Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS
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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · May 2020
Observational StudyThe role of age in determining the effects of lipo-PGE1 infusion on immediate arterial maximal flow velocity in patients with diabetes undergoing free flap surgery for lower extremity reconstruction: A prospective observational study.
Diabetes mellitus may have a negative effect on free flap perfusion in patients undergoing reconstructive surgery. Little is known of the effects of lipo-prostaglandin E1 (lipo-PGE1) on flap blood flow in diabetes. This study investigated the effects of lipo-PGE1 on maximal blood flow velocity of the free flap arterial pedicle in patients with diabetes. ⋯ Assessments of all patients with diabetes undergoing free flap surgery, when age was not taken into consideration, found that lipo-PGE1 did not significantly increase the maximal blood flow velocity of the free flap arterial pedicle. However, when age was taken into consideration, lipo-PGE1 increased blood flow velocity in patients <65 years old, suggesting that age influences the effect of lipo-PGE1 on the blood flow velocity.
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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · Apr 2020
Hybrid perforator flaps: Introducing a new concept in perforator flap surgery.
Although perforator propeller flaps provide a safe and reliable reconstructive option, they are often limited in size, reach and degrees of freedom due to venous insufficiency. As a result, partial flap necrosis, particularly at the tip of the flap, may occur in some cases causing the loss of substance. To overcome this problem, we present a new concept of hybrid perforator flaps. ⋯ Hybrid perforator flaps have the advantage of improved reliability, versatility and safety. In the author's experience, technique is reliable and obviates the need for flap monitoring. By including a superficial vein in the initial flap design and resectional defect, larger flaps can be harvested more reliably. The hybrid flap concept could potentially improve outcomes of propeller flaps. Our experience shows reduced complications when this technique is utilised with success rates comparable to free flaps.