BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether free flap volume decreases or increases in the long-term postoperative period. METHODS: We used a retrospective analysis of 17 patients to measure muscle and fat volume in free flap with 3-dimensional (3D) images using the AZE Virtual Place Lexus64. RESULTS: Seventeen patients underwent free flap reconstruction with rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps (n = 11) or anterolateral thigh flaps (n = 6). Median follow-up was 28.9 months (range, 2.1-48.4 months). Total flap volume was significantly decreased in flaps including ≥40% muscle (p = .011). Mean final muscle volume was 50% at an average of 12 months. Final fat volume was significantly higher for cases with no evidence of disease (mean, 116.7%) than for died-of-the-disease cases (mean, 70.3%; p = .007). CONCLUSION: Use of free flaps with a high ratio of fat to muscle is sustainable and can gain volume over time, as transplanted fat can increase depending on host condition.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether free flap volume decreases or increases in the long-term postoperative period. METHODS: We used a retrospective analysis of 17 patients to measure muscle and fat volume in free flap with 3-dimensional (3D) images using the AZE Virtual Place Lexus64. RESULTS: Seventeen patients underwent free flap reconstruction with rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps (n = 11) or anterolateral thigh flaps (n = 6). Median follow-up was 28.9 months (range, 2.1-48.4 months). Total flap volume was significantly decreased in flaps including ≥40% muscle (p = .011). Mean final muscle volume was 50% at an average of 12 months. Final fat volume was significantly higher for cases with no evidence of disease (mean, 116.7%) than for died-of-the-disease cases (mean, 70.3%; p = .007). CONCLUSION: Use of free flaps with a high ratio of fat to muscle is sustainable and can gain volume over time, as transplanted fat can increase depending on host condition.
Authors: Kevin J Contrera; Steven B Chinn; Randal S Weber; Dianna Roberts; Jeffery N Myers; Stephen Y Lai; Carol M Lewis; Amy C Hessel; Ann M Gillenwater; Collin F Mulcahy; Peirong Yu; Matthew M Hanasono; Clifton D Fuller; Mark S Chambers; Mark E Zafereo Journal: Head Neck Date: 2022-03-03 Impact factor: 3.821
Authors: Chang Min Kang; Jeong Su Shim; Sung Hwan Park; Young Ju Jeong; Ki Ho Seol; Sang Gyu Kwak Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open Date: 2021-04-15
Authors: Floor N H Wilting; Marijn Hameeteman; Hanneke J P Tielemans; Dietmar J O Ulrich; Stefan Hummelink Journal: Breast Date: 2020-02-10 Impact factor: 4.380