Abstract
Objective To introduce the surgical techniques and indications of single pedicle thoracoumbilical flaps spanning chest and abdomen in the repair of upper extremity giant soft-tissue defects.Methods From 2006 to 2012,8 cases with upper extremity giant soft-tissue defects were treated with the ultra-long thoraco-umbilical flaps spanning chest and abdomen.The blood vessel of inferior epigastric artery→superior epigastric artery→intercostal arteries or lateral thoracic artery were included in the flap to provide double blood with only one vascular anastomosis.Results All of the 8 flaps survived.Wounds at both donor and recipient sites achieved primary healing.The shape of flaps was satisfactory after 6 to 18 months' follow-up.The donor site was left with a linear scar.There were no complications.Conclusion The thoraco-umbilical flap spanning chest and abdomen with inferior epigastric artery→ superior epigastric artery→ intercostal arteries or lateral thoracic artery double chain blood supply requires only one vascular anastomosis and is an ideal option for treatment of upper extremity giant long soft-tissue defects. Key words: Transplantation; Surgical flaps; Thoraco-umbilical flaps; Upper extremity soft-tissue defects; Repair
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