Safety and Utility of Superficial Circumflex Iliac Perforator versus Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Flaps in Pediatric Reconstructive Surgery

Noelle Garbaccio ^1,2, Dorien I Schonebaum ^1,3, Jade E Smith ¹

⁰Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.

Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery +

|

November 17, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

The superficial circumflex iliac perforator flap (SCIP-f) offers a safer and more effective option for pediatric reconstruction compared to the superficial circumflex iliac artery flap (SCIA-f), with fewer complications.

Area Of Science

Plastic Surgery
Pediatric Reconstruction
Microsurgery

Background

The superficial circumflex iliac perforator flap (SCIP-f) is an adaptation of the superficial circumflex iliac artery flap (SCIA-f).
While successful in adults, SCIP-f and SCIA-f safety and utility in pediatric patients are not well-established.
Pediatric patients may benefit from SCIP-f's flexibility, reduced scarring, and lower revision rates.

Purpose Of The Study

To systematically review and compare the safety and efficacy of SCIP-f and SCIA-f in pediatric patients.
To evaluate flap outcomes based on age groups and defect types in pediatric populations.

Main Methods

Systematic review of MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases.
Inclusion of 31 studies with 107 SCIA-f and 57 SCIP-f cases in patients aged 10 weeks to 17 years.
Statistical comparison of outcomes between SCIP-f and SCIA-f cohorts using Mann-Whitney U tests.

Main Results

SCIP-f showed significantly lower rates of all-cause complications, total flap loss, major/minor complications, and debulking compared to SCIA-f (p < 0.05).
All-cause complication rates were significantly lower across all pediatric age groups (p < 0.001).
Congenital and traumatic defects of the extremities were the most common indications for flap use.

Conclusions

SCIP-f demonstrates favorable efficacy and safety for reconstructing congenital and traumatic defects in children, particularly on the extremities.
SCIP-f is a reliable reconstructive option for pediatric patients.
SCIP-f may reduce the need for secondary contouring procedures.