Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defect with Free Flap in Pediatric Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Free flap reconstruction in the pediatric population is difficult. However, microsurgery has had remarkable success rates in children. The aim of study is to present our clinical experience using free flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in children and to describe long-term follow-up results. METHODS: Between June 2002 and July 2010, 30 cases of pediatric reconstruction were performed with free flap. The authors analyzed several items, such as the kind of flap, associated complications, and growth problems. RESULTS: Among the 30 cases, 21 cases were due to traffic accidents, 5 to cancer, and 4 to falls and other soft tissue defects. The lower leg and foot were the most common sites of the lesion. In the free flap operations we have done, 20 cases involved an anterolateral thigh perforator free flap, 6 a superficial circumflex iliac perforator free flap, and 4 an upper medial thigh perforator free flap. In early postoperative complications, partial necrosis was seen in 2 cases, infection in 1 case, and the hematoma in 1 case. A satisfactory success rate and functional results were achieved. CONCLUSION: Free flap reconstruction in children allows satisfactory function with no significant effect on growth. Free flaps are regarded as the primary choice for selective pediatric reconstructive cases.