Vascularized Sural Nerve Graft, Fascial Free Flap, and Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface in the Setting of Recurrent Thigh Liposarcoma: A Case Report.

Background: There is no clear consensus in the literature regarding clinical indications for vascularized nerve grafts. Most studies indicate that vascularized nerve grafting, rather than non-vascularized nerve grafting, is indicated for nerve gaps of greater than 7 cm. Vascularized nerve grafts are superior to non-vascularized nerve grafts because they possess an independent blood supply. However, not all nerve injuries can be repaired via vascularized nerve grafts.

Methods: A 32-year-old female received a fascial free flap and vascularized sural nerve graft after having multiple reresections of a recurrent thigh liposarcoma.

Results: A 25-cm segment of the sural nerve was isolated alongside the lesser saphenous vein and intervening fascia. The free fascial flap was subsequently reversed and placed into the thigh. Vascular anastomoses were created, and the sural nerve was anastomosed to the peroneal nerve. A small portion of muscle from the thigh was wrapped around tibial nerve fascicles of the sciatic nerve to create a regenerative nerve interface.

Conclusions: Benefits of vascularized sural nerve graft compared with other vascularized nerve grafts include negligible sensory loss at the donor site and a nerve graft that can be designed on itself due to its vast length. Additionally, vascularized sural nerve grafts provided a better rate of axonal regeneration, rate of electromyographic return, and motor and sensory outcome compared with non-vascularized sural nerve grafts.