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The kite flap for reconstructing tumour excision wounds in the middle and lower face: a retrospective study
Ma Yan1,2, Zhou Xiaobo1, Yuan Zhaoqi1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to present our experience with a kite flap in reconstruction of facial wounds after malignant tumour excision.
Method:
From October 2008 to September 2017, patients with facial malignant tumour were treated in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Bazhou People's Hospital with kite flaps after complete excision. The survival rate, colour, cicatrix of the flap and patient satisfaction were recorded after surgery.
Results:
A total of 95 patients were included in the study. During follow-up, from six months to 8 years, all the kite flaps achieved primary closure and survived well, and the colour and texture were similar to the surrounding skin with no obvious scar. Dysfunction, complications and recurrence had not been reported.
Conclusion:
The kite flap may be a good option in reconstructing facial wounds after malignant tumour excision (diameters 1-5cm). It is a simple surgical method with sufficient blood supply and extensive adaptability. For patients in this study, no obvious scars were formed and the recipient site matched well with the donor site.
