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The use of integra artificial dermis to minimize donor‐site morbidity after suprafascial dissection of the radial forearm flap
Author(s) -
Gravvanis Andreas I.,
Tsoutsos Dimosthenis A.,
Iconomou Thomais,
Gremoutis George
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/micr.20406
Subject(s) - medicine , forearm , dissection (medical) , surgery , dermis , wrist , skin grafting , anatomy
Abstract In an effort to minimize the radial forearm flap donor‐site morbidity, the flap was elevated using the suprafascial dissection technique, in six patients with various facial defects. The donor site was covered primarily with Integra artificial skin and secondarily with an ultrathin split‐thickness skin graft. The mean time to wound healing of the forearm donor site was 24 days. There were no flap failures, and all flaps healed uneventfully. At the end of the follow‐up, all patients showed normal range of motion of the wrist and the fingers, normal power grip, and power pinch. All patients evaluated the esthetic appearance of the forearm donor site as very good. In conclusion, suprafascial dissection of the forearm flap creates a superior graft recipient site, and the use of Integra artificial dermis is a valuable advancement to further minimize the donor‐site morbidity, resulting in excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.