BACKGROUND Compromised perfusion in autologous breast reconstruction results in fat necrosis and flap loss. Increased flap weight with fewer perforator vessels may exacerbate imbalances in flap perfusion. We studied deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) flaps to assess this concept. METHODS Data from patients who under...

Reconstruction of lower limb defects is quite challenging in terms of scarcity of locally available flaps, poor wound healing and need for prolonged immobilization. Normally also there is decreased blood supply in the anterolateral aspect of leg and foot. Leg and foot is like a peninsula with no distal tissues available for proximal reconstruction. Also there is a paucity of loose tissue in leg...

BACKGROUND Perforator flaps minimize abdominal site morbidity during autologous breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the number of perforators harvested influences the overall deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap survival and flap-related complications. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of all DIEP flaps performed at the Hospital of the ...

BACKGROUND The proximal ulnar artery has several branches, including perforators that are directly derived from the ulnar artery and anterior/posterior recurrent arteries. There are only a few reports of flaps that use the anterior/posterior recurrent arteries, and flaps employing their perforators as a main pedicle are yet to be reported. In this study, posterior ulnar recurrent artery perfora...

Large full-thickness chest wall reconstruction requires an alloplastic material to ensure chest wall stability, as well as a flap that provides good soft-tissue coverage. The choice not to use perforator flaps over any mesh or inert material is often based on the concern that the vascularization would be inadequate. However, perforator flaps have shown good results in several reconstructive fie...

The first terminology consensus on perforator flaps, reached in 2001, was reviewed and further simplified following the Sixth International Course on Perforator Flaps.

Recent advances in wearable recording technology have enabled high-quality video recording of several surgical procedures from the surgeon's perspective. However, the available wearable cameras are not optimal for recording the harvesting of perforator flaps because they are too heavy and cannot be attached to the surgical loupe. The Ecous is a small high-resolution camera that was specially de...

BACKGROUND A post-burn flexion contracture of the knee joint is a disabling condition which interferes with an upright posture and a bipedal locomotion. Islanded perforator flaps have been used to resurface the tissue defect which is produced as a result of the contracture release. Despite their various advantages, they are limited by an increased tendency to undergo venous congestion. Perforat...

BACKGROUND Reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the lower third of the leg remains challenging. Anatomical constraints limit the local options available for complex defects especially lower third of leg. Local flaps based on perforator vessels are raising interest in reconstructive surgery of the limbs. We present our experience with perforator flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defect...