Soft tissue repair of large defects of lower limbs with deep inferior epigastric perforator flap

Abstract

Objective To study the method and effect of deep inferior epigastric perforator flap(DIEP)in repairing the large defects of lower limbs.Methods Eight cases,from July 2009 to November 2011,including 3 cases of plantar skin defects with bone exposure after foot injuries,three cases of plate exposure after tibia fracture surgery and 2 cases of heel repeated ulceration after skin graft,were repaired by deep inferior epigastric perforator flap.Results All deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps survived with good functions,except 1 case whose distal with poor blood supply and the flap survived after treatmenting,three cases of flap bloated with good appearances after second operation.Conclusion DIEP is a proper option for repair of large defects of lower limbs.It has the advantages of abundant blood supply,large flap area,abdomen can suturing without abdominal complications. Key words: Lower limbs; Deep inferior epigastric perforator flap; Free graft; Microsurgical operation