Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS
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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · Dec 2019
Ambulatory latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstruction: A prospective cohort study of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol.
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols improve quality of recovery and decrease length of stay for patients undergoing both alloplastic and autologous breast reconstruction. Their use in latissimus dorsi (LD) flap reconstruction has not been well established. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative outcomes, length of stay, and total costs in a prospectively enrolled group of patients who underwent LD flap breast reconstruction using an ERAS protocol to those of a retrospective cohort of patients who were treated with a traditional recovery after surgery (TRAS) protocol. ⋯ Breast reconstruction with the LD flap can be performed safely and effectively in the ambulatory setting. The implementation of an ERAS protocol was successful in discharging all patients home within 24 h, and the expedited discharge was associated with an acceptable complication rate, reduced length of stay, and excellent quality of recovery. Conversion from TRAS to ERAS protocols was associated with $3,223.45 cost savings per patient.
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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · Dec 2019
Case ReportsCustomized reconstruction of complex soft-tissue defect in the hand and forearm with individual design of chain-linked bilateral anterolateral thigh perforator flaps.
Complex soft-tissue defects of upper extremities still have a high rate of amputation, as the reconstruction of complex soft-tissue defects is always difficult even with the largest conventional free flap. The anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flap is one of the most popular procedures used for the coverage of complex soft-tissue defects of extremities. However, problems associated with donor-site morbidity and inability to repair complex soft-tissue defects in a one-stage procedure persist. The purpose of this study was to present a novel design of using chain-linked bilateral ALTP flap and its various designs for customized reconstruction of complex soft-tissue defects in the hands and forearms. ⋯ The chain-linked bilateral ALTP flap is a reliable option for one-stage reconstruction of complex soft-tissue defects in the hands and forearms with limited donor-site morbidity. It also provides various flap designs, which allow for more individualized treatment approaches.
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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · Aug 2019
A reconstructive algorithm after thigh soft tissue sarcoma resection including predictors of free flap reconstruction✰.
Reconstruction of defects of the thigh after oncologic resection plays a vital role in limb salvage. Our goal was to evaluate our institution's experience on thigh sarcomas to develop evidence-based recommendations to guide the reconstructive surgeon, including factors that would predict the need for free flap reconstruction. ⋯ There are multiple options for reconstructing defects from thigh STS. When primary closure and skin grafts are not an option, most defects can be closed with pedicled local or regional muscle or fasciocutaneous flaps. Free flap reconstruction is rarely required but can be necessary when defects are wide or located in the middle third of the thigh.