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J Reconstr Microsurg
DOI: 10.1055/a-2491-3511
Original Article

Utilizing Perforator Propeller Flaps for Donor Site Closure: Harvesting Large Workhorse Flaps without Lingering Concerns

Tinglu Han   *
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, Capital Medical University, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Beijing, China
,
Nima Khavanin    *
2   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Mengqing Zang
3   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Beijing, China
,
Shan Zhu
3   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Beijing, China
,
Shanshan Li
3   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Beijing, China
,
Zixiang Chen
3   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Beijing, China
,
Shengyang Jin
3   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Beijing, China
,
Yuanbo Liu
3   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Beijing, China
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Abstract

Background Primary closure of donor sites following large flap harvest may not be feasible. The use of perforator propeller flap (PPF) in this setting is gaining popularity, successfully resurfacing the wound and lessening potential donor-site morbidity. In this study, we aimed to review our experience and outcomes using PPFs in donor-site coverage throughout the body.

Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients who underwent one or more PPFs surgery for donor site resurfacing between February 2009 and December 2021. Flap and defect characteristics were summarized. Postoperative complications and perioperative factors were analyzed.

Results Fifty-five patients underwent donor-site reconstruction using 68 PPFs. Of the 55 primary donor sites, 44 were covered with a single PPF, 9 with two PPFs, and 2 with three PPFs. One flap experienced complete necrosis and four flaps experienced distal flap necrosis, leading to an overall complication rate of 9.1%. No risk factors were found to be statistically significantly associated with the complication. All secondary PPF donor sites were closed primarily. During the average follow-up period of 15.1 months, none of the patients developed contour deformities or functional impairments.

Conclusion The PPF technique can be safely and effectively used for donor-site closure with minimal complications. It greatly frees surgeons to harvest a large workhorse flap for demanding soft tissue defect reconstruction.

Keywords

donor-site closure - perforator propeller flap - large-sized defect

* Both T.H. and N.K. contributed equally as co-first author.




Publication History

Received: 28 June 2024

Accepted: 23 November 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
28 November 2024

Article published online:
20 December 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 

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