Journal of reconstructive microsurgery最新文献

{"title":"Lymphatic Patterns in the Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap.","authors":"José Luis Campos, Sinikka Suominen, Gemma Pons, Ali M Al-Sakkaf, Irene Laura Lusetti, Max Sirota, Francisco Javier Vela, Laura Pires, Francisco Miguel Sánchez-Margallo, Elena Abellán, Jaume Masiá","doi":"10.1055/a-2340-9629","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2340-9629","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Lymphedema is a chronic condition, characterized by fluid buildup and tissue swelling and is caused by impairment of the lymphatic system. The lymph interpositional flap transfer technique, in which lymph flow is restored with a flap that includes subdermal lymphatic channels, is an option for surgical reconstruction. The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap can be used for this purpose. This study aimed to describe and characterize the lymphatic patterns within the vascular territory of the SCIP flap.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> This cross-sectional multicenter study involved 19 healthy volunteers aged ≥18 years of both sexes assessing the bilateral SCIP flap zone. Superficial lymphatic patterns were evaluated at 4-, 14-, and 24 minutes after indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography injection. Standardized procedures were implemented for all participants in both hospitals.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> The linear pattern was predominant bilaterally. The median number of lymphatic vessels and their length increased over time. Most lymphatic vessels in the SCIP flap were oriented toward the inguinal lymph node (ILN). However, the left SCIP zone lymphatic vessels were directed opposite to the ILN.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> The two sides SCIP zones were not significantly different. The primary direction of the bilateral lymphatic vessels was toward the ILN, although only single-side lymphatic vessels were in the opposite direction. These findings emphasize the importance of assessing lymphatic axiality and coherent lymphatic patterns prior to undertaking the SCIP as an interposition flap, to ensure effective restoration of lymphatic flow.</p>","PeriodicalId":16949,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reconstructive microsurgery","volume":" ","pages":"209-218"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11825209/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141288280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lasting Effects of Surgically Used Topical Vasodilators on DIEP Artery Vascular Function.","authors":"Jason S Kofoed, Fatma B Tuncer, Alvin C Kwok, Jayant P Agarwal, Bradley A Ruple, Marta Borrelli, J David Symons, Russell S Richardson, Ryan M Broxterman","doi":"10.1055/s-0044-1788326","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0044-1788326","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Surgeons routinely apply papaverine, lidocaine, or verapamil to produce acute vasodilation and prevent vasospasms during microvascular surgeries. There is evidence that topical vasodilators may induce postoperative endothelial and smooth muscle dysfunction, which would present after the acute vasodilatory effects of the topical drugs wear off. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the lasting effects of papaverine, lidocaine, and verapamil on human deep inferior epigastric perforator artery vasodilatory function after the acute effects of the topical drugs had worn off.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> Deep inferior epigastric arterial samples were obtained from 12 patients during surgery. Each artery was dissected into four rings which where incubated for 1 minute in either physiological saline solution (control), papaverine (30 mg/mL), lidocaine (20 mg/mL), or verapamil (2.5 mg/mL), followed by a 2-hour washout. Endothelial-dependent and -independent vasorelaxation were then assessed by the isometric tension responses to acetylcholine or sodium nitroprusside, respectively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Peak acetylcholine-evoked vasorelaxation (mean ± standard deviation) was not different between control (62 ± 23%) and lidocaine (57 ± 18%, <i>p</i> = 0.881), but was reduced (all <i>p</i> < 0.002) in papaverine (22 ± 27%) and verapamil (22 ± 20%). Peak sodium nitroprusside-evoked vasorelaxation was not different (all <i>p</i> > 0.692) among control (132 ± 35%), lidocaine (121 ± 22%), and verapamil (127 ± 22%), but was less in papaverine (104 ± 41%; <i>p</i> = 0.045) than control.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Surgically used doses of papaverine and verapamil, but not lidocaine, have lasting negative effects on arterial vasodilatory function despite the acute effects of the drugs having worn off. These findings, in conjunction with the spasmolytic properties of each drug, may help guide the selection of an optimal topical vasodilator for use during microvascular surgeries.</p>","PeriodicalId":16949,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reconstructive microsurgery","volume":" ","pages":"219-226"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141748479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification of Potential Factors Associated with Cellulitis Following Lymphovenous Bypass Surgery in Breast Cancer Survivors.","authors":"Ricardo A Torres-Guzman, Francisco R Avila, Karla Maita, John P Garcia, Abdullah S Eldaly, Gioacchino D De Sario, Sahar Borna, Cesar A Gomez-Cabello, Sophia M Pressman, Syed Ali Haider, Olivia A Ho, Antonio Jorge Forte","doi":"10.1055/s-0044-1788345","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0044-1788345","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, with around 2.3 million cases diagnosed in 2020. One in five cancer patients develops chronic lymphedema caused by multifactorial triggers and treatment-related factors. This can lead to swelling, skin infections, and limb dysfunction, negatively affecting the patient's quality of life. This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the associations between demographic and breast cancer characteristics and postoperative cellulitis in breast cancer survivors who underwent lymphovenous bypass surgery (LVB) at Mayo Clinic, Florida.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> We performed a retrospective chart review. Data were collected retrospectively from 2016 to 2022. Sixty adult breast cancer survivors who underwent LVB were included in the final analysis based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were excluded if they did not meet the inclusion criteria or had incomplete follow-up data. Demographic and surgical data were extracted, including body mass index (BMI), type of anastomosis, number of anastomoses, and preoperative cellulitis status. Lymphedema measurements were performed using tape measurements. Fisher's exact test was used to determine statistically significant associations between variables and postoperative cellulitis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Postoperative cellulitis was more common in patients aged 60 to 69 years (43.2%), whites (75.0%), overweight or obese (90.9%), with one to four anastomoses (81.8%), and nonsmokers (79.5%). The mean International Society of Lymphology (ISL) criteria for both postoperative cellulitis and no postoperative cellulitis was 1.93. Statistically significant associations with postoperative cellulitis were found for the number of anastomoses (<i>p</i> = 0.021), smoking status (<i>p</i> = 0.049), preoperative cellulitis (<i>p</i> = 0.04), and the length of years with lymphedema diagnosis variable (<i>p</i> = 0.004).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Our results suggest that a greater number of anastomoses, smoking, preoperative cellulitis, and years with lymphedema are significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative cellulitis. Awareness of these risk factors is crucial for monitoring and early treatment of infections following surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":16949,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reconstructive microsurgery","volume":" ","pages":"261-269"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141748478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Impact of Intraoperative Vasopressor Use and Fluid Status on Flap Survival in Traumatic Lower Extremity Reconstruction.","authors":"Idean Roohani, Tayla Moshal, Elizabeth M Boudiab, Eloise W Stanton, Paige Zachary, Jessica Lo, Joseph N Carey, David A Daar","doi":"10.1055/a-2331-8174","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2331-8174","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Historically, the use of intraoperative vasopressors during free flap lower extremity (LE) reconstruction has been proposed to adversely affect flap survival due to concerns about compromising flap perfusion. This study aims to analyze the impact of intraoperative vasopressor use and fluid administration on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing traumatic LE reconstruction.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> Patients who underwent LE free flap reconstruction between 2015 and 2023 at a Level I Trauma Center were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between vasopressor use and intraoperative fluids with partial/complete flap necrosis, as well as the differential effect of vasopressor use on flap outcomes based on varying fluid levels.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> A total of 105 LE flaps were performed over 8 years. Vasopressors were administered intraoperatively to 19 (18.0%) cases. Overall flap survival and limb salvage rates were 97.1 and 93.3%, respectively. Intraoperative vasopressor use decreased the overall risk of postoperative flap necrosis (OR 0.00005, 95% CI [9.11 × 10^-9-0.285], <i>p</i> = 0.025), while a lower net fluid balance increased the risk of this outcome (OR 0.9985, 95% CI [0.9975-0.9996], <i>p</i> = 0.007). Further interaction analysis revealed that vasopressor use increased the risk of flap necrosis in settings with a higher net fluid balance (OR 1.0032, 95% CI [1.0008-1.0056], <i>p</i>-interaction =0.010).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> This study demonstrated that intraoperative vasopressor use and adequate fluid status may be beneficial in improving flap outcomes in LE reconstruction. Vasopressor use with adequate fluid management can optimize hemodynamic stability when necessary during traumatic LE microvascular reconstruction without concern for increased risk of flap ischemia.</p>","PeriodicalId":16949,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reconstructive microsurgery","volume":" ","pages":"191-200"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141087348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Comparison of Commercially Available Digital Microscopes for Their Use in Bench-Model Simulation of Microsurgery.","authors":"Laura Awad, Zakee Abdi, Benjamin J Langridge, Akul Karoshi, Peter E M Butler","doi":"10.1055/s-0044-1787980","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0044-1787980","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Surgical education has seen a transition in the delivery of training, with increased use of online platforms to facilitate remote learning. Simulation training can increase access to education and reduce cost implications, while reducing patient risk. This study aims to compare commercially available digital microscopes, alongside a standard binocular surgical microscope, and determine whether they can be used as an alternative tool for remote microsurgery simulation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> Data were collected for a total of four microscopes, including three commercially available digital microscopes, smartphone, and a binocular table microscope. Product characteristics were collated, and a subjective assessment was conducted using an 11-criteria questionnaire, graded with a 5-point scale. Results of digital microscopes were compared with the table binocular microscope.The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the performance of digital microscopes to the standard binocular microscope RESULTS:  The questionnaire was completed by 31 participants: two consultants, nine surgical registrars, fourteen junior trainees, and six medical students. Digital microscopes were found to be significantly more affordable and convenient for trainees; however, the cost of the smartphone was significant. Overall, the Pancellant Digital Microscope performed the poorest, with trainees commenting on its unsuitability for surgical practice; the Plugable USB Digital Microscope (PLDM) was rated overall most like the binocular table microscope. The Depth of field was shallow in all digital microscopes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> With the increasing role of remote learning and simulation training in surgical education, the PLDM can provide a cheaper, more accessible alternative for junior trainees, in their pursuit of microsurgical skill acquisition.</p>","PeriodicalId":16949,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reconstructive microsurgery","volume":" ","pages":"201-208"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11825208/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141590595","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimal Strategies for the Management of Macromastia and Breast Ptosis for Patients Undergoing Nipple-sparing Mastectomy.","authors":"Andrea A Moreira, Erica Kozorosky, Suzanne B Coopey","doi":"10.1055/a-2508-6495","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2508-6495","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>High-volume breasts pose challenges for nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) due to their large size, indistinct tissue boundaries, and high degree of ptosis. Historically, NSM was not considered feasible for such cases, but advancements in surgical techniques have expanded eligibility criteria.We developed a surgical algorithm for patients with macromastia and ptosis undergoing NSM. We also outline techniques for preserving the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) based on the severity of macromastia and breast ptosis, especially when immediate mastopexy/reduction is required during mastectomy. The proposed algorithm provides a practical guide for surgeons managing these complex cases.By employing carefully selected approaches, it is possible to successfully preserve the NAC in high-volume breasts undergoing NSM. This broader eligibility criteria not only accommodates a more diverse patient population but also enhances their quality of life and improves aesthetic outcomes.Advancements in surgical techniques have made NSM a viable option for breast reconstruction in high-volume breasts. By addressing challenges and preserving the NAC through carefully selected approaches, surgeons can improve outcomes and quality of life for patients undergoing NSM.</p>","PeriodicalId":16949,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reconstructive microsurgery","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143414463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Simultaneous Symmetrizing Surgery on the Contralateral Breast in Unilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction Is Cost-Effective.","authors":"K Lynn Zhao, Alexander J Kammien, Elena Graetz, Miranda S Moore, Brogan G Evans, Eric B Schneider, Haripriya S Ayyala","doi":"10.1055/a-2517-0803","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2517-0803","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Simultaneous symmetrizing surgery (SSS) at the time of unilateral free flap reconstruction has been described as a method to facilitate single-stage breast reconstruction. However, the impact on cost and number of additional procedures is not well described.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> Patients with unilateral free flap reconstruction were identified in national administrative data from 2017 to 2021 and followed for one year. Patients were stratified by immediate and delayed reconstruction, then further stratified into groups with and without SSS. Thirty-day complications included transfusion, wound dehiscence, surgical site infection, hematoma/seroma, and thromboembolism. The costs of initial hospitalization and subsequent surgeries were determined. Deferred symmetrizing surgeries within one year were identified. Chi-squared and Fisher exact tests and Wilcoxon tests were used for statistical analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> A total of 1,136 patients were identified, out of which 638 were delayed reconstructions: 75 with SSS and 563 without. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics or 30-day complications. Within one year of index reconstruction, fewer patients with SSS underwent revision surgery (29% vs. 51%, [<i>p</i> = 0.001]) or at least one additional procedure (36% vs. 57%, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Patients with SSS had lower total costs ($35,897 vs. $50,521, <i>p</i> = 0.005). There were 498 immediate reconstructions: 63 with SSS and 435 without. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics, 30-day complications, subsequent surgeries, or total costs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Symmetrizing procedures at the time of unilateral reconstruction may decrease the cost and number of subsequent surgeries without increasing complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":16949,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reconstructive microsurgery","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143007249","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Experimental Cranial Nerve Models in the Rat.","authors":"Huseyin Karagoz, Feng Zhang, Sara C Chaker, William C Lineaweaver","doi":"10.1055/s-0044-1787729","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0044-1787729","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> The intricacies of nerve regeneration following injury have prompted increased research efforts in recent years, with a primary focus on elucidating regeneration mechanisms and exploring various surgical techniques. While many experimental animals have been used for these investigations, the rat continues to remain the most widely used model due to its cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and resilience against diseases and surgical/anesthetic complications. A comprehensive evaluation of all the experimental rat models available in this context is currently lacking.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> We summarize rat models of cranial nerves while furnishing descriptions of the intricacies of achieving optimal exposure.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> This review article provides an examination of the technical exposure, potential applications, and the advantages and disadvantages inherent to each cranial nerve model.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Specifically in the context of cranial nerve injury, numerous studies have utilized different surgical techniques to expose and investigate the cranial nerves in the rat.</p>","PeriodicalId":16949,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reconstructive microsurgery","volume":" ","pages":"133-143"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141419559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Blunt Trauma Induced Closed Femoral Bone Fracture in a Rat Model: Are Vessels Safe to Use for Microsurgery? Further Insight into the Zone of Injury Concept.","authors":"Karaca Basaran, Asli Datli, Mehmet Sagir, Mehmet Sar, Esra Bilgi","doi":"10.1055/a-2332-0263","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2332-0263","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> The study aims to investigate the zone of injury for major vessels after high-velocity traumas, as it is unclear whether avoiding vascular structures is necessary during microvascular anastomosis or how long it takes for them to be used again.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> This study uses Doppler ultrasonography and a rat model to evaluate the histopathological changes and flow velocity of major vessels in the zone of injury after high-velocity trauma with closed femoral bone fracture. Osteosynthesis was performed using an intramedullary wire. Samples were collected from day 3 and week 3. The unaffected contralateral side is used as control.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Results from arterial and venous flow assessments showed no evidence of ischemia in the extremities. Both arteries and veins were patent in both intervals and on the control side. The evaluation of the vessels showed arterial injury with a slightly reduced arterial flow on day 3 and week 3. The venous flow was slightly reduced on day 3 but not on week 3. Statistically, arterial endothelial injury was higher on day 3 than on week 3 (<i>p</i> = 0.006). Media inflammation was also higher on day 3 (<i>p</i> = 0.06). Arterial endothelization distribution was higher in week 3 (<i>p</i> = 0.006). No significant differences were found in arterial media irregularity, necrosis, platelet aggregation, bleeding, and wall rupture. Venous samples showed no significant differences in any parameter (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> High-velocity trauma increases the risk of thrombosis in vessels. Intravascular repair can start on day 2 and continue till week 3 with significant endothelization. Although physiologic findings do not alter arterial or venous flow, histologic findings support vessel injuries leading to potential complications. Microsurgery should be considered out of the injury zone until adequate vessel healing is achieved.</p>","PeriodicalId":16949,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reconstructive microsurgery","volume":" ","pages":"149-155"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141087333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating the Thickness of the Deltoid Free Flap Using Ultrasonography and Clinical Application in Foot and Hand Soft-Tissue Defect Reconstruction.","authors":"Nguyen Ngoc-Huyen, Nguyen The-Hoang, Nguyen Quang-Vinh, Rainer Staudenmaier","doi":"10.1055/s-0044-1791255","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0044-1791255","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Although the deltoid flap is widely described as a thin flap, no studies have reported on the measurement of its thickness. Thus, this study aimed to measure deltoid flap thickness at different points using brightness-mode ultrasonography and report our initial clinical experience.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> This study included 36 adults (26 males and 10 females; mean age: 34 years) with 72 healthy deltoid regions. Ultrasonography was employed to measure flap thickness at eight designated positions. The ultrasonography results were also applied clinically in 30 patients to evaluate its compatibility.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> The mean deltoid flap thickness was 5.14 ± 0.81 mm, with the thickest point being the emerging point of the flap pedicle. The subcutaneous fat gradually thinned toward the shoulder. No significant differences in the subcutaneous fat layer thickness were observed between the right and left sides, different ages, or the two sexes. Body mass index was the most critical factor related to flap thickness (<i>p</i> < 0.001). All deltoid free flaps were successfully transferred, resulting in good or excellent final clinical outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> The ultrasonography results suggest harvesting the deltoid flap upward toward the shoulder area and across the acromion from the emerging position of the flap pedicle to optimize flap thinness. The results showed that besides the flaps that have been clinically well established, the deltoid flap should be considered a valuable alternative for reconstructing limb soft-tissue defects, particularly where thin flaps are required and favorable aesthetic results are crucial.</p>","PeriodicalId":16949,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reconstructive microsurgery","volume":" ","pages":"123-132"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142348960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}