Algorithm for covering circumferential wound on limbs with ALTP or/and DIEP flaps based on chain-linked design and...

Coverage of circumferential wounds on limbs is a challenging reconstructive job. Here, we propose a skin flap-based algorithm to reconstruct circumferential wound with the chain-linked design and combined transplantation of ALTP and DIEP flap, which could achieve full-coverage and simultaneously primary donor-site closure.

From December 2007 to December 2018, 14 patients with circumferential would on upper or lower limbs underwent reconstruction with ALTP or DIEP flap, by the technique of combined transplantation or chain-linked design, or both. The wound was classified into five different types according to the width compared to the donor site (overall magnitudes and regularity), which was separately reconstructed by five different wound decomposition and corresponding flap design. Flap survivorship, complication on recipient or donor site and any secondary surgeries have been recorded.

14 patients were successfully treated with 22 flaps, including seven patients reconstructed with one flap (4 bi-pedicled, 2 tri-pedicled), 6 patients reconstructed with two flaps (1 in mono-pedicled, 5 in multi-pedicled), one with 3 flaps and skin grafts. Only one donor site was not directly closed, and one experienced dehiscence but finally healed. All flaps survived uneventfully but three had minor edge necrosis and later treated with skin graft.

The algorithm is practical in circumferential wound resurfacing on limbs for allowing flexible design, sufficient coverage, and low donor site morbidity.