Long-term patency of twisted vascular pedicles in perforator-based propeller flaps

Please always quote using this URN: urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-158870
  • Background: Propeller flaps require torsion of the vascular pedicle of up to 180 degrees. Contrary to free flaps, where the relevance of an intact vascular pedicle has been documented, little is known regarding twisted pedicles of propeller flaps. As secondary surgeries requiring undermining of the flap are common in the extremities, knowledge regarding the necessity to protect the pedicle is relevant. The aim of this study was a long-term evaluation of the patency of vascular pedicle of propeller flaps. Methods: In a retrospectiveBackground: Propeller flaps require torsion of the vascular pedicle of up to 180 degrees. Contrary to free flaps, where the relevance of an intact vascular pedicle has been documented, little is known regarding twisted pedicles of propeller flaps. As secondary surgeries requiring undermining of the flap are common in the extremities, knowledge regarding the necessity to protect the pedicle is relevant. The aim of this study was a long-term evaluation of the patency of vascular pedicle of propeller flaps. Methods: In a retrospective clinical study, 22 patients who underwent soft-tissue reconstruction with a propeller flap were evaluated after 43 months. A Doppler probe was used to locate and evaluate the patency of the vascular pedicle of the flap. Results: The flaps were used in the lower extremity in 19 cases, on the trunk in 3 cases. All flaps had healed. In all patients, an intact vascular pedicle could be found. Flap size, source vessel, or infection could therefore not be linked to an increased risk of pedicle loss. Conclusions: The vascular pedicle of propeller flaps remains patent in the long term. This allows reelevation and undermining of the flap. We therefore recommend protecting the pedicle in all secondary cases to prevent later flap loss.show moreshow less

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Metadaten
Author: Rafael G. Jakubietz, Aljoscha Nickel, Iva Neshkova, Karsten Schmidt, Fabian Gilbert, Rainer H. Meffert, Michael G. Jakubietz
URN:urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-158870
Document Type:Journal article
Faculties:Medizinische Fakultät / Klinik und Poliklinik für Unfall-, Hand-, Plastische und Wiederherstellungschirurgie (Chirurgische Klinik II)
Language:English
Parent Title (English):Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open
Year of Completion:2017
Volume:5
Issue:10
Pagenumber:e1544
Source:Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open 2017;5(10):e1544. DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000001544
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000001544
Dewey Decimal Classification:6 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften / 61 Medizin und Gesundheit / 617 Chirurgie und verwandte medizinische Fachrichtungen
Tag:long-term patency
Release Date:2018/03/27
Collections:Open-Access-Publikationsfonds / Förderzeitraum 2017
Licence (German):License LogoCC BY-NC-ND: Creative-Commons-Lizenz: Namensnennung, Nicht kommerziell, Keine Bearbeitungen 4.0 International