Flap (surgery)

Flap (surgery)

A flap in surgery is a piece of tissue that is still attached to the body by a major artery and vein or at its base. This piece of tissue with its attached blood supply is used in reconstructive surgery by being set in a new location on the body while still remaining attached to the blood supply.

Types of Flaps

There are several types of flaps used in reconstructive surgery, including:

• Local Flaps: These are flaps that are adjacent to the wound or defect needing to be covered. They are moved to the new location by either transposition or advancement.

• Regional Flaps: These are flaps that are a little further away from the wound or defect. They are moved to the new location by either transposition or advancement.

• Free Flaps: These are flaps that are completely detached from the original location and moved to the new location. They require microsurgery to reattach the blood vessels.

Applications

Flap surgery is used in a variety of medical situations, including:

• Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
• Skin grafts for burn victims
• Facial reconstruction after injury or disease
• Limb salvage procedures

Complications

Like all surgical procedures, flap surgery carries some risk. Complications can include infection, bleeding, and flap failure, which can occur if the blood supply to the flap is compromised.

See Also

• Skin graft
• Microsurgery
• Reconstructive surgery