The subcutaneous pedicled V-Y advancement flap (also known as the "kite flap" of Dufourmentel) has been described by many authors. Its versatility in reconstructive surgery is well known, both in facial reconstructive surgery as well as surgery of the trunk and extremities. Its advantages in achieving aesthetic reconstruction in specific facial regions have been less well emphasized in the literature. The flap can be designed within natural facial creases and heals inconspicuously because of its widely based subcutaneous or muscle pedicle which incorporates venous and lymphatic drainage over most of its length. The undesirable "biscuiting" or flap edema frequently observed with other conventional transposition flaps is avoided. We have found the V-Y flap particularly useful in reconstructing the lower eyelid/medial canthus, supra-alar, and nasolabial regions. Our experience with over 40 such flaps is described, and technical considerations in designing and elevating the flap are discussed.
Traditional management of frostbite injury of the hands and fingers has been to allow demarcation to occur between viable and nonviable tissues, corresponding to the level of amputation required. In this case report, phalangeal length in mummified digits was maintained with free tissue transfer followed by evidence of bony revascularization on bone scan. Rather than waiting for tissue demarcation to occur, the authors propose that consideration be given to debridement of soft tissues in the frostbitten fingers followed by free tissue transfer to salvage length and function in the digital bony skeleton.
The search for the perfect surgical "glue" is ongoing. Throughout the centuries, surgeons and scientists have sought an ideal sealant and adhesive: one that is safe, biologically compatible, effective, and affordable. A tissue sealant with these attributes would have unlimited applications in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Simple wound closure, sealing of cavities, attachment of graft and flaps, and decreasing of bleeding, bruising, and edema are problems that all aesthetic and reconstructive surgeons face every day in their practice.
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