Circumflex Iliac Artery Research Articles

Simultaneous Lymphatic Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap Transfer from the Zone 4 Region in Autologous Breast Reconstruction Using the Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

The incidence of upper extremity lymphedema after breast cancer treatment is reported to be 14% after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and 33% after ALND and regional lymph node dissection. The present report describes a novel method in which the afferent lymphatic vessels are harvested with their lymph nodes from the Zone 4 region as a separate flap, the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap, in the setting of autologous breast reconstruction using the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap. From September 2017 to September 2020, seven female patients with an average age of 46.9 years (range: 39 to 54 years) underwent autologous breast reconstruction using the DIEP flap and the lymphatic SCIP flap procured separately from the Zone 4 region. All patients had undergone ALND, four patients had undergone radiation therapy, and three patients had established lymphedema at the time of reconstruction. All lymphatic SCIP flaps survived completely. Lymphedema did not occur in any of the four patients to whom the lymphatic flap was transferred for a preventive purpose (average follow-up: 37.5 months). In three patients with established lymphedema at the time of reconstruction, the average rate of estimated volume decrease at the last follow-up (average: 29.0 months) was 12.6%. A lymphatic SCIP flap procured from the Zone 4 region in DIEP flap breast reconstruction can contribute to improvement or prevention of lymphedema with no additional donor site.

Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap in Advanced Head and Neck Reconstruction: From Simple to Its Chimeric Patterns and Clinical Experience with 22 Cases.

Head and neck tissue defects after ablative head and neck surgery often require complex and composite reconstructions. The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap is an extremely versatile perforator-based flap with minimal donor-site morbidity. The authors present their experience with both simple and chimeric SCIP flap reconstructions for complex defects in various head and neck regions. Twenty-two patients undergoing ablative head and neck surgery for oncologic abnormalities were treated by means of a SCIP flap reconstruction. Patients' mean age was 62 years; 21 were men and one was a woman. Seventeen flaps were simple and five were chimeric reconstruction patterns. Indocyanine green perfusion imaging was performed in all cases. Twenty-one of 22 patients (95.5 percent) were successfully treated with good aesthetic and functional results. Two patients (9 percent) showed minor donor-site complications that were managed conservatively. The mean follow-up period was 5.3 months (range, 2 to 8 months). This case series demonstrates the reliability and versatility of the SCIP flap for head and neck reconstruction. The chimeric options combined with bone, double-skin paddle, and muscle offer a broad variety of functional reconstructive solutions for complex head and neck surgery. Intraoperative indocyanine green perfusion examinations are a valuable tool to assess and ascertain proper inset, vitality, and postanastomosis vessel patency in these complex microvascular flap reconstructions. . Therapeutic, IV.

Repair of complex wounds of limbs with free lobed perforator flaps

To explore the effectiveness of free lobed perforator flaps in repairing of complex wounds of limbs. Between January 2018 and January 2021, 10 patients with complex wounds of limbs were admitted. There were 7 males and 3 females, aged from 32 to 64 years, with an average age of 45 years. There were 4 cases of traffic accident injuries, 3 cases of machine strangulation injuries, 1 case of machine crush injury, and 2 cases of heavy object crush injuries. There were 5 cases of upper limb wounds and 5 cases of lower limb wounds. The size of wounds ranged from 11 cm×10 cm to 25 cm×18 cm. The wounds were repaired with tri-lobed flaps of the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery in 7 cases, four-lobed flaps in 2 cases, and with tri-lobed flaps of the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery combined with oblique branch in 1 case. The size of flaps ranged from 12.0 cm×10.5 cm to 28.0 cm×12.0 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly in 9 cases and repaired with superficial iliac circumflex artery perforator flap in 1 case. Sinus formed at the edge of the flap in 1 patient, which healed after dressing change and drainage; other flaps survived well, and the wounds healed by first intention. The skin flap at donor site survived, and the incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 11 months). All flaps had good appearance and function, and linear scars were left at the donor site without obvious complications. Free lobed perforator flap is an alternative method to repair complex wounds of limbs with high safety, good effectiveness, and less complications.

Bilateral SCIP flaps to large scrotoperineal defect reconstruction

Background: Scrotoperineal defects reconstruction can be related to multiple etiologies, being Fournier’s gangrene one of the most important etiologies due to its rapidly progressive nature and high mortality rates. Therefore, new reconstruction techniques have been developed and analyzed over the past few years to achieve good functional and esthetic results, among these techniques are the perforator flaps. Objective: Presenting this case, we want to prove that using bilateral SCIP (superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator), flaps can be a satisfactory option for reconstruction of scrotoperineal defects, without major postoperative complications and adequate functional and esthetic results. Design: This article describes the use of the bilateral SCIP flaps as a reconstructive alternative in scrotum and perineum large defects. Results: SCIP flaps can achieve good results in the reconstruction of large scrotoperineal defects at the functional and esthetic levels, with minimum morbidity in the donor site. Discussion: Multiple alternatives for perineoscrotal defects reconstruction have been described in the literature. The proposed surgical treatment algorithms depend on various factors such as the location and extension of the compromised areas. Conclusions: The discussed SCIP flap proves a very good alternative in the analyzed cases and can be used in a unilateral or bilateral way depending on the extension of the defect to be reconstructed.

Penopubic Junction Reconstruction Using a Pedicled Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap

Penopubic Junction Reconstruction Using a Pedicled Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap

The combination of anterolateral thigh perforator flap and other flaps for repairing the extreme circumferential defects on the limb

To investigate the effectiveness of the combination of the anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flap and other flaps for repairing the extreme circumferential defects on the limb. Between October 2016 and June 2019, 9 patients with the extreme circumferential defects on the limb were admitted, which resulted by degloving injury, including 8 males and 1 female with a median age of 42 years (range, 32-65 years). The etiology involved twist injury in 5 cases, traffic accident in 2 cases, and high voltage electric injury in 2 cases. The location of the defects was left forearm in 2 cases, right forearm in 3, left foot in 3, and right foot in 1. The injected wound bed followed by the exposure of bone, joint, tendon, and blood vessel. The dimension of defects was 25 cm×20 cm to 40 cm×28 cm. The period between the injury and admission was 1-12 hours (mean, 5 hours). All contaminated wounds were taken thorough and radical debridement and covered by the vacuum sealing drainage device during the emergency operation. The ALTP flap and the other one flap were tailored according to the dimension of the wound when the wound surface became granulating, including the thoracodorsal artery perforator (TAP) flap in 3 cases, superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator flap in 3 cases, superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap in 3 cases. And the donor site was primary closure. After operation, all the flaps survived except 1 case of partial necrosis at the edge of TAP flap and healed after secondary skin grafting, and the wounds in the donor and recipient areas healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 14-24 months (mean, 16 months). The shape of the flap was satisfactory and the texture was soft. There was no abnormal hair growth and obvious pigmentation during the follow-up. Only linear scar was left in the donor area, there was no complication such as abdominal wall hernia, and the activity of hip and knee was not affected. The functional reconstruction of upper limb and ankle was satisfactory, and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score was excellent in 4 cases and good in 1 case; the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Association (AOFAS) score was excellent in 3 cases and good in 1 case. ALTP flap combined with different flaps can reconstruct the circumferential extreme defects after limb damage in one-stage, which can achieve limb salvage to the greatest extent.

Pedicled superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap combined with lymphovenous anastomosis between the recipient site lymphatic vessels and flap superficial veins for reconstruction of groin/thigh tissue defect and creation of lymph flow-through to reduce lymphatic complications: A report of preliminary results.

Large locoregional defects affecting lymphatic-rich regions may be subject to serious lymphatic complications, such as lymphedema and recurrent lymphocele. In the last few years, a demeaning volume reconstruction combined with lymph flow restoration showed to effectively reduce their incidences. The purpose of this report is to present the preliminary results of the use of pedicled SCIP flap with LVA between the recipient site lymphatic vessels and flap superficial vein for reconstruction of soft tissue defect and creation of lymph flow-through to reduce lymphatic complications. Between 2018 and 2020, 4 patients (2 males and 2 females), with a mean age of 56.5 years (ranging 42-76 years), presented a soft tissue defect with lymphatic drainage damage which was reconstructed by resorting to pedicled SCIP flap. Causes of the defect were tumoral surgical excision in 3 cases and severe trauma in 1 case. The defects were located in the medial thigh in 2 cases and groin area in 2 cases, with sizes ranging from 5 × 19 cm to 8×22 cm. The SCIP flap was raised by paying attention to preserve some suitable veins at the distal edge of the skin paddle. The flap was then turned 180 degrees and inset in order to match the direction of the recipient's lymphatic vessels. One or more LVAs were performed between the recipient site damaged lymphatics and a superficial flap's vein. The sizes of flaps ranged from 5×19 cm to 8×22 cm. The mean number of LVAs was 2.2 (ranging from 1 to 3). A minor post-operative complication was encountered (small infected seroma) in 1 case, which was conservatively managed. No secondary procedures were required. In all cases complete range of motion (ROM) of the hip joint and wound coverage at both donor and recipient site were achieved. The mean follow-up was 8months (ranging 7-10months). No signs of lymphedema and lymphocele were reported over this time. The pedicled SCIP flap with LVA between the recipient site lymphatic vessels and flap superficial vein may provide a solution for inguinal and upper thigh defects reconstructions that requires a lymphatic drainage restoration. Its superficial veins may be exploited to perform LVAs at recipient site, thus reducing the lymphatic complications in these delicate regions.

The lower abdominal conjoined flap with bilateral superficial inferior epigastric arteries for repairing the large soft tissue defects on the foot and ankle

To investigate the effectiveness of the lower abdominal conjoined flap with bilateral superficial inferior epigastric arteries (SIEA) for repairing the large soft tissue defects on the foot and ankle. The clinical data of 18 patients with large soft tissue defects on foot and ankle treated between October 2017 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including 12 males and 6 females; the age ranged from 25 to 62 years, with a median age of 35 years. The causes of injury included machine injury in 9 cases, traffic accident injury in 5 cases, cutting injury in 2 cases, and electric injury in 2 cases. All wounds were accompanied by exposure of blood vessels, tendons, bones, and joints. Wound located at ankle in 8 cases, dorsum of foot in 6 cases, and sole in 4 cases. In the emergency department, complete debridement (the defect area after debridement was 15 cm×10 cm to 25 cm×16 cm) and vacuum sealing drainage on the wound was performed. The time from debridement to flap repair was 3-10 days, with an average of 5 days. According to the defect location and scope, the lower abdominal conjoined flap with bilateral SIEA was prepared. The size of the flap ranged from 15 cm×10 cm to 25 cm×16 cm. The length of vascular pedicle was 4.5-7.5 cm, with an average of 6.0 cm; the thickness of the flap was 0.5-1.2 cm, with an average of 0.8 cm. The abdominal donor site was closed in one-stage. One flap was altered as the conjoined flap with the bilateral superficial circumflex iliac artery because of the absence of the SIEA in one side. Except for 1 case of skin flap with distal necrosis, the flap healed after two-stage skin grafting repair; the rest skin flaps survived, and the wounds of the donor and recipient sites all healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-28 months, with an average of 16 months. The skin flap had a satisfactory appearance and soft texture, without abnormal hair growth or obvious pigmentation. Only linear scars were left at the donor site, and no complication such as abdominal hernia occurred. The foot and ankle function was satisfactory. At last follow-up, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were rated as excellent in 16 cases and good in 2 cases. The lower abdominal conjoined flap with bilateral SIEA is an ideal flap for repairing large defects of foot and ankle with less morbidity scarcely, which ascribed to its ease of dissection, adjustable thinness, and concealed donor site, as well as the flexible perforator match.

Feasibility, indications and complications of SCIP flap for reconstruction after extirpative surgery for vulvar cancer

Surgical therapy for vulvar cancer involves wide defects that often require flap-based reconstruction. The goal of the reconstruction is fast wound healing with low donor site morbidity. This is a retrospective observational cohort study in which we reviewed all patients who underwent surgery for vulvar cancer followed by reconstruction using the Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator (SCIP) flap between 2015 and 2020. The primary outcome measure of this investigation was the incidence of wound complications. The secondary outcomes were the surgical indications in terms of establishing the anatomical subunits involved in the resection that made us choose this flap for reconstruction. This study adheres to the STROBE guidelines. Thirty-two patients were included; in two cases, the flap was performed bilaterally for a total of 34 SCIP flaps. The mean age of patients was 70.6±8.6 years, and the mean BMI was 26.8±4.7. The SCIP flap was always feasible. The mean flap size was 128.8±74.3cm2. Three patients showed wound complications. In every patient, the defect involved the vulva, perineum and inguinal area; in 18 patients, the mons pubis was also involved. The mean follow-up was 30 months. During the follow-up, six patients died, and four showed local or nodal cancer relapse. Our results suggest that the advantages of SCIP flap for the reconstruction of vulvoperineal defects secondary to vulvar cancer surgery include low complication rate, minimal donor site morbidity, quick dissection, proximity of donor and recipient sites, possibility to harvest large skin islands of variable thickness and chimeric flaps.

Management of Palatal Fistula Using Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap With Intraoral Anastomosis and Supermicrosurgery Techniques.

Postoperative palatal fistula following primary cleft palate repair, especially wide and recurrent defects, presents significant challenges to management. When the fistula is surrounded by limited and scarred regional tissues, vascularized free flaps are recommended. The authors propose a novel method to repair a wide and recurrent palatal fistula resulting in excellent aesthetics and minor donor-site complications. The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap was transferred with the application of intraoral anastomosis and supermicrosurgery techniques for palatal fistula closure.

Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap Elevation Using Preoperative High-Resolution Ultrasonography for Vessel Mapping and Flap Design.

The superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) perforator (SCIP) flap has gained acceptance among reconstructive microsurgeons, the minimal donor site morbidity being its greatest advantage. The purpose of this article is to introduce the use of preoperative ultrasonography to facilitate elevation and to avoid postoperative complications of the SCIP flap. Preoperative mapping of the SCIA and the superficial circumflex iliac vein (SCIV) using a high-resolution ultrasound system were performed in patients undergoing reconstruction using a free SCIP flap. The skin paddle was designed placing the SCIA and the SCIV in the middle of the flap. Preoperatively marked SCIA and SCIV were found intraoperatively in all cases. The skin paddle design for sufficient arterial inflow and venous drainage resulted in no postoperative flap complications. The use of a preoperative high-resolution ultrasound system significantly facilitates elevation of the SCIP flap, notably via the following 2 points: 1) pedicle can always be found under the markings made with preoperative ultrasonography, 2) satisfactory perfusion of the flap can be guaranteed via a safe flap design that includes preoperatively marked vessels within the skin paddle.

The use of pedicled chimeric superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap as lymphatic interpositional flap for deep thigh defect reconstruction: A case report

The tumors affecting the thigh region are complex to manage, requiring a patient-tailored and multidisciplinary approach. Because of their aggressiveness, soft tissue sarcomas (STS) often grow very quickly and they must be removed before they might cause major impairments. A safe margin excision may lead to large defects that require a surgical reconstruction with either free or pedicled flaps. Another relevant aspect, which is gaining more and more attention in the last few years, regards the lymphatic complications that commonly occur after these procedures. The thigh region anatomically accommodates the major lymphatics responsible for the whole leg drainage, and these vessels are often inevitably compromised during the tumor removal. For this reason, plastic surgeons should take into account not only to the aesthetic and functional result, but they should also try to prevent lymphatic sequelae such as lymphocele and lymphedema. The purpose of this report is to describe the potential of a pedicled SCIP flap, used as a lymphatic interpositional flap, in order to restore the lymphatic drainage of the thigh after a major impairment. A 57-year-old patient presenting a thigh sarcoma received a surgical excision leaving a 35 cm × 25 cm defect affecting the anterior compartment. To fulfill all these concerns, a lymphatic interpositional SCIP flap was performed, in pedicled and chimeric fashion. It allowed to completely bury a large (35 cm × 16 cm) soft tissue island, preserving a smaller (5cm × 4cm) skin paddle to monitor the whole flap survival. Moreover, the lymphatic issue was faced by preserving the lymphatic vessels running into the flap and moving them into the affected area in order to enhance the lymphatic neo-angiogenesis and offering an additional pattern for lymph drainage. Post-operative course was uneventful and at 9months follow up the reconstructive result was successful with no signs of lymphatic sequelae. Therefore, we believe that the SCIP flap might be a promising solution for small-to-moderate size thigh defect reconstructions since it is able to satisfy all the typical requirements of this delicate region.

Reconstruction of Achilles region defects: A single-centre experience.

Reconstruction of Achilles tendon and the overlying tissue defects is a challenging undertaking. The spectrum of available repair methods range from secondary healing to the use of free flaps. The aim of this study was to discuss reconstruction options and to help the surgeon to select reliable approach to achieve favourable outcomes. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated 14 patients who underwent reconstruction of Achilles region defect between 2016 and 2019 at a single centre. Reconstructions were performed with secondary healing (n=2), negative pressure wound therapy and skin grafting (n=2), free flaps (n=6) and local and distant flaps (n=4). Satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes were achieved in all patients. One patient developed partial skin graft loss. Marginal necrosis occurred in one of the local flaps. Wound dehiscence and flap retraction occurred in one of the free (superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator) flaps. One patient undergoing reconstruction with ulnar artery perforator flap developed intraoperative atrial fibrillation; the operation was terminated and reconstruction completed with skin grafting. Orthoplastic reconstruction should be kept in mind for Achilles tendon defects. The use of special digital imaging techniques facilitates flap surgery and helps minimise the risk of flap complications. Conventional approaches are suitable for shallow small skin lesions. Local flaps are good options for deeper skin defects owing to superior aesthetic outcomes. Super-thin free flaps offer a distinct advantage in skillful hands. The use of multi-content free chimeric flaps for reconstruction of complex defects facilitates better anatomical repair. Cross leg or flow-through flaps may be considered in patients with compromised distal circulation. Selection of the most reliable approach for Achilles reconstruction is a key imperative to achieve favourable outcomes.

Radical reduction and reconstruction for male genital elephantiasis: Superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) lymphatic flap transfer after elephantiasis tissue resection

Treatment of elephantiasis, the most severe lymphedema, is challenging. Management of male genital elephantiasis (MGE) is even more challenging than extremity elephantiasis due to its complicated shape and high risk of lymphorrhea and cellulitis. Complete resection of fibrous tissue and lymphatic reconstruction is considered to be ideal for the treatment of MGE. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of radical reduction and reconstruction (3R) for isolated MGE.Medical charts of patients who underwent 3R were reviewed. The 3R operation consisted of genital fibrous tissue resection and reconstruction of soft tissue and lymphatic structure using superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) lymphatic flap transfer (LFT). No compression was applied postoperatively. Patient and flap characteristics, intraoperative findings, and postoperative results were evaluated.Seven patients were included. MGE included isolated scrotal elephantiasis in 4 cases, and scrotal and penile elephantiasis in 3 cases. Resected tissue volume ranged from 609 to 2304 grams (average, 1511.0 grams). SCIP-LFT was performed in all cases; pedicled full-thickness SCIP-LFT for scrotal reconstruction in all cases, and SCIP pure-skin-perforator flap transfer for penile reconstruction in 3 cases. There was no postoperative genital complication or evidence of genital lymphedema recurrence in the mean follow-up period of 22.7 months. Genital lymphedema scores significantly improved postoperatively (6.7 ± 1.8 vs. 0.3 ± 0.5, P <0.001).3R operation allowed one-stage curative treatment for MGE. LFT has the potential to play an essential role in the prevention of postoperative wound complications and lymphedema recurrence after radical resection of fibrotic tissue.

Linear scleroderma of the face treated by a superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap.

Linear scleroderma of the face treated by a superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap.

Novel Classification of the Branching Patterns of the Superficial Branch and the Deep Branch of the Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery and the Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery on Computed Tomographic Angiography.

Recent advances in the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) perforator flap transfer emphasized the necessity to comprehensively understand the lower abdominal vasculature. This study aimed to clarify the relationship among the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA), the superficial branch (SCIAs), and the deep branch (SCIAd) of the SCIA. Computed tomographic angiography was retrospectively reviewed in 312 hemiabdomens in 161 female patients who underwent abdominal flap breast reconstruction. We assessed the presence, caliber, and branching patterns of the SCIA branches and the SIEA. The SIEA-SCIA common trunk was present in 40.1% of the hemiabdomen and was identified in either side of the abdomen in 63.6% of patients. At least one superficial vessel larger than 1.5 mm was found in 61.5% of hemiabdomens. Seven branching patterns of the SCIA-SIEA system were noted: (1) the SCIA and the SIEA originated together (17.0%); (2) the SIEA and the SCIAs shared an origin (22.8%), (3) the SCIA and the SIEA branched separately (17.0%), (4) each artery originated separately (8.0%); (5) the SCIAs and the SCIAd emerged together with the SIEA absent (17.3%); (6) the SCIAs and the SCIAd originated separately with the SIEA absent (13.1%); (7) the SIEA and SCIAd originated separately with the SCIAs absent (3.5%). SCIA-SIEA branching patterns were classified into seven distinctive patterns. This novel classification may help surgeons to choose the optimal pedicle when using the hemi-abdomen region as the donor site.

Application of Free Iliac Bone Flap Based on Superficial Circumflex Iliac Perforators in Mandibular Reconstruction.

We introduce the application of mandibular reconstruction with the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA)-based iliac bone flap. Until now, iliac bone flaps based on the SCIA have been used in relatively small bony and plane defects, such as in the orbital floor, maxilla, distal phalanx, and calcaneus. This flap has minimal donor-site morbidity compared with the conventional deep circumflex iliac artery flap, and it can be harvested simultaneously with tumor resection in most reconstructions, including those in the head and neck. A great advantage of the SCIA-based iliac bone flap is the thin and reliable large skin paddle that can be used for intraoral and lip defects. Although there are remaining problems to overcome, such as the blood circulation to the bone, this flap may be an option in mandibular reconstruction where there are large soft tissue defects, or where there is complicated peripheral arteriosclerosis or arterial abnormality.

Abdominal free flap carrying bilateral superficial circumflex iliac arteries for repairing large skin and soft tissue defects of foot and ankle

To investigate the effectiveness of abdominal free flap carrying bilateral superficial circumflex iliac arteries for repairing large skin and soft tissue defects of foot and ankle. Between June 2016 and June 2019, 15 patients with large skin and soft tissue defects of foot and ankle were admitted, including 10 males and 5 females with an average age of 30 years (range, 10-60 years). The causes of injury included 6 cases of traffic accident, 3 cases of machine strangulation, 3 cases of heavy object injury, 2 cases of fall, and 1 case of electric shock. The time from injury to admission was 3 hours to 10 days, with an average of 2 days. The wound located at dorsal foot in 5 cases, ankle in 6 cases, dorsal foot and ankle in 3 cases, and dorsal foot and sole in 1 case. All wounds were contaminated to varying degrees and accompanied by tendon and bone exposure, including 5 cases of extensive necrosis of the dorsal skin with infection. The area of defects ranged from 18 cm×6 cm to 25 cm×8 cm. There were 9 cases of foot and ankle fractures and dislocations, and 2 cases of foot and ankle bone defects. The wound was repaired with abdominal free flap carrying bilateral superficial circumflex iliac arteries. The area of the flaps ranged from 20 cm×8 cm to 27 cm×10 cm; the skin flaps were thinned under the microscope to make the thickness of 0.5-1.0 cm, with an average of 0.7 cm. All incisions at the donor site were sutured directly. During the operation, 1 case was replaced with an abdominal free flap carrying the superficial abdominal artery because the superficial iliac circumflex artery was thin and the superficial abdominal artery was thicker. The skin flaps of 15 cases survived smoothly, and the wounds healed by first intention; the donor incisions all healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 8-36 months, with an average of 15 months. The flap shape was satisfactory, with good texture and mild pigmentation of the flap edge, without obvious bloating, effect on shoe wear, or secondary surgical thinning of the flap. The linear scar left in the donor site and had no effect on hip joint movement. All fractures healed well, and the healing time ranged from 3 to 8 months, with an average of 6 months. The abdominal free flap carrying bilateral superficial iliac circumflex arteries has concealed donor site, with little damage, and can be sutured in one stage. The blood vessel is anatomically constant, with less variation, and reliable blood supply. It is one of the ideal flaps for repairing large skin and soft tissue defects of foot and ankle.

Initial experience with the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap for extremity reconstruction in Caucasians

The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap has been established in Asia to provide an excellent option for soft tissue defect coverage. The main advantage of this delicate flap is its very thin design. However, the adoption of this technique in other parts of the world has been rarely reported. In this retrospective study, we analyzed outcomes of 32 SCIP flaps in a Caucasian patient population. The procedures were performed at our institution between March 2019 and August 2020. We present patient characteristics, surgical technique, perioperative care, and flap applications as compared to the Asian approaches. Patients' average BMI was 28.7. Flap anatomy and flap thickness at the superficial fascial plane differed significantly within our population. With 1.7 mm on average, the arterial diameter was higher than reported in the literature. Flaps were based on an axial perforator in 52% of cases. The SCIP flap was performed safely in the majority of cases. The surgical flap elevation approach was modified toward speedy perforator identification. The SCIP flap offers superior opportunities for thin soft tissue defect coverage with excellent functional outcomes in Caucasian patients. Based on higher BMI and anatomical differences as compared to Asian patient populations, modifications of flap elevation were necessary to increase reliability. More outcome reports from outside Asia need to become available to advance SCIP flap application internationally.

Virtual Planning of Profunda Femoral Artery and Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flaps.

Virtual Planning of Profunda Femoral Artery and Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flaps.