Plastic surgery of extensive soft tissue defects of the lower leg in children with the use of a parotid flap after its prefabrication with tissue expanders (preliminary report)

Abstract

Background. Extensive deep soft tissue defects in children are an indication for the microsurgical reconstruction using autotransplantation of a tissue complex. The use of a flap prefabrication before their microsurgical transplantation to various segments and areas is a promising approach in reconstructive surgery.
 Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibilities and immediate results of plastic surgery of extensive soft tissue defects of the lower leg with a tissue complex, after its prefabrication with a tissue expander, and the state of the donor area in different surgical treatment options.
 Materials and methods. Six patients aged 13 2.3 years were operated on for deep scar deformities of the lower leg and foot. For plastic surgery, a pericarpial flap was used. In two patients, the flap was prefabricated with tissue expanders at a volume of 720 ml. After filling the expander, the second stage of surgical treatment was performed. First, the expander was removed. Next, the flap on the artery surrounding the scapula was isolated. Last, it was transplanted into a soft tissue defect of the lower leg with the imposition of microvascular anastomoses. A layer-by-layer suture was applied to the donor wound. The Vancouver scale was used to assess the quality of the scar tissue in the donor area.
 Results. The removal of the tissue complex after the prefabrication with expanders made it possible to perform plastic surgery of extensive soft tissue defects of the lower leg in one stage of surgical treatment with the application of a cosmetic suture in the donor area. There were no complications in the postoperative period.
 At the examination after six months, patients who did not undergo flap prefabrication complained of cosmetic defects and discomfort when moving in the donor area.
 The evaluation of the quality of scar tissue by the Vancouver scale showed that the scars in patients after flap prefabrication were similar to optimal (total score in two patients is 2). In two patients without flap prefabrication, the total score was 7, and in two patients, it was 9, which indicated unsatisfactory cosmetic parameters of the postoperative scar.
 Conclusion. The prefabrication of a tissue complex using tissue expanders before microsurgical transplantation enables the collection of a large volume of tissue for plastic surgery of extensive defects. It also reduces the risk of trophic complications in the postoperative period and creates optimal conditions for closing the donor site.