The versatile use of fasciocutaneous flaps in coverage of extensive soft tissue defects

Abstract

Background: Coverage of large soft tissue defects has always been difficult. Despite an increase in free flap options and many of combinations, it is still a big problem to repair large defects in some patients. In this study, repair of large defects with random fasciocutaneous flaps prepared from adjacent regions to the defect has been evaluated in functional and esthetic terms, especially in cases where microsurgery methods cannot be implemented or do not suffice. Patients and Methods: Ten patients' large soft tissue defects in different regions were repaired with random fasciocutaneous flaps. Average defect size was 15.2 cm × 18.3 cm, and defects were covered with random flaps with an average size of 14.8 cm × 28.1 cm. Average operation duration and average hospital stay were measured at 2.7 h and 2.2 days, respectively. Results: Patients were followed for 6 months on average. Complications such as flap loss, bleeding, or infection were not encountered in any patient at an early or late stages. Recovery of donor sites was evaluated unproblematic, and esthetic appearance was regarded acceptable. Conclusion: Fasciocutaneous flaps neighboring the defect can be prepared in larger dimensions compared to their alternatives, and they can cover the defect with less problems. Producing quite successful results is highly possible, especially in cases where the use of free and axial flaps is inappropriate. With the rapid development in microsurgery, many flap alternatives have emerged for the coverage of basic or complicated defects. However, random fasciocutaneous flaps have to be kept in mind as they are more basic and often have the potential to produce better and more effective results than these methods.

Keywords

• Fasciocutaneous flap
• large soft tissue defect
• random flap