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Use of Perforator-Based Fasciocutaneous Flaps for Pressure Sore Reconstruction: Single-Perforator-Based Versus
Lin Chih-Hsun1,2, Hsu Ma3,4
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 19F., No. 201, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou Dist., Taipei, 112, Taiwan. linchihhsun640305@gmail.com.
Background:
A perforator-based fasciocutaneous flap is an alternative type of flap for pressure sore reconstruction. The aim of the present study was to determine whether a single-perforator-based flap or a multiple-perforator-based flap is better for pressure sore reconstruction.
Methods:
We reviewed the general data and postoperative complications in patients who received single-perforator-based or multiple-perforator-based fasciocutaneous flaps for pressure sore reconstruction between July 2009 and July 2012.
Results:
No differences in general data, comorbidities, wound locations, flap sizes (73.9 vs. 67.0 cm(2), P = 0.455), and operative times were noted between the single-perforator-based and multiple-perforator-based flap groups. The flap rotation arc was larger in the single-perforator-based flap group than in the multiple-perforator-based flap group; however, the difference in the rotation arc was not significant (99.2° vs. 55.5°, respectively; P = 0.199). Two patients had total flap necrosis and one had partial flap necrosis in the single-perforator-based flap group. None of flap necrosis was noted in the multiple-perforator-based flap group; however, no significant differences in major complications were noted between the two groups. All donor sites underwent primary closure.
Conclusion:
This is the first clinical patient-matched research that considered the number of perforators and the rotation arc in applying perforator-based fasciocutaneous flaps in wound reconstruction. The results showed that the number of perforators is not the determinant factor of surgical outcome of the use of perforator-based fasciocutaneous flaps in pressure sore reconstruction. Thus, whether a single- or a multiple-perforator-based fasciocutaneous flap is used for flap perfusion does not jeopardize the operation. These results emphasize the reliability and convenience of using freestyle design of perforator-based flaps for pressure sore reconstruction. The design and clinical utility of the flaps have the advantage of being versatile.
Level Of Evidence Iv:
This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
