Flap application in reconstructive surgery to manage severe radiation-induced ulcers: a case series

Radiation-induced ulceration is a late-stage skin reaction after RT for cancer treatment.

The present study examined the use of a single-stage reconstructive procedure to manage radiation-related wounds.

Nine patients with radiation-induced chronic ulcer with accompanying severe complications were admitted to the Plastic, Reconstructive, and Regenerative Center of Viet Nam National Burn Hospital between October 2015 and September 2019. The patients ranged in age from 49 to 77 years. Complications included exposed cheekbone (n = 1), exposed trachea (n = 1), exposed carotid artery (n = 2), exposed axillary artery (n = 2), exposed pleura (n = 1), and exposed pericardium (n = 2). Flap type used to achieve defect coverage after debridement was individualized to each patient and included ALT, LD, SCA, and DIEP flaps. Additionally, a high-density polyethylene was used to reconstruct the trachea to recover breathing function in the patient with exposed trachea.

Complete survival of all flaps was achieved. Most vital organs (the trachea, axillary artery, and carotid artery) were covered. Hospital length of stay ranged from 15 to 120 days.

The successful management of patients with severe complications suggests that immediate single-stage reconstruction may be a valuable option for managing radiation-induced ulcers.