Open AccessPropeller Flap: Surgical Option after Resection of Lower Limb Melanoma
Author(s) -
Roney Gonçalves Fechine Feitosa,
AUTHOR_ID
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
hsoa journal of clinical dermatology and therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2378-8771
DOI - 10.24966/cdt-8771/100093
Subject(s) - propeller , medicine , surgery , resection , plastic surgery , lower limb , geology , oceanography
Objective: To describe a series of cases of lower limb reconstruction using an axial reverse flow flap (propeller flap) after melanoma excision. Patients and methods: From August 2014 to December 2016, at the Plastic Surgery Service at UNIFESP, five patients with defects in the lower limbs after melanoma resection were reconstructed using propeller flap. In all cases, the perforating vessels were previously mapped using Doppler ultrasound. Results: The size of the defect ranged from 4 cm × 3 cm to 8 cm × 4.5 cm. One case had a 180º rotation. In all the others, a 90° rotation was sufficient. All patients had good aesthetic results. Conclusion: The propeller flap is a simple and low cost technique. It is indicated for reconstruction of the distal third of small and/or medium-sized lower limb. The aesthetic result is satisfactory with the thickness and color of the flap very similar to the excised area.