Application of free superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap with end to side anastomosis for repair of hand skin and soft tissue defects

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical effects of free superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap with end to side anastomosis in the treatment of hand skin and soft tissue defects. Methods From January 2012 to December 2016, 26 cases of hand skin and soft tissue defects were treated by the transplantation of free superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap. The area of flap ranged from 5.0 cm×8.0 cm to 9.0 cm×20.0 cm. The superficial iliac circumflex artery and its accompanying vein were anastomosed to the ulnar artery or radial artery and its accompanying vein respectively by end-to-side suture technique. The superficial iliac circumflex vein was anastomosed with the cephalic vein or subcutaneous superficial vein by end-to-end suture technique. Results Postoperatively all the flaps survived uneventfully. The follow-up time was 3 to 18 months, with an average of 11 months. The texture of flap was soft with good blood supply. The fingers of injured limb were warm. Conclusion Free superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap with end to side anastomosis is an ideal method for repair of hand skin and soft tissue defects, which not only retains the main vessel of recipient area, but also solves the mismatching of the caliber of the flap pedicle vessel and recipient vessel. The flap transplantation is no longer limited by the caliber of donor and recipient vessels, and has high patency rate and low operation risk. Key words: Surgical flaps; Hand injuries; Superficial circumflex iliac artery; End-to-side anastomosis