Publication: Use of reverse sural artery flap for reconstruction of defects of distal leg, ankle and foot
Files
Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Institute of Medicine
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Reverse sural artery flap has been used effectively to cover defects of distal leg, ankle and foot. This flap is easier and quick to harvest and is a versatile flap in terms of extensive mobility and reliable vascularity and, in many instances it has obviated the need for free tissue transfer.
Methods: This is a retrospective study of sural flaps done at the Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital over a period of 4 years from April 2011 to March 2015. It included 21 flaps carried out in 21 patients with soft tissue defects at distal lower leg, ankle and foot.
Results: Among 21 patients, 10 were men and 11 were women with an average age of 41 years (17 – 81). Successful flap coverage was obtained in 16 cases out of 21 (76%) which included 10 cases of complete survival (48%) and 6 cases (28%) of marginal flap necrosis. Four cases (19%) had partial flap loss and one case (5%) lost flap completely.
Conclusion: we found that reverse sural artery flap has good reliability with low incidence of complications and is a versatile flap for the reconstruction of defects in distal leg, ankle and foot
Key words: sural flap, distal leg, ankle, foot, flap survival, flap necrosis, skin strip
Description
Shrestha JM, Rayamajhi S, Lohani I, Manandhar K, Sharma S
Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
Keywords
sural flap, distal leg, ankle, foot, flap survival, flap necrosis, skin strip