Hidehiko Yoshimatsu1, Ryo Karakawa1, Yuma Fuse1, Akira Okada2, Akitatsu Hayashi3, Tomoyuki Yano1. 1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan. 2. Department of Prevention of Diabetes and Lifestyle-related Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. 3. Lymphedema Center, Kameda General Hospital, Chiba, Japan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: During elevation of the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) perforator (SCIP) flaps, the flap pedicle must often be converted from the superficial branch to the deep branch of the SCIA, complicating and prolonging the procedure. The goal of the present study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of high-resolution ultrasonography to decrease the conversion rate on which no previous report has focused, by making a comparison with a conventional method. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-five consecutive cases where free SCIP flap transfer was performed for reconstruction were retrospectively reviewed. To preoperatively mark the course of the superficial branch, handheld Doppler ultrasonography was used in 27 cases (group 1) and a high-resolution ultrasound system in 18 cases (group 2). RESULTS: The conversion rate was significantly greater in group 1 than in group 2 (10/27 [37%] vs. 0/18 [0%], p = 0.003]. The frequency of use of multiple venous anastomoses was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (21/27 [78%] vs. 2/18 [11%], p < 0.001). The operative time was significantly longer in group 1 than in group 2 (p = 0.038). There were no significant differences in postoperative complication rates (1/27 [4%] versus 0/18 [0%], p = 1.0). CONCLUSION: The use of a preoperative high-resolution ultrasound system significantly decreased the rate from of intraoperative conversion from the superficial branch to the deep branch of the SCIA. It also resulted in significantly fewer venous anastomoses and a shorter operative time, while maintaining a low incidence of postoperative complications. Thieme. All rights reserved.
BACKGROUND: During elevation of the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) perforator (SCIP) flaps, the flap pedicle must often be converted from the superficial branch to the deep branch of the SCIA, complicating and prolonging the procedure. The goal of the present study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of high-resolution ultrasonography to decrease the conversion rate on which no previous report has focused, by making a comparison with a conventional method. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-five consecutive cases where free SCIP flap transfer was performed for reconstruction were retrospectively reviewed. To preoperatively mark the course of the superficial branch, handheld Doppler ultrasonography was used in 27 cases (group 1) and a high-resolution ultrasound system in 18 cases (group 2). RESULTS: The conversion rate was significantly greater in group 1 than in group 2 (10/27 [37%] vs. 0/18 [0%], p = 0.003]. The frequency of use of multiple venous anastomoses was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (21/27 [78%] vs. 2/18 [11%], p < 0.001). The operative time was significantly longer in group 1 than in group 2 (p = 0.038). There were no significant differences in postoperative complication rates (1/27 [4%] versus 0/18 [0%], p = 1.0). CONCLUSION: The use of a preoperative high-resolution ultrasound system significantly decreased the rate from of intraoperative conversion from the superficial branch to the deep branch of the SCIA. It also resulted in significantly fewer venous anastomoses and a shorter operative time, while maintaining a low incidence of postoperative complications. Thieme. All rights reserved.