Haemodynamic assessment of the superficial inferior epigastric artery to demonstrate the vascularisation of a new lower transverse abdominal flap.
The study identifies areas I and II of the SIEAs as having satisfactory perfusion for surgical use, while areas III and IV are not recommended due to poor perfusion.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the pe 22-28 corpusSummary and findings
This study evaluated the haemodynamics of the superficial inferior epigastric arteries (SIEAs) in surgical specimens from abdominoplasties to identify optimal regions for a lower transverse abdominal flap. A total of 78 specimens were analyzed, with findings indicating significant differences in SIEA diameters between two groups: post-bariatric surgery and those without prior surgery. Perfusion was satisfactory in areas I and II, while areas III and IV showed unsatisfactory perfusion.
Abstract
Haemodynamics examines the mechanics of blood circulation to define anatomy, support diagnosis, and guide treatment of tissue and organ alterations. The superficial inferior epigastric arteries (SIEAs) were studied in surgical specimens discarded from abdominoplasties to evaluate the most perfused regions for creating the lower transverse abdominal flap. In this observational, descriptive, and analytical study (2021-2024), SIEAs from 78 abdominoplasty specimens were catheterised, divided into four regions, and subjected to haemodynamic analysis. Two groups were studied: G1 (post-bariatric surgery) and G2 (without prior surgery). Numerical variables were summarised using measures of central tendency and dispersion. Associations between categorical variables were tested with Fisher's exact test. The Shapiro-Wilk test assessed the normality of quantitative variables. Comparisons between two independent groups used Student's t-test for normally distributed data and the Mann-Whitney U test for non-normal distributions. For paired groups, the paired Student's t-test was applied for normal data, and the Wilcoxon and Spearman tests for non-normal data. Women comprised 71 participants (91.0%). G1 included 22 (28.2%), and G2 included 56 (71.8%). Statistically significant differences were observed between G1 and G2 in SIEA diameters. Haemodynamic analysis showed satisfactory perfusion in areas I and II (100% contrast filling of the vascular territory), whereas areas III (33.3%) and IV (6.7%) demonstrated unsatisfactory perfusion. This study demonstrated the anatomy and flow of the SIEAs and identified the safest regions of the flap for surgical use. Areas I and II were safe, whereas areas III and IV were not.
Background
The paper addresses the vascularization of the superficial inferior epigastric artery, which is crucial for the viability of lower transverse abdominal flaps in surgical procedures. Prior knowledge indicates that adequate blood supply is essential for flap survival, but specific assessments of this artery's haemodynamics in relation to new flap designs are limited. This study aims to fill that gap by providing empirical data on the artery's function.
Methods
Not reported in abstract.
Results
Not reported in abstract.
Interpretation
Not reported in abstract.
Key findings
- Not reported in abstract.
Limitations
- Not reported in abstract.