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Gracilis myocutaneous flap: Evaluation of potential risk factors and long‐term donor‐site morbidity
Author(s) -
Papadopoulos Othon,
Konofaos Petros,
Georgiou Panos,
Chrisostomidis Chrisostomos,
Tsantoulas Zacharias,
Karypidis Dimitrios,
Kostakis Alkiviadis
Publication year - 2011
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.20899
Subject(s) - medicine , surgery , necrosis , deformity , thigh , body mass index , incidence (geometry) , physics , optics
This study reviewed our experience with the gracilis myocutaneous (GMC) flap, potential risk factors for flap necrosis, and long‐term morbidity at the donor‐site. From 1993 to 2002, 29 GMC flaps were harvested from 27 patients (pedicled n = 21 and free n = 8). The overall incidence of flap necrosis was 13.79% (partial ( n = 2) and total ( n = 2) necrosis). Flap necrosis was correlated with body mass index >25 ( P = 0.022), with smoking ( P = 0.04 9) and with radiation therapy at the recipient site ( P = 0.020). The long‐term morbidity at the donor‐site was low, except for scar appearance (17.24%), thigh contour deformity (58.62%), and hypoesthesia (17.24%). Significant age and gender differences were seen for ranking of scar ugliness, with females ( P = 0.0061) and younger patients (age ≤55) ( P = 0.046) assigned higher values. Significant age differences were seen for ranking of thigh contour deformity, with younger patients assigned higher values ( P = 0.0012). In conclusion, patient overweight, smoking, and previous radiation therapy at the recipient site may be the “potential risk factors” for flap necrosis. The long‐term morbidity at the donor‐site was low, which was in agreement with previous reported studies. A larger series would be the subject of a future study. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.