J Reconstr Microsurg 2013; 29(04): 263-270
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1333320
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Perforator Flap from Proximal Lateral Leg for Head and Neck Reconstruction

Chang-Cheng Chang
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chia Yi
2   College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
,
Wei-Chao Huang
2   College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
,
Jeng-Yee Lin
3   Division of Plastic Surgery, Taipei University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
,
Yen-Chun Lin
4   Division of Otolaryngology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chia Yi, Taiwan
,
Wen-Hung Wang
4   Division of Otolaryngology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chia Yi, Taiwan
,
Fu-Chan Wei
2   College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

09 August 2012

22 October 2012

Publication Date:
21 January 2013 (online)

Abstract

Introduction Perforator flap transfer has the benefits of minimal donor site morbidity and customization in design. This study reports on the proximal lateral leg perforator (PLLP) flap transfer for head and neck reconstruction.

Materials and Methods From January 2000 through December 2009, 18 patients underwent head and neck reconstruction with the PLLP flap, including 16 males and 2 females ranging in age between 32 and 80 years old. The mean follow-up time was 9.8 months.

Results Mother vessels of PLLP flaps can arise 77.8% (14/18) from the peroneal system, 11.1% (2/18) from the posterior tibial system, or 11.1% (2/18) from the common popliteal system. The skin dimension ranges from 4 cm × 7 cm to 6.5 cm × 18 cm. The mean of the perforator size is 1.96 mm (1.5 mm to 2.3 mm). The mean of the pedicle length is 6.96 cm (4.5 cm to 10 cm). All flaps survived completely except one flap that had partial necrosis.

Conclusions The PLLP flap for head and neck reconstruction offers versatility in design, diverse tissues for composition, a two-team approach, and negligible donor site morbidity, and it spares major vessels. The unpredictable pedicle length and the feasibility for microvascular anastomosis in the perforator level can be adapted with further experience and refining techniques.

 
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