The “Gent” Consensus on Perforator Flap Terminology: Preliminary Definitions

Abstract

Due to its increasing popularity, more and more articles on the use of perforator flaps have been reported in the literature during the past few years. Because the area of perforator flaps is new and rapidly evolving, there are no definitions and standard rules on terminology and nomenclature, which creates confusion when surgeons try to communicate and compare surgical techniques. This article attempts to represent the opinion of a group of pioneers in the field of perforator flap surgery. This consensus was reached after a terminology consensus meeting held during the Fifth International Course on Perforator Flaps in Gent, Belgium, on September 29, 2001. It stipulates not only the definitions of perforator vessels and perforator flaps but also the correct nomenclature for different perforator flaps. The authors believe that this consensus is a foundation that will stimulate further discussion and encourage further refinements in the future.

The versatility of the inter-costal artery perforator (ICAP) flaps

“…9 The anterior intercostal arteries communicate with the posterior intercostal vessels at the anteromiddle third of the ribs. From this vascular arcade, multiple perforators originate from the posterior bundle.…”

Colgajo paraescapular en pérdidas postraumáticas de tejidos blandos de las extremidades. [Parascapular flap in post-traumatic soft-tissue loss at the limbs.]

“…El avance en los conocimientos de la anatomía vascular y la circulación cutánea ha posibilitado el desarrollo de una gran variedad de colgajos pediculados y perforantes. [11][12][13][14][15][16] El colgajo paraescapular ha probado ser versátil, robusto y confiable. Cuando es utilizado para cubrir defectos en extremidades severamente lesionadas permite reemplazar defectos fasciocutáneos con tejido similar al perdido.…”

Colgajo fasciocutáneo sural inverso para cobertura de defectos de partes blandas en pierna, tobillo y pie. [Reverse­ fasciocutaneous­ sural­ flap­ for­ soft-tissue­ coverage­ in­ the­ leg,­ ankle­ and­ foot­]

“…[5][6][7] en esta serie, el uso del colgajo fasciocutáneo sural de base distal nos permitió cubrir con éxito 20 defectos de tejidos blandos que afectaban la tibia distal, el tobillo y el pie, tanto en reconstrucciones postraumáticas como en defectos secundarios a resecciones oncológicas.…”