Coverage for the vascular pedicle of a free fasciocutaneous flap using split thickness skin graft with auxiliary procedure to achieve a safe method with no impairment of vessels: a case series and literature review

• DOI: 10.1007/s00238-024-02176-3
• Publication Date: 2024-02-22T11:06:19Z
• Authors: Leonardo Garutti; Juste Kaciulyte; Jonathan Velazque...; Davide Spadoni; Marco Marcasciano; Mario Cherubino; Luigi Valdatta; Nicola Zerbinati; Shih-Heng Chen; Hung-chi Chen
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Free flap pedicle; Split-thickness skin graft; Pedicle exposure; Free flap reconstruction; Free flap survival; Salvage procedure

Abstract Background The vascular pedicle of a free flap is the most critical structure that determines its viability. Most times it covered with local skin flaps raised from recipient site or part itself. However, there are conditions in which can be graft. purpose present study to describe our experience use split-thickness grafts (STSG) as an auxiliary procedure for coverage. Methods All patients who underwent microvascular fasciocutaneous reconstruction at Department Plastic Surgery China Medical University Hospital Taichung 1986 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients met all following criteria eligible study: any region body and cases where tension was detected during closure over STSG applied cover. Results There 14 this series treated 2021. Among them, 11 had no additional proximal end flap, nor disposal cover vessels. In 3 other bridge used cross-leg transfer without possibility tubulization protect successful. Conclusions During flaps, if available pedicle, graft vessels compromising circulation flap. Our results, accordance literature, supports safety technique when direct above near not possible. Level evidence IV, Therapeutic.