Subcutaneous Pedicle Limberg Flap for Facial Reconstruction

Background. A residual dog-ear arising from the traditional Limberg flap transposition sometimes influences the cosmetic outcomes, and the Limberg flap with a subcutaneous pedicle is an innovation applicable to a variety of facial defects and free from the dog-ear.
Objective. To investigate the outcome of the subcutaneous pedicle Limberg flap for the reconstruction of medium-sized facial skin defects.
Materials and Methods. From August 2002 to June 2004, the subcutaneous pedicle Limberg flap was designed to repair facial skin defects in 17 patients (19 flaps), and the size of the lesions ranged from 2.0 × 1.9 cm to 5.0 × 4.5 cm.
Results. All flaps survived with primary healing postoperatively. The patients were followed up from 1 to 22 months, and functionally and cosmetically satisfactory outcomes were achieved.
Conclusions. This subcutaneous pedicle Limberg flap provides a competitive repair alternative for the treatment of medium-sized skin defects in the face.     

皮下组织蒂岛状皮瓣在面部皮肤缺损修复中的应用

目的介绍皮下组织蒂岛状皮瓣在面部皮肤缺损中的应用。方法以面部皮下组织作为皮瓣的供血蒂,转移皮瓣修复面部缺损。皮瓣面积为1.0cm×1.0cm至3.0cm×4.0cm。结果本组25例患者,切口均Ⅰ期愈合,皮瓣全部成活,术后面部形态满意,术区平整,无"猫耳"畸形,切口瘢痕不明显。结论皮下组织蒂岛状皮瓣修复面部皮肤缺损可以达到良好的美学效果。     

不同皮瓣修复虎口电烧伤的功能与美学效果比较

目的：比较三种皮瓣修复虎口电烧伤的功能与美学效果。方法：本组共有13例15处虎口电烧伤，在臂丛神经阻滞麻醉下急诊清创，依据伤口情况，分别采取3种皮瓣修复。①设计以第一掌背动脉为蒂的示指背皮瓣，宽约5cm，远端达近侧指间关节；可携蒂部分中指背皮肤，形成的皮瓣远端为双叶。②骨间背则动脉为蒂的前臂背侧逆行岛状皮瓣，通过腕部皮下隧道转移。③以旋髂浅或腹壁浅血管为蒂的同侧下腹部薄皮瓣带蒂转移，术后2周断蒂。全部病例随访6个月～3年，评价修复虎口功能与外形。结果：8例11处虎口电烧伤创面以第一掌背动脉皮瓣修复。4例4处虎口损伤以同侧前臂骨间背侧动脉逆行岛状皮瓣修复。1例以下腹部皮瓣带蒂转移修复。15例皮瓣转移后循环良好，创面Ⅰ期修复。1例前臂背侧岛状逆行皮瓣边缘因静脉回流障碍，皮瓣边缘0．5cm坏死。第一掌背动脉皮瓣和同侧前臂逆行皮瓣血运可靠，质地较薄，虎口修复后外形及功能良好。腹部皮瓣可提供较大面积修复组织，供区隐蔽，但修复后虎口外形和功能欠佳。结论：以同侧第一掌背动脉皮瓣或前臂骨间背侧动脉岛状皮瓣修复虎口电烧伤是比较理想的方法。     

指动脉背侧支逆行筋膜蒂岛状皮瓣修复手指皮肤缺损

目的介绍一种修复手指皮肤缺损的指动脉背侧支逆行筋膜蒂岛状皮瓣的临床应用。方法2001年9月～2002年12月以近节或中节指固有动脉背侧支为蒂,切取掌骨头背侧或近节手指背侧皮瓣,逆行修复近节指间关节或以远的皮肤缺损35例42指,同时对伴有骨、关节、肌腱等损伤者进行修复。皮瓣切取范围1.0cm×2.5cm～1.5cm×3.5cm。结果术后35例42指获3个月～1年随访,皮瓣全部成活;两点辨别觉6～10mm,指外形及功能佳。结论此皮瓣具有手术操作简便、不损伤指固有动脉及神经,血管蒂长、旋转弧大和成功率高等优点,是修复手指皮肤缺损较理想的方法。     

耳后皮下蒂岛状皮瓣修复耳甲腔皮肤缺损

目的 探讨耳后皮下蒂岛状皮瓣修复耳甲腔皮肤缺损的治疗效果.方法 对2009年1月至2012年6月收治的12例耳甲腔皮肤缺损行耳后皮下蒂岛状皮瓣修复患者行回顾性分析.恶性肿瘤经术中病理检查确定基底及周缘无肿瘤细胞残留,根据创面大小设计耳后皮下蒂岛状皮瓣,经供区与缺损之间的隧道,转移至耳甲腔缺损处覆盖创面,耳后供区直接拉拢缝合.结果 共修复12例耳甲腔皮肤缺损患者,创面以1.5cm×2.5cm~2.5cm×3.0cm大小不等皮瓣覆盖,术后皮瓣血运良好.随访14～55个月（平均28个月）,肿瘤无复发,局部瘢痕不明显,皮瓣色泽与正常皮肤相协调,外耳郭形态正常,患者对耳郭外观满意.结论 耳后皮下蒂岛状皮瓣是临床修复耳甲腔皮肤缺损的一个简单、方便、有效的方法之一.     

V-Y advancement flap for the reconstruction of partial and full thickness defects of the upper lip

We analysed the records of 25 patients who had their upper lips reconstructed after resection of a tumour. All the repairs were done with triangular cutaneous and musculocutaneous flaps with a skin island with V-Y advancement, and a subcutaneous or muscular pedicle with or without mucosa. The choice of flap was based on the width of the defect after the tumour had been resected. A subcutaneous pedicled flap was used in 14 patients; a musculocutaneous flap not including the mucosa in 5, and including the mucosa in 6. This flap can be used to repair upper lip defects of any thickness. The procedure is quite safe from a circulatory point of view and the flap has the advantage of requiring only one procedure. It is aesthetically satisfactory in most patients and maintains the good function and sensitivity of the lip.     

V-Y advancement flap for the reconstruction of partial and full thickness defects of the upper lip.

We analysed the records of 25 patients who had their upper lips reconstructed after resection of a tumour. All the repairs were done with triangular cutaneous and musculocutaneous flaps with a skin island with V-Y advancement, and a subcutaneous or muscular pedicle with or without mucosa. The choice of flap was based on the width of the defect after the tumour had been resected. A subcutaneous pedicled flap was used in 14 patients; a musculocutaneous flap not including the mucosa in 5, and including the mucosa in 6. This flap can be used to repair upper lip defects of any thickness. The procedure is quite safe from a circulatory point of view and the flap has the advantage of requiring only one procedure. It is aesthetically satisfactory in most patients and maintains the good function and sensitivity of the lip.     

The Versatile V-Y Flap for Facial Reconstruction

BACKGROUND: There are many acceptable treatments for facial skin cancer, but some form of surgical excision is by far the most widely accepted. After surgical excision, there will necessarily be a defect that has to be managed. The V-Y flap is a very useful modality for repair of such defects in all zones of the face. OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the indications for V-Y flaps and the surgical technique that should result in a successful reconstruction. Each zone of the face is independently discussed, along with the appropriate variations in technique for each area. METHODS: An evaluation of the literature as well as the extensive experience of the senior author in performing this procedure provides the basis for this review. CONCLUSION: V-Y flaps are extremely versatile and relatively easy to perform. All areas of the face can be successfully reconstructed after skin cancer removal with V-Y flaps if they are properly designed and executed.     

The Island Pedicle Flap

Background. Surgical defects following the extirpation of cutaneous neoplasia may present challenges to the dermatologic surgeon. There are many repair options for an individual defect, including second-intention healing, primary closure, skin graft, and skin flap closure. The island pedicle flap is a random pattern advancement flap well suited to reconstruct a variety of small- to intermediate-sized soft tissue wounds.
Objective. To review the utility of the island pedicle flap in reconstructive dermatologic surgery and to detail the operative technique to achieve reproducible functional and esthetic results.
Methods. The method of flap reconstruction is presented. A variety of defects repaired with this technique are reviewed.
Results. The subcutaneous island pedicle flap yielded excellent functional and cosmetic repair of the presented defects with minimal operative morbidity. Secondary to a well-preserved central vascular pedicle, complications are infrequent.
Conclusions. The random pattern island pedicle flap is a versatile and robust flap used to repair a variety of soft tissue wounds in a single-stage procedure with reproducible operative outcomes.     

Amplified V-Y flaps for nasal defects

Due to a paucity of subcutaneous tissue in the nose, mobilization of some flaps is impeded and large nasal defects are thus difficult to close with traditional V-Y flaps. The V-Y flap is modified by the addition of an amplified limb onto the advancing edge of the V-Y flap. This limb is located adjacent to the area requiring reconstruction and is hinged down on the end of the V-Y flap to close the distal portion of the defect. The amplified V-Y flap, a modified V-Y advancement flap, is very useful for the closure of relatively large defects on the nasal area. We have used this flap for nasal defects as large as 2.5 cm in diameter following excision of skin tumors on the nose in 11 patients. Most excised tumors were basal cell carcinomas. The results have been quite good, with only minor complications in two patients. Complications were encountered only in the nasal tip region, there was partial necrosis at the tip of the amplified portion of the flap. The modifications of the V-Y flap described has extended the application in closing nasal defects. Received: 2 May 1997 / Accepted: 22 July 1997     

颈部带蒂组织瓣修复口腔颌面部肿瘤切除术后软组织缺损

目的介绍4种颈部带蒂组织瓣修复口腔颌面部肿瘤切除术后软组织缺损的方法。方法1982年1月~2003年12月,172例口腔颌面部肿瘤,其中口腔黏膜鳞癌165例,唾液腺癌7例。I期21例,Ⅱ期116例,Ⅲ期35例。病变主要部位:舌59例、颊黏膜55例、下颌牙龈26例、口底25例、腮腺4例及口咽区3例。肿瘤切除术与颈淋巴结清扫术后,应用颈阔肌皮瓣修复45例,胸锁乳突肌皮瓣修复59例,舌骨下肌皮瓣修复60例,颏下岛状瓣修复8例;切取肌皮瓣皮岛范围2.5 cm×5.0 cm~5.0 cm×8.0 cm。结果术后153例皮瓣全部成活,其中舌骨下肌皮瓣55例,颈阔肌皮瓣40例,胸锁乳突肌皮瓣52例,颏下岛状瓣6例;完全坏死11例,部分(皮岛1/4~1/2)坏死8例。4种皮瓣成功率分别为91.67%、88.89%、88.14%和75%。101例获随访3~11年,平均5.7年,原位复发18例,颈部复发4例,远处转移2例;3年生存84例,占83.17%。结论颈部带蒂组织瓣适用于修复口腔颌面部肿瘤切除后中小型软组织缺损。     

The Rotating Island Pedicle Flap: An Aesthetic and Functional Improvement on the Subcutaneous Island Pedicle Flap

BACKGROUND: The subcutaneous island pedicle flap is a useful closure in many areas on the face, particularly the cheek and upper lip. One disadvantage can be that the advancing edge of the flap leaves a scar at right angles to the local lines of relaxed skin tension. Tension on free edges such as the lid can also be a problem, but may be mitigated by incorporating an element of rotation into the closure. A variation on the subcutaneous island pedicle flap is described to help avoid the problems of the subcutaneous island pedicle flap while retaining its strengths. OBJECTIVE: Our experience with more than 120 rotating island pedicle flaps over 10 years is described to demonstrate the versatility of this subcutaneous island pedicle flap for facial and reconstructive surgery. METHODS: The technique is described and seven representative cases are presented with photographs. RESULTS: The flap is simple to perform, has minimal complications, and has good cosmetic results. Temporary alteration of sensation in the flap skin is a possible complication and can be largely avoided with a bipedicled dissection technique. CONCLUSION: Our experience shows the rotating island pedicle flap to be versatile, reliable, and aesthetic island pedicle flap for skin cancer surgery both on and off the face and a practical modification of the subcutaneous island pedicle flap.     

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.     

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.     

Transposition movement of V-Y flaps for facial reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The V-Y advancement flap has been widely used for the reconstruction of cutaneous defects for decades; however, the movement of a V-Y flap is sometimes limited, allowing only for rotation or advancement movement. To overcome this limitation, the present study introduces a transposition movement of the V-Y flap and assesses its clinical outcome for facial reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A modified V-Y flap was designed with a single laterally based pedicle and transferred to the defect through a transposition movement. The transposition movement was demonstrated with photographs and the clinical outcome was described in six patients. RESULTS: This modified V-Y flap was reliable and robust, and could be moved easily with less tension. Meanwhile, the flap allowed for a primary closure of the defects along the nasolabial fold or preauricular crease. More importantly, all six patients achieved satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes in facial reconstruction. Temporary sensory alteration was common in the flap skin during the initial postoperative period, but improved as time passed and disappeared about 6 months later. CONCLUSION: This modified transposition V-Y flap may serve as an alternative option for aesthetic reconstruction of facial defects.     

V-Y flap reconstruction for nostril defects

Local flaps are the procedure of choice in reconstruction of skin defects of the face if the donor defect is minimal. The sliding V-Y subcutaneous island flap is gaining in popularity but has been primarily used in dorsal defects of the nose. Patients demonstrating its application in nostril defects are presented. Indications for the use of this flap continue to expand.     

扩张后隐神经营养血管皮瓣修复足踝部软组织缺损

目的　应用扩张后隐神经营养血管逆行岛状皮瓣修复足踝部软组织缺损。方法　解剖学研究证实与大隐静脉伴行的隐神经的营养血管呈丛状分布 ,与深浅筋膜内的血管网广泛交通 ,在此基础上以大隐静脉为轴线 ,设计逆行岛状皮瓣 ,扩张后转移至受区。结果　 1999年 6月以来临床应用 6例 ,皮瓣面积最大为 12cm× 10cm ,皮瓣完全成活。结论　扩张后隐神经营养血管逆行岛状皮瓣安全可靠 ,操作简单 ,为足踝部创面修复提供了一种可靠的方法。     

颏神经血管蒂V-Y岛状推进瓣功能性修复下唇部分缺损

目的 探讨下唇部分缺损的功能修复方法.方法 对7例下唇癌患者做手术切除,形成的唇全厚缺损(缺损长度为下唇1/3至2/3)用颏神经血管束为蒂的颏部V-Y岛状推进瓣修复.结果 颏神经血管蒂V-Y岛状推进瓣全部成活,术后3个月至1年随访,无肿瘤复发,唇外观良好,修复的下唇肌功能和感觉正常.结论 颏神经血管蒂V-Y岛状推进瓣是下唇部分缺损功能性修复的理想方法.     

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.     

Reconstruction of through-and-through osteocutaneous defects of the mouth and face with subscapular system flaps

BACKGROUND: Major ablative surgery in the head and neck region may create composite defects involving the oral mucosa, bone and the overlying facial skin. The large surface area and the three-dimensional nature of these defects pose a difficult reconstructive challenge requiring adequate bone and large, positionally versatile skin flaps. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From September 1993 to May 2000, 19 patients with through-and-through osteocutaneous defects of the mouth and face were reconstructed with composite subscapular artery system flaps. The evaluated parameters included: (i) site and dimensions of the tissue defect; (ii) specific flap properties; and (iii) review of the recipient and donor site morbidity. RESULTS: 10 variants of scapular osteocutaneous flaps, eight latissimus dorsi with serratus anterior and rib osteo-myocutaneous flaps, and one combination of an osteocutaneous scapular and myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap were used to reconstruct composite facial defects with mean dimensions of: skin 54.4 cm(2), mucosa 56.2 cm(2) and bone of 8.2 cm. Ischaemic complications occurred in three patients including one total flap failure and one failure of the bony component in previously irradiated patients. The third flap was successfully salvaged. No significant long-term donor site morbidity was noted. CONCLUSION: Composite flaps based on the subscapular artery system are a versatile reconstructive modality for large through-and-through defects of the mouth and face.