Extension of Musculocutaneous Flap Reach Using a Perforator-Pedicled Propeller Flap Technique: A Case Report

Locating appropriate recipient vessels for anastomosis of flap vessels near lesions can be challenging during the reconstruction of radiation-damaged tissues using free flaps, and the vascular pedicle length of the flap can be insufficient. However, under these conditions, flap reach can be extended by completely dividing it from the main flap using a perforator-pedicled propeller (PPP) flap technique. Furthermore, this technique can be used to optimize flap configurations, such as the shape and direction of the transplant.

In the present case, a thoracodorsal artery perforator (TAP) flap was harvested from within a free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous (LDMC) flap, and a nuchal radiation ulcer defect was successfully reconstructed without complication. Herein, we report the clinical and surgical details of this case.

Note

This article was presented at the 5th Congress of the World Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery (WSRM); 25–27 June, 2009; Okinawa, Japan. The authors have no conflict of interest or financial disclosures. No funding was utilized for the preparation of this article.

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