Super-microsurgery technique for lymphaticovenular anastomosis.
Journal of vascular surgery. Venous and lymphatic disorders
BACKGROUND:In super-microsurgery, such as lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA), the diameter of the target vessel can be small and difficult to manage, and the basic surgical technique of microsurgery, such as inserting a forceps into the lumen and applying countertraction, can be difficult. In addition, it can be difficult to confirm the success or failure of the postoperative anastomosis, unlike with normal free-flap transfer, or to learn the technique by reviewing the results. METHODS:We have described a safe, quick, and accurate technique for LVA based on our experience performing several hundred such cases at our institution. RESULTS:Before LVA, the location of the significant lymphatic vessels and veins proximal to the lymphatic vessels should be marked using indocyanine green fluorescence angiography and a vein viewer to help determine the skin incision site. We used super-microsurgical titanium needles and surgical scissors and an end-to-end anastomosis. The lymphatic vessels should be dissected as far as possible from the skin incision to the center, and the veins should be dissected as far as possible from the periphery. First, a stay suture should be applied to the upper and lower ends of the anastomosis at 180°. Next, the anterior wall should be sutured. In some cases, countertraction can be applied by inserting the tip of a forceps into the vascular vessel. However, because its insertion could damage the lymphatic vessel wall, it would be more appropriate to perform the anastomosis using the involved stitch technique. After anastomosis of the anterior wall, the vessel should be inverted and the posterior wall anastomosed using the same technique. CONCLUSIONS:We have reported the key points necessary to perform LVA quickly and accurately and the precautions necessary to maintain long-term patency. This sophisticated LVA technique can be applied to improve the outcomes for patients with lymphedema.
10.1016/j.jvsv.2022.08.008
Replantation of multiple fingertip amputations using super microsurgery: A case report and literature review.
JPRAS open
Background:The fingertip amputation is an amputation type of the finger beyond the proximal nail fold. There is no vein available for anastomoses on the dorsal side of the finger, and the palmar vein of the finger is small and tightly attached to the skin. Therefore, it is relatively difficult to implement surgical anastomoses, which poses challenges to the clinical treatment of fingertip amputations. Case report:A 29-year-old male was admitted to the hospital due to "the amputation of the fingertips of the right index, middle, and ring fingers caused by a heavy object compression 3 h ago". The admission examination revealed that the right index, middle, and ring fingers were completely severed at the 1/2 plane of the nail bed, with irregular sections, severe contusion, and pollution. The X-ray examination showed comminuted fractures of the distal phalanges of the right index, middle, and ring fingers. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with multiple severed fingertips of the right hand (Tamai Zone 1). The patient underwent debridement, vascular exploration, and replantation of the right index, middle, and ring fingertips under emergency general anesthesia. After surgery, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, and anticoagulant treatment and regular dressing changes were conducted. The patient did not receive a blood transfusion, and all three fingers survived. The appearance of these fingers was favorable 3 months after surgery, and the flexion and extension of these fingers were normal. Eventually, the patient achieved excellent Chen's hand function scores. Conclusions:To the best of our knowledge, this may be the first successful case regarding the replantation of three fingertips after amputations in Tamai Zone 1 with favorable outcomes. It can be maintained that super microsurgery can be used for the replantation of multiple fingertip amputations.
10.1016/j.jpra.2024.03.008