A convenient flap for repairing the donor area of a distally based sural flap: Gastrocnemius perforator island flap.
J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2016;
69:1109-15. [PMID:
26944233 DOI:
10.1016/j.bjps.2016.01.027]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The reconstruction of complex lower leg and foot defects is difficult for plastic surgeons. The distally based sural flap (DBSF) is an option for non-free flap lower leg reconstruction. However, one of the major drawbacks of the DBSF is its aesthetically non-acceptable donor area scarring.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eight patients (six men and two women) who had lower leg or foot defects were evaluated in this study. We used an ipsilateral or cross-leg DBSF to repair the defect. A medial or lateral gastrocnemius perforator island flap (average size 8.1 × 6.1 cm) was used to cover the donor area of the DBSF in a two-stage operative procedure.
RESULTS
We did not observe any complications with the gastrocnemius perforator island flap. Two patients had local infections under the DBSF and were treated with bacteria-specific antibiotherapy. All patients were followed up for 1 year postoperatively. The donor areas of the distally based sural flaps were aesthetically acceptable. Patients gained ambulatory status during the follow-up period.
CONCLUSIONS
Reconstruction of the donor area of a DBSF with a gastrocnemius perforator island flap allows for more acceptable aesthetics and functional results than do other reconstructive procedures.
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