The use of perforator flaps for the reconstruction of sacral defects: Ten-year experience

Hao Yu Chiao, Shun Cheng Chang, Chang Yi Chou, Yuan Sheng Tzeng, Shyi Gen Chen, Chin Ta Lin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Despite advances in reconstruction techniques, sacral defects continue to challenge surgeons. The perforator flap preserves the entire contralateral side as a future flap donor site and the gluteal muscle itself on the ipsilateral side to minimize donor-site morbidity. Materials and Methods: Between April 2003 and March 2013, data obtained from 60 patients with sacral defects reconstructed with perforator flaps were retrospectively analyzed. Results: We analyzed the sacral defects reconstructed with three different perforator flaps into the following groups: Group 1, 30 patients with superior gluteal artery perforator flaps, (average flap size was 83.8 cm2); Group 2, 19 patients with parasacral perforator flaps (average flap size was 94.2 cm2); and Group 3, 11 patients with inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps (average flap size was 85.8 cm2). The overall flap survival rate was 93.3% (56/60). Conclusion: Perforator flaps are a reliable option for soft-tissue defect reconstruction as they provide a sufficient amount of tissue to cover large sacral defects. We recommend perforator flaps as a viable alternative in the management of sacral defects that cannot be reconstructed with primary closure or local fasciocutaneous flaps.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)142-147
Number of pages6
JournalFormosan Journal of Surgery
Volume51
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 1 2018

Keywords

  • Perforator flap
  • pressure ulcer
  • reconstruction
  • sacral defect

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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