Background:Selection of recipient vessels is one of the key factors for a successful microvascular reconstruction. Non-availability of primary recipient vessels in the vicinity necessitates surgeon to approach a remote second-line vascular access. Transverse cervical vessels (TCV) have been described as second-line vascular access for head-and-neck reconstructions. Due to its location, their use can be extended to the proximal chest and upper arm reconstructions.Aim:The aim of the study is to analyse the reliability of TCV as second-line recipient vessels for the upper arm and chest reconstructions in addition to the head-and-neck reconstructions.Materials and Methods:During 2010–2017, 14 TCV were explored as the choice of second-line recipient pedicle for specific indications. Clinical experience with different reconstructions discussed.Results:Out of 14 transverse cervical arteries, 13 were of adequate size for anastomosis. About 12 successful reconstructions were performed involving the head and neck (7), proximal thorax (3) and upper arm (2) for indications such as scarring from different aetiology (8), previous free flaps (2) and sacrificed vessels (2). In one case, the arterial anastomosis was shifted to superior thyroid artery. All the chest and upper arm reconstructions needed a realignment of the pedicle without any kink. Transverse cervical vein (TCv) could be used only 5/14 times either alone or along with external jugular vein (EJV). In other cases, EJV alone was used. All the 12 flaps survived without any vascular event.Conclusions:Transverse cervical vessels are reliable second-line recipient vessels in the head and neck; in addition, they are of use in the upper arm and proximal chest defects.
<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects of the thumb is a challenging problem. It is very important to reconstruct these defects using sensate flaps as the thumb pulp needs to be sensate for implementing the various functions of the thumb. The aim of this study is to report our experience on the safety and functional outcome of the innervated first dorsal metacarpal artery flap (FDMA) for soft tissue defects of thumb.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> During 18 month period, nine patients with a mean age of 29 years, male:female ratio of 8:1 underwent coverage of soft tissue defects of the thumb, of various volar and dorsal defects, using an innervated first dorsal metacarpal artery flap. Indications were postburn deformities and acute trauma. None of the patients had any neurorraphy. Outcome of the Holevich modification of FDMA flap was assessed with regards to survival and function, reachability for different locations of the thumb, recovery of sensation in terms of two-point discrimination (2PD), donor morbidity with regards to deformity and range of motion were analysed.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The mean size of the defect was 6.7 cm<sup>2</sup>. Average hospital stay was 5 days. Average time of sensory recovery was 6 months. The mean 2PD was 4 mm (range 2-6 mm). All patients had a normal active range of motion in the donor finger. One of nine patients had distal flap marginal necrosis of 3-4 mm; it healed with debridement and regular dressings over 12 days.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The Holevich modification ensures the safety of the innervated FDMA flap in thumb defect coverage with good recovery of sensation.</p>
A case series of five patients with skin loss in the lateral face with trismus that followed delayed presentation following trauma, necrotizing infection, and radiation fibrosis was treated with coronoidectomy and condylar excision to effect adequate mouth opening; the anterolateral thigh flap was used for cover and the fascia was used as an interposition graft to prevent recurrence. Two patients with more than 9 years of follow-up had an average of 40 mm interincisal opening.
Background:High flow arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the mandible is rare, but it can present as a life-threatening emergency with severe intraoral bleeding for the first time. The gold standard of treatment for an AVM of the mandible is selective embolisation combined with resection and subsequent reconstructions. With the advent of advanced multidisciplinary techniques aimed at definitive therapy, surgical resection and primary reconstruction can provide an ideal anatomical and functional cure. There are no previous reports on primary resection and reconstruction for life-threatening haemorrhage from high flow AVM of the mandible.Aim:We discuss our approach aimed at definitive therapy in life-threatening intraoral bleeding from large high flow AVM of the mandible.Subjects and Methods:Four patients were managed for life-threatening intraoral bleeding during 2015–2017. Compression was applied over the bleeding point before the airway could be secured by endotracheal tube. Under general anaesthesia, the external carotid artery (ECA) was temporarily occluded using an umbilical tape loop ligature to control the bleeding. Emergency selective embolisation was done, followed by curative resection and primary mandible reconstruction using free fibula flap. Outcome assessed.Results:Temporary occlusion of the ECA successfully controlled the bleeding immediately and facilitated selective embolisation and definitive therapy. All the four cases were successfully reconstructed with a good outcome. There was no recurrence during the follow-up period.Conclusion:In life-threatening intraoral bleeding from large high flow AVM of the mandible, emergency selective embolisation followed by curative resection and primary reconstruction is safe in achieving an ideal cure.
Introduction The axial vessels like the anterior and posterior tibial emerge as the first choice of recipient vessels, in free flaps for lower limb trauma. When the defects are located more proximally in the leg, the deeper course of the axial vessels makes the dissection more tedious. Alternative vessels like the descending genicular, medial genicular, and distal end of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral can be used for an end-to-end anastomosis, well away from the zone of trauma.The objective of this study was to define the indications and technique of the use of the sural vessels as the recipient pedicle for proximal and middle third leg defects. Patients and Methods For the period 2006 to 2022, 18 leg defects following road traffic accidents were covered with latissimus dorsi muscle flap using sural vessels as the recipient pedicle. Results Among 18 patients, 8 patients had defect in proximal third, 8 had a combined defect in proximal and middle third leg, and 2 had defect in middle third leg. Two patients developed arterial thrombosis and one patient had venous thrombosis for which re-exploration was performed. Two flaps were lost and sixteen had successful wound coverage. Conclusion The sural vessels as recipient pedicle are easier to access and can be considered as a reliable option for free flaps in limb defects of proximal and middle third leg. Using the submuscular part of the vessel ensures a better distal reach of the flap.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.