Reducing Opposed Multilobed Flaps Results in Fewer Complications Than Traditional Repair Techniques When Closing Medium-Sized Defects on the Leg after Excision of Skin Tumor

BACKGROUND: The reducing opposed multilobed (ROM) flap involves a series of transpositions effected cephalic and caudal to the primary defect, sequentially mobilized toward and then into the primary defect. OBJECTIVE: To compare the ROM flap with other techniques to close defects below the knee after excision of skin tumor. METHOD: This retrospective study compares 140 defects closed with a ROM flap with 85 defects closed with traditional techniques. RESULTS: A total of 225 defects between 11 and 44 mm in diameter were excised over 3 years from July 1, 2002. There were 140 defects closed by ROM flap and 85 non-ROM closures including 29 "O-to-Z" flaps and 12 bilateral transposition flaps. A total of 111 squamous cell carcinomas, 64 basal cell carcinomas, and 11 melanoma were excised. ROM flap closures developed 20 complications (14.3%): 13 infections, 5 partial dehiscence, and 2 partial end flap necrosis. Non-ROM closures developed 27 complications (31.8%): 13 infections, 6 partial end flap necrosis, 4 partial dehiscence, 2 wound depression, 1 hemorrhage, and 1 persisting pain. Three ROM and 7 non-ROM cases suffered two complications. The total complication rate was significantly lower with ROM flaps (p=.003), including lower end flap necrosis incidence (p=.027). CONCLUSION: The ROM flap results in fewer complications than traditional techniques when closing defects 11 to 45 mm in size on the leg and foot. In particular, end flap necrosis incidence is lower with ROM flap closure.