Objective To investigate the anatomic variations of the perforator vessels of anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap and the clinical indications. Methods From March 1985 to August 2004, the anterolateral thigh flapgraft was performed in 112 patients. The clinical data were analyzed. There were 67 males and 45 females, aging from 5 to 65 years with an average of 38.5 years. According to recipient site condition, four methods of flap harvesting were as follows:① 78 received free fasciocutaneous flaps;② 22 received free adipofascial flaps;③ 5 received pedicled island fasciocutaneous flaps; ④ 7 received pedicled reverse-flow island fasciocutaneous flaps. Facial, neck, breast, extremityjoint, plantar, and perineum defects were repaired and the effectiveness and donor site morbidity were evaluated. Results The blood supply of ALT flap came from the descending branch or transverse branch of the lateral circumflex femoralartery. The skin vessels were found to be septocutaneous perforators in 33% of flaps and to be musculocutaneous perforators in 77% of flaps. Of 112 flaps, 107 survived completely, the survival rate was 95.6% with little donor site morbidity. Conclusion ALT flap is a versatile softtissue flap. If refined to perforator flap, it can achieve better results in reconstructing defect and minimizing donor-site morbidity.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of pedicled thoracoacromial artery perforator (TAAP) flap for pharyngocutaneous fistula repair after total laryngectomy and radiotherapy. MethodsBetween February 2012 and January 2015, TAAP flap was used to repair pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy and radiotherapy in 8 patients. The eight patients were male, aged from 46 to 72 years (mean, 51.8 years). The disease duration was 8-62 months (mean, 27.5 months). Fistula size ranged from 4.0 cm×2.5 cm to 6.0 cm×4.0 cm and the skin defect size ranged from 4.0 cm×3.0 cm to 6.0 cm×4.0 cm. The flap size ranged from 7.0 cm×4.0 cm×0.3 cm to 9.5 cm×6.0 cm×0.5 cm. The length of pedicle was (8.3±0.5)mm. The distance from pivot point of flap to central point of recipient site was (94.5±1.9) mm. ResultsAll 8 flaps survived and all incisions healed smoothly. The hospitalization time was 7-14 days (mean, 9.6 days). The barium meal examination showed no fistula or stenosis. The patients were followed up 8-42 months (mean, 28.5 months). During follow-up, the neck appearance was good, and no fistulas or stenosis occurred. Only linear scars were observed at the donor sites, pectoralis major muscle function was normal in all patients. ConclusionPharyngocutaneous fistula should be repaired as early as possible after total laryngectomy. TAAP flap is suitable for the reconstruction of pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy.
Objective To investigate the method and effectiveness of perforator flaps in repairing soft tissue defects of extremities. Methods Between June 2002 and December 2009, 81 patients with soft tissue defect of extremities were treated. There were 69 males and 12 females with an average age of 54 years (range, 13-75 years). Defect causes were injury in 35 cases (the disease duration ranged from 1 hour to 45 days), tumor resection in 19 cases, and scar resection in 27 cases. The defect located at limb and foot in 56 cases, forearm and hand in 25 cases. The defect size ranged from 3 cm × 3 cm to 23 cm × 18 cm. The perforator flaps included the peroneal artery perforator flap in 26 cases, the radial artery perforator flap in 18 cases, the medial plantar artery perforator flap in 18 cases, and the lateral circumflex femoral artery perforator flap in 19 cases. The flap size ranged from 4 cm × 3 cm to 25 cm × 18 cm. The donor site was sutured directly or repaired by free skin graft. Results Partial necrosis of the flaps occurred in 4 cases at 3-7 days after operation, then the flap survived after expectant treatment. The other flaps and free skin grafts survived successfully, and the incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 1 to 16 months with an average of 9 months. The appearance, texture, and colour of the flaps were similar to those of the donor site. Conclusion It is an effective method to use the perforator flap for repairing soft tissue defect of the extremities.
Objective To evaluate 5 different kinds of perforator flaps for repairing soft-tissue defects and reconstructing the breast and tongue after the breast or the tongue resection.Methods From June 2005 to June 2006, 31 free or pedicled perforator flaps were used to repair the softtissue defects or reconstruct the organs in our hospital. The free anterolateral thigh flaps (ALT) were used in 16 cases to repair the soft-tissue defects in the head and neck after resection of malignant tumors, including malignant melanoma in 9, squamous carcinoma in 4, basaloma in 2 and malignant fibrous histocytoma in 1.Among them, 3 ALT flaps were used for reconstruction of the tongue after resection of the tongue (3/4); the maximum area of the flap was 26 cm×15 cm. The deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps (DIEP) were used in 10 cases, and the free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps (FTRAM) were used in 2 cases to reconstruct the breast.Secondary reconstruction was performed in9 cases, immediate reconstruction with the skin-sparing mastectomy at the sametime was performed in 3 cases. The bilateral breast reconstruction was performed in 3 cases and the unilateral breast reconstruction was performed in 9 cases. The breast reconstruction was performed in 1 case using the superior gluteal artery perforator flap (SGAP) and the inferior gluteal artery perforator flap (IGAP), respectively. One case had an uncovered bone (6 cm × 4 cm) in the middle andlower parts of the right cnemis, which was repaired by the pedicled local posterior tibial artery perforator flap (PTA,15 cm × 5 cm). The donor sites were sutured directly in 27 cases, the ALT flap in 3 and PTA flap in 1 were covered by the epidermal skin graft. Results The follow-up for 3-6 months revealed that in the 31 cases (33 free flaps, 1 pedicled flap), only 1 had a total necrosis of the transferred ALT flap for the neck defect repair after resection of the neck tumor, which was caused by the venous insufficiency. There was nopartial necrosis in the remaining ALT flaps. There was a partial fat liquefaction in the DIEP flap, and a pain of abdomen in the FTRAM flap. The distal partial necrosis occurred in the pedicled PTA flap (2 cm×1 cm) in 1 case, as a result of the venous insufficiency, which was managed successfully using daily dressings. One SGAP and one IGAP survived. ConclusionAlthough the perforator dissection is difficult and the vascular anatomy is complicated, application of the perforator flaps to repair of the softtissue defects and reconstruction of the organs is still an important step forward becaue of the minimal donor site “cost” and the maximal efficacy.
Objective To introduce the new progress of perforator flaps as an new reconstruction technique. Methods The literature both at home and abroad was reviewed, and the research findings of different perforator flaps were summarized. Results The advantage of perforator flaps versus musculocutaneous flaps was the reduced morbidity of the donor site with preservation of the nerves, muscles and deep fascia. The postoperative complications at donor sites reduced. Conclusion Perforator flap was the new and reliable technique forreconstructionof tissue defect and may be one of the primary choices in the future.
ObjectiveTo explore the application value of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in repairing foot and ankle wounds with posterior tibial arterial perforator flaps. MethodsBetween January 2010 and May 2014, 12 cases of foot and ankle wounds were repaired using posterior tibial arterial perforator flaps. There were 7 males and 5 females with an average age of 36 years (range, 22-54 years). The causes were machine injury in 2 cases, falling injury in 3 cases, and traffic accident injury in 7 cases. The disease duration ranged from 7 to 45 days (mean, 16 days). The size of wound ranged from 6 cm×4 cm to 10 cm×5 cm. Preoperative DSA was performed to observe the orientation and distribution of the posterior tibial arterial perforator and the relationship between perforator vessels. Correspondently, the flaps were designed and harvested. The size of flap ranged from 7 cm×5 cm to 11 cm×6 cm. The donor sites were repaired with skin grafts. ResultsPosterior tibial arterial perforator vessels send out ascending branches and descending branches while going down in the superficial layer. All branches were connected to form vertical chain-form anastamosis, and its orientation was consistent with limb vertical axis. According to DSA results, the flaps were designed and harvested easily. All flaps survived after operation. Meanwhile, wounds healed by first intention. All skin grafts at donor site survived. All patients were followed up 6 months. The flaps had good appearance, color, and texture. No ulcer was found. Affected feet had normal walking function. ConclusionThe size, distribution, and chain-form anastamosis condition of the posterior tibial arterial perforator vessels can be accurately observed by DSA, which provides imaging evidence for harvesting posterior tibial arterial perforator flaps and improves the success rate for repairing foot and ankle wounds.
Objective To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of radial collateral artery polyfoliate perforator flap in repair of resurfacing soft tissue defect of hand. Methods Between September 2017 and September 2018, the radial collateral artery polyfoliate perforator flaps were transplanted to repair 5 cases of two adjacent wounds of hand and wide or irregular wounds. All patients were male, aged from 27 to 52 years, with an average of 42.5 years. The time from injury to admission was 4 hours to 3 weeks, with an average of 7.3 days. Causes of injury included traffic accident in 2 cases, crushing injury in 2 cases, and paint injection injury in 1 case. The wounds were located at the dorsum of hand in 3 cases, the dorsum of finger in 1 case, and the thumb and thumb web in 1 case. The area of wound ranged from 8 cm×6 cm to 10 cm×8 cm. The area of skin flap ranged from 6.0 cm×3.0 cm to 11.0 cm×4.5 cm, all of which carried the posterior cutaneous nerve of the arm, and the donor site was closed directly. Results All flaps survived and healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 3-11 months (mean, 6.5 months). The patients were satisfied with the appearance of hands. The flaps were not bulky, and the color and texture were similar to the hand. There was only linear scar in the donor site, no radial nerve injury occurred, and elbow joint function was not affected. One patient underwent finger-splitting and skin flap thinning at 6 months after operation. Conclusion The radial collateral artery polyfoliate perforator flap is a good method for repairing two adjacent wounds and wide or irregular wounds of hand.
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility of the free descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery perforator tissue flap (fascia flap plus skin flap) to repair large soft tissue defects of the extremities and its impact on the donor site. MethodsBetween January 2013 and February 2015, 9 cases of large tissue defects of the extremities were repaired with the free descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery perforator tissue flap. There were 8 males and 1 female, aged from 13 to 56 years (median, 36 years). The causes included traffic accident injury in 6 cases and crushing injury by heavy object in 3 cases. Soft tissue defect located at the lower limbs in 7 cases and at the upper limbs in 2 cases, including 2 cases of simple tendon exposure, 2 cases of simple bone exposure, and 5 cases of tendon and bone exposure. After debridement, the soft tissue defect area ranged from 13 cm×7 cm to 20 cm×18 cm. The tissue flaps ranged from 14 cm×8 cm to 23 cm×19 cm. The donor site was directly sutured, scalp graft was used to cover the fascia flap. ResultsAfter operation, partial necrosis of the skin grafting on the fascia flap occurred in 2 cases and healed after dressing change. Arterial crisis occurred in 1 case and the flap survived after anastomosis. The other tissue flaps survived and wounds healed by first intention. The skin grafting healed by first intention in 7 cases, by second intention in 2 cases. The patients were followed up 4-24 months (mean, 10 months). The appearance and function of the tissue flaps were satisfactory, only linear scar was observed at the donor site, which had less damage and no effect on walking. ConclusionFree descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery perforator tissue flap can repair large soft tissue defect of the extremities. The donor site can be sutured directly, which reduces damage to donor site and is accord with the principle of plastic surgery.
ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility and technical essentials of soft tissue defect reconstruction following malignant tumor removal of limbs using perforator propeller flaps. MethodBetween July 2008 and July 2015, 19 patients with malignant limb tumor underwent defect reconstruction following tumor removal using the perforator propeller flaps. There were 13 males and 6 females with an average age of 53.4 years (range, 20-82 years). The disease duration ranged from 1 to 420 months (mean, 82 months). The tumors located at the thigh in 10 cases, at the leg in 2 cases, at the arm in 1 case, at the forearm in 1 case, around the knee in 2 cases, and around the elbow joint in 3 cases. Totally 23 flaps (from 8 cm×3 cm to 30 cm×13 cm in size) were used to reconstruct defects (from 4 cm×4 cm to 24 cm×16 cm in size). The potential source arteries included the femoral artery (n=2) , profunda femoral artery (n=3) , superficial circumflex iliac artery (n=1) , lateral circumflex femoral artery (n=6) , superior lateral genicular artery (n=2) , peroneal artery (n=2) , anterior tibial artery (n=1) , brachial artery (n=4) , and radial artery (n=1) . The remaining one was a free style perforator flap. ResultsPartial distal flap necrosis occurred in 3 cases after surgery with rotation angles of 180, 150, and 100° respectively, which were reconstructed after debridement using a free-style perforator flap in 1 case and using free skin grafting in the other 2 cases. The other 20 flaps survived completely after surgery. Primary healing of incisions was obtained at the donor and recipient sites. There was no severe complication such as infection, hematoma, and total flap failure. All patients were followed up 3 months to 5 years (mean, 19 months). One patient with malignant melanoma around the elbow joint had tumor recurrence, and underwent secondary tumor resection. The appearance, texture, and color of the flaps were similar to those at the recipient site. ConclusionsFor patients with malignant tumor of the limb, the perforator propeller flap can be an alternative option for soft tissue defect reconstruction after tumor resection, with the advantages of relatively simple operation and remaining the main vessels.
Objective To explore the characteristics and clinical application of the anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with the oblique branch in the intramuscular of lateral circumflex femoral artery. Methods The clinical data of 25 patients with skin and soft tissue defects of extremities admitted between December 2020 and April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 16 males and 9 females, aged 14-75 years, with the median age of 43 years. The defect site included 13 cases of hand, 2 cases of forearm, 2 cases of calf, and 8 cases of foot and ankle. The wound area ranged from 6 cm×4 cm to 35 cm×22 cm. Twenty-four patients with trauma were admitted to hospital immediately after injury, and 1 patient with diabetic foot infection was transferred to the hospital after ineffective treatment in other hospital. Flap surgery was performed from 0 to 56 days (median, 22 days) after admission. A total of 26 thigh flaps were harvested in 25 patients, with unilateral flaps in size of 7 cm×5 cm to 40 cm×10 cm. The type, caliber, and location of the perforating branch were recorded during the operation, and the anatomical characteristics of the oblique branch of the intramuscular trunk were mainly observed. The flap harvesting time was recorded; the flap survival and wound healing time were observed; at last follow-up, XIAO Feipeng et al. flap comprehensive efficacy evaluation table was used to evaluate the effectiveness of flap repair from three aspects of donor site, recipient site, and subjective satisfaction of doctors and patients. Results After the oblique branch in intramuscular of lateral circumflex femoral artery was sent out, it ran 2-3 cm obliquely laterally and inferiorly in the intermuscular septum and then entered the vastus lateralis muscle, and sent out perforating branches to nourish the skin. A total of 61 perforating branches were marked in 26 thighs of 25 patients before operation, and 70 perforating branches were found during operation, including 9 transverse branches, 29 descending branches, and 32 oblique branches, all of the oblique branches were musculocutaneous perforators. All 25 patients were followed up 6-10 months, with an average of 8 months. The time of unilateral thigh flap harvesting ranged from 13 to 90 minutes, with an average of 48 minutes. One patient with diabetes developed disturbance of blood supply and complete necrosis of the flap at 1 month after operation, and then the flap was repaired with skin graft; 1 case developed arterial crisis after operation, which survived after timely exploration; and the rest of the flaps survived smoothly. The wound healing time of the recipient site ranged from 10 to 44 days, with an average of 19 days, and the donor site of the thigh healed by first intention. At last follow-up, the color and texture of the flap was good and the sensation recovered to S1-S2. Only linear scar was left in the donor site, no scar contracture, pain, and other discomfort occurred, and no other serious complications occurred. Evaluated by flap comprehensive efficacy evaluation table, the score was 74-93, with an average of 88, of which 10 cases were excellent, 13 cases were good, and 2 cases were fair, with an excellent and good rate of 92%. Conclusion The intramuscular trunk oblique branch is not uncommon, and its trunk course and perforators distribution are regular. To improve the understanding of this type of oblique branch and adopt appropriate methods during operation can improve the success rate of skin flap extraction.