Use of the O-Z Flap to Repair Scalp Defects After Cancer Tumor Resection

Large benign and malignant tumors in the scalp cannot be sutured directly after resection. Instead, skin grafting or skin flap repair is the most commonly used techniques. Local tissue depression and lack of hair growth are some of the drawbacks associated with these techniques. The use of a modified local flap (the O-Z flap) may effectively overcome these issues.

To explore the application of O-Z flap in wound repair after excision of benign and malignant tumors of the scalp.

Between April 2016 and November 2017, the authors treated 6 patients with scalp tumors. They underwent round or oval radical tumor resection with negative margins. Tumor specimens were diagnosed by cryosection during operation. According to the wound defect size and location, surrounding scalp looseness, and hair distribution, 2 rotating flaps in opposite directions were formed on the left and right sides or front and back of the wound. Subsequently, the skin flaps were rotated in opposite directions to repair the wound.

The scalp tumors comprised 2 cases of basal cell carcinoma, 2 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, 1 case of hair sheath carcinoma, and 1 case of epidermoid cyst. After complete tumor resection, the wound defect area was between 3.0 cm × 3.5 cm and 5.0 cm × 6.0 cm. After operation, approximately 6% of the tip of the skin flap was necrotized. The wounds healed after 4 weeks of dressing treatment. All skin flaps survived in stage I and no complications occurred. All patients were followed up for 3 to 12 months; the scalps were in good condition and no tumor recurrence was found.

The use of the O-Z flap to repair scalp wounds offers flexible design, good blood circulation, uniform tension, and good hair growth after operation; thus, this technique is suitable for wound repair following scalp tumor resection.