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Early division of pedicled flaps using a simple device: a new technique
A George1, D Cunha-Gomes, R L Thatte
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, Sion, Bombay, India.
British Journal of Plastic Surgery
|March 1, 1996
Summary
A novel screw-based occlusion clamp enables early division of distant pedicled flaps, reducing healing time. This surgical device proved effective in 17 of 20 patients, facilitating flap division between 9-14 days post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Two-staged pedicled flaps are crucial in reconstructive surgery.
- Early division of these flaps can optimize patient recovery and reduce hospital stays.
Observation:
- A new occlusion clamp with screws was developed for gradual tightening.
- The device was applied to the bridge of distant flaps on the 5th postoperative day.
Findings:
- The clamp successfully facilitated early division in 17 out of 20 pedicled flaps (abdominal, SEPA, cross leg, groin, medial arm).
- Flap division occurred between postoperative days 9-14 (mean 10 days).
- In 3 cases with early ischemic changes, the clamp was removed, but flaps survived and were divided later.
Implications:
- This device offers a feasible and advantageous method for early flap division in various reconstructive procedures.
- It potentially shortens the overall treatment duration for patients undergoing pedicled flap surgery.
- Further studies could explore long-term outcomes and refine the application technique.