Reconstructive options for large back free flap donor sites

Reconstruction of posterior thoracic and trunk defects can prove challenging even to the most seasoned surgeons. Many commonly used techniques for closing back defects include primary closure and split skin grafts. Often times, however, other techniques are needed in order to give the patient the best aesthetic and functional outcome. In this study, we focus on and evaluate donor site closure techniques for defects in the back created by harvesting scapular and parascapular flaps.

Twenty patients were operated on to remove pathologically diagnosed sarcomas using a wide local excision. The defects, ranging from 5 to 22 cm in width, were closed using donor flaps from the scapular/parascapular region. Nine donor sites were then closed primarily with wide undermining, while 11 donor sites were closed using multiple techniques, such as large transposition flaps, large rotation advancement flaps, keystone neurovascular island flaps, latissimus dorsi advancement flap and large Y-V advancement flaps.

All recipient and donor flaps survived with good aesthetic and functional outcome. Patient satisfaction was high and only two of 20 donor site flaps required further surgery due to wound dehiscence. No other complications were seen during the follow-up period.

The proposed advanced techniques for donor site closure in back defects have shown that primary wound healing can be achieved with the use of a variety of different techniques and the avoidance of the complications of a skin graft.