscle. The investigation was performed ...

Increased use of the omentum in chest-wall reconstruction has paralleled the refinement of anatomic knowledge and the development of safe mobilization techniques. Important anatomic points are the omental attachments to surrounding structures, the major blood supply from the left and right gastroepiploic vessels, and the collateral circulation via the ...

Although the saphenous flap has been used in reconstruction as a free flap, there has not yet been an anatomic study about the perforators of the saphenous artery. The aim of this study is to investigate the anatomy of the saphenous artery and the number and locations of its perforators. We dissected parts of 10 legs from 5 cadavers. ...