Perfusion Dynamics during Secondary Flap Debulking with Liposuction

Abstract

Background Lower extremity trauma often necessitates reconstruction with flap transfer. One of the reconstructive goals is a thin soft tissue coverage with appropriate contour. Therefore, a secondary debulking of the flap is usually performed. Methods Debulking through conventional lipectomy is compared with liposuction followed by excision of the defatted flap excess. Demographic data, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes are compared and analyzed. The perfusion dynamics of the flaps undergoing liposuction debulking are studied by means of perioperative indocyanine green fluorescence angiography, as well as postoperative laser Doppler imaging. Results Patients undergoing lipectomy (n = 69; 57.5%) or liposuction (n = 51; 42.5%) debulking had a similar rate of postoperative complications. Partial necrosis was observed in 7.2% (lipectomy) versus 7.8% (liposuction) of flaps. Fluorescence angiography showed a substantial decrease in flap perfusion following the infiltration with an epinephrine-containing tumescent solution (74.3% ± 8.2% prior to infiltration versus 16.8% ± 7.1% after infiltration; p < 0.001), resulting in a dark flap appearance. Laser Doppler imaging confirmed the hypoperfusion on postoperative day 1. Conclusion Secondary debulking of a lower extremity flap can be safely and efficiently performed through liposuction combined with peripheral excision of the defatted flap in a single stage. Perfusion studies may show a misleading hypoperfusion of the defatted flap, which does not accurately predict subsequent necrosis or complications.

Use of Ambient Light Compatible Fluorescence-Guided Surgical Technology for Objective Assessment of Flap Perfusion in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

“…[8][9][10][11][12][13][14] It has also been implemented in secondary procedure to confirm adequate removal of ischemic tissues. 15 However, there continues to be difficulty with the interpretation of perfusion and standardization of fluorescence assessment techniques, as variables such as system performance, display settings, and patient factors can affect surgical perception. Furthermore, little investigation has been done on identifying objective variables within ICG angiography imaging that may influence the prediction of postoperative complications.…”