Vein/Arterial Grafts Harvested within the Incision for a Free Groin Flap

The free groin flap results in less donor-site morbidity than other skin flaps and is suitable for use in children and adolescents. However, the vascular pedicle is relatively short and vessel diameter is small, which makes vascular anastomosis technically difficult. To overcome this limitation, we harvested vein and arterial grafts from the flap elevation area without placing additional skin incisions. Use of short (2-3 cm) vein/arterial grafts greatly simplified flap insetting and vascular anastomosis. This procedure may expand the indications for free groin flap transfer.