Modified bilateral advancement flap: the slide-in flap.

The bilateral V-Y advancement flaps are used commonly in the closure of circular skin defects. We modified the standard bilateral V-Y advancement flap technique to reduce the tension along the closure, and used it in 10 patients between 1995 and 1997. In the presence of a circular defect, bilateral V-Y advancement flaps were marked on the skin, with the height of the V flaps measuring 1.5 to 2 times the diameter of the defect. The limbs of the V were not drawn as straight lines, but were curved outward slightly, making the flap and its two extensions broader than the standard V-Y flap. The broad extensions of the V flaps encircled the defect from above and below. Skin incisions were made vertically down to the muscle fascia. Additional undermining was carried out to elevate the upper and lower extensions of the V flaps for a distance that equaled the radius of the defect. The upper and lower extensions of the V flap on one side were transposed into the defect and sutured to the concave base of the opposing flap V flap at its midpoint. These extensions were then sutured to each other. The extensions of the opposing V flap were then transposed into the defect; the upper being superior and the lower being inferior to the extensions of the first flap. The rest of the operation was completed by advancement of the V flaps and closure in a Y configuration. The efficient redistribution of available tissue by the combined use of transposition and advancement principles resulted in the repair of relatively large skin defects with reduced tension along the closure. Satisfactory results were obtained in all patients in this series without any surgical complication.     

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.     

"Pac Man" flap for closure of pressure sores

The purpose of this study was to modify the classic bilateral V-Y advancement flap procedure to decrease the tension in its closure and to break the midline vertical scar by interdigitating the flaps. After debridement of a pressure sore, the V-Y flaps were marked on both sides of the wound. Skin incisions were carried down to the muscle fascia along the sides of the flaps. The upper and lower limbs of the V-shaped flaps were elevated as triangular flaps but remained attached to the main flap. The tip of the upper limb of one of the flaps was transposed into the defect and sutured to the contralateral V-Y flap at the midpoint of its concave side facing the defect. The lower limb of the contralateral flap was then transposed into the defect and sutured to the first V-Y flap. To complete the interdigitated closure, the lower limb of the first flap was sutured below the contralateral flap, and the upper limb of the contralateral flap was sutured above the first flap. The final view of the flaps was similar to "Pac Man," so the authors decided to call this flap the Pac Man flap. The flaps healed well in all patients, and wound breakdown or recurrence of the pressure sore was not observed during the 3 to 14-month follow-up.     

Closure of meningomyelocele defects with bilateral modified V-Y advancement flaps

BACKGROUND: Although several different methods were described in the literature, closure of large meningomyelocele defects presents a challenging problem. Wound dehiscence may lead to devastating complications. In this paper, the efficacy of the bilateral modified V-Y advancement flap procedure was investigated in terms of simplicity, donor-site morbidity, and reliability. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The authors presented 10 neonates treated with a modified subcutaneous advancement procedure. Unlike the typical V-Y advancement techniques, the apical extensions of the "V" flaps were elevated based on the paraspinous perforators. A standard closure algorithm was not followed, as the well-vascularized apical extensions facilitated intraoperative decision making for the most appropriate adaptation pattern, depending on the size, shape, and localization of the defect. As well as that, transposition of these apical flaps to the defect site was further supported by the advancement of the V-Y flaps to decrease the tension along the closure. RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 13.6 months (range 3-37 months), and no complications that might be attributable to the operative procedure were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of bilateral modified V-Y flaps for the closure of large meningomyelocele defects is a simple and effective procedure. Main advantages of the method described in this paper may be listed as follows: simplicity, reliability due to coverage of the defect with well-vascularized flaps, minimal bleeding, decreased operative time, and no donor-site morbidity.     

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.     

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     

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.     

Bilateral gluteus maximus myocutaneous advancement flaps: sacral coverage for ambulatory patients

The standard gluteus maximus myocutaneous flap, though an excellent procedure for coverage of sacral soft-tissue defects, has several disadvantages. It is usually quite bulky, and risks hip instability in the ambulatory patient. Bilateral gluteus maximus myocutaneous advancement flaps obviate these problems. The superior half of each gluteus maximus muscle, with overlying skin island, is released from its origin and insertion. The superior gluteal artery is identified and preserved. Each myocutaneous unit may be advanced to the midline. The line of cleavage between units preserves normal contour. Donor-site deformity is closed in the V-Y advancement fashion. Hip instability is thus avoided. This technique is useful in the management of sacral defects in the ambulatory patient.     

V-Y Advancement Flap Technique in Resurfacing Postexcisional Defect in Cases with Pilonidal Sinus Disease—Study of 25 Cases

We report our experience of technique of V-Y-plasty in treatment of pilonidal sinus. A retrospective study of 25 patients performed from 2005 to 2010 at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Sassoon General Hospitals, Pune, was performed. The unilateral or bilateral V-Y advancement flap technique was used in the management of these patients. The outcome was assessed on the basis of efficacy of flap surgery in achieving wound healing and recurrence. The follow-up ranged from 6 months to 5 years. The study included 25 cases of pilonidal sinus. Nineteen patients (76%) underwent unilateral V-Y-plasty and six patients (24%) underwent bilateral V-Y-plasty. Eighty-four percent cases were from the age group of 21–30 years. Sixty-eight percent patients were mobilized on the fourth postoperative day and 32% patients were mobilized on the third postoperative day. No recurrence was found in any of the patients. Itching and hypertrophic scar were found in two cases (8%), and decreased sensation was found in one patient (4%). The V-Y advancement flap technique for the treatment of pilonidal sinus is efficient and can reduce recurrence. Unilateral/bilateral V-Y flap achieves suture line away from midline, obliteration of natal fold and coverage of defect without tension. In follow-up none of the patients showed recurrence. This technique has distinctly less morbidity and avoids of multiple dressings, reducing the total cost of the treatment. V-Y advancement flap is distinctly better choice among the available flaps as it is less time-consuming, requires less technical expertise as compared to Z-plasty and perforator flaps, and is reliable and easy to plan.     

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.     

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.     

Reconstruction of abdominal-wall midline defects--The Abdominal-Wall Components Separation]

AIM OF THE STUDY: The recurrence rate of midline defects like incisional hernias is high. Alloplastic material in sublay or onlay technique is often be used if the suture tension is to high for a primary closure. Free or pedicled musculocutaneous flaps transfer denervated muscle and lack dynamic resistance against the intraabdominal pressure. The separation of the lateral abdominal wall achieves autogenous, dynamic material for a tension free closure in small and moderate midline defects. METHODS: In 1990 Ramirez described a technique, which separates parts of the lateral abdominal wall and advances it towards the midline. The innervation and blood supply of the advanced part is maintained. With this technique it is possible to close defects tension free with dynamic abdominal wall. 9 patients were treated with this technique and followed up. RESULTS: Midline defects up to 16 cm at the waistline could be closed without tension. There were no major complications (one small delayed wound healing). There were no recurrences in a follow up time of 14.2 months. CONCLUSION: The separation of parts of the lateral abdominal wall can achieve tension free closure of e.g. incisional hernias of small and moderate size. The advancement of the medial component provides well innervated muscle for dynamic resistance against the abdominal pressure.     

Reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the fingers using homodigital V-Y flap]

A series of 54 patients is presented in which full-thickness soft-tissue defects on 57 digits were reconstructed using homodigital V-Y flaps. This is a modification of the Moberg procedure, which was designed for coverage of injuries of distal thumb. The V-Y flap is pedicled on two digital neurovascular bundles, possible advancement is up to 2 cm, and V-shaped base of the flap allows direct closure of the proximal defect, without skin grafting. This technique was used for the reconstruction both volar and dorsal tissue defects of the fingers. All flaps healed within 2-4 weeks. 14 patients (15 fingers) were evaluated after they recovered. In all affected fingers active range of motion was satisfactory, only with slight defect of extension in 2 cases. However, sensation of the light touch was decreased in 10 fingers, and 2PD discrimination was abnormal in 5 fingers. The versatility of V-Y technique in various clinical occasions and its low risk of complications was emphasized. This method is very useful, easy to learn even for trainees unfamiliar with microsurgery.     

Closure of large myelomeningocele by lumbar artery perforator flaps

Myelomeningocele is the most complex congenital malformation of the central nervous system that is compatible with life. Different closure techniques are available for defect reconstruction, but wound healing and tension-free closure of the skin in the midline remain major considerations in large myelomeningoceles. In this study, bilateral lumbar artery perforator flaps were used for closure of large myelomeningocele defects. Fifteen infants and neonates with large myelomeningocele defects were enrolled in the study. The lumbar artery perforator flaps were elevated bilaterally or unilaterally and advanced toward the midline without tension and were sutured together. Most of the flaps healed without any major complication. The lumbar artery perforator flaps as is an effective method for closure of large myelomeningocele defects.     

Fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flap for repair of sacral defects

Sacral defects from 6 to 11 cm in diameter were closed with bilateral fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flaps. All the defects were easily closed without any postoperative complication. We believe that the V-Y advancement technique using the fasciocutaneous unit has some major advantages for repair of moderate-size sacral defects. It is a safe, simple, and less invasive procedure.     

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.     

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.     

V-Y advancement flaps for scalp closure after acute cranial volume expansion

Sometimes the surgeon who contemplates a coronal incision for craniofacial surgery, such as fronto-orbital advancement, faces a situation in which closure by primary suture becomes impossible because of acute cranial volume expansion. To avoid such a situation, the authors invented V-Y advancement flap method. This flap was found to be highly effective in 6 craniofacial patients who were treated between March 2007 and March 2008. The method consists of an incision line that starts from the highest spot on the ear and proceeds in the direction of the hairline at 45 degrees, and then runs up to the vertex in a sawtooth manner. This line is used when acute cranial volume expansion is expected after surgery. Another incision line is symmetrically drawn on the opposite side of the head. These 2 lines are conjoined at the vertex. The lengths of the 2 sides of a single sawtooth are both about 2 to 3 cm. When the scalp of an expanded cranium is closed, some V-shaped scalp margins under normal tension can simply be sutured using a traditional V-V advancement flap. However, the others under increased tension need to be in a Y-shaped pattern. During the follow-up period (6 months on average), application of this V-Y advancement flap method led to good functional and aesthetic outcomes in all 6 cases. The authors attribute these results to scalp closure using a mixture of V-V and V-Y flaps.     

The Use of Combined Nasolabial V-Y Advancement and Glabellar Flaps for Large Medial Canthal Defects

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the medial canthal area presents many challenges for surgeons. It has many functional and cosmetic peculiarities. The combined use of glabellar and nasolabial V-Y advancement flaps is an effective method for repairing large medial canthal defects. OBJECTIVE: To describe and illustrate a technique to repair medial canthal defects. METHODS: Our experience with combined usage of nasolabial V-Y flap and glabellar flaps for medial canthal closure after tumor resection in 23 patients is reported. RESULTS: All resections and reconstructive procedures were performed under local anesthesia. All patients were treated without any complications such as flap loss, wound dehiscence, lymphedema, or ectropion. Fine results were achieved from both the functional and aesthetic point of view. CONCLUSION: This combination has many advantages over skin grafts and other local flaps. It is easy to design, reliable, and offers good cosmetic results. This combination is recommended to plastic surgeons as a safe and effective procedure for reconstruction of medial the canthal area.     

Reconstruction of small to medium defects in the soft tissues of the nose with nasalis musculocutaneous V-Y advancement flaps.

Defects in the soft tissues of the nose are usually reconstructed with skin grafts or frontal flaps. However, skin grafts may cause scar tissue and changes in colour. Frontal flaps, however, may be thicker than normal skin and may give unsatisfactory results. Nasalis musculocutaneous V-Y advancement flaps avoid these disadvantages. We suggest an algorithmic approach for the use of these flaps in the reconstruction of small to medium defects in the soft tissues of various regions of the nose. The pedicles of these flaps are the dorsal and lateral nasal arteries. This approach provides a simple, safe, and reliable reconstruction for small and medium defects in the soft tissues of the nose.