title: The versatility of propeller flaps for lower limb reconstruction in patients with peripheral arterial obstructive disease: initial experience.
abstract: In this study, we evaluate the feasibility of propeller flaps, for soft tissue reconstruction in patients with peripheral arterial obstructive disease (PAOD). Five patients (average age, 72 years old), presenting with necrosis of several foot units, were diagnosed with stage IV PAOD and diabetes mellitus. All underwent revascularization, followed by soft tissue reconstruction using propeller flaps. A total of 6 flaps were performed, with dimensions ranging from 4 x 7 cm to 8 x 31 cm. Perforator origin was the peroneal (5 flaps) or the tibial posterior artery (1 flap). Average operative time was 190 minutes. Overall patency was 83.3%; 1 case was complicated with total flap loss followed by below-knee amputation; 1 case developed partial necrosis necessitating skin grafting. All flaps developed mild postoperative edema, which resolved spontaneously. Propeller flaps prove to be useful tools for soft tissue reconstruction in patients with PAOD because of low operative morbidity, easy technique with fast learning curve, and low complications rate.
authors.affiliation: Division for Reconstructive Microsurgery, Clinic of Vascular Surgery, General County Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania. ljiga@umft.ro
authors.forename: Lucian P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Jiga
authors.forename: Sorin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Barac
authors.forename: Georgel
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Taranu
authors.forename: Alexandru
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Blidisel
authors.forename: Vlad
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Dornean
authors.forename: Alexandru
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nistor
authors.forename: Teodora
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Stoichitoiu
authors.forename: Max
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Geishauser
authors.forename: Mihai
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ionac
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D055109:Ankle Brachial Index; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000601:surgery*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005734:Gangrene / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps