Combined versus Single Perforator Propeller Flaps for Reconstruction of Large Soft Tissue Defects: A Retrospective Clinical Study

Sufficient wound closure of large soft tissue defects remains a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. We aimed to investigate whether combined perforator propeller flaps (PPFs) are suitable to expand reconstructive options. Patients undergoing PPF reconstruction surgery between 2008 and 2021 were screened and evaluated retrospectively. Of 86 identified patients, 69 patients received one perforator propeller flap, while 17 patients underwent combined PPF reconstruction with multiple flaps. We chose major complications as our primary outcome and defined those as complications that required additional surgery. Postoperatively, 27 patients (31.4%) suffered major complications. The propeller flap size, the type of intervention as well as the operation time were not associated with a higher risk of major complications. A defect size larger than 100 cm2, however, was identified as a significant risk factor for major complications among single PPFs but not among combined PPFs (OR: 2.82, 95% CI: 1.01−8.36; p = 0.05 vs. OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.02−3.37; p = 0.32). In conclusion, combined PPFs proved to be a reliable technique and should be preferred over single PPFs in the reconstruction of large soft tissue defects at the trunk and proximal lower extremity.

Propeller Flap: Surgical Option after Resection of Lower Limb Melanoma

Objective: To describe a series of cases of lower limb reconstruction using an axial reverse flow flap (propeller flap) after melanoma excision. Patients and methods: From August 2014 to December 2016, at the Plastic Surgery Service at UNIFESP, five patients with defects in the lower limbs after melanoma resection were reconstructed using propeller flap. In all cases, the perforating vessels were previously mapped using Doppler ultrasound. Results: The size of the defect ranged from 4 cm × 3 cm to 8 cm × 4.5 cm. One case had a 180º rotation. In all the others, a 90° rotation was sufficient. All patients had good aesthetic results. Conclusion: The propeller flap is a simple and low cost technique. It is indicated for reconstruction of the distal third of small and/or medium-sized lower limb. The aesthetic result is satisfactory with the thickness and color of the flap very similar to the excised area.

A propeller superficial transverse cervical artery perforator flap for defect coverage of the submental area: a case report

Reconstruction of submental defects is a challenge that needs to be approached carefully, since many important anatomical structures are located in this small space. Both aesthetic and functional outcomes should be considered during reconstruction. In this report, we describe a case where a superficial branch of the transverse cervical artery (STCA) perforator propeller flap was applied for coverage of the submental area. An 85-year-old woman presented with a 3-cm ovoid mass on her submental area. We covered the large submental defect with a STCA rotational flap in a 180° propeller pattern. The flap survived well without any complications at 1 year of follow-up. A STCA propeller flap is a useful surgical option in reconstruction for defect coverage of the submental area.

THE USE OF THE PROPELLER FLAP FOR COVERING SKIN DEFECT AFTER AXILLARY LYMPHADENECTOMY FOR BREAST CANCER

The purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility of using the propeller flap to cover a large axillary fossa defect following lymph node dissection in breast cancer patients.Material and Methods. One hundred breast cancer patients underwent surgery. Out of them, 64 underwent Madden modified radical mastectomy and 36 radical breast resection using a propeller muscle flap. Out of 100 patients, 61 were followed up (50 after mastectomy and 11 after radical resection using a propeller flap). Fifteen patients were randomly selected for examination of the flap using ultrasound (2 patients after radical resection, 13patients after radical mastectomy). The follow-up time was from 3 to 6 months. We studied the following: bleeding in the postoperative period, hematoma, duration of lymphorrhea, duration of hospitalization, ultrasound findings, hand function, size of the upper limb, and physical activity.Results. No statistically significant differences in the number of complications related to the surgery extent were found. Here was no bleeding. Small hematoma was observed in one patient who underwent breast resection. Forty-three (70.49 %) patients did not have lymphorrhea after drainage removal. Lymphorrhea was observed for a month in 9 (14.75 %) patients, for 1–2 months in 4 (6.56 %) patients, and for 3 months or more in 5 (8.2 %) patients – 3 months or more. Twelve (19.67 %) patients developed lymphoedema of the arm. Hospitalization period was 7 bed-days in 90.0 % of cases. The flap viability reached 100.0 %. In 54 (88.53 %) of 61 patients, the active function of the arm recovered. Thirty-eight (62 %) patients had ECOG 1 status 3 years after surgery.Conclusion. The flap made it possible to solve the local problems of covering the axillary neurovascular bundle during lymphadenectomy for breast cancer and eliminating a large axillary fossa defect. The results obtained demonstrated high engraftment rates with a small number of complications, regardless of the surgery extent.

Brachial artery perforator propeller flap reconstruction of post electrical burn defect axilla

In the current scenario, propeller flaps are an attractive choice for single stage coverage of a large number of defects. They have a more reliable vascular pedicle than traditional flap and allow for greater freedom in design and wide mobilization and minimal donor-site morbidity. Harvesting of a propeller flap requires appropriate patient selection, preoperative planning, and meticulous dissection and these techniques greatly reduce the complication rates. Here, we present a case of a post burn raw area of the right axilla which was debrided and covered with a brachial artery perforator propeller flap.

Ulnar Parametacarpal Flap for Small Finger Avulsion Injury

In difficult cases of replantation following small finger avulsion injury, in which amputation occurs at the proximal interphalangeal joint, the ulnar parametacarpal island flap, rotated 180° (propeller flap), can be used as an alternative method for covering a skin defect of the proximal phalanx. This flap can prevent metacarpophalangeal joint dysfunction and additional finger shortening. We propose the use of an ulnar parametacarpal flap for this purpose and report the outcomes of two successful cases treated with this method and followed up for 12 months.