ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of propeller facial artery perforator flap to repair the defect after resection of skin malignant tumor at upper lip.MethodsBetween July 2012 and January 2017, 17 cases with skin malignant tumor at upper lip underwent tumor resection and the remained defect was repaired with propeller facial artery perforator flap. Among the 17 patients, 3 were male and 14 were female, with an average age of 57 years (range, 35-82 years). There were 5 cases of squamous cell carcinoma and 12 cases of basal cell carcinoma. The disease duration ranged from 4 months to 11 years with an average of 20 months. The tumor size ranged from 1.4 cm×0.3 cm to 3.1 cm×1.4 cm. The extended resection of the tumor tissue was performed according to the characters of tumor. According to the location, size, and shape of the defect and the position of facial artery perforator explored with Doppler ultrasonography, the propeller facial artery perforator flap was designed to repair the defect and partial donor site. The flap size ranged from 5 cm×2 cm to 7 cm×3 cm. The length of the perforator pedicle was 0.5–1.0 cm with an average of 0.8 cm. The defect at donor site was directly closed.ResultsCyanosis occurred in 3 cases of the distal flap after operation, then healing after symptomatic treatment. The remaining flaps survived successfully and the wound healed by first intention. Primary healing was obtained in the donor site. All the patients were followed up 6-36 months with an average of 18 months. The shape of the patient’s upper lip was good and the scar on the donor site was unconspicuous. There was no lip deformity, ala nasi deflection, facial tension, entilation dysfunction, or recurrence of tumor during follow-up. At last follow-up, the results of self-evaluation were very satisfactory in 13 cases and satisfactory in 4 cases.ConclusionBased on multiple advantages of good blood supply, large rotation range, aesthetic outcome, and slight injury of the donor site, propeller facial artery perforator flap is not only an optimal choice for repairing upper lip defect after resection of skin malignant tumors, but also can achieve good functional and cosmetic effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical experiences and treatment effectiveness of chronic venous insufficiency with venous ulcer in lower limb. MethodsSeventy-eight patients (88 limbs) suffering lower limb chronic venous insufficiency with venous ulcer from May 2004 to April 2011 in this hospital were analyzed retrospectively. All the patients had undergone high ligation for great saphenous vein plus endovenous laser treatment plus subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery (SEPS). ResultsPostoperative complications included 3 cases of subfascial haematoma; 2 cases of pneumohypoderma; 3 cases of numbness in anterior tibial and ankle areas. All the ulcers healed between 4 to 6 weeks. Follow up period was between 6 months to 5 years. There was only one recurrence due to residual varicose from ankle area. The mean operation time was 20 min (15－30 min) in SEPS, the average blood loss was 2 ml (1－5 ml), and the mean duration of postoperative hospitalization was 5 d (2－8 d). ConclusionsSEPS is a first treatment choice for CVI with venous ulcer. It has less invasiveness, lower chances for bleeding, shorter operation time, quicker recovery, and fewer complications.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of perforator propeller flap of lower limb in the treatment of foot and ankle defect in children. Methods The clinical data of 28 children with foot and ankle defect treated with perforator propeller flap of lower limb between January 2018 and January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 18 boys and 10 girls with an average age of 7.3 years (range, 6-14 years). There were 8 cases of traffic accident injury and 20 cases of chronic infection wound. The disease duration was 2-4 months, with an average of 2.8 months. After thorough debridement, the residual wound size ranged from 5 cm×4 cm to 9 cm×5 cm. Repairing was performed after 7-28 days of the infection in control. According to the location, size, and shape of the wound, the perforating vessels were located by ultrasonic Doppler, and the perforator propeller flap (area ranged from 6 cm×5 cm to 11 cm×6 cm) was designed and harvested to repair the wound. Flap transfer combined with free split-thickness skin graft covered the wound in 2 cases. The donor site was sutured directly (22 cases) or repaired with skin graft (6 cases). Results Twenty-six flaps survived, of which 20 cases were in primary healing, and 6 cases had epidermal necrosis at the end of small paddle, which healed after dressing change. Necrosis occurred in 2 cases due to venous crisis which healed after anterolateral femoral flap free transplantation. Primary wound healing was achieved in donor site. All 28 children were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 10.5 months). The texture, shape, and motor function of the lower limb was satisfactory. At last follow-up, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Association (AOFAS) score was 89.8±8.0, which was significantly different from the preoperative score (79.6±10.4) (t=?11.205, P<0.001); 20 cases were excellent, 6 cases were good, and 2 cases were poor, and the excellent and good rate was 92.8%. ConclusionThe perforator propeller flap of lower limb in children has its own characteristics. It is a reliable method to repair the foot and ankle defect in children.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery (SEPS) in treatment of varicose of the lower limb. METHODS: From 1999. 11 to 2000. 12, 108 patients with varicose of the lower limb underwent venous surgery and 34 of them were treated by SEPS. There were 16 males and 18 females aged 20-79(averaged 51.4 years). Thirty limbs (26 cases) had open ulcers and the diameter of ulcer was 1.5-12.0 cm. Eleven limbs (8 cases) had severe pigmentation and the skin changes had been presented for 1 month to 15 years. According to the severity of illness, flush saphenofemoral ligation, great saphenous vein stripping, percutaneous continuous venous circum suture, external femoral vein valve repair and SEPS were performed separately or simultaneously. RESULTS: Active ulcers healed in 19 limbs after 1 month, in 7 limbs after 3 months, and in the other 4 ulcers after skin transplantation. There was no ulcer recurrence during follow-up (ranged 9-22 months). CONCLUSION: SEPS can accelerate the healing of venous ulcers, and it is one of important methods in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency.
Objective
To investigate the feasibility and application value of digital technology in establishing the micro-vessels model of cross-boundary perforator flap in rat.
Methods
Twenty 8-week-old female Sprague Dawley rats, weighing 280-300 g, were used to established micro-vessels model. The cross-boundary perforator flaps of 10 cm×3 cm in size were prepared at the dorsum of 20 rats; then the flaps were suturedin situ. Ten rats were randomly picked up at 3 and 7 days after operation in order to observe the necrosis of flap and measure the percentage of flap necrosis area; the lead-oxide gelatin solution was used for vessels perfusion; flaps were harvested and three-dimensional reconstruction of micro-vessel was performed after micro-CT scanning. Vascular volume and total length were measured via Matlable 7.0 software.
Results
The percentage of flap necrosis area at 3 days after operation was 19.08%±3.64%, which was significantly lower than that at 7 days (39.76%±3.76%;t=10.361, P=0.029). Three-dimensional reconstruction via the micro-CT clearly showed the morphological alteration of micro-vessel of the flap. At 3 days after operation, the vascular volume of the flap was (1 240.23±89.71) mm3 and the total length was (245.94±29.38) mm. At 7 days after operation, the vascular volume of the flap was (1 036.96±88.97) mm3 and the total length was (143.20±30.28) mm. There were significant differences in the vascular volume and the total length between different time points (t=5.088, P=0.000; t=7.701, P=0.000).
Conclusion
The digital technology can be applied to visually observe and objectively evaluate the morphological alteration of the micro-vessels of the flap, and provide technical support for the study of vascular model of flap.
Objective To study the hemodynamic characteristics of concealed perforator flap in mini-pigs by ultrasonic Doppler technique. Methods Seven 7-month-old mini-pigs, weighing 20-25 kg, were included in the study. The saphenous artery perforator flap (group A, n=4), saphenous artery concealed perforator flap (group B, n=5), and saphenous artery concealed perforator flap combined with sarcolemma (group C, n=5) models were established randomly on both hind limbs of pigs. The pigs and flap survival conditions were observed after operation. The percentage of flap survival area was calculated by Photoshop CS5 software at 5 days after operation. Ultrasonic Doppler technique was performed on the flaps before operation and at immediate, 3 days, and 5 days after operation to record the hemodynamic changes of the flaps. The hemodynamic indicators of saphenous artery (inner diameter, peak systoli velocity, resistance index, and blood flow) and saphenous vein (inner diameter, maximum velocity, and blood flow) were recorded. Results At 1 day after operation, 1 pig died of infection, and the rest survived until the experiment was completed. Finally, the 3 flaps of group A, 4 of group B, and 5 of group C were included in the study. The flaps of the 3 groups all showed swelling after operation, which was most significant at 3 days. At 3 days after operation, the flaps in group B showed partial bruising and necrosis. At 5 days after operation, the flaps in groups A and C were basically alive, and the necrosis area of flap in group B increased further. The percentage of flap survival area in groups A, B, and C were 99.7%±0.5%, 74.8%±26.4%, and 100%, respectively. The percentage of flap was significantly lower in group B than in groups A and C (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between groups A and C (P>0.05). There were significant differences in the hemodynamic indicators of saphenous artery and vein between different time points in 3 groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in each indicator between groups at each time point (P>0.05). Conclusion Both the saphenous artery concealed perforator flap and the flap combined with sarcolemma have stable blood flow, but the survival area of the latter was better than the former.
Objective To investigate the operative technique and clinical effect of perforator-based flap for repair of glutealsacral skin defects. Methods A new perforator-based flap derived from the gluteal, parasacral and the lumbar arteries was used to repair skin defects ofglutealsacral region caused by trauma or pressure sore. The flap areas ranged from 6 cm×5 cm to 19 cm×11 cm, the diametre of perforating vessel ranged from 1.3 to 2.1 mm,the length of free perforating vessel pedicle ranged from 2.5 to 4.5 cm.Results All the flaps survived andthe wound gained primary healing. All the patients were followed up for 6 to 24months. The colour and texture of the flaps were excellent, the configuration was satifactory and there was no ulcer recurrence. Conclusion This new type of flap is characterized by delicate design, easy dissection, reliable blood supply, nosacrifice of the underlying muscle and no requirement skin graft for donor site closure. It is an optimalmethod in repairing soft tissue defects of the gluteal-sacral region.
ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility of using indocyanine green (ICG) angiography to detect brachial artery perforators, and the clinical application of brachial artery perforator propeller (BAPP) flaps to repair soft tissue defects of the trunk and upper limbs.MethodsBetween August 2016 and February 2019, ICG angiography was used to detect the perforating vessels of the brachial artery muscle septum, and the BAPP flaps were cut out with the detected perforating vessels as the pedicle to repair 19 cases of trunk and upper limb soft tissue defects. There were 12 males and 7 females, with an average age of 28.6 years (range, 5-66 years). Etiologies included the post-burn scar in 10 cases, soft-tissue sarcoma in 5 cases, congenital melanocytic nevi in 2 cases, chronic chest wall ulcer in 1 case, and malignant melanoma in 1 case. Defects located in axilla in 8 cases, chest wall in 4 cases, elbow in 5 cases, and shoulder in 2 cases. The area of the defect ranged from 15 cm×3 cm to 20 cm×8 cm. Pre-transfer tissue expansion was used in 11 patients. Thirteen flaps were pedicled with 1 perforator vessel, and 6 flaps were pedicled with 2 perforator vessels. The length of the vascular pedicle was 2.5-4.5 cm, with an average of 3.08 cm. The area of the skin flap ranged from 11 cm×5 cm to 22 cm×10 cm. The flap rotation angle was 110° in 1 case, 120° in 1 case, and 180° in 17 cases. Except for one donor site repaired by skin graft, the other donor sites were directly sutured.ResultsA total of 24 perforating vessels of the brachial artery muscle septum were detected by ICG angiography, 26 were identified during the operation, with an accuracy rate of 92.31%. Eighteen flaps survived without arteriovenous crisis. Venous congestion was observed in the distal 3-cm of one flap and the flap survived after conservative management. Intraoperative analysis showed that the blood perfusion of the distal 4-cm of one flap was poor, the relative value was less than 32%, the flap survived after removing the poor perfusion area. All the patients were followed up 3 to 23 months (mean, 8.6 months). The color and texture of the flap were similar to those of the recipient area. Flap debulking was not needed in all patients owing to the thinness of the flap. The contracture symptoms of patients with scar contracture on the medial of the elbow joint and axilla were significantly improved; a patient with malignant melanoma underwent tumor resection at 1 year and 5 months after operation due to tumor recurrence, and additional surgery was done to remove the recurrent tumor. No tumor recurrence was found in other patients.ConclusionThe ICG angiography technique can be used to explore the perforating vessels of the brachial artery muscle septum. The BAPP flap pedicled with the perforating vessels can be used for the repair of skin and soft tissue defects in the chest wall, axilla, shoulder, and elbow joint.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of free peroneal artery chimeric perforator flap in repairing the defect after advanced local lesions resection in parotid gland carcinoma (PGC). Methods Between June 2010 and June 2020, 32 patients with advanced local lesions of PGC were treated with extended radical resection. After that, 17 patients were repaired with the free peroneal artery chimeric perforator flaps (trial group) and another 15 patients were repaired with the pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease type, histopathological classification, clinical stage, and pathological stage between groups (P>0.05). The size of skin flap in trial group ranged from 7 cm×6 cm to 12 cm×8 cm and the size of soleus muscle flap ranged from 5 cm×3 cm to 6 cm×4 cm. The donor sites were repaired with skin grafting. The size of the pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps in control group ranged from 9 cm×6 cm to 14 cm×7 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly. The operation time, survival rate of flap, and postoperative survival of patients were recorded and compared between groups. At 1 year after operation, the University of Washington quality of life (UW-QOL) questionnaire was used to evaluate the quality of life of patients in the two groups, including appearance, shoulder movement, sociability, masticatory function, speech function, and mood. Results The operations completed successfully. The operation time was (6.19±0.72) hours in trial group and (6.41±0.71) hours in control group, showing no significant difference between groups (t=–0.863, P=0.395). The survival rate of flap in trial group was 94.1% (16/17); and 1 patient suffered from vascular crisis after operation and was replaced with the pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. The survival rate of flap in control group was 100%. All grafts survived and the incisions healed by first intention in the two groups. All patients were followed up. The follow-up time was 6-60 months (median, 60 months) in trial group and 7-60 months (median, 60 months) in control group. Cumulative survival rates of patients at 1, 3, and 5 years after operation were 94.1%, 64.7%, and 58.8% in trial group, respectively; 86.7%, 66.7%, and 53.3% in control group, respectively. There was no significant difference in the cumulative survival rate between groups (χ2=0.090, P=0.762). According to the UW-QOL questionnaire at 1 year after operation, the scores of appearance, shoulder movement, sociability, and mood in trial group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05); and there was no significant difference in masticatory function and speech function scores between groups (P>0.05). Conclusion The peroneal artery perforator has an invariable anatomical relationship. Each perforator emits the muscular branch that nourishes the soleus muscle. Therefore, personalized free peroneal artery chimeric perforator flap can be designed according to the tissue defect, and used to repair the defect after advanced local lesions resection in PGC.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of free medial femoral condyle (MFC) functional chimeric perforator flap (FCPF) transplantation in reconstructing joint function by repairing concomitant osteochondral defects and soft tissue defect in hand and foot joints. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 6 patients (5 males, 1 female; mean age of 33.4 years, range 21-56 years) with traumatic osteochondral joint defects and associated tendon, nerve, and soft tissue defects treated between January 2019 and November 2024. Defect locations included metacarpal heads (n=2), metacarpophalangeal joint (n=1), first metatarsal head (n=1), base of first proximal phalanx (n=1), and talar head (n=1), with soft tissue defects in all cases. Osteochondral defect sizes ranged from 1.5 cm×1.2 cm×0.7 cm to 4.0 cm×0.6 cm×0.6 cm, and skin defects ranged from 4 cm×3 cm to 13 cm×4 cm. The stage Ⅰ treatment included debridement, antibiotic-loaded bone cement filling of bone-cartilage defects, fracture internal fixation, and coverage with vacuum sealing drainage. Stage Ⅱ involved harvesting a free MFC- FCPF included an osteochondral flap (range of 1.5 cm×1.2 cm×0.7 cm to 4.0 cm×0.6 cm×0.6 cm), gracilis and/or semitendinosus tendon grafts (length of 4-13 cm), saphenous nerve graft (length of 3.5-4.0 cm), and a perforator skin flap (range of 6 cm×4 cm to 14 cm×6 cm), each with independent vascular supply. The flap was transplanted to reconstruct joint function. Donor sites were closed primarily or with skin grafting. Flap survival was monitored postoperatively. Radiographic assessment was used to evaluate bone/joint healing. At last follow-up, the joint function recovery was assessed. Results All 6 MFC-FCPF survived completely, with primary healing of wounds and donor sites. All patients were followed up 6-44 months (mean, 23.5 months). The flaps at metacarpophalangeal joint in 1 case and at ankle joint in 1 case were treated with degreasing repair because of their bulky appearance, while the other flaps had good appearance and texture. At 3 months after operation, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain during joint movement of recipient site was 0-2, with an average of 0.7; at last follow-up, the VAS score of the donor site was 0-1, with an average of 0.3. According to the Paley fracture healing scoring system, the osteochondral healing of all the 6 patients was excellent. The range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint in 3 cases was 75%, 90%, and 100% of contralateral side respectively, the range of motion of the metatarsophalangeal joint in 2 cases was 65% and 95% of contralateral side respectively, and the range of motion of the ankle joint in 1 case was 90% of contralateral side. The hand function was evaluated as excellent in 2 cases and good in 1 case according to the upper limb function evaluation standard of the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society, and the foot function was evaluated as excellent in 2 cases and fair in 1 case according to the Maryland foot function score of 93, 91, and 69, respectively. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score of 6 knees was 91-99, with an average of 95.2. Conclusion The free MFC-FCPF enables precise anatomical joint reconstruction with three-dimensional restoration of tendon, nerve, capsule, and soft tissue defects, effectively restoring joint function and improving quality of life.
