Free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects in extremities of children.
Research article published in Microsurgery (2013)
Abstract
The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap has been a valuable tool in breast reconstruction, but seldom in extremity reconstruction. The aim of this report is to present our experience on the use of the DIEP flap for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects in the extremities of pediatric patients. From January 2007 to February 2011, 22 consecutive free DIEP flap transfers were performed for reconstruction of complex soft-tissue defects in the extremities of children with a mean age of 5.7 years old (ranging 2-10 years old). The flap design included transverse, oblique, and irregular DIEP flaps, containing one to three perforators in the flap. The flap size ranged from 7 × 4 cm to 18 × 17 cm. Primary donor-site closure was accomplished in all of patients. The postoperative course was uneventfully in most of cases. The venous congestion was observed in two cases. One case of venous congestion was caused by flap inset with tension. The other case with venous thrombosis ended with partial loss of the flap after salvage procedure. There was one total flap loss due to the arterial thrombosis. The flap survival rate was 95.5%. The mean follow-up was 12 months (ranging 6-36 months). All reconstructed extremities had satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes except two cases undergoing the secondary debulking procedures. The donor sites healed well in all cases without complications. Our experience showed that the free DIEP flap could be an alternative for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects in the extremities of children.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects in extremities of children.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Esta serie de casos reporta 22 transferencias consecutivas de colgajos libres de perforantes de la arteria epigástrica inferior profunda (DIEP) para la reconstrucción de tejidos blandos de extremidades en pacientes pediátricos (edad media 5,7 años), con una tasa de supervivencia del colgajo del 95,5% y dos casos de congestión venosa, uno de los cuales resultó en pérdida parcial del colgajo. Si bien la congestión venosa en cirugía de colgajos constituye una indicación clínica reconocida para la terapia con sanguijuelas medicinales, este resumen no menciona las sanguijuelas ni la hirudoterapia en el manejo de la congestión venosa. El estudio se centra en la técnica quirúrgica y los desenlaces, por lo que cualquier relevancia relacionada con las sanguijuelas no queda establecida y es especulativa.
Citación
Free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects in extremities of children.
Tang et al. · Microsurgery, 2013
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 28, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026