Use of locoregional Perforator Flaps for reconstruction of lower limb defects: Our  experience

Nilesh B.  Ghelani; Sankit D.  Shah; Darshil K.  Rajgor; Hardik  Ponkiya; Chandni  Joshi

doi:10.48165/ijabms.2021.23106

Authors

Nilesh B. Ghelani (Associate professor), Department of Burns and plastic surgery, Smt. SCL hospital, Smt. NHL Medical College, Saraspur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat -380018.
Sankit D. Shah M.Ch. (Assistant professor), Department of Burns and plastic surgery, Smt. SCL hospital, Smt. NHL Medical College, Saraspur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat -380018.
Darshil K. Rajgor (M.Ch. 2nd year resident), Department of Burns and plastic surgery, Smt. SCL hospital, Smt. NHL Medical College, Saraspur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat -380018.
Hardik Ponkiya (M.Ch. 3rd year resident), Department of Burns and plastic surgery, Smt. SCL hospital, Smt. NHL Medical College, Saraspur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat -380018.
Chandni Joshi (M.Ch. 1st year resident), Department of Burns and plastic surgery, Smt. SCL hospital, Smt. NHL Medical College, Saraspur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat -380018.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/ijabms.2021.23106%20

Keywords:

Perforator flaps, Lower limb reconstruction

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Popularity of perforator flaps for lower limb reconstruction has increased due to multiple advantages. It gives replacement of tissues using ‘like-by-like’ principles.

METHODS: From December 2018 to January 2020, 11 cases of lower limb reconstruction were operated using perforator flaps. Outcome was assessed in view of age distribution, duration of surgery, hospital stay, postoperative complications, patient satisfaction & cosmesis.

RESULTS: Partial flap necrosis was noted as most common (three cases) postoperative complication in our study. Other complications were superficial epidermolysis, venous congestion & total flap loss which were managed conservatively except one case in which skin grafting was performed after debridement of totally necrosed flap.

CONCLUSIONS: Perforator flaps are having relatively simple surgical technique & advantage of less donor site morbidity. Identification of various perforators in lower limb makes its use more feasible for lower limb reconstruction.