A Surgical Approach to the Harvest of the Vascularized Submandibular and Submental Lymph Node Flap: The "Through-the-Gland" Dissection Technique.

BACKGROUND: Extremity lymphedema is a pathological condition resulting from absence of lymph nodes and disease of lymphatic vessels, often due to oncologic clearance of lymph nodes. In recent years, vascularized lymph node transfer has become a rapidly emerging method of lymphatic reconstruction shown to lead to lymphatic regeneration. In particular, lymphatic flaps based on the submental artery have shown good results with its favorable donor site and available nodes. The lymph nodes here are in close relation to the submandibular gland and require careful dissection around and through the gland for safe harvest. We studied this region of the neck and describe the blood supply to the lymph nodes, their variable positions in relation to the gland, and our technique of dissecting through the submandibular gland while keeping the lymph nodes' hilar blood supply intact. METHODS: We dissected 2 cadaver heads (4 sides of the neck) to study the submandibular and submental lymph nodes, where to locate them in relation to the submandibular gland and how best to dissect through the submandibular gland for access while keeping the hilar supply intact. We applied this knowledge in 6 clinical cases and provide a brief description of our "through-the-gland" dissection technique. RESULTS: The submandibular lymph nodes may lie (1) superficial and posterior to the gland, (2) between the superficial and deep parts of the submandibular gland, or (3) anteriorly and submental. They are classified as superficial, deep, and submental, respectively. The through-the-gland dissection technique gave the surgeon improved access and exposure to the lymph nodes. It also facilitated safer dissection because their hilar blood supply is well visualized. CONCLUSIONS: The through-the-gland technique of harvesting vascularized submandibular lymph node flaps is a safe technique that allows the surgeon to clearly identify and preserve blood supply of lymph nodes.

Free-Flap Lower Extremity Reconstruction: A Cohort Study and Meta-Analysis of Flap Anastomotic Outcomes between Perforator and Nonperforator Flaps.

INTRODUCTION: Free-flap outcomes in lower extremity reconstruction carry the lowest anastomotic success rates compared with other anatomical sites. Despite their advantages over traditional nonperforator flaps, free perforator flaps have only recently become established in this area due to the additional challenges faced. It is therefore crucial to assess the anastomotic outcomes of perforator and nonperforator free flaps. METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study and combined this with a meta-analysis of the relevant literature. We evaluated three flap anastomotic outcomes: reexploration, operative salvage, and flap failure rates. RESULTS: Between January 2010 and June 2015, our center managed 161 patients who underwent lower extremity free-flap reconstruction, which included 76 perforator flaps and 85 nonperforator flaps. The perforator flaps had higher reexploration rates compared with the nonperforator flaps, but this was not statistically significant (18.4 and 10.6%; p = 0.18). Perforator flaps had a higher flap salvage rate but were not statistically significant (78.6 and 22.2%; p = 0.374). Lastly, although not statistically significant, perforator flaps had a lower rate of complete failure due to anastomotic complications (3.9 and 8.2%; p = 0.336). The meta-analysis included 12 studies (inclusive of the index study) and found no statistical difference in all three outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis is the first reported study and serves as an indication that free perforator flaps in lower extremity are as reliable as their traditional nonperforator counterparts. This does come with the prerequisite appreciation of the anatomical variations, the delicate handling of these flaps, and a low threshold for reexploration.

Free versus Pedicled Perforator Flaps for Lower Extremity Reconstruction: A Multicenter Comparison of Institutional Practices and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Of all body regions, lower extremity wounds have been and remain the greatest challenge. Perforator free flaps have been accepted as a reasonable option to solve this dilemma but require the complexity of microsurgery. As a consequence, the possibility that pedicled perforator flaps could supplant even perforator free flaps has recently gained intense enthusiasm. METHODS: A retrospective investigation was undertaken to compare the validity for the use of perforator flaps of all types at three dissimilar institutions, that is, a university, a regional center, and a community hospital. All flaps performed in the 5-year period, 2011 to 2015, were included to allow at least 1-year follow-up before data analysis. A total of 433 free perforator flaps and 52 pedicled perforator flaps had been performed specifically for the lower extremity. RESULTS: Patient demographics, wound etiology, and comorbidities were similar for all institutions. Free flaps were more commonly needed after trauma and for chronic ulcers. Pedicled flaps were more likely an option after tumor excision. Large defects or those involving the foot were better served by free flaps. Overall success for free perforator flaps was 90.1% and for pedicled perforator flaps was 92.3%, with no significant difference noted (p = 0.606) between institutions. Peripheral vascular disease was the only significant comorbidity risk factor for both free and pedicled flap failure. CONCLUSION: Perforator flaps in general have become a reasonable solution for soft tissue defects of the lower extremity. Following careful consideration of the etiology, dimensions, location, patient comorbidities, and presence of adequate perforators, a pedicled or free perforator flap could potentially be successful. Pedicled perforator flaps, if adequate healthy soft tissues remain adjacent to the defect, forecast a continuance of the evolution in seeking simplicity yet reliability by the best flap possible for soft tissue closure of the lower limb wound.

Trends in Post-Mastectomy Reconstruction in an Asian Population: A 12-Year Institutional Review.

Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction is an integral component of breast cancer treatment. It is often perceived that women in Asian countries have a lower rate of post-mastectomy reconstruction than Western populations. This study describes trends in timing and types of breast reconstruction performed in the largest healthcare provider in Singapore, over a period of 12 years. It also reports on the oncological outcomes and surgical safety. A retrospective review of all patients who underwent post-mastectomy reconstruction from January 2001 to December 2012 at the National Cancer Centre Singapore and Singapore General Hospital was performed. Six hundred and twenty post-mastectomy reconstructions were performed in 579 patients. The proportion of reconstructions increased from 4% in 2001 to 18% in 2012. Younger patients (<50 years old) and those with early stage cancer were more likely to undergo reconstruction. Immediate breast reconstruction was favored by more than 90% of patients. Postoperatively, 9% developed acute surgical complications that were treated surgically; 6% had additional surgery for late complications. Only 4% had delay of adjuvant chemotherapy. At median follow-up of 63 months (range 3-166), loco-regional recurrence was 4%, and distant metastases 8%. Post-mastectomy reconstruction for breast cancer is increasingly performed in our institution. Both younger age and lower stage disease were associated with choice for reconstruction in our study. Low rates of delay to adjuvant therapy were noted, and it may safely be offered to suitable women undergoing mastectomy.

Defining the Optimal Segment for Neurotization-Axonal Mapping of Masseter Nerve for Facial Reanimation.

BACKGROUND: Recently, there has been renewed interest in using the motor nerve to the masseter for facial reanimation. This article aims to identify the ideal segment of the masseter nerve for facial reanimation by mapping its anatomy and studying the axonal count in its branches. METHODS: Fifteen fresh cadaveric heads with 30 masseter nerves were dissected under the microscope. The masseter muscle was exposed with a preauricular incision, the course of the nerve followed and measurements of the nerve and its branches were taken to identify the topography of the nerve. The nerve was then harvested en bloc, fixed, and axon counts of cross-sections of the nerve recorded with ImageJ (an image analysing software). The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: The masseter consists of 3 discrete muscle layers, and the nerve to the masseter that entered the muscle between the middle and deep layers in all specimens was dissected. The average length of the masseter nerve from the mandibular notch to the last branch was 49.1 ± 10.5 mm. At origin, the nerve diameter was 0.80 ± 0.2 mm and had 1395 ± 447 axons. After the first major branch at a distance of 19.3 to 29.9 mm from the origin, the axon count of the main trunk ranged from 655 to 1025. CONCLUSIONS: The segment of the masseter nerve which has an axon count of 600 to 800 is located after the first branch of the masseter nerve at a distance of 29.9 ± 7.2 mm from the start of its intramuscular course. Given that an axon count of 600 to 800 approximates that of the zygomatic branch of the facial nerve it is postulated that nerve coaptation at this level is able to produce a clinically satisfactory smile.

Hilar Vessels of the Submandibular and Upper Jugular Neck Lymph Nodes: Anatomical Study for Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer to Extremity Lymphedema.

OBJECTIVES: Vascularized lymph node transfer for lymphedema is an emerging method of treatment. Vascularized lymph nodes have been harvested from a number of donor sites, that is, groin, axilla, and neck. There is a concern that harvesting nodes from the groin and axilla may lead to donor site lymphedema. This risk is greatly reduced in harvesting from the neck due to the abundant supply of lymph nodes here. In this cadaver study, we describe the submandibular and upper jugular groups of lymph nodes, demonstrate their hilar vessels, their source pedicles and drainage veins, quantified and qualified these groups of lymph nodes and their relationship to surrounding structures. METHODS: Five fresh adult cadaver necks (10 sides) were dissected looking at the submandibular and upper jugular neck nodes under the microscope. We carried out vascularized lymph node transfer of upper jugular nodes from the neck to the groin of 1 patient with stage II lower extremity lymphedema and transferred vascularized submandibular nodes from the neck to the upper arm in 1 patient with stage II upper extremity lymphedema. RESULTS: There was a mean of 3.2 (range, 1-5) lymph nodes in the submandibular group and a mean of 4.1 (range, 2-6) lymph nodes in the upper jugular group. The submandibular nodes were perfused by branches of the facial artery, that is, glandular and/or facial branches and/or submental artery in various permutations. The upper jugular nodes were perfused by the sternocleidomastoid artery, which branches from the superior thyroid artery (70%) or emerges directly from the external carotid artery (30%). Hilar veins were found to drain into surrounding larger draining tributary veins and ultimately into the internal jugular vein. At 1-year follow-up, there was a considerable decrease in girth circumference in our patients, no episodes of cellulitis after surgery, with subjective improvement in limb heaviness and skin pliability. CONCLUSIONS: This knowledge of hilar blood supply will aid in transferring a lymphatic flap with intact microcirculation. When harvesting the submandibular nodes or upper jugular nodes, it is essential to harvest them based on their source pedicles, that is, facial artery and sternocleidomastoid artery, respectively, to supply live nodes to the recipient lymphedematous limb.

Thin superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap and supermicrosurgery technique for face reconstruction.

Distant free flaps have become a routine option for reconstruction of large, complicated facial soft tissue defects. The challenge is to find a flap that is pliable to provide good contour and function. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the use of superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flaps for facial defects. From November 2010 to June 2013, facial reconstruction was performed on 6 patients (age range, 15-79 years). The harvesting technique was modified to elevate above the deep fat, and the pedicles were taken above or just below the deep fascia. The mean size of the flap was 75.6 cm2, with a thickness of 7 mm; the mean pedicle length was 4.9 cm; and the mean artery caliber was 0.7 mm. The supermicrosurgery technique was used successfully in all 6 cases. Donor sites were all closed primarily. The mean follow-up was 16.7 months. All flaps survived without flap loss, and the donor sites healed without complications including lymphorrhea. The patients were satisfied with contour and function after reconstruction. The result of these 6 cases suggested that the SCIP flap can be a reliable flap for moderate-sized to large defects in the face. The use of new instrumentation and supermicrosurgical techniques allows use of the SCIP flap reliably while providing patients with a good contour, function, and minimal donor site morbidity.

Venous anatomy of the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap: A cadaveric and clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Reconstructive surgeons frequently face challenges with free tissue transfer when transplanted flaps are thicker than intended. This is especially pronounced in lower limb cases, where the soft tissue below the knee is thin. The supra-fascial superficial circumflex iliac perforator (SCIP) flap overcomes this problem, but venous congestion remains a concern. We aim to examine the venous anatomy of the SCIP flap through cadaveric dissections and clinical data analyses to enhance the understanding of the venous anatomy and reduce venous congestion in future procedures. METHODS: Eight cadaveric groins underwent venous dye injection and dissection to identify the superficial circumflex iliac vein (SCIV) and venae comitantes (VC) vascular networks. The venous anatomy was studied for dominant drainage. From April 2015 to December 2019, we conducted 102 SCIP flap reconstructions, mainly using the superficial circumflex iliac artery's superficial branch. Clinical data were analyzed and correlated with cadaveric dissections. SCIP flaps were categorized into three groups: dual drainage (VC and SCIV) in group I, SCIV-only in group II, and VC-only in group III. RESULTS: Correlations between clinical cases and cadaveric dissections revealed the SCIV as an independent drainage system with oscillating links to the VC. The SCIV is approximately twice the diameter of the VC, and the area of each vascular network suggests codominance. No significant difference in flap loss or venous congestion rates was noted when SCIV was the sole drainage, compared with VC or dual drainage. CONCLUSION: The SCIP flap with one artery and SCIV anastomosis, exhibits low venous congestion rates. Surgeons should consider SCIV for safe SCIP flap reconstruction.

The anterolateral thigh perforator flap for reconstruction of knee defects.

INTRODUCTION: Large defects around the knee remain challenging reconstructive problems. We report our experience with the use of the anterolateral thigh perforator flap for various defects in this area, based on the anatomy seen intraoperatively. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eight knee defects were reconstructed with the anterolateral thigh flap in accordance with our algorithm. Of them, 6 were performed as pedicled flaps and 2 as free flaps. For the pedicled flaps, 1 patient was reconstructed with an anterolateral thigh rotation flap, 3 patients with a directly transposed distally based anterolateral thigh flap, 2 patients with a "propeller" distally based anterolateral thigh flap. In the 2 patients reconstructed with the free anterolateral thigh flaps, the intramuscular part of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery was used as the recipient vessel. RESULTS: Reconstruction was successfully performed in all patients. Defects limited to the patella and above can be covered by antegrade anterolateral thigh rotation flaps. For larger defects, the distally based flap is needed. This can be used in cases where the perforators arise from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, either as a direct advancement or propeller flaps. In cases where the perforators are not usable or arises from the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, reconstruction was completed as a free flap. In such instances, the distal descending branch provides a reliable recipient vessel. CONCLUSION: The anterolateral thigh flap offers a versatile and reliable option for defects around the knee. Its use requires a certain degree of reconstructive flexibility as the anatomic variations of the flap may require the flap to be transferred as a free flap in some cases.

Serratus anterior venous tributary as a second outflow vein in latissimus dorsi free flaps.

The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is a large and reliable myocutaneous flap with a consistently long vascular pedicle. However, the limitation of the thoracodorsal pedicle is that it has only one draining vein for anastomosis. We describe a simple technique of recruiting the tributary vein to the serratus anterior and using it as a second draining vein to alleviate congestion in lower limb reconstruction. The serratus anterior venous tributary segment is cut back to an avalvular segment which averages 5 mm in length. Provision of an additional venous outflow to the flap enabled a second venous anastomosis to the short saphenous vein (N = 1), the long saphenous vein (N = 2), a deep vein (N= 1), and to a deep vein via a vein graft (N = 1), respectively. Five patients with degloving injury of the lower extremity of sizes 150 cm(2) (10 × 15 cm) to 260 cm(2) (10 × 26 cm) underwent successful reconstruction using the LD muscle flap with the serratus anterior tributary vein as a second outflow vein. This serratus anterior venous tributary serves as a useful second outflow channel for alleviating venous congestion during lower limb reconstructive surgery and should be routinely preserved as a lifeboat.

Outcome predictors in elderly head and neck free flap reconstruction: A retrospective study and systematic review of the current evidence.

Free flap tissue transfer has become the gold standard for reconstruction of composite head and neck defects. We sought to investigate the efficacy and morbidity of these procedures in the elderly. We retrospectively reviewed 245 head and neck free flap procedures (234 patients). Patients were stratified by age group (≥ or <65 years). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the following primary outcomes - free flap survival, postoperative medical and surgical complications and 30-day mortality. We found that free flap success and surgical complication rates were similar between the two age groups. Overall flap success and perioperative mortality rates were 94.3% and 2.1% respectively. Medical complications were significantly more common in the elderly group (p <0.001) and this correlated with comorbidity (OR = 2.81, p = 0.044) and advanced tumour stage (OR = 10.20, p= 0.029). Age was not independently associated with poor outcomes in our cohort. We then performed a systematic review of similar case-control studies worldwide and compared their findings with our results. We conclude that advanced age does not preclude free flap success in head and neck reconstruction. Rather, the presence of comorbidity appears to predict the development of medical complications postoperatively. Elderly patients with low comorbidity scores may be offered free flap reconstruction with less reservation.

The Efficacy of Perforator Flaps in the Treatment of Chronic Osteomyelitis.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of chronic osteomyelitis involves aggressive débridement followed by soft-tissue coverage. The dictum of muscle coverage being superior has been challenged by successful reports of coverage with skin flaps. The objective of this article is to evaluate the efficacy of perforator flaps for reconstruction of chronic osteomyelitis defects. METHODS: A retrospective review of 120 patients with chronic osteomyelitis who underwent débridement and reconstruction using perforator flaps from April of 2000 to November of 2015 was conducted. Inclusion criteria were cases with chronic osteomyelitis for a minimum of 6 weeks and with a follow-up of at least 2 years after surgery. Correlation between recurrence and the following factors was analyzed: comorbidities, frequency of débridement, duration of chronic osteomyelitis, limb vascular status, and method of dead space obliteration. The outcomes analyzed were flap loss, recurrence rate, primary remission rate, secondary remission rate, and amputation rate. RESULTS: The flap loss rate was 4.2 percent flap, the recurrence rate was 8.3 percent, the primary remission rate was 91.6 percent, the secondary remission rate was 98.3 percent, and the amputation rate was 1 percent. Significant predictors of recurrence were peripheral vascular disease and major vessel compromise, which had 5.1 times higher odds of recurrence (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Used with adequate débridement, bone reconstruction, and obliteration of dead space, a primary remission rate of 91.6 percent and a secondary remission rate of 98.3 percent were achieved using perforator flap. The predictors of chronic osteomyelitis recurrence were peripheral vascular disease and major vascular compromise. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Critical evaluation of contemporary management in a new Pelvic Exenteration Unit: The first 25 consecutive cases.

AIM: To critically appraise short-term outcomes in patients treated in a new Pelvic Exenteration (PE) Unit. METHODS: This retrospective observational study was conducted by analysing prospectively collected data for the first 25 patients (16 males, 9 females) who underwent PE for advanced pelvic tumours in our PE Unit between January 2012 and October 2016. Data evaluated included age, co-morbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status, preoperative adjuvant treatment, intra-operative blood loss, procedural duration, perioperative adverse event, lengths of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and hospital stay, and oncological outcome. Quantitative data were summarized as percentage or median and range, and statistically assessed by the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test, as applicable. RESULTS: All 25 patients received comprehensive preoperative assessment via our dedicated multidisciplinary team approach. Long-course neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was provided, if indicated. The median age of the patients was 61.9-year-old. The median ASA and ECOG scores were 2 and 0, respectively. The indications for PE were locally invasive rectal adenocarcinoma (n = 13), advanced colonic adenocarcinoma (n = 5), recurrent cervical carcinoma (n = 3) and malignant sacral chordoma (n = 3). The procedures comprised 10 total PEs, 4 anterior PEs, 7 posterior PEs and 4 isolated lateral PEs. The median follow-up period was 17.6 mo. The median operative time was 11.5 h. The median volume of blood loss was 3306 mL, and the median volume of red cell transfusion was 1475 mL. The median lengths of ICU stay and of hospital stay were 1 d and 21 d, respectively. There was no case of mortality related to surgery. There were a total of 20 surgical morbidities, which occurred in 12 patients. The majority of the complications were grade 2 Clavien-Dindo. Only 2 patients experienced grade 3 Clavien-Dindo complications, and both required procedural interventions. One patient experienced grade 4a Clavien-Dindo complication, requiring temporary renal dialysis without long-term disability. The R0 resection rate was 64%. There were 7 post-exenteration recurrences during the follow-up period. No statistically significant relationship was found among histological origin of tumour, microscopic resection margin status and postoperative recurrence (P = 0.67). Four patients died from sequelae of recurrent disease during follow-up. CONCLUSION: By utilizing modern assessment and surgical techniques, our PE Unit can manage complex pelvic cancers with acceptable morbidities, zero-rate mortality and equivalent oncologic outcomes.

Educational, employment, and social participation of young adult graduates from the paediatric Southern Cochlear Implant Programme, New Zealand.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to observe the education and vocational achievements and social participation of cochlear implant recipients as they graduate from a paediatric cochlear implant programme and identify any significant associations that might exist. METHOD: This study identified 56 patients from the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme (SCIP) who received cochlear implants before the age of 19 (paediatric) and are now over the age of 19 (adult). A questionnaire investigated their education, employment, and identity with the hearing and deaf communities. Also included were the satisfaction with life scale and Hearing Participation Scale (HPS). Subjects ranged in age from 19 to 32. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients responded to the questionnaire, including one non-user. Twenty identified strongly or very strongly with the hearing community. There was weak evidence of a linear association between strong identity with the hearing community and a higher HPS score. No other statistically significant associations were detected. Interestingly, 12 out of 26 participants found employment through family. CONCLUSION: Positive outcome trends in education and employment were seen in this study although no statistical significance was achieved. There is a strong bias for those who use their cochlear implants regularly, and there are no data available for those who do not use their cochlear implants for comparison as only one non-user completed the survey, despite efforts to include this group. This study shows that there is perceived benefit in implantation for patients who use it regularly but further research is needed with a more diverse group of cochlear implant recipients.

Maximizing Outcomes While Minimizing Morbidity: An Illustrated Case Review of Elbow Soft Tissue Reconstruction.

Background. Injuries to the elbow have led to consequences varying from significant limitation in function to loss of the entire upper limb. Soft tissue reconstruction with durable and pliable coverage balanced with the ability to mobilize the joint early to optimize rehabilitation outcomes is paramount. Methods. Methods of flap reconstruction have evolved from local and pedicled flaps to perforator-based flaps and free tissue transfer. Here we performed a review of 20 patients who have undergone flap reconstruction of the elbow at our institution. Discussion. 20 consecutive patients were identified and included in this study. Flap types include local (n = 5), regional pedicled (n = 7), and free (n = 8) flaps. The average size of defect was 138 cm(2) (range 36-420 cm(2)). There were no flap failures in our series, and, at follow-up, the average range of movement of elbow flexion was 100°. Results. While the pedicled latissimus dorsi flap is the workhorse for elbow soft tissue coverage, advancements in microvascular knowledge and surgery have brought about great benefit, with the use of perforator flaps and free tissue transfer for wound coverage. Conclusion. We present here our case series on elbow reconstruction and an abbreviated algorithm on flap choice, highlighting our decision making process in the selection of safe flap choice for soft tissue elbow reconstruction.

The search for the ideal thin skin flap: superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap--a review of 210 cases.

BACKGROUND: The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap is a thin skin flap that can be harvested reliably and quickly from the groin. It is ideal for single-stage resurfacing of cutaneous defects. The donor site heals well and is easily concealed. The authors clarify the anatomy, simplify the flap harvest technique, and outline the modifications to expand the applications of this flap. METHODS: Between January of 2011 and January of 2014, 210 superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flaps were performed at Asan Medical Center. The flaps were used for head and neck reconstruction (n = 13), upper extremity reconstruction (n = 19), lower limb reconstruction (n = 176), and reconstruction in the trunk region (n = 2). All flaps were raised suprafascially using a free-style approach. The anatomy of the flap, the elevation technique, and the results of the reconstruction were assessed. RESULTS: The average flap size was 86 cm, ranging from 17.5 to 216 cm (mean vertical width, 6.3 cm; mean transverse length, 13.5 cm). Total flap loss occurred in 10 flaps (4.8 percent). Two patients developed complications at the donor site. Debulking surgery was performed in five patients (2.4 percent). The average follow-up period was 400 days (range, 30 to 1690 days). CONCLUSIONS: The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap enables accurate resurfacing of moderate-size cutaneous defects. It is vascularly robust and versatile for use in different sites. This is the thinnest skin flap presently available and has the potential to become the new workhorse flap for resurfacing moderate-size skin defects. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.