Skin flap transfer has become a major treatment option for soft tissue defect coverage,
but has a potential risk of necrosis due to compromised circulation of the flap. Preoperative
investigation of vascular anatomy of flaps is important for safer flap elevation and
transfer, and postoperative flap monitoring is also essential to detect abnormal circulation
of the transferred flap for salvage of the flap. Flap color, capillary refill, and
pin-pricking are basic and simple monitoring methods, but each requires clinical experience
and knowledge to evaluate the flap condition appropriately.
1
Doppler ultrasonography is a clinically useful monitoring method, but has disadvantages
of high cost and risk of dislocation of the device when implanted.
2
It is ideal for flap monitoring to be easy, low cost, objective, noninvasive, and
readily available.To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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References
- The TRAM flap in breast reconstruction.Plast Surg Nurs. 1996; 16: 133-138
- Use of the implantable Doppler in free tissue breast reconstruction.Clin Plast Surg. 2011; 38: 309-312
- Correlation of infrared thermography and skin perfusion in Raynaud patients and in healthy controls.Microvasc Res. 2010; 80: 54-57
- New thoracodorsal artery perforator (TAPcp) flap with capillary perforators for reconstruction of upper limb.J Plast Reconstr Aesthes Surg. 2010; 63: 140-145
Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 06, 2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
