Regional flap: A reliable coverage for post-radiation ulcer.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Oncology

Background:

• Radiation-induced ulcers present a significant clinical challenge with limited treatment options.
• Effective reconstruction of these ulcers is crucial for patient quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of regional flaps for managing post-radiation ulcers.
• To analyze a decade of clinical experience with this reconstructive technique.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 13 patients with post-radiation ulcers treated between 2012 and 2022.
• Reconstruction involved complete excision of irradiated tissue and coverage with well-vascularized flaps (local, regional, free).
• Outcomes assessed included complications, reoperation rates, flap success, and recurrence.

Main Results:

• Eleven patients underwent reconstruction with 15 regional flaps and 3 local flaps.
• The overall success rate for regional flaps was 100%, with no observed recurrence after a mean follow-up of 23.3 months.
• Complications included wound dehiscence (6.7%) and localized necrosis (26.7%) in regional flaps, necessitating reoperation in some cases.

Conclusions:

• Regional flaps are a safe and effective reconstructive method for patients suffering from post-radiation ulcers.
• This approach demonstrates high success rates and low recurrence, addressing a critical need in managing radiation-damaged tissue.