​Study of Paraumbilical Perforators in a Normal Population Group and its Clinical Correlation with Paraumbilical Perforator Based Abdominal Flaps in South Indian Population

ABSTRACT

Aim: To analyse the perforators around umbilicus in a normal population group. To assess the clinical versatility of paraumbilicalperforator based abdominal flaps.Materials and Methods: Doppler analysis of site of paraumbilical perforators was done in 50 individuals of varying age groups,with normal abdominal wall. 32 patients having upper limb defects were reconstructed with paraumbilical perforator basedabdominal flaps, in the Department of Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai, duringthe period of two years 2016 and 2017, and analysed.Discussion: The perforators in paraumbilical region, were Dopplered in normal individuals. The paraumbilical region was dividedinto 4 zones and the perforator pattern was studied. The clinical study was done in the case series of the paraumbilical perforatorbased abdominal flaps, done in the department. The flaps were based on the perforators in all the zones of paraumbilical regionstudied.Results and Conclusion: The commonest position of the paraumbilical perforator was analysed. It was found that theparaumbilical perforator based abdominal flaps can be harvested in any zone, in any direction. The versatility of flap design,with comfortable and amiable positioning of the upper limb with abdomen, makes these flaps reliable and a “user-friendly”option in the reconstruction repertoire of the upper limb defects.