The Impact of Flap Vascular Pressurization Technique on the Repair of Large-Area Soft Tissue Defects in Limbs

This study investigated the impact of the flap vascular pressurization technique on repairing large-area soft tissue defects in the limbs.

This study employed a randomized controlled trial design to enroll patients with large-area skin defects in the limbs, accompanied by exposed deep tissues such as nerves, blood vessels, bones, and tendons, for various reasons between July 2020 to July 2022. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups using a random number table method. The control group (n = 30) underwent traditional anterior lateral thigh flap repair, while the experimental group (n = 30) underwent flap repair using the vascular pressurization technique. Clinical indicators, flap survival, scar formation, and satisfaction were compared between the two groups.

There were no significant differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and length of hospital stay between the two groups (P > .05). The flap survival rate in the experimental group (90.00%, 27/30) was significantly higher than that in the control group (66.67%, 20/30) (P < .05). The Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) scores in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < .05). The satisfaction rate in the experimental group (93.33%, 28/30) was significantly higher than that in the control group (73.33%, 22/30) (P < .05).

The use of the flap vascular pressurization technique for the repair of soft tissue defects in the limbs can significantly increase flap survival rate, improve scar formation, and enhance patient satisfaction, thereby demonstrating good clinical value. The flap vascular pressurization technique can be promoted as a reliable method for repairing large-area skin defects in the limbs, thereby contributing to the advancement of specialized fields.