Prefabricated flaps: experimental and clinical review.

ABSTRACT

Prefabricated flaps are a useful tool for the reconstructive surgeon and present a number of advantages 1. Specific preferred tissue composites, regardless of their native vascular origin, can be transferred as free or pedicled flaps. 2. Larger flaps of specialized tissue may be transferred safely. 3. Donor-site morbidity is reduced. 4. The functional outcome for the patients may be more satisfactory. The various methods of flap prefabrication include vascular induction through stage transfer; pretransfer delay, expansion, and grafting; the use of alloplastic materials; and tissue bioengineering. We have reviewed both the experimental and clinical research on flap prefabrication, describing the theory, technique, and advantages of each method.