Suprafascial pre-expansion of perforator flaps and the effect of pre-expansion on perforator artery diameter

Background This study addresses the "pre-expanded perforator flap concept" by demonstrating a case series of relevant reconstructive procedures and evaluate the perforator vessel diameter changes that happen during the pre-expansion procedure. Methods Fourteen patients were treated with 15 flaps. One patient was treated with two pre-expanded internal mammary artery perforator flaps. In other cases, thoracodorsal, circumflex scapular, lumbar, intercostal, lateral circumflex femoral, and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps were used. Technical details and rate of complications were noted. Evaluations of the flap pedicles were done both by hand held Doppler and by color Doppler ultrasound (CDU). Results Flaps successfully served to resurface and release thick and rigid broad scar tissues and contractures in 11 of relevant 12 patients (in one patient with 50% flap loss, adequate contracture release could only be obtained with addition of a secondary split thickness skin graft to the residual flap) and provided a good source of tissue for anterior neck reconstruction of one patient and penis reconstruction of another patient. In six patients, perforator artery diameters were measured by CDU both before and after the expansion process and a significant increase secondary to the pre-expansion procedure was detected (Pre-expansion mean: 0.48 ± 0.08 mm; post-expansion mean: 0.65 ± 0.10 mm; P < 0.05). Flaps as large as 30 × 20 cm were harvested. Totally three partial flap necroses were experienced in 15 flap procedures. Conclusions Suprafascial pre-expansion of the perforator flaps seems to provide a solution to achieve broader and thinner perforator flaps with larger perforator arteries. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:188-196, 2014. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.