Free tissue transfer is now a commonly used reconstructive tool. Vascular compromise is still a common complication and salvage rates of compromised flaps have been in the region of 50%. Numerous monitoring techniques have been tried but there is yet no single technique which has enjoyed universal acceptance. This paper reviews the available techniques and indicates where current trends are leading.

This study establishes that fractionation of orthovoltage radiation does not prevent the development of growth disturbances of the rabbit craniofacial skeleton and also demonstrates that preirradiation administration of amifostine is highly effective in the prevention and attenuation of radiation-induced craniofacial bone growth inhibition.

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BACKGROUND: Nipple-areolar reconstruction completes postmastectomy breast reconstruction. Many techniques for nipple reconstruction have been described, and each has their advocates and critics. One of the frequent failings of most designs is loss of nipple projection with time. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of including autologous costal cartilage on patient satisfaction with their nipple reconstruction. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients were identified who had undergone fishtail flap nipple reconstruction following autologous free flap breast reconstruction between 1990 and 2004. Qualitative questionnaires, using Likert scales, were sent to each patient to specifically assess their satisfaction with their nipple reconstruction. RESULTS: Of 26 respondents (mean ± SEM follow-up period 3.7±3.6 years), 13 had undergone nipple reconstruction incorporating costal cartilage banked at the time of initial breast reconstruction, and the other 13 had no cartilage in their nipple reconstructions. While both groups would opt for nipple reconstruction again, patients with cartilage grafts incorporated into their reconstructions had overall satisfaction ratings 1.92 grades higher on average (not significant, P=0.12) than those without. This difference increased to 3.2 grades when the satisfaction of the patient's partner was taken into account (P<0.05). Improved satisfaction corresponded to higher scores for volume, consistency, texture, and particularly for projection and contour of the nipple (P<0.05). Although nipple morphology changed over time, there was a trend toward improved stability in the cartilage group. CONCLUSIONS: Patient satisfaction with nipple reconstruction can be improved by incorporating costal cartilage beneath the skin flaps. Superior contour and projection are sustained over time.