Huang, Tony Chieh‐Ting

AbstractBackgroundVascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is an emerging surgical treatment for lymphedema. However, literature‐comparing outcomes of upper limb lymphedema (ULL) and lower limb lymphedema (LLL) is limited. Hence, the aim of this study is to compare the long‐term clinical outcomes on ULL versus LLL in patients treated with VLNT.MethodsA retrospective study retrieving data from patients with International Society of Lymphology (ISL) stages II–III who underwent different VLNTs from July 2010 to July 2016 in our institution was performed. Demographics preoperatively, and clinical data (limb circumference, infectious episodes, lymphoscintigraphic studies) preoperatively and postoperatively were recorded. Clinical outcomes by extremity were also analyzed.ResultsA total of 83 patients with lymphedema (ULL: n = 30, LLL: n = 53) were included. Mean follow‐up time was 32.8 months (range 24–49 months). Mean circumference reduction was higher in patients with ULL compared to with LLL (28.6 ± 8.6 vs. 22.3 ± 10.1, p < .001), and for patients with secondary lymphedema (24.8 ± 9.6, p < .001) than for patients with primary lymphedema (18.9 ± 14, p > .05). Infectious episodes per year preoperative and postoperative showed that LLL patients had higher reduction on infection rate compared with ULL patients (2.4 ± 1.1 vs. 1.9 ± 1.2, p < .001).ConclusionVLNT is a promising surgical treatment option for patients with lymphedema. This study suggests that VLNT may have a more beneficial outcome in patients with ULL and with secondary lymphedema.

Abstract Lymphedema refers to the accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitial spaces. This can occur secondary to congenital malformation of the lymphatic channels or nodes or as a result of an insult that damages appropriately formed channels and nodes. Stagnant, protein-rich lymph initiates an inflammatory response that leads to adipocyte proliferation, fibrous tissue deposition, and increased susceptibility to infections. The end result is permanent disfigurement and dermal changes. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential, since lymphedema is a chronic and progressive problem. When lymphedema affects the lower extremity, it is important to manage it in a way that preserves function and mobility. Early diagnosis also allows for a proactive rather than reactive approach to treatment and utilization of novel physiologic procedures, such as lymphovenous anastomosis and vascularized lymph node transfer. Such interventions slow down disease progression and reduce morbidity by allowing the surgeon to salvage the remaining functional lymphatic channels. When physiologic procedures fail or when faced with a delayed presentation, the addition of excisional procedures can provide a more comprehensive treatment of this debilitating disease. The aim of this article is to review the most current concepts in the surgical management of lower extremity lymphedema.

BackgroundEnd‐stage lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) poses a particularly formidable challenge to surgeons as multiple pathological processes are at work. Because single modality treatment is often unsuccessful, we devised a comprehensive multimodal surgical treatment. The aim of this study is to share the technical considerations and examine the clinical outcomes of this combined approach.MethodsBetween 2013 and 2017, patients with International Society of Lymphology stage III, who underwent the combination treatment of Charles,’ Homan’s procedure with toe management and vascularized lymph node transfer (CHAHOVA), were included in this retrospective study. Outcomes evaluated were limb size, number of infectious episodes, compression garment usage, and rate of complications.ResultsA total of 68 patients were included. With a mean follow‐up of 29 months, the overall circumference reduction rate for the upper thigh and the rest of the extremity was 67.4% (48.2‐88.2%) and 98.1% (88‐100%), respectively. During the follow‐ups, 2 (2.9%) patients experienced episodes of cellulitis and the average number of yearly infections decreased from 4.2 to 1.2 episodes per person. All patients were able to discontinue compression therapy without recurrence of lymphedema. Nine (13.2%) patients reported minor complications.ConclusionThe combine CHAHOVA in a single‐stage procedure is an effective and safe approach in the end‐stage LEL.

BackgroundTreatment of advanced lymphedema requires not only restoration of physiological lymph drainage, but also excision of fibrotic tissue and excess skin. The aim of this study is to show how the combination of double vascularized lymph node transfers (VLNTs) and a modified radical reduction with preservation of perforators (RRPP) can accomplish both of these treatment goals.MethodsBetween 2010 and 2016, 16 patients (15 female and one male) with extremity lymphedema underwent a combined double gastroepiploic VLNTs and modified RRPP. Demographics, outcomes including circumference reduction rates, preoperative and postoperative lymphoscintigraphy, complications, and responses to the Lymphedema Quality of Life (LYMQOL) questionnaire were analyzed.ResultsAll flaps survived. The mean follow‐up period was 14.2 months (range, 12‐19). The mean circumference reduction rate was 74.5% ± 6.9% for the upper limb and 68.0% ± 4.2% for the lower limb. There were no major complications. Minor complications, including numbness and hyperesthesia, were treated conservatively. LYMQOL showed a 2.7‐fold quality‐of‐life improvement (P < 0.01). Postoperative lymphoscintigraphy showed improved lymphatic drainage in all cases.ConclusionCombined double VLNTs and modified RRPP safely and effectively improves lymphatic drainage, reduces fibrotic tissue and excess skin, decreases episodes of infections, and improves patients’ quality of life in the advanced stages of lymphedema.

BackgroundThe medial thigh is a well‐hidden area. The two most common flaps from this area are the transverse upper gracilis (TUG) and profunda artery perforator (PAP) flaps. Herein, we explored the applications of combined TUGPAP flap to reconstruct large and complex defects in different regions.MethodsBetween November 2015 and May 2017, 28 patients who underwent reconstruction and extensive soft tissue coverage with the TUGPAP flap for the breasts, head and neck, and pelvi‐perineal regions were included. The defects size ranged from 22 to 29 × 6–8 cm. All flaps were based on the two pedicles: the medial circumflex femoral artery for TUG flap and the profunda artery perforator for PAP flap. They were each anastomosed to a set of recipient vessels. A “Y”‐shaped interposition vein graft (YVG) was used if only one recipient artery was available.ResultsThe harvested skin paddle had dimensions ranged from 20 to 30 × 6–9 cm and all flaps survived completely. Postoperative complications included one case each of donor and recipient site seroma, and one case of wound dehiscence. They were all successfully managed conservatively. During an average follow‐up period of 12.7 months, one patient reported permanent paresthesia in the donor site and another developed hypertrophic scar. All patients were able to resume daily activity without major concerns.ConclusionThe combined TUGPAP flap is a safe, effective, and a good alternative to the common workhorse flaps as it offers the potential for a large skin paddle and decent soft tissue volume with low donor site morbidity in a well‐concealed area.

PurposeFree flap reconstruction in head and neck cancer patients with prior tumor resection, neck dissection, and irradiation is clinically challenging. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and outcome of using the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap and transverse cervical recipient vessels for microvascular reconstruction in patients with depleted vessels in the head and neck region caused by previous surgery and irradiation.MethodsBetween January 2015 and December 2017, microsurgical head and neck reconstruction was performed using the ALT flap and transverse cervical artery (TCA) as the recipient vessel in 15 patients who had undergone previous neck dissections and irradiation for cancer treatment. All patients had a “vessel-depleted neck” resulting from severe scarring and radiation fibrosis. Clinical data of each patient were recorded.ResultsAll ipsilateral TCAs were found to be damage free. Subsequently, free ALT flaps were revascularized using the TCAs. One patient developed venous thrombosis, and another patient developed arterial thrombosis. They were both salvaged within 6 hours postoperatively. No flap failure or mortalities were reported within the 30-day postoperative period. Two patients developed orocutaneous fistula and were further managed with wound care. The mean follow-up time was 11.9 ± 6.0 months (range, 5–23 months). Five patients died during the follow-up period from cancer progression.ConclusionsThe use of the free ALT flap and TCA as the recipient vessel provides favorable microsurgical outcomes in patients with depleted recipient vessels in the head and neck region caused by previous neck dissections and radiation therapy.

IntroductionComposite and large head and neck defects requiring extensive skin‐mucosa coverage are often reconstructed by combining flaps. Herein, we present a simple and reliable two‐stage fibula osteocutaneous (FOC) flap technique to improve the survival of a large skin paddle for oromandibular reconstructions.MethodsFrom October 2011 to September 2016, 47 patients with through‐and‐through oromandibular defects were reconstructed using FOC flaps with large skin paddles. To ensure optimum survival of skin paddles, temporary orocutaneous fistula were left in place and closed during the second stage operation via de‐epithelialization of the skin paddle and suturing of mucosa. Demographic data, operative details, and postoperative complications were recorded.ResultsThe skin paddle dimensions ranged from 20 to 31.5 cm in length and 12 to 17 cm in width with an average area of 430.4 cm2 (range 300–504). The average time between the two stages and hospital stay were 10 days and 14 days, respectively. Complications at the donor site included wound dehiscence (n = 3, 6.4%), partial skin graft loss (n = 3, 6.4%) and hematoma (n = 2, 4.3%). Recipient site complications included two (4.3%) early postoperative venous congestions that resolved after elevation and three (6.4%) partial skin flap necrosis (less than 5% surface area). All complications resolved with bedside conservative management. There was only one take‐back for evacuation of recipient site hematoma (2.1%) but no flap loss.ConclusionTwo‐staged large skin paddle FOC flaps can simplify reconstruction of extensive oromandibular defects by improving the reliability of the sizable skin paddle and negating the need for a second flap.

AbstractIntroductionMicrosurgical reconstruction of complex head and neck defects often requires reliable tissue in multiple spatial configurations to achieve good functional and aesthetic outcomes. In addition to robust perforators, flap inset and wound closure require great caution to minimize complications especially in the presence of trismus with limited space for inset. This report describes the technique and results of our staged approach to flap inset which increases the chance of total flap survival in complex head and neck reconstructions.MethodsFrom February 2010 to August 2016, a total of 53 patients were identified via a retrospective chart review. Patients who were suspected to have a high risk of vascular compromise and subsequently underwent complex head and neck reconstruction with staged inset of anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps were included. The flap was inset only partially at the recipient site initially with fewer sutures. At a second stage, after neovascularization from surrounding tissue was established, the flap was partially elevated, divided and mobilized on its own pedicle for definitive inset.ResultsFifty‐one patients had complete survival of flaps and had uneventful postoperative course. Six cases required immediate re‐exploration to release wound tension or reposition the pedicle. Of these, 4 flaps were salvaged, 2 failed due to small perforators despite anastomosis revision. The flap survival rate was 96.2% and the average time between 2 stages was 24 days (range, 21–28).ConclusionStaged flap inset can improve free flap survival in complex head and neck reconstructions.