[Application of free-style perforator pedicled propeller flap to repair the wound after extensive resection of skin malignant tumor on the thigh].

Objective To explore the effectiveness of free-style perforator pedicled propeller flap to repair the wound after extensive resection of skin malignant tumor on the thigh. Methods Between December 2016 and June 2019, 12 patients with skin malignant tumor on the thigh were treated. There were 9 males and 3 females, aged from 8 to 65 years (median, 38.5 years). The etiologies included basal cell carcinoma in 3 cases, squamous cell carcinoma in 7 cases, fibrosarcoma in 1 case, and malignant melanoma in 1 case. The disease duration ranged from 5 months to 10 years (median, 7.5 years). Color Doppler ultrasound was used to detect and mark at least one perforator vessel before operation. After extensive resection, the size of wound ranged from 5.0 cm×3.5 cm to 8.5 cm×6.5 cm. In the range of 1-3 cm from the edge of the lesion, the perforator vessels were explored again from the deep surface of the deep fascia to confirm and mark. The perforator vessel with diameter greater than 0.5 mm and closest to the edge of the lesion was taken as the rotation point of the flap. According to the wound size and shape, the free-style perforator pedicled propeller flap in size of 8.0 cm×3.5 cm to 12.5 cm×6.0 cm was designed. The wound was repaired with the big blade of the flap. The donor site was closed directly with the aid of the small blade. Results The distal part of the skin flap was necrosis after operation, and healed after symptomatic treatment such as dressing change; the other flaps survived successfully and the wounds healed by first intention. All incisions at the donor site healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 5-24 months (mean, 10.2 months). During the follow-up, there was no recurrence of tumor. The flap had good elasticity and texture with no obvious swelling or scar hyperplasia, and the appearance was satisfactory; the hip and knee joint activities were normal. Conclusion Based on the extensive skin blood supply and abundant perforator vessels of the thigh, the free-style perforator pedicled propeller flap is an ideal flap for repairing small or medium wound after extensive resection of skin malignant tumor on the thigh.