Abstract
Various types of propeller flaps from multiple donor sites can be used to reconstruct
anterior trunk skin defects. The actual selection depends on the condition and location
of the recipient site, especially if it is to be the chest or abdomen that requires
attention. Before surgery commences, it is always important to use an imaging analyses
such as computed tomography angiography to examine and identify perforators that could
perfuse a perforator-pedicled propeller flap (PPPF), as it is the most multifaceted
imaging technique. Clusters of perforators that can be commonly used for the “workhorse”
PPPFs for the thoracic and abdominal regions are the internal mammary artery perforator,
the musculophrenic artery perforator, and the deep inferior epigastric perforator.
These perforators are reliable and large enough to support long and large propeller
flaps that will cover most defects in this region, while still allowing primary donor-site
closure.
Keywords
internal mammary artery perforator - musculophrenic artery perforator - deep inferior
epigastric perforator - anterior trunk - thorax - chest - abdomen
