OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of a foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap to repair soft tissue defects in the shoulder and back. METHODS: Between August 2018 and January 2023, the foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps were used to repair soft tissue defects in the shoulder and back of 8 patients. There were 5 males and 3 females with the age ranged from 21 to 56 years (mean, 35.4 years). Wounds were located in the shoulder in 2 cases and in the shoulder and back in 6 cases. The causes of injury were chronic infection of skin and bone exposure in 2 cases, secondary wound after extensive resection of skin and soft tissue tumor in 4 cases, and wound formation caused by traffic accident in 2 cases. Skin defect areas ranged from 14 cm×13 cm to 20 cm×16 cm. The disease duration ranged from 12 days to 1 year (median, 6.6 months). A pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was designed and harvested. The flap was divided into A/B flap and then were folded to repair the wound, with the donor area of the flap being pulled and sutured in one stage. RESULTS: All 7 flaps survived, with primary wound healing. One patient suffered from distal flap necrosis and delayed healing was achieved after dressing change. The incisions of all donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6 months to 4 years (mean, 24.7 months). The skin flap has a good appearance with no swelling in the pedicle. At last follow-up, 6 patients had no significant difference in bilateral shoulder joint motion, and 2 patients had a slight decrease in abduction range of motion compared with the healthy side. The patients' daily life were not affected, and linear scar was left in the donor site. CONCLUSION The foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is an ideal method to repair the soft tissue defect of shoulder and back with simple operation, less damage to the donor site, and quick recovery after operation.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Young Adult ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Plastic Surgery Procedures ; Myocutaneous Flap/surgery* ; Shoulder/surgery* ; Skin Transplantation ; Superficial Back Muscles/transplantation* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Wound Healing ; Treatment Outcome ; Perforator Flap

177Lu-prostate specific membrane antigen(PSMA)radio-ligand therapy has been approved abroad for advanced prostate cancer and has been in several clinical trials in China.Based on domestic clinical practice and experimental data and referred to international experience and viewpoints,the expert group forms a consensus on the clinical application of 177Lu-PSMA radio-ligand therapy in prostate cancer to guide clinical practice.

Objective:To explore the clinical effects of nerve-carrying peroneal artery perforator flaps in repairing nerve defects in the late stage of wrist electric burns.Methods:This study was a retrospective observational study. From December 2019 to May 2023, five patients with sensory dysfunction in hands due to nerve defects in the late stage of wrist electric burns were treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University and met the inclusion criteria. There were 4 males and 1 female, aged 7 to 48 years. Four patients had defects in both median nerve and ulnar nerve, one patient had a defect solely in median nerve, and the length of nerve defects ranged from 5 to 12 cm. Four patients underwent transplantation of peroneal artery perforator flaps carrying sural nerve and superficial peroneal nerve, and 1 patient underwent transplantation of peroneal artery perforator flap only carrying sural nerve. The wounds in flap donor sites were all directly sutured. One patient had tendon adhesion and release of tendon adhesion was performed during the same surgery; 3 patients had combined defects in the wrist flexor muscle group, including 2 patients received autologous tendon grafting during the same surgery, and one patient received reconstruction of finger flexion function with a gracilis myocutaneous flap in the second stage; 1 patient had combined wrist flexion contracture which was surgically released in the second stage. During follow-up after surgery, the survival of the flaps was observed, and the healing time of the incisions or sutures in flap donor and recipient sites and the recovery time of hand sensation were recorded. At the last follow-up, the scar formation and loss of sensation in the foot were observed, and flexor strength and sensory function of the fingers were evaluated based on the evaluation criteria for tendon and nerve repair standards of hands in the trial standards for evaluation of partial function of the upper extremity by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association.Results:All patients were followed up after surgery for 12 to 24 months, and all flaps of patients survived. The healing time for the incisions or sutures in flap donor and recipient sites was about 2 weeks, and the hand sensation recovered in 6 months after surgery. At the last follow-up, linear scar was left in the donor site on the lower leg; patients had partial sensory impairment on the dorsum of the foot, but there was no skin ulceration, which did not affect wearing shoes or walking; finger flexor strength was rated as grade 4 in 1 patient, grade 3 in 3 patients, and grade 2 in 1 patient; the sensory function of hands was evaluated as S3 + level in 4 patients, with the two-point discrimination distance of the skin ranging from 8 to 11 mm, while the sensory function of hands was evaluated as S3 level in 1 patient, with the two-point discrimination distance of the skin of 13 mm. Conclusions:Using the nerve-carrying peroneal artery perforator flaps to repair the nerve defects in the late stage of wrist electric burns, the sensation of hands can be restored in 6 months after surgery, with only linear scar in the flap donor sites and hypoesthesia in some areas of the dorsum of the foot. When combined with the reconstruction of finger flexion function, the overall function of hands can be effectively improved.

Objective:To investigate the effect of immediate breast reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (DIEPF) after the modified radical mastectomy with nipple and areola preservation for breast cancer.Methods:Clinical data from November 2021 to March 2023 of 14 patients with ages from 29 to 49 (mean 40) years old were retrospectively analysed. All the patients received nipple-areola complex-preserving modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer followed by breast reconstruction with DIEPF at the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University. Three patients had left breast cancer and 11 had right breast cancer. Preoperative CTA was used to clarify the course and branching of the deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) and identify dominant perforators. Intraoperatively, indocyanine green (ICG) angiography was conducted to assess the perfusion of the flap and patency of the vascular anastomoses. Reconstructive surgery were performed using unilateral DIEPF in 4 patients and bilateral DIEPF with internal pressurization in 10 patients. Seven patients underwent anastomosis with intrathoracic vessels as recipient vessels, and 7 with thoracodorsal vessels. The weight of the resected breast tissue was 325.8 g±17.1 g, and the weight of the reconstructed breast flap was 332.9 g±32.1 g. The size of the harvested DIEPF ranged from 16.0 cm×9.0 cm to 24.0 cm×12.0 cm, with the length of the vascular pedicle anastomosed to the recipient vessels at 11.4 cm±1.5 cm. The donor sites were closed by layers with tension-reducing sutures, and the position of the umbilicus was relocated and sutured. All patients were included in the scheduled postoperative follow-up at the outpatient clinic after discharge.Results:Of all 14 patients, no postoperative crisis compromise of flap occurred, and both the recipient and donor sites healed primarily. During a follow-up period of 6 to 16 months, with an average of 11 months, no breast cancer recurrence was observed, and the aesthetic outcomes of the reconstructed breast were satisfactory without obvious complications.Conclusion:Breast reconstruction with DIEPF immediately after modified radical mastectomy with sparing nipple and areola can achieve good aesthetic results, less complications in the donor site and with high patient satisfaction rate.

Wound healing is a complex biological process. Hypoxia and inflammation are the two key factors that initiate wound healing and affect the wound healing process. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and nuclear factor κB are the important regulators of hypoxia and inflammation. The interaction between hypoxia and inflammation is essentially mediated by HIF-1α and nuclear factor κB signaling pathways. The abnormal expression of HIF-1α or nuclear factor κB signaling pathway caused by the imbalance of hypoxia and inflammation will affect the wound microenvironment and lead to abnormal wound healing. This paper discussed the effects of hypoxia and inflammation on wound healing, emphasized the role of cooperation between hypoxia and inflammation on wound healing and the effect of their imbalance on the quality of wound healing, summarized the current intervention strategies of hypoxia and inflammation signaling pathways, and prospected the treatment of wound in the future.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of tibial transverse transport (TTT) combined with modified neurolysis in treatment of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) through a prospective randomized controlled study. METHODS: The patients with DFU and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, who were admitted between February 2020 and February 2022, were selected as the research objects, of which 31 cases met the selection criteria and were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups by random number table method. The 15 patients in the trial group were treated with TTT combined with modified neurolysis, and the 16 patients in the control group received treatment with TTT alone. There was no significant difference in gender, age, duration of DFU, ulcer area, Wagner classification, as well as preoperative foot skin temperature, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, ankle-brachial index (ABI), motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) of the common peroneal nerve, MNCV of the tibial nerve, MNCV of the deep peroneal nerve, two-point discrimination (2-PD) of heel, and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the common peroneal nerve between the two groups ( P>0.05). The time for ulcer healing, foot skin temperature, VAS scores, ABI, 2-PD of heel, and CSA of the common peroneal nerve before operation and at 6 and 12 months after operation were recorded and compared between groups. The differences in MNCV of the common peroneal nerve, MNCV of the tibial nerve, and MNCV of the deep peroneal nerve between pre-operation and 12 months after operation were calculated. RESULTS: All patients in both groups were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 13.9 months). The surgical incisions in both groups healed by first intention and no needle tract infections occurred during the bone transport phase. Ulcer wounds in both groups healed successfully, and there was no significant difference in the healing time ( P>0.05). During the follow-up, there was no ulcer recurrences. At 12 months after operation, the MNCV of the common peroneal nerve, the MNCV of the tibial nerve, and the MNCV of the deep peroneal nerve in both groups accelerated when compared to preoperative values ( P<0.05). Furthermore, the trial group exhibited a greater acceleration in MNCV compared to the control group, and the difference was significant ( P<0.05). The foot skin temperature, VAS score, ABI, 2-PD of heel, and CSA of the common peroneal nerve at 6 and 12 months after operation significantly improved when compared with those before operation in both groups ( P<0.05). The 2-PD gradually improved over time, showing significant difference ( P<0.05). The 2-PD of heel and VAS score of the trial group were superior to the control group, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in ABI, foot skin temperature, and CSA of the common peroneal nerve between groups after operation ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION Compared with TTT alone, the TTT combined with modified neurolysis for DFU can simultaneously solve both microcirculatory disorders and nerve compression, improve the quality of nerve function recovery, and enhance the patient's quality of life.
Humans ; Diabetic Foot/surgery* ; Microcirculation ; Prospective Studies ; Quality of Life ; Treatment Outcome ; Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE: To conduct anatomical study on the iliac crest chimeric tissue flap and summarize its effectiveness of clinical application in repairing limb wounds. METHODS: Latex perfusion and anatomical study were performed on 6 fresh adult cadaver specimens with 12 sides, to observe the initial location, distribution, quantity, and direction of the common circumflexa iliac artery, the deep circumflexa iliac artery, and the superficial circumflexa iliac artery, and to measure their initial external diameter. Between December 2020 and September 2022, the iliac crest chimeric tissue flap repair was performed on 5 patients with soft tissue of limbs and bone defects. There were 3 males and 2 females, with an average age of 46 years (range, 23-60 years). Among them, there were 3 cases of radii and skin soft tissue defects and 2 cases of tibia and skin soft tissue defects. The length of bone defects was 4-8 cm and the area of skin soft tissue defects ranged from 9 cm×5 cm to 15 cm×6 cm. The length of the iliac flap was 4-8 cm and the area of skin flap ranged from 12.0 cm×5.5 cm to 16.0 cm×8.0 cm. The donor sites were directly sutured. RESULTS: Anatomical studies showed that there were 10 common circumflex iliac arteries in 5 specimens, which originated from the lateral or posterolateral side of the transition between the external iliac artery and the femoral artery, with a length of 1.2-1.6 cm and an initial external diameter of 0.8-1.4 mm. In 1 specimen without common circumflexa iliac artery, the superficial and deep circumflex iliac arteries originated from the external iliac artery and the femoral artery, respectively, while the rest originated from the common circumflex iliac artery. The length of superficial circumflex iliac artery was 4.6-6.7 cm, and the initial external diameter was 0.4-0.8 mm. There were 3-6 perforator vessels along the way. The length of deep circumflex iliac artery was 7.8-9.2 cm, and the initial external diameter was 0.5-0.7 mm. There were 3-5 muscular branches, 4-6 periosteal branches, and 2-3 musculocutaneous branches along the way. Based on the anatomical observation results, all iliac crest chimeric tissue flaps were successfully resected and survived after operation. The wounds at recipient and donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 8-24 months, with an average of 12 months. The tissue flap has good appearance and soft texture. X-ray film reexamination showed that all the osteotomy healed, and no obvious bone resorption was observed during follow-up. CONCLUSION The common circumflex iliac artery, deep circumflex iliac artery, and superficial circumflex iliac artery were anatomically constant, and it was safe and reliable to use iliac crest chimeric tissue flap in repairing the soft tissue and bone defects of limbs.
Adult ; Male ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Plastic Surgery Procedures ; Ilium/surgery* ; Perforator Flap/blood supply* ; Skin Transplantation/methods* ; Lower Extremity/surgery* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of plantar medial thin skin flaps preserving plantar fascia with its superficial fascia tissue to repair skin defects in hands and feet. METHODS: Between July 2017 and January 2023, 35 cases of hand and foot defects were repaired with plantar medial thin skin flaps preserving plantar fascia with its superficial fascia tissue (13 pedicled flaps and 22 free flaps). There were 18 males and 17 females, with an average age of 38.8 years (range, 8-56 years). Thirty cases of defects were caused by trauma, and the interval between injury and admission ranged from 2 to 6 hours (mean, 3.3 hours). Three cases were ulcer wounds with a course of 3.0, 3.8, and 7.0 months, respectively. Two cases were malignant melanoma. Eight cases of wounds located in the fingers, 13 cases in the palm, 12 cases in the heel, and 2 cases in the distal foot. The size of skin defects ranged from 4.0 cm×3.5 cm to 12.0 cm×10.0 cm, and the size of flap ranged from 5.0 cm×4.5 cm to 13.0 cm×11.0 cm. The donor sites were repaired with skin grafts. RESULTS: All flaps were survived and the wounds healed by first intention after operation. The partial necrosis at the edge of the skin graft occurred in 1 case, which healed after dressing change; the other skin grafts survived successfully. All patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 18 months). The flaps exhibited similar color and thickness to the surrounding hand and foot skin. Two-point discrimination ranged from 7 to 10 mm in the flaps with an average of 8 mm. The donor sites had no painful scars or sensory abnormalities. Foot and ankle functions were good and gaits were normal. CONCLUSION Application of plantar medial thin skin flaps preserving plantar fascia with its superficial fascia tissue to repair skin defects in hands and feet had good flap shape, high survival rate of skin graft at the donor site, and no obvious complications.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Adult ; Plastic Surgery Procedures ; Subcutaneous Tissue/surgery* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Skin Transplantation ; Fascia ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Treatment Outcome ; Perforator Flap

Objective:To explore the value of clinical application of the infrared ray thermal imaging (IRTI) combined with the method of "two longitudinal and five transverse lines" in locating the perforators in the transfer of free anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTPF) in children.Methods:From November 2018 to November 2022, 13 children (8 boys and 5 girls) aged 2 to 12 years old (6.3 years old in average) who received free ALTPF transfers were included in this study. Causes of injury were 6 by car accidents, 2 by falls, 3 by crushing injuries and 2 by burning scars. Injury sites were 2 in head, 1 in trunk, 5 in hand and 5 in ankle. The size of soft tissue defect was 2.0 cm×4.2 cm-9.0 cm×16.0 cm, and the size of ALTPF was 2.3 cm×4.5 cm-6.0 cm×20.0 cm. The remaining wound was covered with medium thick skin grafts. IRTI combined with the method of "two longitudinal and five transverse lines" was applied to preoperatively locate the pedicle and design the ALTPF. Intraoperatively, the pedicles were explored within the region of anterolateral thigh. The rate of perforrator location and sensitivity of the infrared thermography were calculated. All donor sites were directly sutured. Standard postoperative management included anti-infection, anti-coagulation, anti-convulsion and blood volume expansion with adequate warming. Regular outpatient follow-ups were conducted through various means such as home visits, telephone calls, WeChat and text messages to observe flap survival and donor site healing.Results:All 13 patients completed the 3 to 35 (11.0±1.5) months of postoperative follow-up. All 13 flaps survived well, with good colour and texture, and without obvious bloating. Only one bloated flap had a local repair at the inner ankle with a flap thinning surgery in the stage Ⅱ surgery. Then all flaps achieved satisfaction appearance in all patients. All the donor sites healed at stage I. Two patients showed significant early scar hypertrophy in the donor site, which then gradually stabilised 12 months later. All patients had good functional recovery. Before surgery, a total of 38 perforators were discovered and 40 perforators were found intraoperatively. Of the 40 perforators, 3 were not explored before operation, which were located in the proximal part of Zone Ⅰ, Zone Ⅲ and Zone Ⅳ, respectively. The sensitivity of infrared thermography was found at 92.5% in preoperative detection and location of perforators, with a positive prediction at 97.3%.Conclusion:IRTI combined with the method of "two longitudinal and five transverse lines" in locating perforators is safe and reliable in the design of ALTPFs in children. It provides an additional and reliable option for location of perforator in the design and harvesting of ALTPFs in children.

Diabetic foot wounds have a high incidence and uneven therapeutic effect, so it is necessary to explore the suitable treatment mode of diabetic foot wounds. The existing surgical treatment modes for diabetic foot wounds include the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) cooperation mode and the "five-in-one comprehensive limb salvage" treatment mode. These two modes have their own advantages, but are inconvenient to some extent. In response to this problem, the author's team proposed the wound surgical integrated treatment (WSIT) mode based on years of experience in repairing diabetic foot wounds, emphasizing the perioperative management by MDT, and the local wound management by WSIT team, which significantly improved the diagnosis and treatment efficiency of patients with diabetic foot wounds.