The pedicle modification of grafting in free flap which use medial-lower-leg-flap with a healthy limb cross-leg bridging thoracic umbilical flap

Abstract

Objective To investigate the methods and effects of the pedicle modification in free flap which use medial-lower-leg-flap with a healthy limb cross-leg bridging thoracic umbilical flap.Methods From June 2006 to June 2010,twenty-eight cases with a large area of soft tissue defects caused by severe trauma were included in this study.We used The flap was used to repair the wound,the pedicle of the flap was improved which was designed by medial lower leg flap with a healthy limb cross-leg bridging thoracic umbilical flap:thoracic umbilical flap carrying the cross midline side flap.Medial lower leg flap in tongue cutting out and carrying on the medial malleolus perforator.In the processing of bridge-pedicled,we rolled the proximal porting of cross-leg flap,used medial malleolus perforator flap as a posterior wall and used thoracic umbilical flap carrying the cross midline lateral flap as anterior wall.Two portions formed a combined percutaneous tube.The two tile formmed a combined percutaneous tube.Fixing method for operation adopted external fixator which two legs were paralleling.Observation of postoperative flap survival situation,shape,color,elastic,scar contracture,and dysfunction.Results Twenty-eight cases of postoperative all flaps survived.Vascular crisis was appeared in 2 cases after 8 hours.Upon examination that was low blood pressure,low hematocrit.In treatment of transfusion and infusion,crisis mitigated.In 1 case after 12 hours with pain occurred arterial crisis,which was reliefed with analgesia.There were no vascular crisis in other 26 cases.Followed up for 2-20 months,flap had good blood supply,color and good elasticity.The appearance was not bloated and sensory recoverred partly.There was no apparent stiffness in double knee,ankle joint.Conclusion Medial lower leg flap with a healthy limb cross-leg bridging thoracic free flap transplantation for repairing serious soft tissue defects of the leg is clinically proven good means.Based on the improvement of pedicle,it can reduce the risk and complications.At the same time,it can improve the postoperative nursing care effects.It is worthy of popularization and application. Key words: Medial lower leg flap ; Thoracic umbilical flap ; Transplantation ; Vascular crisis ; Microsurgical operation