1.Strategy and technical points of harvesting different forms of free rectus abdominis muscle flap combined with free superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator flap for unilateral breast reconstruction
Ruqi GUO ; Tianyi ZHANG ; Dajiang SONG ; Zhiyuan WANG ; Xu LIU ; Zan LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetology 2025;31(2):93-98
The free inferior epigastric artery perforator flap is currently a highly regarded autologous breast reconstruction technique. However, in clinical practice, the anatomical characteristics of the lower abdominal vasculature and surrounding tissue structures do not always permit ideal perforator flap harvesting. In many cases, it becomes necessary to preserve a larger rectus abdominis muscle cuff to ensure reliable blood supply to the flap through the perforating vessels. Compared with various forms of rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps that all require incision of the anterior sheath and intramuscular vascular pedicle dissection, the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) perforator flap significantly reduces donor-site morbidity. Nevertheless, the anatomical variability of the superficial inferior epigastric vessels increases surgical uncertainty. Based on clinical observations, this study establishes a comprehensive clinical strategy algorithm. Primarily focusing on different configurations of free rectus abdominis flaps, it incorporates additional preparation of free SIEA perforator flaps when anatomical conditions permit. The objectives are to ensure reliable perfusion of the lower abdominal flap while minimizing donor-site damage and reducing surgical complexity.
2.Effect and safety of remedial pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap transplantation for breast reconstruction
Xulong ZHU ; Yanqing LIU ; Dajiang SONG ; Zan LI ; Zhiyuan WANG ; Xu LIU ; Jianhui LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetology 2025;31(2):104-109
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of remedial pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap transplantation for breast reconstruction.Methods:This retrospective study included 23 female breast cancer patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction with a remedial pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap at Hunan Cancer Hospital from June 2022 to June 2023. The patients' ages ranged from 24 to 56 years, with a mean age of (43.2±1.3) years. All patients had previously undergone mastectomy and tumor resection before receiving the remedial pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap reconstruction. Follow-up was conducted through outpatient visits and telephone interviews, with a median follow-up period of 10 (6-15) months. Observation indicators included survival rate of flaps, patient satisfaction rate and aesthetic outcomes. Adverse reactions including but not limited to flap contracture and deformation, during and following the surgical procedure were also recorded.Results:The remedial pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap technique was utilized for autologous breast reconstruction in 23 patients. Specifically, this approach was chosen due to two primary reasons: the perforator distance from the vascular pedicle being excessively long in 18 cases, and suboptimal characteristics of the main pedicle in 5 cases. Two types of flap configurations were employed. For 15 patients, a unilateral remedial pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was used, with an average flap size of (21.5±0.8) cm in length and (11.2±1.3) cm in width. All flaps demonstrated adequate blood supply without the need for additional vascular anastomosis. For the remaining 8 patients, a combination of a unilateral remedial pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap and a contralateral free lower abdominal flap was utilized, resulting in an average flap size of (29.3±0.7) cm in length and (12.0±1.8) cm in width. In these cases, the inferior epigastric vessels of the free lower abdominal flap were successfully anastomosed to the internal thoracic vessels of the recipient site, ensuring all flaps survived postoperatively. The survival rate of flaps in 23 patients was 100% (23/23), and the patient satisfaction rate was 100% (23/23). Postoperative evaluation revealed that the reconstructed breasts exhibited satisfactory shape and texture, with no instances of flap contracture or deformation. The reconstructed breasts were largely symmetrical with the contralateral side, leaving only linear scars at the donor and recipient sites. Importantly, there was no significant impact on abdominal wall function, and no adverse reactions such as flap contracture or impaired abdominal wall function were observed in any of the patients.Conclusion:When the characteristics of the perforating vessels in the lower abdomen are suboptimal, the use of a remedial pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap technique for breast reconstruction can ensure satisfactory outcomes and significantly enhance surgical safety.
3.Analysis of risking factors affecting the graft healing degree on MRI by 1 year after anterior cruciate ligament autograft tendon over-the-top reconstruction.
Zan LIN ; Yong HU ; Min SUN ; Xu JIANG
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(5):500-507
OBJECTIVE:
To retrospectively analyze the healing degree of graft in patients who underwent over-the-top reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) using autologous tendon 1 year postoperatively to find out possible risk factors.
METHODS:
From January 2017 to March 2023, 207 patients with more than 1 year of follow-up and 1-year postoperative MRI were selected from that receiving ACL autograft tendon over-the-top reconstruction surgery including 137 males and 70 females, with a mean age of (28.01±9.71) years rangeding 12 to 56 years old;time from trauma to surgery was (5.80±3.78) months. All patients had intra-operative pivoshift tested asⅠtoⅡdegree. The 1-year postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results were categorized by Howell's method, classifying degreesⅠandⅡas group BHD (better healing degree), while degrees Ⅲ and Ⅳ as group PHD (poorer healing degree). Potential influencing factors such as age, gender, whether it was a sports injury, time from injury to surgery, time to return to sports after surgery, body mass index (BMI), Beighton score, knee hyper-extension, diameter of the graft, whether it was remnant-preserving or not, whether the medial and lateral meniscus were resected, sutured or not, posterior lateral tibial slope, intercondylar notch width ratio (ICNWR), and lateral femoral condyle depth ratio (LFCDR) were analyzed by univariate analysis and Logistic regression to find the influencing factors.
RESULTS:
All patients were follow-up time for (18.59±4.63) months, and all the patients had good wound healing without any infection after surgery. There were 3 cases of re-ruptrure and 2 cases with secondary medial meniscus barrel handle-like tear 1 year after surgery, which received arthroscopic surgical treatment. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant difference in time from injury to surgery, time from surgery to return to sports, ICNWR, posterior lateral tibial slope, and BMI between the two groups(P<0.05). Multi-factorial regression analysis showed that smaller ICNWR, OR=0.684, 95%CI(0.528, 0.886), P=0.004; larger posterior lateral tibial slope, OR=1.557, 95%CI(1.222, 1.984), P<0.001;larger BMI, OR=1.724, 95%CI(1.369, 2.172), P<0.001;and shorter return-to-sport time<6 months vs. 6 to 12 months, OR=0.167, 95%CI(0.041, 0.672), P=0.012;<6 months vs.>12 months, OR=0.022, 95%CI(0.004, 0.108), P<0.001 might be risk factors for poor MRI healing degree 1 year postoperatively.
CONCLUSION
In patients received ACL autograft tendon over-the-top reconstruction, smaller ICNWR, larger posterior lateral tibial slope, larger BMI, and shorter time to return to sports may all be high-risk factors for poor graft healing degree on MRI 1 year postoperatively, and the surgical technique and the postoperative rehabilitation are supposed to be individualized for such patients.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
;
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction/methods*
;
Middle Aged
;
Adolescent
;
Young Adult
;
Tendons/transplantation*
;
Child
;
Risk Factors
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Transplantation, Autologous
;
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries/diagnostic imaging*
;
Anterior Cruciate Ligament/diagnostic imaging*
;
Autografts
;
Wound Healing
4.Experimental Study on Expression of Carbapenem Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa's 10 Membrane Protein Coding Genes in Kunming
Zan LU ; Hongyan ZHAO ; Chunfu LI ; Limin YIN ; Baojun REN ; Guibo SONG ; Xu YANG
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(1):7-12
Objective To understand the membrane protein molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) in the region,and provide some evidence for rational drug use or application of efflux pump inhibitors. Methods Collected Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from four hospitals in the region from October 2022 to August 2023,and used SYBR-PCR method to quantitatively detect the relative mRNA expression (RE) levels of 10 membrane protein coding genes,including mexA,B,C,D,E,F,X,Y,and oprD,M. Then categorized the strains into five groups based on ceftazidime,cefepime,imipenem,and meropenem resistance phenotype combination,including the compassionate group (Group Ⅰ),Group Ⅱ with full resistance,IPM,MEM resistant,CAZ and CFP sensitive groups (Group Ⅲ),IPM resistance,MEM non-resistance (sensitive or intermediate) group (Group Ⅳ),IPM,MEM resistance,CAZ and CFP non-resistance groups (Group V).The median RE of each membrane protein-coding gene was analyzed. Results A total of 108 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected,with 24 strains in Group Ⅰ as controls and 84 strains in the carbapenem resistant group,including 32 strains in Group Ⅱ,22 strains in Group Ⅲ,13 strains in Group Ⅳ,and 17 strains in Group Ⅴ. The expression of mexD,mexE,mexF,mexX and mexY in the drug-resistant group was higher than that in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant (U=409.5~661.0,all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in mexA,mexB,mexC,oprD and oprM with the control group (U=767.0~1004.5,all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression of RE genes encoding various membrane proteins among strains from different hospitals (H=0.914~7.407,all P>0.05). Among the four different phenotypes,there was no statistically significant difference in the irregular distribution of mexA and oprM RE between each group and the control group (UmexA=95.0~264.0,UoprM=143.0~331.0). The mexC RE in each group was lower than that in the control group,but the differences were not statistically significant (U=134.0~344.5,all P>0.05). MeixE and meixY RE were both higher than the control group,and the differences were statistically significant (UmexE=48.0~230.0,UmexY=83.0~184.0). MeixB was lower than the control group in group Ⅳ (U=72.0),and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). MeixD and meixF showed consistent expression,with higher expression in groups Ⅲ,Ⅳ and Ⅴ compared to the control group (UmeixD=34.0~102.0,UmeixF=65.0~113.0). MeixX was expressed higher in groups Ⅱ,Ⅳ and Ⅴ compared to the control group (U=164.0,58.0,111.0),while oprD was only expressed lower in group Ⅲ than in the control group (U=140.0),with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Although the expression of oprD in groups Ⅱ,Ⅳ and Ⅴ was lower than that in the control group,the differences were not statistically significant (U=381.0,102.0,144.0,all P>0.05). Conclusion ExCD,mexEF and mexXY are the main membrane protein combinations of CRPA efflux pumps in Kunming area. Upregulation of mexD,E,F,X,and Y membrane protein expression enhanced efflux. The correlation between mexAB oprM efflux pump and carbapenem resistance in CRPA in this area was low. The low expression of oprD played a role in the efflux mechanism in strains that do not produce β-lactase,but there was no significant difference in low expression in enzyme producing strains.
5.Experimental Study on Expression of Carbapenem Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa's 10 Membrane Protein Coding Genes in Kunming
Zan LU ; Hongyan ZHAO ; Chunfu LI ; Limin YIN ; Baojun REN ; Guibo SONG ; Xu YANG
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(1):7-12
Objective To understand the membrane protein molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) in the region,and provide some evidence for rational drug use or application of efflux pump inhibitors. Methods Collected Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from four hospitals in the region from October 2022 to August 2023,and used SYBR-PCR method to quantitatively detect the relative mRNA expression (RE) levels of 10 membrane protein coding genes,including mexA,B,C,D,E,F,X,Y,and oprD,M. Then categorized the strains into five groups based on ceftazidime,cefepime,imipenem,and meropenem resistance phenotype combination,including the compassionate group (Group Ⅰ),Group Ⅱ with full resistance,IPM,MEM resistant,CAZ and CFP sensitive groups (Group Ⅲ),IPM resistance,MEM non-resistance (sensitive or intermediate) group (Group Ⅳ),IPM,MEM resistance,CAZ and CFP non-resistance groups (Group V).The median RE of each membrane protein-coding gene was analyzed. Results A total of 108 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected,with 24 strains in Group Ⅰ as controls and 84 strains in the carbapenem resistant group,including 32 strains in Group Ⅱ,22 strains in Group Ⅲ,13 strains in Group Ⅳ,and 17 strains in Group Ⅴ. The expression of mexD,mexE,mexF,mexX and mexY in the drug-resistant group was higher than that in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant (U=409.5~661.0,all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in mexA,mexB,mexC,oprD and oprM with the control group (U=767.0~1004.5,all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression of RE genes encoding various membrane proteins among strains from different hospitals (H=0.914~7.407,all P>0.05). Among the four different phenotypes,there was no statistically significant difference in the irregular distribution of mexA and oprM RE between each group and the control group (UmexA=95.0~264.0,UoprM=143.0~331.0). The mexC RE in each group was lower than that in the control group,but the differences were not statistically significant (U=134.0~344.5,all P>0.05). MeixE and meixY RE were both higher than the control group,and the differences were statistically significant (UmexE=48.0~230.0,UmexY=83.0~184.0). MeixB was lower than the control group in group Ⅳ (U=72.0),and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). MeixD and meixF showed consistent expression,with higher expression in groups Ⅲ,Ⅳ and Ⅴ compared to the control group (UmeixD=34.0~102.0,UmeixF=65.0~113.0). MeixX was expressed higher in groups Ⅱ,Ⅳ and Ⅴ compared to the control group (U=164.0,58.0,111.0),while oprD was only expressed lower in group Ⅲ than in the control group (U=140.0),with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Although the expression of oprD in groups Ⅱ,Ⅳ and Ⅴ was lower than that in the control group,the differences were not statistically significant (U=381.0,102.0,144.0,all P>0.05). Conclusion ExCD,mexEF and mexXY are the main membrane protein combinations of CRPA efflux pumps in Kunming area. Upregulation of mexD,E,F,X,and Y membrane protein expression enhanced efflux. The correlation between mexAB oprM efflux pump and carbapenem resistance in CRPA in this area was low. The low expression of oprD played a role in the efflux mechanism in strains that do not produce β-lactase,but there was no significant difference in low expression in enzyme producing strains.
6.Strategy and technical points of harvesting different forms of free rectus abdominis muscle flap combined with free superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator flap for unilateral breast reconstruction
Ruqi GUO ; Tianyi ZHANG ; Dajiang SONG ; Zhiyuan WANG ; Xu LIU ; Zan LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetology 2025;31(2):93-98
The free inferior epigastric artery perforator flap is currently a highly regarded autologous breast reconstruction technique. However, in clinical practice, the anatomical characteristics of the lower abdominal vasculature and surrounding tissue structures do not always permit ideal perforator flap harvesting. In many cases, it becomes necessary to preserve a larger rectus abdominis muscle cuff to ensure reliable blood supply to the flap through the perforating vessels. Compared with various forms of rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps that all require incision of the anterior sheath and intramuscular vascular pedicle dissection, the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) perforator flap significantly reduces donor-site morbidity. Nevertheless, the anatomical variability of the superficial inferior epigastric vessels increases surgical uncertainty. Based on clinical observations, this study establishes a comprehensive clinical strategy algorithm. Primarily focusing on different configurations of free rectus abdominis flaps, it incorporates additional preparation of free SIEA perforator flaps when anatomical conditions permit. The objectives are to ensure reliable perfusion of the lower abdominal flap while minimizing donor-site damage and reducing surgical complexity.
7.Effect and safety of remedial pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap transplantation for breast reconstruction
Xulong ZHU ; Yanqing LIU ; Dajiang SONG ; Zan LI ; Zhiyuan WANG ; Xu LIU ; Jianhui LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetology 2025;31(2):104-109
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of remedial pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap transplantation for breast reconstruction.Methods:This retrospective study included 23 female breast cancer patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction with a remedial pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap at Hunan Cancer Hospital from June 2022 to June 2023. The patients' ages ranged from 24 to 56 years, with a mean age of (43.2±1.3) years. All patients had previously undergone mastectomy and tumor resection before receiving the remedial pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap reconstruction. Follow-up was conducted through outpatient visits and telephone interviews, with a median follow-up period of 10 (6-15) months. Observation indicators included survival rate of flaps, patient satisfaction rate and aesthetic outcomes. Adverse reactions including but not limited to flap contracture and deformation, during and following the surgical procedure were also recorded.Results:The remedial pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap technique was utilized for autologous breast reconstruction in 23 patients. Specifically, this approach was chosen due to two primary reasons: the perforator distance from the vascular pedicle being excessively long in 18 cases, and suboptimal characteristics of the main pedicle in 5 cases. Two types of flap configurations were employed. For 15 patients, a unilateral remedial pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was used, with an average flap size of (21.5±0.8) cm in length and (11.2±1.3) cm in width. All flaps demonstrated adequate blood supply without the need for additional vascular anastomosis. For the remaining 8 patients, a combination of a unilateral remedial pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap and a contralateral free lower abdominal flap was utilized, resulting in an average flap size of (29.3±0.7) cm in length and (12.0±1.8) cm in width. In these cases, the inferior epigastric vessels of the free lower abdominal flap were successfully anastomosed to the internal thoracic vessels of the recipient site, ensuring all flaps survived postoperatively. The survival rate of flaps in 23 patients was 100% (23/23), and the patient satisfaction rate was 100% (23/23). Postoperative evaluation revealed that the reconstructed breasts exhibited satisfactory shape and texture, with no instances of flap contracture or deformation. The reconstructed breasts were largely symmetrical with the contralateral side, leaving only linear scars at the donor and recipient sites. Importantly, there was no significant impact on abdominal wall function, and no adverse reactions such as flap contracture or impaired abdominal wall function were observed in any of the patients.Conclusion:When the characteristics of the perforating vessels in the lower abdomen are suboptimal, the use of a remedial pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap technique for breast reconstruction can ensure satisfactory outcomes and significantly enhance surgical safety.
8.Effect of Early Intervention of Yishen Huazhuo Prescription on Learning and Memory of Accelerated Aging SAMP8 Mice and Its Mechanism
Shujie ZAN ; Kai WANG ; Jiachun XU ; Weiming SUN ; Daoyan NI ; Linlin ZHANG ; Shuang LIU ; Yan MA ; Pengjuan XU ; Lin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):91-99
ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of early intervention with Yishen Huazhuo prescription (YHP) on the learning and memory of accelerated aging model mice, as well as its underlying mechanism. MethodForty-eight 3-month-old male SAMP8 mice were randomly assigned into four groups, including the model group, low-dose YHP group, high-dose YHP group, and donepezil group. Additionally, 24 SAMR1 mice of the same age were divided into a control group and a YHP treatment control group, each consisting of 12 mice. The YHP groups received YHP at doses of 6.24 g·kg-1 and 12.48 g·kg-1, while the donepezil group was treated with donepezil at a dose of 0.65 mg·kg-1. The model group and control groups were given physiological saline. The mice were gavaged once daily for a duration of four weeks. Spatial learning and memory abilities of mice were assessed using the Morris water maze test. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to evaluate neuronal density as well as expression levels of M1 microglial (MG) polarization marker inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and M2 MG polarization marker arginase-1 (Arg-1) in the hippocampus region. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of pro-inflammatory factor interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory factor transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Furthermore, Western blot analysis was conducted to determine expressions of amyloid β peptide1-42 (Aβ1-42) along with triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway-related proteins TREM2, phospho (p)-NF-κB p65, and phospho-inhibitory kappa B kinase β (IKKβ) in the hippocampus. ResultCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant reduction in neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN) expression in the hippocampus, a significant increase in iNOS expression in MG, and a significant decrease in Arg-1 expression. The serum IL-1β content was significantly increased, while the TGF-β1 content was significantly decreased. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in TREM2 expression in the hippocampus and significant increases in p-NF-κB p65, p-IKKβ, and Aβ1-42 expressions (P<0.05, P<0.01). However, no significant changes were observed in escape latency, times of crossing the platform, and hippocampal NeuN expression in the YHP treatment control group. Conversely, iNOS expression in MG as well as the hippocampal p-NF-κB p65, p-IKKβ, and Aβ1-42 expressions were significantly decreased. Furthermore, TREM2 expression was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). In comparison to the model group, the low-dose YHP group showed a significantly shortened escape latency and an increased number of crossing the platform (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the high-dose YHP group, the escape latency was significantly shortened (P<0.05). In the low-dose YHP group, high-dose YHP group, the expression of NeuN in the hippocampus was significantly increased, the expression of iNOS in MG was significantly decreased, and the expression of Arg-l was significantly increased. The serum IL-1β content was significantly decreased, while the TGF-β1 content was significantly increased. Furthermore, the expression of TREM2 in the hippocampus was significantly increased, and the expressions of p-NF-κB p65, p-IKKβ, and Aβ1-42 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionEarly YHP intervention may promote the transformation of hippocampal MG from M1 to M2 by regulating the TREM2/NF-κB signaling pathway, reduce the release of neuroinflammatory factors, protect hippocampal neurons, and reduce the deposition of Aβ1-42, and finally delay the occurrence of learning and memory decline in SAMP8 mice.
9.Strategies and technical points for breast reconstruction with free lower abdominal flap transplantation through lateral thoracic incision
Dajiang SONG ; Zhiyuan WANG ; Xu LIU ; Zan LI ; Yixin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(5):484-490
Objective:To explore the strategies and technical points for breast reconstruction using free lower abdominal skin flap transplantation through lateral chest incision.Methods:The data of patients who underwent unilateral breast reconstruction with free lower abdominal flap transplantation using lateral thoracic incision in Hunan Cancer Hospital from October 2022 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Lateral thoracic incision was used in the recipient area. Firstly suitable radical mastectomy was performed for patients with early onset of breast cancer or recurrence after breast-conserving surgery, and prosthetic dilator removal or breast capsule release was performed for patients with dilator removed or capsular contracture after breast cancer prosthesis reconstruction. After that, the free lower abdominal skin flap breast reconstruction was completed under the same incision. During the operation, blood vessel preparation in the recipient area, skin flap preparation in the donor area, blood vessel anastomosis and breast shaping were completed successively according to the actual situation of the patient. Postoperative observation of complications, follow-up evaluation of reconstructed breast appearance and donor site healing were carred out.Results:A total of 15 female patients were included, aged range from 24 to 57 years old, with an average of 42.3 years old. There were 9 cases of early breast cancer, 2 cases of breast cancer recurrence after breast conserving surgery, 2 cases of breast cancer with dilator removed after breast reconstruction, and 2 cases of capsule contracture after breast cancer prosthesis reconstruction. The length of the lateral chest incision was 7.5-11.2 cm, with an average of 8.7 cm. Six cases were performed with 3/4 of the lower abdominal skin flaps, using a unilateral inferior abdominal vascular pedicle. The volume of the flaps ranged from 19.0 cm × 10.0 cm × 4.5 cm to 23.0 cm × 13.0 cm × 6.0 cm. The weight ranged from 280 to 510 g, with an average of 370 g. Nine cases were performed by cutting the entire lower abdominal skin flap and using bilateral inferior abdominal vascular pedicle. The volume of the skin flaps ranged from 27.0 cm × 11.0 cm × 5.0 cm to 30.0 cm × 14.0 cm × 6.5 cm. The weight ranged from 420 to 730 g, with an average of 530 g. Nine cases were selected as the main trunk of the thoracic and dorsal blood vessels, 4 cases were selected as the anterior serratus branch of the thoracic and dorsal blood vessels, and 2 cases were selected as the main trunk of the thoracic and dorsal blood vessels combined with the anterior serratus branch. One flap experienced venous crisis and the surgery failed, while the remaining 14 flaps survived smoothly. Follow-up period was 6-17 months, with an average of 10.4 months. The reconstructed breast had a satisfactory appearance and texture, without skin flap contraction or deformation. The skin flap donor area and breast recipient area only had linear scars, and there was no significant impact on abdominal wall and shoulder joint function. There was no tumor recurrence or metastasis during follow-up.Conclusion:When the side chest incision is used to perform the related operations of breast cancer radical resection, the free lower abdominal skin flap can be transplanted into the same incision for breast reconstruction. The effect is satisfactory, and the damage of the affected area is further reduced.
10.Endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction using oblique pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap
Dajiang SONG ; Tianyi ZHANG ; Zhiyuan WANG ; Xu LIU ; Zan LI ; Xiaozhen WANG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(9):985-991
Objective:To explore the clinical value and therapeutic effects of endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy combined with immediate breast reconstruction using an oblique pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap(ORAMF).Methods:The data of patients admitted to Hunan Cancer Hospital from May to September 2023 who underwent breast cancer resection followed by immediate breast reconstruction with ORAMF were analyzed retrospectively. Surgical methods: firstly, axillary anterior sentinel lymph node biopsy and subcutaneous glandular excision for breast cancer were performed through a lateral chest incision using an endoscopic technique. Subsequently, a unilateral ORAMF was prepared by removing the epidermis and creating subcutaneous tunnels on the surface of the rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap under direct visualization. The subcutaneous tunnel of the flap was then extended to the deep surface of the breast with the assistance of an endoscope, allowing for the transfer of the ORAMF to reconstruct the breast. Post surgery, the flap survival was monitored, and after discharge, patients received enhanced anti-scar treatment and functional rehabilitation exercises. Follow-up assessments included the evaluation of the reconstructed breast shape, incision scarring in both the donor and recipient areas, abdominal wall function, tumor recurrence and metastasis.Results:A total of 8 female patients with unilateral breast cancer were included in this study, aged between 27 and 52 years, with a mean age of 41.7 years old. The body mass index of the patients ranged from 19.1 to 22.5 kg/m 2. All patients had early-stage breast cancer. During the operation the average mass of the resected breast was 245 g(ranging from 220 to 285 g). The length of the lateral thoracotomy incision varied from 6.9 to 9.5 cm, with a mean length of 7.7 cm. In 3 cases, the ipsilateral ORAMF was used for breast reconstruction, while in 5 cases, the contralateral ORAMF was utilized. The dimensions of the flap were as follows: length (20.4±0.7) cm, width (10.8±1.5) cm, thickness (5.4±0.9) cm, with the volume of the flap cutting ranging from 19.7 cm×9.2 cm×4.4 cm to 21.2 cm×11.8 cm×5.9 cm. All of the flaps exhibited good blood supply and survived successfully without the need for additional anastomotic vessels. The patients were followed up for a period of 8 to 10 months post-operation, with an average follow-up of 8.7 months. The reconstructed breasts maintained a good shape and texture, showing no contracture or deformation of the flap, and were generally symmetrical with the healthy breast. The incisions in both the flap donor area and the recipient area had healed well, leaving only linear scars, and the function of the abdominal wall was not significantly compromised. No recurrence or metastasis was observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion:The endoscopic technique helps to preserve the integrity of the breast skin tissue to the greatest extent possible, reducing scarring and assisting in the creation of subcutaneous tunnels to facilitate the transposition of the ORAMF for breast reconstruction. For carefully selected patients with moderately small breasts and ample subcutaneous tissue in the lower abdomen, the preparation of a unilateral ORAMF for breast reconstruction can yield superior results. This approach minimizes additional damage to the donor area, enhancing the safety of the surgery while significantly reducing the complexity of the operation.

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