ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of different free flaps in the repair of large defects after resection of scalp malignant tumors. MethodBetween March 2012 and January 2015, 18 patients with large defect after resection of scalp malignant tumors were treated with different free flaps. There were 13 males and 5 females with an average age of 49 years (range, 18-72 years). There were 17 cases of squamous carcinoma and 1 case of dermato-fibril sarcoma protuberans. The defect size ranged from 15 cm×12 cm to 22 cm×17 cm after resection of tumors. Defects were repaired with anterolateral thigh flap in 5 cases, latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in 6 cases, thoracodorsal artery perforator flap in 3 cases, and latissimusdorsi muscle flap plus intermediate split thickness skin graft in 4 cases. The flap size was 17 cm×14 cm to 24 cm×19 cm. The donor sites of the skin flap were covered with skin graft, while the donor sites of the muscle flap were directly sutured. ResultsOf 14 skin flaps, the other 13 flaps survived except 1 flap necrosis; all muscle flaps survived. The patients were followed up 5-33 months (mean, 20 months). Three patients died because of intracranial metastasis at 5, 7, and 13 months after operation, respectively. Two patients had local recurrence and underwent secondary operation. The results of both appearance and function were satisfactory; secondary operation of thinning the flaps was performed in 4 cases of bulky flaps. The flaps had good wear resistance, without ulceration during follow-up. No obvious impairment was observed after harvesting latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. ConclusionsLarge scalp defects after malignant tumor resection can be effectively repaired by proper application of different free flaps.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of different flaps for repair of severe palm scar contracture deformity. MethodsBetween February 2013 and March 2015, thirteen cases of severe palm scar contracture deformity were included in the retrospective review. There were 10 males and 3 females, aged from 14 to 54 years (mean, 39 years). The causes included burn in 9 cases, hot-crush injury in 2 cases, chemical burn in 1 case, and electric burn in 1 case. The disease duration was 6 months to 6 years (mean, 2.3 years). After excising scar, releasing contracture and interrupting adherent muscle and tendon, the soft tissues and skin defects ranged from 6.0 cm×4.5 cm to 17.0 cm×7.5 cm. The radial artery retrograde island flap was used in 2 cases, the pedicled abdominal flaps in 4 cases, the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap in 2 cases, the anterolateral thigh flap in 1 case, and the scapular free flap in 4 cases. The size of flap ranged from 6.0 cm×4.5 cm to 17.0 cm×7.5 cm. ResultsAll flaps survived well. Venous thrombosis of the pedicled abdominal flaps occurred in 1 case, which was cured after dressing change, and healing by first intention was obtained in the others. The mean follow-up time was 8 months (range, 6-14 months). Eight cases underwent operation for 1-3 times to make the flap thinner. At last follow-up, the flaps had good color, and the results of appearance and function were satisfactory. ConclusionSevere palm scar contracture deformity can be effectively repaired by proper application of different flaps.