Surgical flaps
After excision of extensive skin lesions, defects may result that
may not be closed with a simple closure.
Different ways of closing the existing defect exist, depending upon
the location as well as the individual skin tension, and thus have to
be planned individually for each patient to achieve the best possible
functional and aesthetic results.
Principle:
Frequently used are the so-called rotational flaps.
In preparation of the flap, it is necessary to assure sufficient vascularization of the base of the flap, to prevent necrosis.
After planning and marking of the planned procedure and sufficient local anaesthesia, mobilisation of the flap down to the fascia is required, followed by positioning and adaptation of the flap in its new location (with the least tension possible) and fixation (with stitches, if necessary).
In case of tangential movement, a possible „dog-ear“ (Burrow-corner)
may appear which can be removed after fixation of the flap.
The most common flaps are
rotational flaps, transposition flaps,
V-Y-flaps, H- flaps, U- flaps as well as
double rotaional flaps.
