Flap is a tissue (skin, muscle or bone) used to cover the defect while maintaining its blood supply.

Depending on the donor site availability and choice of surgeon it can be local flap, regional flap or free flap.

Usually, flaps are used where underlying soft tissues like tendons, arteries, nerves or bones are exposed.

This procedure is done under general anesthesia and the patient needs to be admitted for at least 4-5 days in hospital to monitor flap viability.

Flap failure rate is very low in expert hands.

COMPLICATIONS

Hematoma (blood clot formation)

INFECTION

Wound dehiscence

Flap failure (Necrosis)

 

Written by: Dr. Ali Adnan

Copyrights: Pakistan association of Plastic Surgeons