Archives of Plastic Surgery

Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (대한성형외과학회)
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Clinical Applications of the Intercostal Artery Perforator Flap for Trunk Reconstruction

  • Young Jun Kim (Department of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Chosun University College of Medicine) ;
  • Woo Young Choi (Department of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Chosun University College of Medicine) ;
  • Ji Seon Cheon (Department of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Chosun University College of Medicine) ;
  • Min Hyub Choi (Department of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Chosun University College of Medicine)
  • Received : 2022.11.02
  • Accepted : 2023.03.03
  • Published : 2023.05.15
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Abstract

Background Trunk defects can occur because of surgical site infections after spinal surgery, resection of malignant tumors, or trauma. Herein, we present our experience of using intercostal artery perforator (ICAP) flaps to reconstruct trunk defects without noteworthy complications. Fourteen patients underwent reconstruction with ICAP flaps between March 2015 and March 2019. Methods Patients' data, including age, sex, the cause of the defect, defect size, perforator location, flap size, complications, and follow-up period, were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 56.5 years (range, 19-80 years). All operations were performed after the results of bacterial culture from the wound showed no microbial growth. We found reliable perforators around the defect using Doppler ultrasonography. The perforator flaps were elevated with a pulsatile perforator and rotated in a propeller fashion to the defects. We performed five dorsal and two lateral ICAP flaps. The mean flap dimensions were 12 × 5.5 cm2 (range, 6 × 5 to 18 × 8 cm2). Results Primary closure of the donor site was performed. Marginal congestion was observed as a complication in one case, but it healed with no need for revision. The mean follow-up period was 8 months. All patients were satisfied with the surgical outcomes. Conclusion ICAP flaps can be easily mobilized, thereby reducing donor site morbidity without sacrificing the underlying muscles for trunk reconstruction. Therefore, these flaps are useful options for the reconstruction of trunk defects.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors thank Min Choi, Dong Seok Shin, Jun Mo Kim, and Hyun Jung for their contributions to comments for this article. This study was supported by research fund from the Chosun University, 2022.

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