• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.89-92
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• 2014

An 8-year-old girl diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and Russell-Silver syndrome was admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit due to low cardiac output and multiple-organ dysfunction. The patient was placed on the heart transplant waiting list and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was performed as a bridge to transplantation. After 17 days, heart transplantation was performed. The donor was a 46-year-old female (weight, 50 kg; height, 150 cm). The donor:recipient weight ratio was 3.37:1. Because the dimension and volume of the recipient's thoracic cage were insufficient, the sternum could not be closed. Nine days after transplantation, the patient underwent delayed sternal closure. To obtain adequate space, we left the sternum 4.5 cm apart from each margin using four transverse titanium plates. A transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap was chosen to cover the wound. Due to the shortage of donors, a size-mismatched pediatric heart transplantation is sometimes unavoidable. Closure of the opened sternum of a transplant recipient can be challenging. Sternal reconstruction after an extremely oversized heart transplantation with transverse titanium plate fixation and a musculocutaneous flap can effectively achieve sternal closure and stability.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.482-487
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• 2022

In lower abdominal flap representing transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap or deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) exists as superficial and independent venous system from deep system. The superficial venous drainage is dominant despite a dominant deep arterial supply in anterior abdominal wall. As TRAM or DIEP flaps began to be widely used for breast reconstruction, venous congestion issue has been arisen. Many clinical series in regard to venous congestion despite patent microvascular anastomosis site were reported. Venous congestion could be divided in two conditions by the area of venous congestion and each condition is from different anatomical causes. First, if venous congestion was shown in whole flap, it is due to the connection between SIEV and vena comitantes of DIEP. Second, if venous congestion is limited in above midline (Hartrampf zone II), it is due to problem in venous midline crossover. In this article, the authors reviewed the role of SIEV in lower abdominal flap based on the various anatomic and clinical studies. The contents are mainly categorized into four main issues; basic anatomy of SIEV, the two cause of venous congestion, connection between SIEV and vena comitantes of DIEP, and midline crossover of SIEV.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.326-328
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• 2011

Purpose: The anatomical anomaly of the rectus abdominis muscle and it's fascia is very rare. No case of the absence of the linea alba below the umbilicus has yet been reported. During breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM flap, we experienced one case of absence of linea alba. Methods: The patient was a 38-years old female who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM flap after Right modified radical mastectomy in June 2010. While the TRAM flap was being elevated, bilateral twitching of the rectus abdominis muscle occurred when electrocautery was applied, and we found the absence of the linea alba below the umbilicus. Results: When the rectus abdominis muscle was exposed, the linea alba below the umbilicus was not observed, and the bilateral rectus abdominis muscle was indistinguishably fused in a gross observation. In addition, bilateral twitching of rectus abdominis muscle was simultaneously observed as one muscle unit when electrocautery was applied. As with both rectus abdominis muscles was bluntly dissected with scissors, the scanty fatty tissues were observed between the both rectus muscles, and the bilateral rectus abdominis muscle was easily separated. The flap was transposed into the corresponding defect to make breast mound. Midline fascia was fixed to the posterior rectus sheath to reconstruct smilar anatomic linea alba. Abdominal defect was reinforced by suturing between remaining anterior rectus sheath. Conclusion: As the unexpected anatomical anomaly may affect the operation outcome, surgeons should be careful when they unexpectedly encounter the anatomical anomaly during an operation. Here, we report a rare case of absence of the linea alba seen at the time of pedicled TRAM flap elevation for breast reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.12-18
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• 2005

The Transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap has been commonly used for autologous breast reconstruction. Despite these clinical usefulness, the TRAM flap is prone to partial flap or fat necrosis in especially pedicled flap. To improve flap survival, the surgical delay procedures and pharmacological treatments have been developed. In many studies for the pharmacological treatment, Lipo-$PGE_1$ has demonstrated a marked ability to improve flap survival and it's effect has been proved similar to surgical delay procedure. The purpose of this study is to determine the most effective route of Lipo-$PGE_1$ administration as a pharmacological treatment in TRAM flap of the rat. Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 300-350 gm were divided into five groups, One week before flap elevation, Lipo-$PGE_1$($2{\mu}g/kg$) was injected three times in a week and than the left inferior epigastric vessel based TRAM flap ($5.0{\times}3.0cm$) elevated; group I: no procedure before flap elevation; group II: intraperitoneal injection; group III: intravenous injection; group IV: subcutaneous injection; group V: topical application. A flap was assessed at postoperative 7 days by comparison of flap survival rate, vessel counts(H-E stain), and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) protein expressed by Western blot. The results demonstrated that the mean percentages of the flap survival area in group III were significantly higher than that of any other group(p<0.05). The vessel counts of all experimental groups were statistically higher than that of control group(p<0.05). Only in group III, the VEGF protein expression was increased significantly than control group and there are no difference in other experimental groups. In conclusion, the intravenous administration of the Lipo-$PGE_1$ is the most effective on flap survival, and the VEGF induced by Lipo-$PGE_1$ has some positive effects on new vessel formation and flap survival.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.354-360
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• 2023

Background The Island transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap is well vascularized with very reliable blood flow, because all perforators of the zone I are included when it is harvested. The number of perforators, topographic mapping, and their relationship with reconstructed outcomes were investigated. Methods Fifty patients with Island TRAM breast reconstruction from September 2021 to August 2022 were investigated. The zone I was divided into a total of eight sections. Under the loupe magnification, all perforators larger than 0.5 mm in zone I were counted with fine dissection, and photographs were taken in background of vessel loops. Complications like flap necrosis, seroma, and hematoma were also investigated. Result There are 12 ideal perforators on average in zone I such as one perforator in section I, II, IV, V, VI, VIII, and three perforators in section III and VII. However, two perforators (M6 and L6) below arcuate line were sacrificed in the time of flap harvest to prevent hernia. Island TRAM included 10 perforators on average (5 perforators in each side) above arcuate line to be transferred to the recipient site. Only minor complications were identified. Conclusion The Island TRAM flap includes 10 perforators to get the vigorous blood flow. The periumbilical to upper medial perforators become more dominant in the perfusion of the flap after deep inferior epigastric artery division. Well preserved perforators will guarantee the satisfactory breast reconstruction with the least complication.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.359-366
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• 2013

Background Pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps typically sacrifice the entire muscle. In our experience, the lateral strip of the rectus abdominis muscle can be spared in an attempt to maintain function and reduce morbidity. When the intercostal nerves are injured, muscle atrophy appears with time. The severed intercostal nerve was reinserted into the remnant lateral strip of the rectus abdominis muscle to reduce muscle atrophy. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed 9 neurotized cases and 10 non-neurotized cases. Abdominal computed tomography was performed to determine the area of the rectus muscles. Electromyography (EMG) was performed to check contractile function of the remnant muscle. A single investigator measured the mean areas of randomly selected locations (second lumbar spine) using ImageJ software in a series of 10 cross-sectional slices. We compared the Hounsfield unit (HU) pre- and postoperatively to evaluate regeneration quality. Results In the neurotization group, 7 of 9 cases maintained the mass of remnant muscle. However, in the non-neurotization group, 8 of 10 lost their mass. The number of totally atrophied muscles in each of the two groups was significantly different (P=0.027). All of the remnant muscles showed contractile function on EMG. The 9 remaining remnant rectus abdominis muscles showed declined the HU value after surgery but also within a normal range of muscle. Conclusions Neurotization was found to be effective in maintaining the mass of remnant muscle. Neurotized remnant muscle had contractile function on EMG and no fatty degeneration by HU value.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.539-544
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• 2008

Purpose: There have been limited reports on breast reconstruction after excision of phyllodes tumor. This paper reports four patients who had immediate reconstruction of the breast following excision of phyllodes tumor. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 14 patients from March 2000 to March 2008. Clinical data were analyzed including age, presenting symptoms and signs, type of surgery and metastasis. Results: The mean age was 38.6 years. The mean follow-up period was 40.6 months. Reconstruction was performed with latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap in 3 patients and transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap in 1 patient. Other cases were covered with skin graft or primary repair. 2 local recurrent cases were noted. Conclusion: The breast affected by phyllodes tumor must undergo complete excision. Followed by mastectomy, immediate reconstruction of breast improved cosmetic results, and allowed a wider surgical excision margin of tumor.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.60-63
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• 2007

Purpose: Free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous(TRAM) flap is one of the most popular methods of breast reconstruction. But if fat necrosis and fatty induration occur at the reconstructed breast, they can make the breast harder and make it difficult to differentiate a tumor recurrence from them. To expect and prevent these complications, we measured the pressure change of the superficial venous system whose congestion can be the cause of them. Methods: An intraoperative clinical study was done to compare venous pressure of superficial inferior epigastric vein(SIEV) before and after the elevation of free TRAM flap. Fourteen TRAM flaps were included and the pressures of SIEV were measured two times at the beginning of the elevation and just before the division of the inferior pedicle. Results: The venous pressure in free TRAM flap was significantly higher after the flap elevation at both contralateral side and ipsilateral(p=0.005 and p=0.026 respectively). The four cases with vertical scar shower significantly greater increase at contralateral side than ipsilateral side(p=0.020). Conclusion: Intraoperative venous pressure recording can be an objective data for evaluating the congestion of TRAM flap and can help to prevent the complications of fat necrosis and fatty induration with venous superdrainage.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.401-407
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• 2011

Purpose: A number of flap for nipple reconstruction have been well described in the literature. However, most of these techniques do not permit the reconstruction of a projecting nipple and all are hampered to some extent by long-term loss of nipple projection. The objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term result and clinical efficacy of nipple reconstruction using skate flap technique after breast reconstruction. Methods: A retrospective chart review was carried out on 23 patients who underwent 25 nipple reconstructions. In those patients with greater than 10 mm nipple projection, reconstruction with skate flap and full-thickness skin graft and/or tattooing was performed. Maintenance of nipple projection was then carefully assessed over one-year follow-up. The following factors were analyzed: type of breast reconstruction, type of areola reconstruction, followup period, decrease in nipple projection, complication, and whether secondary nipple reconstruction was necessary and/or performed. Results: Breast reconstructions were performed in 17 patients with free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap, 3 patients with extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap, and 3 patients with expander and implant. The mean follow-up after nipple reconstruction was 17 months. Mean loss of projection were $17.0{\pm}13.99%$, $25.0{\pm}12.70%$, $30.0{\pm}12.57%$ and $30.8{\pm}12.49%$ at 3, 6, 9 months and over one year, respectively. The greatest decrease in projection was noted in the first 3 months following surgery. Conclusion: These results indicated that nipple reconstruction with skate flap showed about 70 percent of the projection achieved over one year postoperation. Therefore, the skate flap may be a reliable method of nipple reconstruction in those patients with greater than 10 mm nipple projection.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.75-79
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• 2009

Purpose: The transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous(TRAM) flap is the most commonly used autogenous tissue flap for breast reconstruction. Postoperatively, partial flap loss or fat necrosis are relatively common and it may result in a smaller breast volume with marked contour irregularities. These defects are not easy to reconstruct with local tissue rearrangement or with breast implants. The current authors present the results of 2 patients who underwent Latissimus dorsi(LD) flap reconstruction to correct partial flap or fat necrosis that developed after TRAM flap breast reconstruction. Method: Case1: A 50 - year - old woman with left breast cancer visited for breast reconstruction after radical mastectomy. Initially, breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM was performed. Postoperatively partial flap necrosis was developed. Secondary breast reconstruction using LD flap was done. Case2: A 51 - year - old woman with left breast cancer visited for breast reconstruction after radical mastectomy. Initially, breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM was performed. Postoperatively fat necrosis was developed. Secondary breast reconstruction using LD flap was done. Results: Secondary breast reconstruction using LD flap survived completely and produce successful reconstruction. There was no significant complication in both patients. Conclusion: LD flap provides sufficient, vascularized skin and soft tissue. The flap can be molded easily to replace deficient tissue in all areas of the breast. These attributes make it an ideal candidate for salvage of the partially failed TRAM flap breast reconstructio.