The patency rate for venous anastomoses performed with the microvascular coupler is excellent when compared with standard suture techniques and has the advantage of overall easier application.

Free flap breast reconstruction in the morbidly obese is associated with a higher risk of total flap loss, total major postoperative complications, and delayed abdominal wound healing. However, the overall incidence of complications is low, making free tissue transfer from the abdomen an acceptable method of breast reconstruction in this patient population.

The free fibula flap is ideally suited for accelerated posterior spinal fusion after extensive resection of cervical or thoracic spinal neoplasms. An arteriovenous saphenous vein loop facilitates the microvascular anastomosis in this anatomical region that lacks suitable recipient vessels.

Review of the IGAP flap reveals some shortcomings of this flap even in the hands of an experienced microsurgeon. Surgeons should be aware of the difficulties and limitations when choosing this flap for reconstruction.

This study provides data suggesting that labioplasty has been safely and effectively used by many plastic surgeons. However, there is great variation with regard to both techniques and practice guidelines. In establishing these discrepancies among surgeons, we hope to provide the impetus for further academic dialogue and prospective trials.

This study compared the use of barbed suture to a traditional skin closure method for incision closure in free flap breast reconstruction. A retrospective study compared the two closure methods in consecutive series of patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction between January 2007 and January 2009. Outcomes included total duration of operation and wound complications. We also performed a cost analysis. Use of the barbed suture significantly decreased operative time for unilateral cases by an average of 45 minutes (405 versus 360 minutes, P = 0.02). For bilateral cases, the mean operative time was decreased by an average of 10 minutes (510 versus 500 minutes, P = 0.44). There were more episodes of delayed wound healing in the bilateral barbed suture group (33/46 [72%] versus 15/31 [48%], P = 0.04). No statistical difference was noted between the two groups with regard to dehiscence, infection, or suture extrusion. Use of the barbed suture was, however, more cost-effective. The use of a barbed suture in the closure of abdominal and breast incisions in free flap breast reconstruction may expedite wound closure and reduce the cost of the procedure but may increase wound complications.

With an increasing number of women undergoing abdominal liposuction and abdominoplasties, patients who have a history of an abdominal-contouring procedure are now presenting to plastic surgeons with breast cancer and are interested in autologous breast reconstruction. Based on the principle of vascular ingrowth and experience of seeing intact perforators arise from the rectus abdominis muscle in repeat abdominoplasty patients, it was hypothesized that these new perforators could adequately and safely supply the abdominal skin island as a flap in this patient population. A retrospective chart review was performed searching for cases of free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) or deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction in patients with a prior history of either abdominal liposuction, abdominoplasty, or both. Three successful cases of free TRAM flap breast reconstruction were performed in patients who had undergone previous full abdominoplasties. Additionally, three successful cases of free TRAM or DIEP flaps were performed in patients after abdominal liposuction. Major complications included one anterial thrombosis in which the flap was salvaged. This study demonstrates the feasibility and viability of free TRAM flaps after previous abdominoplasty and DIEP flaps following prior abdominal liposuction. This is an important advance in the potential uses of the free TRAM flap.

Overall, TAP and MSLD flaps can be performed reliably for coverage of axillary defects after excision of hidradenitis. Although not free of complications, they do offer improved results compared to historic attempts at primary closure or skin grafting.