Coverage for the vascular pedicle of a free fasciocutaneous flap using split thickness skin graft with auxiliary procedure to achieve a safe method with no impairment of vessels: a case series and literature review

ConclusionsDuring microvascular transfer of free flaps, if no skin flap is available to cover the vascular pedicle, skin graft can be used to protect the vessels without compromising the circulation of the flap.  Our results, in accordance with the literature, supports the safety of this technique when direct closure of the skin above and near the pedicle is not possible.Level of evidenceLevel IV, Therapeutic.
Source: European Journal of Plastic Surgery - Category: Cosmetic Surgery Source Type: research