The medial sural artery perforator flap in intra-oral reconstruction: A Northeast experience. Issue 5 (May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chalmers, R.L.; Rahman, K.M.A.; Young, S.; Kennedy, M.; Endersby, S.; Adams, J.R.; Ahmed, O.A.; Nugent, M.; Ragbir, M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery. Volume 69:Issue 5(2016:May)
• Page Start: 687
• Page End: 693
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Subjects: Medial sural artery perforator flap -- Intra-oral reconstruction -- Free flap -- Microsurgery; Surgery, Plastic -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 617.9505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2016.01.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-6815

Abstract

Summary: Background: The medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap is a fasciocutaneous flap that is gaining popularity for intra-oral reconstructions. The aim of this two-centre review was to evaluate the use of the MSAP flap in intra-oral reconstructions and report our experiences. Methods: Data were collected prospectively on 35 consecutive intra-oral reconstructions using the free MSAP flap. Patient details and intraoperative flap details were recorded. Results: Thirty-five patients underwent intra-oral reconstruction with a free MSAP flap (26 males and nine females). The average flap dimensions were a length of 8.03 cm, a width of 5.0 cm and a thickness of 7.1 mm. Twenty-two flaps had two perforators, and the average pedicle length was 11.1 cm. There were no flap losses. Ninety-one per cent of donor sites were closed primarily. There were two minor complications related to donor-site wound dehiscence, which required delayed skin grafting. The overall complication rate was 5.7%. Conclusions: The MSAP flap is a good choice for intra-oral reconstruction. It has reliable anatomy and provides thin, pliable skin with a long pedicle. In addition, donor morbidity is low as the donor site can be closed directly in most cases. It is currently our flap of choice for small intra-oral soft tissue defects.