Concept of perforator flap and reconstruction using microsurgery

ABSTRACT

Free tissue transfer has revolutionized tissue reconstruction. Microvascular operation techniques using free tissue transfer make it possible to precisely restore various defects and deformities. There are various surgical flaps available for this surgery, such as muscle flaps, musculocutaneous flaps, or fasciocutaneous flaps. The development of perforator flaps enables multi-component reconstruction with reduced donor site morbidity. Successful reconstruction must be approached with the goals of not only providing stable coverage, but most importantly, of restoring function. Therefore, the selection of flaps is dependent on the recipient site characteristics and the functional and aesthetic results at both the recipient and donor sites. With the high success rate of free flaps and the popularization of the perforator flap, microvascular surgery has played a major role in various reconstructive fields.