| 1. |
- Abdelrahman, Islam, et al.
(författare)
-
A prospective randomized cost billing comparison of local fasciocutaneous perforator versus free Gracilis flap reconstruction for lower limb in a developing economy
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. - : Elsevier. - 1748-6815 .- 1878-0539. ; 69:8, s. 1121-1127
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Distal half leg complex wounds are usually a formidable problem that necessitates either local or free flap coverage. The aim of this study was to compare cost billing charges in free Gracilis flap (fGF) and local fasciocutaneous perforator flap (lFPF) in reconstructing complex soft tissue leg and foot defects. Patients and methods: Thirty consecutive adult (amp;gt; 15-year-old) patients with soft tissue defects in the leg and/or foot requiring tissue coverage with a flap in the period between 2012 and 2015 were randomly assigned (block randomization) to either an fGF or lFPF procedure. The outcome measures addressed were total billed charges costs, perioperative billed charges cost, partial or complete flap loss, length of hospital stay, inpatient postsurgical care duration, complications, operating time and number of operative scrub staff. Results: One patient suffered from complete flap loss in each group. Reconstruction with lFPF showed total lower billed charges costs by 62% (2509 USD) (p amp;lt; 0.001) and perioperative billed charges cost by 54% (779 USD) (p amp;lt; 0.001), and shorter total hospital stay (36.5 days; p amp;lt; 0.001), inpatient postsurgical care duration (6.4 days; p amp;lt; 0.001), operating time (4.3 h; p amp;lt; 0.001) and fewer scrub staff (2.2 persons; p amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion: These results suggest that neither flap is totally superior to the other; the choice should instead be based on the outcome sought and logistics. lFPF requires lower billed charges cost and resource use and saves operative time and personnel and reduces length of hospital stay. Our approach changed towards using perforator flaps in medium-sized defects, keeping the free flap option for larger defects. (C) 2016 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 2. |
|
|
| 3. |
- Acosta, Rafael, et al.
(författare)
-
Performing two DIEP flaps in a working day : an achievable and reproducible practice
- 2010
-
Ingår i: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 1748-6815. ; 63:4, s. 648-654
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: While the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is a reliable technique for autologous breast reconstruction, the meticulous dissection of perforators may require lengthy operative times. In our unit, we have performed 600 free flaps for breast reconstruction over 8 years and have reduced operative times with a combination of preoperative computed tomographic angiography (CTA), various anastomotic techniques and the Cook-Swartz implantable Doppler probe for perfusion monitoring. We sought to assess the feasibility of performing two DIEP flaps within the working hours of a single day. Methods: A review of 101 consecutive patients undergoing DIEP flap breast reconstruction in a 12-month period was performed, comparing one DIEP flap per day (n=43) to two DIEP flaps per day (n=58). Complications, outcomes and techniques used were critically analysed. For cases of two DIEP flaps per day, a comparison was made between the use of two separate operating theatres (n=44) and a single consecutive theatre (n=14). Results: Complications did not increase when two DIEP flaps were performed in a single working day. The use of vascular closure staple (VCS) sutures and ring couplers resulted in statistically significant reductions in anastomotic times. The use of two separate theatres for performing two DIEP flaps resulted in a reduction of 59 min in operative time per case (p=0.004). Conclusion: Two DIEP flaps can be safely and routinely performed within the hours of a single working day. By minimising operative times, these techniques can improve productivity and substantially decrease surgeon fatigue.
|
|
| 4. |
- Andersson, Magnus N., et al.
(författare)
-
Prophylactic mastectomy – Correlation between skin flap thickness and residual glandular tissue evaluated postoperatively by imaging
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. - : Elsevier. - 1748-6815 .- 1878-0539. ; 75:6, s. 1813-1819
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Women with an increased hereditary risk of breast cancer can undergo risk-reducing prophylactic mastectomy. However, there is a balance between how much subcutaneous tissue should be resected to achieve maximal reduction of glandular tissue, while leaving viable skin flaps.Methods: Forty-five women previously operated with prophylactic mastectomy underwent magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) and ultrasound (US) to investigate the correlation between skin flap thickness and residual glandular tissue. Residual glandular tissue was documented as being present or not present, but not quantified, as the amount of residual glandular tissue in many cases was considered too small to make reliable volume quantifications with available tools. Since a mastectomy skin flap thickness of 5 mm is discussed as an oncologically safe thickness in the literature, this was used as a cut-off.Results: Following prophylactic mastectomy, residual glandular tissue was detected in 39.3% of all breasts and 27.9% of all the breast quadrants examined by MRT, and 44.1% of all breasts and 21.7% of all the breast quadrants examined by US. Residual glandular tissue was detected in 6.9% of the quadrants in skin flaps ≤ 5 mm and in 37.5% of the quadrants in skin flaps > 5 mm (OR 3.07; CI = 1.41–6.67; p = 0.005). Furthermore, residual glandular tissue increased significantly already when the skin flap thickness exceeded 7 mm.Conclusions: This study highlights that complete removal of glandular breast tissue during a mastectomy is difficult and suggests that this is an unattainable goal. We demonstrate that residual glandular tissue is significantly higher in skin flaps > 5 mm in comparison to skin flaps ≤ 5 mm, and that residual glandular tissue increases significantly already when the flap thickness exceeds 7 mm.
|
|
| 5. |
|
|
| 6. |
|
|
| 7. |
|
|
| 8. |
- Becker, Magnus, et al.
(författare)
-
Low rate of fistula formation after Sommerlad palatoplasty with or without lateral incisions: An analysis of risk factors for formation of fistulas after palatoplasty.
- 2013
-
Ingår i: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 1878-0539 .- 1748-6815. ; 66:5, s. 697-703
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of palate repair is to restore normal eating and drinking function and normal speech development and still maintain undisturbed facial growth. The repair should be performed with a low frequency of complications. A number of factors are thought to contribute to the formation of fistulas after palatoplasty; they include patient factors and treatment issues. The aim of this study was to review all patients operated on with palatoplasties according to Sommerlad in our clinic, examine the fistula frequency and analyse risk factors for the development of fistulas after palate repair. During the study period, 175 patients were operated on with palatoplasties according to Sommerlad by the senior cleft surgeon. The group included 150 native patients and 25 adopted children. In the native population, seven patients developed fistulas and the fistula frequency was thus 5%. In the non-native group four patients developed fistulas, which gave a fistula frequency of 16%. In conclusion, the fistula frequency after Sommerlad repair of cleft palate is low in our material and few patients need fistula repair. The liberal usage of Langenbeck flaps might give a lower fistula rate. The most common place for fistulas is the junction of the soft and hard palate. No clear difference could be seen between different types of clefts. Syndromes and associated malformation seem to play a small role in the formation of fistulas. The fistula frequency in the non-native population is higher. A number of factors are different in the non-native population.
|
|
| 9. |
|
|
| 10. |
- Birke-Sorensen, H., et al.
(författare)
-
Evidence-based recommendations for negative pressure wound therapy: Treatment variables (pressure levels, wound filler and contact layer) - Steps towards an international consensus
- 2011
-
Ingår i: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 1878-0539 .- 1748-6815. ; 64, s. 1-16
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is becoming a commonplace treatment in many clinical settings. New devices and dressings are being introduced. Despite widespread adoption, there remains uncertainty regarding several aspects of NPWT use. To respond to these gaps, a global expert panel was convened to develop evidence-based recommendations describing the use of NPWT. In a previous communication, we have reviewed the evidence base for the use of NPWT within trauma and reconstructive surgery. In this communication, we present results of the assessment of evidence relating to the different NPWT treatment variables: different wound fillers (principally foam and gauze); when to use a wound contact layer; different pressure settings; and the impact of NPWT on bacterial bioburden. Evidence-based recommendations were obtained by a systematic review of the literature, grading of evidence and drafting of the recommendations by a global expert panel. Evidence and recommendations were graded according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) classification system. In general, there is relatively weak evidence on which to base recommendations for any one NPWT treatment variable over another. Overall, 14 recommendations were developed: five for the choice of wound filler and wound contact layer, four for choice of pressure setting and five for use of NPWT in infected wounds. With respect to bioburden, evidence suggests that reduction of bacteria in wounds is not a major mode of action of NPWT. (C) 2011 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 11. |
|
|
| 12. |
- Button, J., et al.
(författare)
-
Shoulder function following autologous latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction : A prospective three year observational study comparing quilting and non-quilting donor site techniques
- 2010
-
Ingår i: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 1748-6815 .- 1878-0539. ; 63:9, s. 1505-1512
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Latissimus dorsi harvest and axillary surgery can affect shoulder function. The effect of autologous latissimus dorsi flap (ALD) breast reconstruction and donor site quilting have been inadequately studied. A cohort of ALD flap breast reconstruction patients were assessed pre-operatively and at eight post-operative time-points (up to 3 years after reconstruction) using the self-administered Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) outcome measure, for which validated normative data is available. Patients with incidental shoulder conditions and bilateral reconstructions were excluded. This was a prospective, observational study with blinded data interpretation: 58 patients, 22 of whom had donor site quilting, were assessed. Groups were compatible demographically, in breast care management and in pre-operative DASH score (quilted 6.5, non-quilted 6.4; P = 0.98). Scores were significantly increased at initial post-operative clinic review (mean 49, SD19; P < 0.001), 6 week (29, SD20; P < 0.001), and 3 month (19, SD19; P < 0.01), thereafter remaining at a plateau value of similar to 15 (P > 0.05). Seroma incidence was reduced in the quilted group (5% vs 70%). A strong, significant correlation was found between 3 month DASH score and long term function (r = 0.66, P < 0.0003); patients with DASH > 20 fare significantly worse in the long-term (mean 20 point increase, SD5.0, P < 0.001). Higher post-operative DASH scores correlated significantly with pre-operative DASH (r = 0.58) and BMI (r = 0.36). Adjuvant therapy had no effect on shoulder function. Axillary dissection had a weak correlation with a higher DASH score, but only at the 3-month post-operative time-point (r = 0.32, P = 0.03). ALD flap breast reconstruction generally results in a functionally insignificant increase (6.5 points) in longterm DASH score, although a small subset of patients do develop longterm impairment, and quilting does not appear to inhibit shoulder function. (C) 2009 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.
|
|
| 13. |
|
|
| 14. |
- Chin, K. Y., et al.
(författare)
-
Temporary catheter first perfusion during hand replantation with prolonged warm ischaemia
- 2012
-
Ingår i: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 1748-6815 .- 1878-0539. ; 65:5, s. 675-677
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Since the first successful arm replantation reported by Malt and McKhann in 1962, developments and refinements to upper extremity replantation techniques have led to higher success rates with better functional outcomes. One of the most important determinants of a successful macroreplantation is the ischaemic time of the amputated part, as irreversible muscle necrosis begins after 6 hours of warm ischaemia. With major trauma and plastic surgery units usually covering a wide geographical area, it is often difficult to ensure patient injury to revascularization time is less than 6 hours. In 1981, Nunley et al described the temporary catheter perfusion technique in upper limb replantation surgery to reduce ischaemia time without any significant complications. When used in appropriate cases this technique can reduce complication rates in upper limb replantation surgeries. Material and methods: Temporary catheter first perfusion was used in a hand replantation after 6 hours of warm ischaemia, with preservation of the intrinsic muscles, as evidenced by return of function. The technique used is described, along with relevant literature. Results: Temporary catheter perfusion allowed early reperfusion of the amputated hand, improving the chance of intrinsic muscle preservation despite delayed presentation. It allowed better wound evaluation and debridement, and facilitated better bone stabilisation prior to vascular repair. Conclusion: Temporary catheter perfusion is well described in proximal upper limb replantation procedures. This case shows that it is also a useful adjunct for hand replantation, particularly when the patient presents with a critical duration of warm ischaemia. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.
|
|
| 15. |
- Dabernig, Jörg, et al.
(författare)
-
The thin circumflex scapular artery perforator flap
- 2007
-
Ingår i: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. - : Churchill Livingstone. - 1748-6815 .- 1878-0539. ; 60:10, s. 1082-1096
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The development of microsurgery has most recently been focused upon the evolution of perforator flaps, with the aim of minimising donor site morbidity, and avoiding the transfer of functionally unnecessary tissues. The vascular basis of perforator flaps also facilitates radical primary thinning prior to flap transfer, when appropriate. Based upon initial clinical observations, cadaveric, and radiological studies, we describe a new, thin, perforator flap based upon the circumflex scapular artery (CSA). A perforator vessel was found to arise within 1.5cm of the CSA bifurcation (arising from the main trunk, or the descending branch). The perforator arborises into the sub-dermal vascular plexus of the dorsal scapular skin, permitting the elevation and primary thinning of a skin flap. This thin flap has been employed in a series of five clinical cases to reconstruct defects of the axilla (two cases of hidradenitis suppurativa; pedicled transfers), and upper limb (one sarcoma, one brachial to radial artery flowthrough revascularisation plus antecubital fossa reconstruction, and one hand reconstruction with a chimeric flap incorporating vascularised bone, fascia, and thin skin flaps; free tissue transfers). No intramuscular perforator dissection is required; pedicle length is 8-10cm and vessel diameter 2-4mm. There was no significant peri-operative complication or flap failure, all donor sites were closed primarily, patient satisfaction was high, and initial reconstructive aims were achieved in all cases. Surgical technique, and the vascular basis of the flap are described. The thin circumflex scapular artery perforator flap requires no intramuscular dissection yet provides high quality skin (whose characteristics can be varied by orientation of the skin paddle), and multiple chimeric options. The donor site is relatively hair-free, has favourable cosmesis and no known functional morbidity. This flap represents a promising addition to the existing range of perforator flaps.
|
|
| 16. |
- Darcy, Catharine M., et al.
(författare)
-
Surgical technique : The intercostal space approach to the internal mammary vessels in 463 microvascular breast reconstructions
- 2011
-
Ingår i: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 1748-6815. ; 64:1, s. 58-62
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The internal mammary vessels are one of the most frequently used recipient sites for microsurgical free-flap breast reconstruction, and an accepted technique to expose these vessels involves removal of a segment of costal cartilage of the rib. However, in some patients, cartilage removal may result in a visible medial chest-wall depression that requires corrective procedures. We, therefore, use an intercostal space approach to the internal mammary vessels, as there is minimal disturbance of the costal cartilage with this technique. We have developed and performed our technique over an 8-year period in 463 microvascular breast reconstructions, and present it here as it contains modifications not previously described that may be of interest to other surgeons. There was no serious morbidity associated with the intercostal space approach, the internal mammary vessels were reliably and safely exposed in all these cases and the flap success rate was 95.8%.
|
|
| 17. |
|
|
| 18. |
- Deshpande, Gaurav, et al.
(författare)
-
The efficacy of vomer flap for closure of hard palate during primary lip repair.
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 1878-0539 .- 1748-6815. ; 68:7, s. 940-945
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study presents the institutional experience of the use of vomer flap for early closure of hard palate during unilateral complete cleft-lip repair. The purpose of this study was to determine the survival rate of the vomer flap and to investigate its effect on the subsequent palatoplasty.
|
|
| 19. |
|
|
| 20. |
- di Summa, Pietro G, et al.
(författare)
-
Adipose-derived stem cells enhance peripheral nerve regeneration
- 2010
-
Ingår i: Journal of plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. - : Elsevier. - 1878-0539 .- 1748-6815. ; 63:9, s. 1544-1552
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Traumatic injuries resulting in peripheral nerve lesions often require a graft to bridge the gap. Although autologous nerve auto-graft is still the first-choice strategy in reconstructions, it has the severe disadvantage of the sacrifice of a functional nerve. Cell transplantation in a bioartificial conduit is an alternative strategy to create a favourable environment for nerve regeneration. We decided to test new fibrin nerve conduits seeded with various cell types (primary Schwann cells and adult stem cells differentiated to a Schwann cell-like phenotype) for repair of sciatic nerve injury. Two weeks after implantation, the conduits were removed and examined by immunohistochemistry for axonal regeneration (evaluated by PGP 9.5 expression) and Schwann cell presence (detected by S100 expression). The results show a significant increase in axonal regeneration in the group of fibrin seeded with Schwann cells compared with the empty fibrin conduit. Differentiated adipose-derived stem cells also enhanced regeneration distance in a similar manner to differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. These observations suggest that adipose-derived stem cells may provide an effective cell population, without the limitations of the donor-site morbidity associated with isolation of Schwann cells, and could be a clinically translatable route towards new methods to enhance peripheral nerve repair.
|
|
| 21. |
|
|
| 22. |
- Driessen, Caroline, et al.
(författare)
-
How should indocyanine green dye angiography be assessed to best predict mastectomy skin flap necrosis? : A systematic review
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 1748-6815 .- 1878-0539. ; 73:6, s. 1031-1042
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: The incidence of skin flap necrosis after mastectomies is as high as 11-24%. Laser-assisted indocyanine green (ICG) angiography seems to be a promising technique to assess skin flap perfusion. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the current methodology of ICG and its objective outcome measures ability to predict mastectomy skin flap necrosis.Methods: A PubMed search was conducted on the 31 December 2018 using ((("Fluorescein Angiography"[Mesh]) OR ("Indocyanine Green"[Mesh])) AND "Mastectomy"[Mesh]). This systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We included data about the study size, study design, skin flap necrosis, camera details and the objective outcome parameters.Results: Of 51 results, 22 abstracts were considered relevant of which nine were excluded secondarily. A reference check resulted in three extra inclusions. Sixteen papers were reviewed focusing on their methods and our primary endpoint which was the objective outcome measures of ICG. Objective outcome measures were reported in 8 of 16 studies. They mainly include absolute perfusion units and relative perfusion units (RPUs). All studies revealed a substantial decrease in skin necrosis when the ICG was used. The absolute number of units considered to be predictive for necrosis varies greatly; RPUs have been quite well established and are considered to be predictive for necrosis between 15.6% and 41.6%. However, consensus for methods, numbers and parameters is lacking.Conclusion: ICG evaluation of skin perfusion is a promising technique to aid in the surgeon's decision-making, and this seems to decrease skin flap necrosis after mastectomy.
|
|
| 23. |
- Emanuelsson, Peter, et al.
(författare)
-
Early complications, pain, and quality of life after reconstructive surgery for abdominal rectus muscle diastasis : a 3-month follow-up
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. - : Elsevier. - 1748-6815 .- 1878-0539. ; 67:8, s. 1082-1088
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate early complications following retromuscular mesh repair with those after dual layer suture of the anterior rectus sheath in a randomised controlled clinical trial for abdominal rectus muscle diastasis (ARD).METHODS: Patients with an ARD wider than 3 cm and clinical symptoms related to the ARD were included in a prospective randomised study. They were assigned to either retromuscular inset of a lightweight polypropylene mesh or to dual closure of the anterior rectus fascia using Quill self-locking technology. All patients completed a validated questionnaire for pain assessment (Ventral Hernia Pain Questionnaire, VHPQ) and for quality of life (SF36) prior to and 3 months after surgery.RESULTS: The most frequently seen adverse event was minor wound infection. Of the patients, 14/57 had a superficial wound infection; five related to Quill and nine to mesh repair. No deep wound infections were reported. Patient rating for subjective muscular improvement postoperatively was better in the mesh technique group with a mean of 6.9 (range 0-10) compared to a mean of 4.8 (range 0-10) in the Quill group (p=0.01). The pre- and post-operative SF36 scores improved in both groups.CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference between the two surgical techniques in terms of early complications and perceived pain at the 3-month follow-up. Both techniques may be considered equally reliable for ARD repair in terms of adverse outcomes during the early postoperative phase, even though patients operated with a mesh experienced better improvement in muscular strength.
|
|
| 24. |
- Enajat, Morteza, et al.
(författare)
-
How long are fasciocutaneous flaps dependant on their vascular pedicle : A unique case of SIEA flap survival
- 2010
-
Ingår i: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 1748-6815. ; 63:4, s. E347-E350
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: While it has long been held that muscle flaps maintain their dependency on their vascular pedicle for the long term, fasciocutaneous flaps have been less well investigated. Recent studies of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap have suggested that these flaps may maintain long term dependence on their vascular pedicles for survival. There is no literature concerning these effects in the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap. Case report: We describe a unique case in which the pedicle of a superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap for breast reconstruction was avulsed 11 days postoperatively, with the flap surviving on its inferior wound edge alone. Conclusion: Fasciocutaneous flaps may lose dependency on their vascular pedicles in the short term following transfer, developing alternative pathways for vascular supply and ultimately survival. A conservative approach early in the course of flap compromise due to perforator ligation or avulsion, in cases where immediate re-anastomosis may not be feasible, is thus supported.
|
|
| 25. |
- Erba, P, et al.
(författare)
-
Neurocutaneous sural flap in paraplegic patients
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. - Oxford : Elsevier. - 1748-6815 .- 1878-0539. ; 62:8, s. 1094-1098
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Neurocutaneous flaps have been demonstrated to be a reliable option in different groups of patients but it remains unclear if distally-based sural flaps can be safety used in paraplegic patients because they suffer from significant nervous system alterations. The aim of this proof-of-concept study is to demonstrate that these flaps are reliable in paraplegic patients. We prospectively analysed a group (n = 6) of paraplegic patients who underwent reversed sural flap surgery for ulcers on the lateral malleolus. Measurement of area and photographic documentation techniques have been employed to quantify the defect area. Sural nerve biopsies have been analysed histologically with several different staining techniques to assess the neurovascular network and the myelinisation of the nerve. The patients showed uneventful wound heating, except one case that suffered a partial flap necrosis that heated by secondary intention. Histologic analysis revealed an intact neurovascular network and myelinated nerve fibres. In this small series of paraplegic patients that underwent a distally-based sural flap, the complication rate was low, with only one case of superficial partial necrosis demonstrating the reliability and safety of the flap in this subset of patients. Histologic evaluation of sural. nerve biopsies revealed an almost normal morphology. A possible explanation of this phenomenon is that the dorsal root ganglia remain intact in paraplegic patients and can preserve neural characteristics in the peripheral sensory nerve system.
|
|
