title: Closure of large defects after microcystic lymphatic malformations using lateral intercostal artery perforator flap.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The surgical treatment of microcystic lymphatic malformations (LMs) has historically been difficult and frustrating because of a high recurrence rate due to incomplete resection. However, complete removal of the multifocal and extensive lesions rely on accurate imaging diagnosis and effective repair methods for the resulting large defect. The purpose of this study was to repair large skin defects due to complete resection of microcystic LMs using lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between January 2009 and June 2012, tissue defects in the axillary chest wall region of eight patients aged 13-22 years after microcystic LMs resections were closed using the LICAP flap. Flap donor sites in all patients were closed primarily except in one patient who underwent skin grafting. Before surgery, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination were used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the scope and level of the abnormality for complete resection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All defects after microcystic LM excision were successfully closed using LICAP flaps. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 3 years (mean 2.1 years). All flaps survived postoperatively. No recurrence occurred. Ultrasound and MRI follow-up also demonstrated flap survival without recurrence of microcystic LMs. No functional loss attributable to the LICAP flap harvest was identified in any case.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgical resection is necessary for microcystic LMs. Imaging assists in the diagnosis and identification of the scope and level of lesions. The LICAP flap provides good coverage for the large defects and achieves acceptable morphology without functional deficits at flap donor sites. Ultrasound and MRI are safe and accurate diagnostic imaging methods for the pre- and postoperative evaluation of microcystic LMs in patients undergoing surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China.
authors.forename: Zhaohua
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China. Electronic address: drlishengli@163.com.
authors.forename: Shengli
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Michael E. Debakey Department of General Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: James D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Kretlow
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China.
authors.forename: Weigang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Cao
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D044148:Lymphatic Abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D061525:Perforator Flap; D012008:Recurrence; D035441:Thoracic Wall / Q000601:surgery*; D060053:Transplant Donor Site / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Axilla; Chest wall; Lateral intercostal artery perforator; Lymphatic malformations; Reconstruction