Changes in donor site selection in lower limb free flap reconstructions by integrating duplex ultrasonography in the...

The flap selection criteria in lower extremity reconstruction are based on the wound characteristics and donor site morbidity. We hypothesized that the decision-making could be influenced by integrating Duplex Ultrasound (DU) in the preoperative design.

We retrospectively reviewed data on patients who underwent lower-extremity microvascular soft-tissue reconstruction at our institution by the same surgeon. In Group A, DU was integrated in the preoperative design of the microsurgical reconstruction, whilst in Group B the choice of free flap donor site and level of anastomosis were based on clinical criteria only.

A total of 48 microvascular reconstructions were recorded. DU was used preoperatively in 20-patients, whilst in 28-patients flap selection was based on clinical criteria. There was a significant decrease in perforator flap (45% over 64%) and a significant increase in muscle flap preference (55% over 32%) in the DU-group. There was no significant difference (10% over 11%) in the donor site selection with considerable morbidity. There was no flap failure in the DU-group, whilst 3 flaps failed in the second-group (p< 0.05, χ(2)-test). Wound healing was significantly faster in the DU-group (21±3 days) compared to 37±3 days in the other group (p< 0.05, t-test).

Preoperative ultrasound studies moved flap preference towards chimeric and muscle flaps with low morbidity to match the three-dimensional defect and to promote healing.

lower limb reconstruction; free flap; donor site; duplex ultrasound.