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BACKGROUND Donor site complications are a significant source of morbidity for patients undergoing abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction, but there is a paucity of data regarding minimizing these postoperative complications. We hypothesize that selective ablation of the umbilicus at the time of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) harvest decreases the incidence of umbilical and abdominal wall complications in high-risk patients. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of all patients (n = 117) who underwent DIEP harvest with concomitant umbilical ablation from 2010 to 2015. This cohort was paired with 117 patients who underwent DIEP harvest without umbilical ablation. Preoperative risk factors, intraoperative factors, and postoperative complications were compared. RESULTS The umbilical ablation group had significantly higher body mass index (30.9 vs 27.4 kg/m, P < 0.001), presence of umbilical scar (20.9% vs 5.3%, P < 0.001), umbilical hernia (82.9% vs 8.5% P < 0.001), ventral hernia (23.9% vs 1.7%, P < 0.001), and rectus diastasis (10.3% vs 2.6%, P = 0.016). There were no significant differences of smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, prior abdominal surgery, or midline abdominal scar. The umbilical ablation group had a significantly lower rate of postoperative abdominal wound dehiscence and skin loss (11.1% vs 22.2%, P = 0.023) and overall donor site complications (24.8% vs 39.3%, P = 0.017). There was no significant difference in incidence of cellulitis, seroma, or abscess. Mean follow-up time was 1.8 years. CONCLUSIONS Selective umbilical ablation in high-risk patients at the time of abdominal flap harvest can result in significantly fewer donor site wound complications, even in the setting of increased risk factors for poor wound healing. This is likely due to avoidance of umbilical incisions and decreased upper abdominal skin undermining. We conclude that umbilical ablation is a viable option to minimize donor site complications, especially in high-risk patients.

Nipple-areola reconstruction is an important and transformative element in breast reconstruction. Despite numerous techniques to create and maintain a realistic nipple-areola reconstruction, long-term durability of nipple mound projection can be difficult. The method of spiral wrap flap for nipple reconstruction provides excellent early nipple size and late nipple persistence based on sound principles of soft tissue healing. Confounding factors such as preoperative radiation and thin tissue-expanded skin envelopes provide additional challenges that can be improved with a staged nipple-delay approach. Nevertheless, one must be prepared to manage immediate nipple necrosis and delayed nipple flattening with secondary procedures.

Reconstruction of limb-threatening lower extremity defects presents unique challenges. The selected method must provide adequate coverage of exposed bone, joints, and tendons while maximizing function of the limb. The traditional workhorse flaps, the free latissimus dorsi and rectus abdominis flaps, have been associated with donor site morbidity and bulkiness that can impair rehabilitation. We report a case series (n = 18) in which the free serratus anterior muscle flap and split thickness skin graft (STSG) was used for lower limb soft tissue coverage. Injuries were due to diabetes (9/18), trauma (7/18), and chronic venous stasis (2/18). A 94% flap survival rate was observed and all but one patient was ambulatory. No donor site morbidity was reported. Our series demonstrates that serratus anterior is an advantageous, reliable free flap with minimal donor site morbidity.

A youthful umbilicus defines the midline abdominal sulcus and adds to a shapely abdominal curvature. The authors describe their technique of umbilicoplasty when the umbilicus is absent and discuss other techniques. They suggest a one-stage procedure for umbilical restoration, which produces good cosmetic results while avoiding external scarring.

Criticisms of the DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap include difficulties in perforator identification and dissection and prolonged operative times. Likewise, the stress level in such harvests varies considerably, particularly in bilateral breast reconstruction where 2 successful flap harvests are mandatory. Various operative strategies were explored in 100s of DIEP flaps to refine the DIEP harvest from a safety, expediency, and musculofascial preservation perspective, both for total mastectomy and partial mastectomy applications. Ultimately, a strategy based on the antegrade pedicle dissection technique, usually with a single perforator harvest and discontinuous fascial incisions, has lead to a safer, more expeditious and minimally invasive DIEP flap harvest that is applicable in many cases. Flap harvest time is now generally on the order of one hour with significantly less stress and minimized fascial incisions. DIEP free flap harvest can be managed with greater confidence, reduced operative times and less muscle, and fascial invasion using the specific operative strategy of the antegrade pedicle dissection technique.

Reconstruction of limb-threatening lower extremity defects presents unique challenges. The selected method must provide adequate coverage of exposed bone, joints, and tendons while maximizing function of the limb. The traditional workhorse flaps, the free latissimus dorsi and rectus abdominis flaps, have been associated with donor site morbidity and bulkiness that can impair rehabilitation. We report a case series (n = 18) in which the free serratus anterior muscle flap and split thickness skin graft (STSG) was used for lower limb soft tissue coverage. Injuries were due to diabetes (9/18), trauma (7/18), and chronic venous stasis (2/18). A 94% flap survival rate was observed and all but one patient was ambulatory. No donor site morbidity was reported. Our series demonstrates that serratus anterior is an advantageous, reliable free flap with minimal donor site morbidity.

Fibrous dysplasia is a disorder of bone that may be associated with endocrinopathies and skin pigmentation. The pathologic, proliferative expansion and distortion of the skeleton is of unknown etiology. Craniofacial involvement that includes the mandible can exhibit gigantic disproportions and dysfunction. Treatment has evolved to include more aggressive strategies of resection and sophisticated reconstructive techniques. The reported case is noteworthy for the unrelenting growth of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia in an adult female with endocrinopathies, progressing to oral obstruction that required urgent treatment utilizing immediate free bone-flap reconstruction. The free fibula flap was employed to restore mandibular continuity after palliative subtotal mandibulectomy. Bony healing to dysplastic tissue occurred in the remaining mandibular segment. This case illustrates that fibrous dysplasia has the capacity for virulent regrowth subsequent to conservative resection. Defects following radical surgery for giant fibrous dysplasia of the mandible can be reconstructed with a microsurgical bone-flap technique.

Acellular dermal matrices (ADM) are becoming an integral component of immediate implant-based breast reconstruction, providing inferolateral coverage and support of the implant. Currently, five ADM products are available on the market for this purpose. Although their application has resulted in improved aesthetic results with low complication rates, the clinical performance of ADM when radiotherapy is a component of breast cancer treatment has yet to be defined. In this article, we present a thorough review of the current literature on the performance of ADM in the setting of radiotherapy from both animal and human studies, including our own experience with two proprietary ADM products. The other three products have little literature documenting their application for this type of reconstruction, and further studies specifically evaluating the performance of all ADM formulations in the setting of radiotherapy are still needed.

Many patients undergoing reconstructive surgery after mastectomy opt for reconstruction with the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap. Among the morbidities related to TRAM flap reconstruction is the development of abdominal wall contour abnormalities, including bulges or hernias. Several repair techniques at the flap abdominal wall donor site have been described for use at the time of flap harvest in an attempt to reduce the risk of such abdominal wall complications. For patients that develop abdominal wall contour abnormalities, numerous reconstructive options have been reported, with mixed results. Ten patients were identified as having abdominal wall contour abnormalities after a TRAM flap and underwent an extended mesh repair with external oblique muscle reinforcement. The mesh was secured to the bony landmarks of the lower abdomen and the abdominal wall fascia. All patients achieved complete resolution of abdominal wall bulging. In the follow-up period, no recurrences, infections, or seromas were noted. One patient, who failed an earlier repair at the inferior abdominal wall, reported symptoms consistent with a scar neuroma. Symptoms were treated successfully with gabapentin and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. We propose a novel and reliable method of lower abdominal wall reconstruction for patients with post-TRAM flap abdominal wall contour abnormalities. This technique incorporates the use of a large Marlex mesh reinforced with bilateral external oblique muscle flaps. We report a series of 10 patients who have achieved resolution of their symptoms and have regained a natural, flat-appearing abdominal wall contour.

An attractive umbilicus is an essential component of the abdominal wall. It defines the midline abdominal sulcus and adds to a shapely abdominal curvature. Certain procedures place the umbilicus at risk thus providing a need for a neoumbilicus. Three-hundred and twenty cases of abdominoplasties, panniculetomies, and TRAM flaps for breast reconstruction were reviewed. Five patients underwent an umbilical reconstruction after loss of the native umbilicus. A crescent-shaped incision was used to create an inferiorly based skin flap. The flap was inset to the abdominal fascia. A small full-thickness skin graft was used to form the superior hood. All patients attained an esthetically pleasing umbilicus with minimal scarring. No contracture, flap necrosis, or graft loss were noted. We present a novel, simple, and reliable technique of umbilical restoration. It circumvents the need for external scars and allows for achieving a naturally appearing umbilicus.