Flue

Flap
Specialty	Plastic surgery, Reconstructive surgery

A flap in medical terms refers to a piece of tissue that is still attached to the body by a major artery and vein or at its base, which is used in reconstructive surgery to repair a defect or cover a wound. Flaps are essential in the field of plastic surgery and are used to restore form and function to areas of the body that have been damaged by trauma, surgery, or disease.

Types of Flaps

Flaps can be classified based on their composition, blood supply, and method of transfer. The main types include:

Local Flaps

Local flaps are tissues that are moved from an adjacent area to cover a defect. They are based on the principle of tissue elasticity and include:

• Advancement Flaps: These are moved directly forward into a defect.
• Rotation Flaps: These are rotated around a pivot point to cover a defect.
• Transposition Flaps: These are lifted and moved over intervening tissue to cover a defect.

Regional Flaps

Regional flaps are larger and are moved from a nearby area but not directly adjacent to the defect. They often require a more complex surgical technique.

Free Flaps

Free flaps involve the complete detachment of tissue from its original location and reattachment at the defect site using microsurgery to connect blood vessels. This allows for the transfer of tissue from distant parts of the body.

Pedicled Flaps

Pedicled flaps remain attached to their original blood supply and are tunneled under the skin to the defect site.

Indications for Flap Surgery

Flap surgery is indicated in various situations, including:

• Coverage of large wounds or defects
• Reconstruction after tumor removal
• Repair of traumatic injuries
• Correction of congenital defects

Surgical Technique

The surgical technique for flap creation and transfer involves meticulous planning and execution. Key steps include:

• Designing the Flap: Determining the size, shape, and type of flap needed.
• Harvesting the Flap: Carefully dissecting the flap while preserving its blood supply.
• Transferring the Flap: Moving the flap to the defect site and securing it in place.
• Anastomosis: In the case of free flaps, connecting the blood vessels using microsurgical techniques.

Complications

Complications of flap surgery can include:

• Flap necrosis due to inadequate blood supply
• Infection
• Hematoma or seroma formation
• Partial or complete flap loss

Prognosis

The prognosis for flap surgery is generally good, with high success rates in experienced hands. The outcome depends on factors such as the type of flap, the location of the defect, and the patient's overall health.

Also see

• Skin graft
• Microsurgery
• Reconstructive surgery
• Plastic surgery