Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Donor Posterior Atrial Flap Rotation for Left Atrial Cuff Reconstruction in Lung Transplantation
Published on: October 11, 2024
Comparison of Surgical Time in TDAP Free Flap Procedures: Right vs. Left Donor Site
Yooseok Ha1, Sukyoung Jung2, Jeong Tae Kim3
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Although free flap reconstruction is well established, the influence of donor site laterality on operative efficiency has not been thoroughly explored. This study evaluated the effect of flap laterality (right vs. left) on operative time in thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) free flap surgery, with a focus on ergonomic implications for right-handed surgeons.A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent TDAP free flap reconstruction at a single center. Operative times were compared between left- and right-sided flaps. Clinical variables, flap dimensions, and donor site closure techniques were analyzed. Multivariate regression was performed to assess the independent effect of laterality on operative duration, adjusting for confounders.Left-sided TDAP flaps were associated with significantly longer operative times compared to right-sided flaps (p < 0.01). These cases also involved larger flap dimensions and more frequent use of skin grafts for donor site closure. Multivariate analysis confirmed that left-sided laterality independently predicted increased operative time. All procedures were performed by right-handed surgeons, suggesting that ergonomic factors are a key contributor to these differences. Technical recommendations were proposed to improve efficiency during left-sided harvests.Donor site laterality significantly affects operative time in TDAP free flap reconstruction, likely due to ergonomic disadvantages for right-handed surgeons. Surgeons should consider laterality during preoperative planning and prioritize right-sided flaps when feasible. Incorporating ergonomic strategies into training and technique may enhance surgical efficiency and outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
Multiple Comparison Tests
It would be easy to compare two samples using a significance alpha level of 0.05. In other words, there is only one sample pair to be compared. However, it would be difficult to identify a significantly different sample if the number...
Evolutionary Relationships through Genome Comparisons
Comparison Between Electrical And Gravitational Forces
Since both are inverse square law forces, the distance gets canceled when the ratio of the two forces is considered. Instead, the ratio of the electrical and gravitational forces depends on...
Comparison between RL and RC circuits

