Evaluation of Soft Tissue Defects’ Reconstruction Using Flaps or Skin Grafts
Journal
Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences
Date Issued
2009-09
Author(s)
Marija Marchevska
DOI
10.3889/MJMS
Abstract
Background. Removal of damaged tissue and organs followed by replacement with appropriate substitutes was a long- lasting tendency since the ancient times. Skin defects of any
aetiology, can be replaced either with skin grafts or flaps. Skin graft or skin transplant is a skin
patch completely detached out of a donor site, having no blood vessels to nourish, neither nerve
supply to innervate. Its survival, in general, depends on the quality and vascularisation of the
recipient site. On the other hand, skin flap refers to a tissue segment that covers the defect, but
in the contrary to the skin graft, keeps its original blood supply.
Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate both reconstructive methods (replaced either with
skin grafts or flaps) in two distinct periods – within 7 – 10 days and secondly, about 30th day after
surgery.
Material and Methods. This study comprises 1512 patients with soft tissue defects, treated on
Clinic for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in period of 6 years (2001 -2007). Patients are
divided in two groups. First group that consists of 774 patients was treated with skin flaps. In the
second group that consists of 738 patients, skin grafts were utilized.
Results. We compared the two groups in several parameters: colour, elevation/depression of
the flap/graft, sensibility, aesthetic outcome and duration of patients’ hospitalization. The results
are presented.
Conclusion. As conclusion, it can be pointed out, that skin flaps are preferable and first method
of choice when covering skin defects regarding the better results in all criteria that were
estimated and compared.
aetiology, can be replaced either with skin grafts or flaps. Skin graft or skin transplant is a skin
patch completely detached out of a donor site, having no blood vessels to nourish, neither nerve
supply to innervate. Its survival, in general, depends on the quality and vascularisation of the
recipient site. On the other hand, skin flap refers to a tissue segment that covers the defect, but
in the contrary to the skin graft, keeps its original blood supply.
Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate both reconstructive methods (replaced either with
skin grafts or flaps) in two distinct periods – within 7 – 10 days and secondly, about 30th day after
surgery.
Material and Methods. This study comprises 1512 patients with soft tissue defects, treated on
Clinic for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in period of 6 years (2001 -2007). Patients are
divided in two groups. First group that consists of 774 patients was treated with skin flaps. In the
second group that consists of 738 patients, skin grafts were utilized.
Results. We compared the two groups in several parameters: colour, elevation/depression of
the flap/graft, sensibility, aesthetic outcome and duration of patients’ hospitalization. The results
are presented.
Conclusion. As conclusion, it can be pointed out, that skin flaps are preferable and first method
of choice when covering skin defects regarding the better results in all criteria that were
estimated and compared.
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