The Use of the V-Y Fasciocutaneous Island Advancement Flap in Reconstructing Postsurgical Defects of the Leg

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue cover in the lower limb is difficult due to limited tissue mobility. OBJECTIVE: To present the V-Y fasciocutaneous island advancement flap as an alternative for reconstructing postsurgical defects of the leg. METHODS: Eleven patients with defects on the leg following tumor excision were reconstructed using the V-Y fasciocutaneous island advancement flap. RESULTS: There were no major complications, except for one partial distal flap necrosis in a patient who was a smoker. CONCLUSION: The V-Y fasciocutaneous island advancement flap is a viable alternative for reconstructing surgical defects of the leg.     

Gluteal V-Y advancement fasciocutaneous flap for treatment of chronic pilonidal sinus disease

Although pilonidal disease is quite common, controversy still exists about the treatment. The procedure should cure the patient, and allow speedy resumption of normal activities by reducing pain and disability. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate our experience with the V-Y fasciocutaneous advancement flap and to review current publications about flap surgery for the treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus. We describe the application of the fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flap for reconstruction of defects after radical excision of recurrent pilonidal sinus in 11 cases. Primary and uneventful wound healing was achieved in all patients but two who developed minor wound breakdown. Large defects after excision can easily be closed using the V-Y advancement flap. This type of flap closure in selected cases offers tension-free, recurrence-free, and reliable skin coverage while flattening the natal cleft that predisposes to recurrences. Reliable flap closure reduces hospital stay, costs, as well as disability and time spent off work.     

Gluteal V-Y advancement fasciocutaneous flap for treatment of chronic pilonidal sinus disease.

Although pilonidal disease is quite common, controversy still exists about the treatment. The procedure should cure the patient, and allow speedy resumption of normal activities by reducing pain and disability. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate our experience with the V-Y fasciocutaneous advancement flap and to review current publications about flap surgery for the treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus. We describe the application of the fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flap for reconstruction of defects after radical excision of recurrent pilonidal sinus in 11 cases. Primary and uneventful wound healing was achieved in all patients but two who developed minor wound breakdown. Large defects after excision can easily be closed using the V-Y advancement flap. This type of flap closure in selected cases offers tension-free, recurrence-free, and reliable skin coverage while flattening the natal cleft that predisposes to recurrences. Reliable flap closure reduces hospital stay, costs, as well as disability and time spent off work.     

双侧反向臀上动脉远侧穿支V-Y推进筋膜皮瓣修复骶部巨大褥疮

目的:笔者设计了一种双侧反向臀上动脉远侧穿支V-Y推进筋膜皮瓣,关闭巨大骶部溃疡,以增加皮瓣推进量,避免臀大肌功能性缺损。方法:清创后V-Y推进皮瓣标记于双侧臀部。在缺损近侧掀起筋膜皮瓣,在远侧臀大肌肌肉附件里保留臀上动脉远侧穿支,直至获得足够的皮瓣前移。结果:用此方法治疗15个直径7～15cm的骶部褥疮的患者,没有出现皮瓣坏死和溃疡复发,91%的皮瓣Ⅰ期愈合。结论:此技术使皮瓣推进量增加,皮瓣存活可靠,并保留了双侧臀部和臀大肌功能。     

Functional reconstruction of large anogenital defects with bilateral V-Y advancement posterior thigh fasciocutaneous flaps.

BACKGROUND: In patients with perianal extramammary Paget's disease, wide local excision is recommended. In the reconstruction of the resulting large defects not only the closure of the defect but also the preservation of anogenital function need to be considered. METHODS: We used bilateral V-Y advancement posterior thigh fasciocutaneous flaps for reconstructing three large anogenital defects, including the total anal canal, resulting from wide local excisions attributed to extramammary Paget's disease. A temporary anus was constructed at the same time to allow the wound of the reconstructed anus to heal. After the surgery, the course of bowel function was followed up through interviews and manometric examinations. RESULTS: All defects were successfully reconstructed with the flaps, and bowel function recovered satisfactorily. Manometric examinations were carried out in two cases; anal pressures were recorded regularly and used as parameters of the recovery of bowel function before closing the artificial anus. Eventually, the patients recovered the function of defecation. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the bilateral V-Y advancement posterior thigh fasciocutaneous flaps together with manometric studies as one of the most effective techniques for managing large anogenital defects. The use of sensate flaps, the restoration of original structures and manometric studies are conducive to successful outcomes.     

V-Y Fasciocutaneous Advancement Flap Coverage of Soft Tissue Defects of the Foot in the Patient at High Risk

This single-center, observational case series involved a review of prospectively collected data pertaining to 16 V-Y fasciocutaneous advancement flaps performed on 16 consecutive patients between August 2006 and December 2008. Each patient underwent primary excision of a foot ulcer with debridement of soft tissue and bone, insertion of polymethylmethacrylate antibiotic–loaded bone cement, and immobilization. At an average of 3 days after the index procedure, soft tissue and osseous deformities were corrected in 13 of the 16 patients, and a V-Y fasciocutaneous advancement flap was used for coverage of the soft tissue defect in all patients. Patients were kept nonweightbearing and were followed up until clinical healing occurred or failure was declared. There were 12 male and 4 female patients with a mean age of 64.0 ± 7.4 years (range, 48–75 years). Fifteen patients had diabetes mellitus with a mean of 5.1 ± 1.8 (range, 3–8) medical comorbidities. There were 10 medial forefoot, 3 central forefoot, 2 lateral forefoot, and 1 dorsal midfoot full-thickness soft tissue defects that displayed a mean diameter of 2.3 ± 1.4 cm (range, 1.0–3.5 cm). All but 4 flaps healed primarily, with each developing marginal dehiscence that healed with local wound care measures. Two deep infections occurred despite healing of the flap, which necessitated transmetatarsal amputation with split-thickness skin graft coverage. When properly performed and after complete resolution of infection, V-Y fasciocutaneous advancement flap coverage of complex foot ulcerations represents a useful and reliable technique even in patients with multiple medical comorbidities.     

Large fasciocutaneous perforator based V-Y advancement flap for large post-mastectomy wound reconstruction--our experience with three cases.

Old and frail patients with advance breast malignancy require mastectomy which often results in large defects requiring soft tissue cover. We present three cases of large fasciocutaneous perforator based V-Y advancement flaps for reconstruction of large post-mastectomy wounds in older patients with large tumours. This technique reduces the morbidity of patients who have severe co-existing morbidity factor in addition to the advance breast disease.     

V-Y rotation advancement flap: A metanalysis and systematic review

Local skin flaps are used to close defects adjacent to the donor site. They are classified according to their method of movement: flaps that advance from its base to the defect (V-Y, Y-V, single-pedicle, and bipedicle advancement flaps) and flaps that move on a pivot point (rotation, transposition, and interpolation flaps). Despite its frequent use, there is not a unique name for V-Y rotation advancement flap; moreover, there is not a flap class called “rotation advancement” in the textbooks. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using “PubMed” and “Google Scholar” in December 2013. We made different searches using keywords “V-Y-S flap,” “V-Y rotation advancement flap,” and “hatchet flap”. The search was limited to the studies published in English and French. In total, 31 articles were found. Five articles presenting musculocutaneous hatchet flap, were excluded from the review. We included 26 articles in which cutaneous and fasciocutaneous flaps were described. We found 12 case series and five case reports presenting “hatchet flap.” Two case series and two case reports about “V-Y-S flap” were reported. Four case series and one case report about “V-Y rotation and advancement flap” were written. V-Y rotation and advancement flap were performed under different names on any regions of the body by several authors, and none of the authors reported flap loss or any dehiscence that resulted with a second surgery. With the help of this review, we would like to standardize its design and its dissection. Level of Evidence: Not ratable.     

The use of suture anchors in reconstruction of sacral pressure ulcers with gluteal fasciocutaneous advancement flaps

Suture anchors have already been successfully used for soft-tissue fixation to bone. In this study, suture anchors were used in sacral pressure ulcer reconstruction, aiming at secure midline attachment of gluteal fasciocutaneous flaps, obliteration of any dead space, and recreation of the natal cleft.Thirteen patients with sacral pressure ulcers were treated with bilateral gluteal fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flaps. Suture anchors were used to invert and attach the flaps to the midline crest of the sacrum. All flaps healed well, no postoperative anchor failure or wound dehiscence was noticed, and the esthetic result was very pleasing.In conclusion, the use of suture anchors offers an easy, practical, and secure attachment of V-Y advancement gluteal fasciocutaneous flaps in sacral pressure ulcer reconstruction. Main advantages of the method suggested are reduction of suture-line tension, obliteration of any cavity at the midline, and recreation of the natal cleft.     

双V-Y推进皮瓣修复拇指指端缺损的临床应用

目的 介绍双V-Y推进皮瓣修复拇指指端缺损的方法及疗效.方法 对9例拇指指端缺损采用双V-Y推进皮瓣修复,小V-Y推进皮瓣远端与甲床仔细缝合,再缝合带尺侧血管神经束的大V-Y推进皮瓣,覆盖创面.术中切取皮瓣面积为14 mm×25 mm～15 mm×35 mm.供区创面直接闭合.结果 术后9例皮瓣全部存活,创面Ⅰ期愈合.随访时间为4～12个月.皮瓣质地柔软,外形与周围组织接近,无臃肿.拇指末节指腹指纹重新建立,指间关节活动正常,无钩甲畸形,指腹两点分辨觉为5～6 mm.根据中华医学会手外科学会上肢部分功能评定试用标准评定:患指主动活动为优7例,良2例.结论 双V-Y推进皮瓣手术操作简单,是修复拇指指端缺损的理想方法之一.     

The gluteus maximus musculocutaneous V-Y advancement flap for large sacral defects

Sacral soft tissue defects from 10 to 18 cm in diameter were closed with gluteus maximus musculocutaneous V-Y advancement flaps in 17 patients. Defects were secondary to pressure, radiation injury, or tumor resection and occurred in both ambulatory and nonambulatory patients. Technique varied according to the size of the ulcer and the ambulatory status. This musculocutaneous unit advanced in a V-Y fashion provides well-vascularized tissue for coverage of large sacral defects. It allows for restoration of normal contour, with primary closure of the donor site. Ambulatory patients noticed little or no functional deficit.     

A Case of Postmastectomy Defect Reconstructed Using a Laterothoracic Bilaterally Pedicled V-Y Advancement Flap

BACKGROUND: The reconstruction of major defects of the trunk is generally achieved by means of pedicled or free musculocutaneous flaps, but for less extensive defects, local flaps or skin grafts are currently used. The bilaterally pedicled V-Y advancement flap differs from the traditional V-Y advancement flap and was described for soft tissue reconstruction in the face. In our unit, the bilaterally pedicled V-Y advancement flap is the most used local flap for face reconstruction, and our aim was to use it in a different location. METHODS: In this case report we present a postmastectomy defect reconstructed with good results using the bilaterally pedicled V-Y advancement flap. RESULTS: The flap healed without further problems, and a good aesthetic result was obtained. CONCLUSION: The bilaterally pedicled V-Y advancement flap is reliable and easy to harvest, and not only for face reconstruction. Its versatility and plasticity allow its use for the reconstruction of many defects at varying locations.     

Bilateral, extended V-Y advancement flap

A modification of the V-Y advancement flap for the closure of circular skin defects is presented to decrease the tension in the closure and to break the midline vertical scar. Bilateral, extended V-Y advancement flaps with additional limbs extending to the advancing edges of the standard flaps were marked on both sides of the wound. After advancement of the V-Y flaps on their subcutaneous pedicle, the upper and lower extensions were hinged downward as transposition flaps to close the middle portion of the circular defect, where maximum tension occurs. This procedure was applied to 10 patients with sacral and trochanteric pressure sores. No complications or recurrences were noted during the 2 to 10 months of follow-up. Bilateral, extended V-Y advancement flaps enable the reconstruction of large defects without midline tension. Also, the resulting scar where the flaps meet is a zigzag line, so a straight midline scar is avoided.     

Reconstruction of an extensive vulvectomy defect using the gluteus maximus fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flap

Effective management of a vulvar wound resulting from oncological ablative surgery poses a formidable task for the reconstructive surgeon. During the past two decades, numerous procedures have been described in an effort to provide stable, sensate coverage that minimizes deformity and preserves function, often in the setting of concomitant radiation. At the authors' institution, a fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flap based on the gluteus maximus has been adopted as a common approach to this problem. They present their institutional experience with this procedure. A 10-year chart review (1991-2001) yielded a series of 20 vulvectomy patients, all of whom were reconstructed by the same surgeon using ischial fasciocutaneous V-Y flaps based on perforators from the inferior border of the gluteus maximus muscle. Patients underwent vulvectomy for recurrent or advance-stage vulvar cancer, or extensive carcinoma in situ. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common pathology (N = 13). Fifteen patients had bilateral V-Y flaps; the remainder had unilateral procedures. Six patients underwent prior radiation therapy. Two patients had delayed reconstruction for vaginal stenosis. Flap survival was 100%. There were no major complications, early or late. Minor complications were limited to localized areas of delayed healing, all of which responded to conservative measures. Functional outcome was excellent in all patients. At an average follow-up of 44 months, there were five episodes of recurrent disease necessitating surgical intervention. Based on this series, the gluteus maximus V-Y advancement flap provides a straightforward and reliable method to recruit local tissue for stable coverage of these often difficult-to-manage wounds.     

臀大肌远侧穿支V-Y皮瓣修复骶部褥疮

目的探讨应用臀大肌远侧穿支V-Y皮瓣修复骶部褥疮,简化手术操作。方法2002年3月~2005年3月,对11例骶部褥疮应用臀大肌远侧穿支V-Y皮瓣修复。褥疮范围:13 cm×11 cm~18 cm×14 cm,褥疮最大直径达18 cm。其中男7例,女4例。年龄21~69岁。病程8个月~3年。手术彻底清创后,设计以褥疮外侧创缘为底部,顶在股骨大转子处的V形皮瓣,皮瓣的内侧半在臀大肌的浅面掀起,皮瓣的外侧部从臀大肌深面掀起,形成一包含外侧穿支的V形皮瓣。将皮瓣向内侧推进修复骶部创面,供区创面作V-Y缝合。结果11例骶部褥疮修复后,皮瓣全部成活。术后随访5个月~3年,双臀部对称,外形满意,除1例因其他疾病死亡外,余无褥疮复发。结论臀大肌远侧穿支V-Y皮瓣手术操作简便、血运丰富、蒂部较长、向内侧推进的幅度较大、皮瓣大及供区损害小且可直接缝合,是修复骶部较大的软组织缺损可供选择的一种方法。     

Freestyle perforator-based V-Y advancement flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects at various anatomic regions

BACKGROUND: Perforator flap surgery has gained great popularity in the last decade because surgeons can prepare freestyle flaps in anywhere on the body if they find a perforator supplied to the flap. One of the basic principles of reconstructive surgery is that superior results can be obtained for color and texture match if immediately adjacent soft tissue is used to repair a defect. V-Y advancement flaps are used successfully based on this principle, but the degree of mobility of a V-Y advancement flap is dependent on the laxity of the underlying subcutaneous tissue. This is an important disadvantage of traditional V-Y advancement flap and limits its use. METHODS: We used V-Y advancement flaps as perforator-based to overcome mobility restriction problem. The authors used 26 perforator-based V-Y advancement flaps in 24 consecutive patients for coverage of defects located at sacral (4), thigh (6), abdominal wall (3), inguinal (3), back (4), leg (2), and trochanter (2) regions. There were 14 female and 10 male patients with a mean age of 48.3 years (range, 22-70 years). RESULTS: The patients were followed up for a mean period of 14.2 months (range, 9-21 months). The size of the defects ranged from 3 x 5 cm to 15 x 20 cm. All flaps survived completely (92.4%) except 2 in which one of them had undergone total necrosis and the other had marginal necrosis. Fifteen flaps (57.6%) were elevated based on 2 perforators, 7 flaps (26.9%) were used with only one perforator, and the remaining 4 (15.5%) had 3 perforators. CONCLUSIONS: Perforator-based V-Y advancement flaps are safe and very effective for coverage of defects in which closure is impossible with a standard V-Y advancement flap. Dissection of the perforator or perforators offers remarkable excursion to the V-Y flap with minimal donor site morbidity. These axial pattern flaps can be used successfully with good esthetic and functional results at various regions of the body if there is any detectable perforator.     

Stepladder V-Y advancement flaps for resurfacing various shaped defects of the sacrogluteal region

Gluteal stepladder V-Y advancement musculocutaneous and fasciocutaneous flaps were used for resurfacing of various shaped sacrogluteal defects. A total of 27 patients with sacrogluteal defects were treated using this technique. Twenty-four patients had sacral pressure sores, 2 patients had a pilonidal sinus, and 1 had a low thermal burn of the gluteal region. The shape of defects varied including 12 elliptic, 5 inverted heart-shaped, 4 pentagon, 4 diamond, and 2 other shapes. There were no problems regarding flap survival even at the tip of step segments. In all patients, easy resurfacing of the defects and satisfactory recontour of the gluteal region was obtained without linear scars crossing the gluteal fissure. Since the segments of the flap are similar to the defect, defects of various shapes are easily covered, and trimming of normal skin tissue becomes unnecessary or minimal. On inserting a triangular flap in the gluteal fissure, excellent recontour of the sacrogluteal region can be achieved. Received: 19 October 1998 / Accepted: 20 January 1999     

Interdigitating fasciocutaneous gluteal V-Y advancement flaps for reconstruction of sacral defects

The authors describe a modification of the classic gluteal bilateral V-Y advancement flap for sacral defect closure. After initial debridement, the V-Y design is marked on both sides of the defect. The incision is carried down to the fascia of the underlying gluteus maximus muscle. The upper and lower arms of the flaps are elevated and advanced on the gluteal muscle toward the midline, interdigitating each opposing arm. The overall result is a zigzag, broken midline suture. This procedure was carried out in 14 patients with sacral pressure sores and in 1 patient with a chronic pilonidal sinus. All flaps survived without major problems. There were no recurrences during the 6 to 16 months of follow-up. The interdigitating fasciocutaneous V-Y gluteal flap design is effective in breaking the midline vertical scar and preserving the gluteus maximus muscle.     

Nasolabial V-Y Advancement for Closure of the Midface Defects

BACKGROUND: V-Y subcutaneous advancement flaps receive an excellent blood supply from subcutaneous tissue and are ideal for use on the face. Also it is advantageous cosmetically compared to other local flaps. OBJECTIVE: Nasolabial V-Y advancement flaps are very useful in closing defects of the midface region after tumor resection. METHODS: Our experience with nasolabial V-Y flaps in 22 patients is reported. The average defect size was 2.4 cm x 3.2 cm. RESULTS: Minor flap necrosis occurred in one patient and simple lower eyelid ectropion in another. CONCLUSION: Nasolabial V-Y advancement flap is a simple and satisfactory alternative for closing relatively large defects in the midface when compared with other methods such as skin graft and rotation or transposition flaps. It is easy to design, reliable, and offers good cosmetic results.     

Double-opposing V-Y inferior gluteal artery fasciocutaneous flaps for the restoration of the intergluteal cleft during reconstruction of large perineal defects

A technique for restoring the intergluteal cleft during the reconstruction of large perineal defects is described. A modification of the bilateral V-Y inferior gluteal artery advancement flaps with double-opposing, deepithelialised dermal flaps is used to recreate the intergluteal cleft. In our series of 15 patients, this technique produced reliable results with high patient satisfaction. We recommend this technique as a reliable and effective modification of the traditional V-Y advancement flap to give a more aesthetically pleasing intergluteal cleft for reconstructing perineal defects.