Arch Reconstr Microsurg.  2016 Nov;25(2):49-55. 10.15596/ARMS.2016.25.2.49.

Clinical Efficacy of Gluteal Artery Perforator Flaps for Various Lumbosacral Defects

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea. 8love17@hanmail.net

Abstract

PURPOSE
Soft tissue defects in the lumbosacral area can be challenging to treat, and various methods to accomplish this have been proposed, including the use of perforator flaps. Herein, we present our experience with superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) and inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flaps for the reconstruction of lumbosacral defects.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From March 2013 to July 2016, 28 cases (27 patients) of lumbosacral defects were treated by reconstruction with SGAP or IGAP flaps. The defects were caused by pressure sores (21 cases), burns (3 cases), tumor resection (2 cases), scars (1 case), or foreign body infection (1 case). Reliable perforators around the defect were found using Doppler ultrasound. The perforator flaps were elevated with a pulsatile perforator and rotated to cover the defects.
RESULTS
Twenty-three SGAP and 5 IGAP flap reconstructions were performed. The mean flap size was 9.2×6.1 cm² (range, 5×3 cm² to 16×10 cm²). Donor sites were closed by primary closure. Partial flap necrosis occurred in two cases, and minor complications of wound dehiscence occurred in 3 cases, which were healed by primary closure. The mean follow-up period was 4.4 months (range, 1~24 months).
CONCLUSION
Gluteal-based perforator flaps can be safely harvested due to pliability and reliable vascularity in the gluteal area, reducing donor site morbidity without sacrificing the underlying muscles. Thus, these flaps are useful options for the reconstruction of lumbosacral defects.

Keyword

Soft tissue injuries; Lumbosacral; Perforator flap

MeSH Terms

Arteries*
Burns
Cicatrix
Follow-Up Studies
Foreign Bodies
Humans
Muscles
Necrosis
Perforator Flap*
Pliability
Pressure Ulcer
Soft Tissue Injuries
Tissue Donors
Treatment Outcome*
Ultrasonography
Wounds and Injuries
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