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Scarpa's fascia flap: anatomic studies and clinical application
A P Worseg1, R Kuzbari, P Hübsch
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wilhelminenhospital, Vienna, Austria.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Scarpa's fascia offers a new reconstructive option, providing a thin, well-vascularized flap with minimal donor-site defects. This technique simplifies surgery and improves outcomes for plastic and reconstructive procedures.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Anatomy
Background:
- Fascia and fascia-subcutaneous flaps are valuable for reconstruction, especially in extremities and head/neck regions.
- Existing donor sites can lead to unsatisfactory defects, including widened scars and alopecia.
- Current flap elevation procedures can be lengthy and complex, sometimes precluding a two-team approach.
Observation:
- This study introduces Scarpa's fascia, a membranous sheet in the lower abdominal wall's subcutaneous tissue.
- Anatomical, CT, ultrasound, and histological studies were conducted on cadavers and volunteers.
- Scarpa's fascia was found to be thin, pliable, and well-vascularized, suitable for flap elevation.
Findings:
- Scarpa's fascia can be utilized as both a free and a pedicled flap.
- The flap is reliably supplied by the superficial epigastric artery.
- The technique results in minimal donor-site defects and a simplified operative procedure.
Implications:
- Scarpa's fascia flap presents a valuable new tool for reconstructive surgeons.
- This flap offers aesthetic and functional advantages with improved donor-site cosmesis.
- The simplified procedure may reduce operative time and complexity in reconstructive surgery.