Versatility of the Distally-Based Sural Artery Fasciocutaneous Flap on the Lower Leg and Foot in Patients with Chronic Disease

• Main Authors: Jin-Su Park, Si-Gyun Roh, Nae-Ho Lee, Kyoung-Moo Yang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons 2013-05-01
• Series: Archives of Plastic Surgery
• Subjects: Sura; Softtissue injuries; Surgical flap
• Online Access: http://e-aps.org/Synapse/Data/PDFData/2023APS/aps-40-220.pdf
• ISSN: 2234-6163; 2234-6171

Background  A recent advancement in microsurgery, the free flap is widely used in the re­construction ofthe lowerleg and foot. The simple and effective methods oflocal flaps, inclu­ding transposition and advancement flaps, have been considered for patients with chronicdebilitationwho are unable to endure long surgical procedures or general anesthesia.However,the location and size of the wound may restrict the clinical application of a local flap. Underthese circumstances, a sural flap can be an excellent alternative, rendering satisfying clinicaloutcomesin chronically debilitated patients.Methods  Between 2008 and 2012, 39 patients underwent soft tissue defect treatment bysural artery flap as a final method. All ofthe patients had atleast one chronic disease or more(diabetes, hypertension, vascular disease, etc.). Also, all ofthe patients had a history of chroniclower extremity ulceration, which revealed no response to several months of conservativetreatment.Results  The results of the 39 cases had a successrate of 100% with 39 complete recoveries.Nine casessuffered complications: partial necrosis(n= 4),wound dehiscencewithout necrosis(n= 3), hematoma (n= 1), and infection (n= 1).Conclusions  The sural artery flap is not only usefulforthe lowerleg but also forthe heel, andother various parts. Furthermore, itis a relatively simple surgicaltechnique forreconstructingthe defect area for patients with various chronic conditions with a high surgical risk or con­traindicationsto surgery