Septocutaneous Tensor Fasciae Latae (sc-TFL) perforator flap for breast reconstruction: Radiological considerations and clinical series The upper lateral thigh was selected as a donor site because of prior surgery. In one case a DIEP flap had been performed and in another case an abdo- minoplasty. Also in 2 cases there was insufficient abdominal subcutaneous tissue and skin. Table 8.2 presents patients characteristics. The mean operative time was 465 minutes (range: 6 hours -10 hours in the bilateral case). Hospital stay was 5 days. The mean pedicle length in this subgroup was 8 cm (range: 6 cm - 10 cm) and the mean flap weight was 517.6 g (range: 233 -624 g). The mean flap size was 21.8 x 8.6 cm (range: 20x9 cm - 23x8 cm). In one case a perforator running in the ventral septum of the TFL (between the TFL and rectus/vastus lateralis muscles) was chosen as pedicle of the flap instead of the posterior septum. In this case there was less fat surrounding the perforator and tension to close the defect was higher. Vessel size ranged from 1.5 to 2.0 mm: the arteries were sutured with a 9-0 ethilon suture and a concurrent vein was anastomosed to the mammary vein with a coupler system (table 2). There were no partial or total flap loss or revisions of the flaps. There were two wound dehiscence’s. One in the case with the pedicle in the ventral septum. In these two cases correction of the scar was performed. Major and minor complications are summarized in table 3. Some results are presented in figure 8.8 a,b - 8.9 a,b - 8.10 a,b. Table 8.2 Patient and Flap Characteristics. 142
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