[Perforator flaps--the evolution of a reconstructive surgical technique]

Trauma, oncological resections and pressure sores can cause major soft tissue defects. The evolution of cutaneous, myocutaneous, and fasciocutaneous flaps currently makes possible the restoration of contour and, in many cases, function. This evolution was closely related to the increased understanding of the vascular anatomy of the skin and subcutis and has led to the development of perforator flaps. A perforator flap is a large flap of skin that survives on a single vascular stalk that perforates the muscle, referred to in briefas a 'perforator'. This has its origin in a larger vascular stalk that runs beneath the muscle. The vascular stalk of such a perforator flap can be lengthened by dissecting the perforator from the muscle in continuity with the vessels running beneath the muscle. Moreover, the larger diameter of these vessels facilitates the creation of a vascular anastomosis in the receptor area. By the use of such perforator flaps, proper innervation and a good blood supply to the flap can be combined with less morbidity at the donor site. Important possibilities include the filling of a dorsal (decubitus) defect and breast reconstruction.