Perforator pedicled flaps by anastomosis of superficial veins for reconstructing the extremity defects: 14 cases report / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the methods and results of perforator pedicled flaps by anastomosis of superficial veins for reconstructing the extremity defects.Methods From February, 2012 to September, 2012, a total of 14 patients with traumatic skin and soft tissue and artery defects in extremities were repaired by perforator pedicled flaps anastomosed superficial veins with the recipient vessels.Fourteen flaps were based on five kinds of perforator arteries, the posterior interrosseous artery in 5 cases, the ulnar artery in 3 cases, the metacarpal artery in 2 cases, the peroneal artery in 3 cases, the lateral supramalleolar artery in 2 cases, the ulnar artery in 2 cases,and the posterior interrosseous artery in 1 case.After the operation, the blood supplies of flaps were observed severely,postoperative flap swelling were evaluated by edema level classification.After 1 month the blood flow of vein anastomosis were examed by color Doppler ultrasound.Questionnaire of the flap aesthetic satisfactory were performed during fellow-up periods.Results Twelve flaps were all survived well, 2 flaps had partial marginal skin necrosis in the distal, which was managed with surgical debridement, and wound healed in 1 month.Flap swelling were light, edema level classification were one degree in 4 cases,two degree in 10 cases postoperation 7 days, one degree in 11 cases and two degree in 3 cases, after 6 months.Color Doppler ultrasound examinations showed 9 vein anastomosises were all bypassed well.Eleven cases had 6-12 months' fellow-up periods.The flaps had like-like appearance, good contour, high aesthetic satisfactory.Conclusion Perforator pedicledr flaps by anastomosis of superficial veins can reduce the flap venous pressure obviously, avoid transientvenous venous congestion, improve the survival quality of the flap.It's a safe and effective method for soft tissue coverage of traumatic extremity wounds.