Long Pedicled Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Flap Based on a Medial Superficial Branch

Abstract

Background: A superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap has several advantages, such as reduced thickness, minimal donor-site morbidity, and inconspicuous scar. However, the application of a superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap is restricted because of its limited pedicle length. The aim of this article was to outline the technical modifications of superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap elevation to obtain long pedicles.

Methods: This is a prospective study of 31 consecutive patients who required a long pedicled superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap between September of 2016 and December of 2019 at the authors' center. According to a preoperatively marked pathway of the superficial branch of the superficial circumflex iliac artery, the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap was designed. During the elevation, the design was modified according to the perforator location in the free-style technique. The characteristics of the patients and the flaps, including pedicle length, were recorded. The revision rate, complication rate, and need for a secondary procedure were analyzed.

Results: The mean follow-up period was 563 days (range, 92 to 1383 days). The mean length of the pedicle obtained was 6.9 cm (range, 6 to 8 cm) from the point where the pedicle merges into the flap. Long pedicles were anastomosed to the main source vessel or branch without tension. No major complications were reported.

Conclusions: Overcoming the short pedicle length of a superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap by designing the flap laterally and performing an intraflap dissection is a reliable option when a longer pedicle is required, irrespective of the specific anatomy of the superficial circumflex iliac artery.