Reconstruction of Scalp Defects Using Non-Microsurgical Techniques

Abstract

Introduction: Skin loss of the scalp with exposed underlyingstructures are reconstructed by plastic surgeons. In thisstudy, we highlight the non-microsurgical reconstructiveoptions.Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was conductedwhere data of 13 cases who underwent immediate scalpreconstruction were recorded and analyzed.Results: The causes of scalp defects were either congenital(7.7%), traumatic (53.8), electrical burn (7.7%) or after tumorexcision (30.8%). The extent of the scalp defects ranged from20cm X 8cm to 3cm X 4cm. The most affected regions weretemporal, parietal, occipital and forehead. The reconstructiveprocedures were transposition flaps, rotation flaps, skin graft,drill holes, integra, pinwheel flap and Ortichoa flaps.Discussion: To obtain successful scalp reconstruction,plastic surgeons need to understand the diversity of scalpdefects and mastering many reconstructive options. Whenmicrosurgical reconstruction of scalp is not available orcontraindicated, a number of more simplified techniques canachieve stable and efficient results.Conclusion: A variety of reconstructive requirements andchoices should be considered when undertaking scalp reconstruction.An algorithm is needed for management of differentdefects of the scalp. Defect size, location and depth are thecritical factors for the choice of the surgical technique.