Preoperative color Doppler ultrasound assessment in planning of SCIP flaps

Superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap is based on the perforator of superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) system, and is a highly useful surgical tool with a wide variety of clinical applications. The SCIA system is associated with considerable anatomical variation, however, rendering transfer of a SCIP flap technically difficult.

Using preoperative color Doppler ultrasound (US), we examined a total of 11 flaps of 11 patients who had undergone reconstruction with SCIP flap from April to August of 2014. The origin of SCIA from femoral artery and the bifurcation of its superficial branch and deep branch were easily identifiable in all patients. Perforator courses and their penetration points were marked to guide dissection.

Although one patient required secondary revision and skin grafting because of partial necrosis, there were no serious postoperative complications such as total necrosis or resulting absorption of the transferred adiposal flap. In all cases, findings from the preoperative color Doppler US were useful in delineating the dominant vessel within the groin lesion.

Using the technique described above, difficulties arising from the anatomical variation within the SCIA system are easily overcome, simplifying SCIP flap harvest. In addition to being relatively easy, the technique is also quick to administer and safe.