Kyu Nam Kim1, Sang Il Kim1, Won Ha2, Chi Sun Yoon2. 1. a Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery , Konyang University Hospital, University of Konyang College of Medicine, Myunggok Medical Research Center , Daejeon , South Korea. 2. b Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery , Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine , Ulsan , South Korea.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the popliteal fossa using a free flap is challenging. Therefore, to facilitate easier free flap reconstruction of the popliteal fossa, we use a medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) free flap with a medial sural vessel as the recipient vessel, as it provides several advantages based on many reports. METHODS: This report describes the authors' experience and outcomes with this technique. Between October 2010 and January 2015, 10 patients with medium-sized defects in their popliteal fossa underwent MSAP free flap reconstruction using the medial sural vessel as the recipient vessel. The flap size and thickness were evaluated, as well as the pedicle length, for each case. RESULTS: The skin flap sizes ranged from 60-112 cm2. The average flap thickness was 6 mm (range = 4-8 mm), and the average pedicle length was 7.5 cm (range = 6-9 cm). Full flap survival was observed in nine cases, and flap tip necrosis was observed in one case during a mean follow-up of 15 months (range = 3-36 months). MSAP free flap reconstruction was performed for moderate-sized defects in the popliteal fossa, using the medial sural vessel as the recipient vessel. CONCLUSION: The obvious advantages of this technique included simple vascular anastomosis (minimal size discrepancy), no intraoperative position changes, and good aesthetic outcomes (replacing like with like).
BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the popliteal fossa using a free flap is challenging. Therefore, to facilitate easier free flap reconstruction of the popliteal fossa, we use a medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) free flap with a medial sural vessel as the recipient vessel, as it provides several advantages based on many reports. METHODS: This report describes the authors' experience and outcomes with this technique. Between October 2010 and January 2015, 10 patients with medium-sized defects in their popliteal fossa underwent MSAP free flap reconstruction using the medial sural vessel as the recipient vessel. The flap size and thickness were evaluated, as well as the pedicle length, for each case. RESULTS: The skin flap sizes ranged from 60-112 cm2. The average flap thickness was 6 mm (range = 4-8 mm), and the average pedicle length was 7.5 cm (range = 6-9 cm). Full flap survival was observed in nine cases, and flap tip necrosis was observed in one case during a mean follow-up of 15 months (range = 3-36 months). MSAP free flap reconstruction was performed for moderate-sized defects in the popliteal fossa, using the medial sural vessel as the recipient vessel. CONCLUSION: The obvious advantages of this technique included simple vascular anastomosis (minimal size discrepancy), no intraoperative position changes, and good aesthetic outcomes (replacing like with like).