title: Further experience with the free soleus perforator flaps using CT-angiography as a planning tool - a preliminary study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The soleus perforator flap is a soft tissue flap with minimal donor site morbidity however is not frequently utilised due to the unpredictability of the perforating vessel to serve as the vascular pedicle. We have trialed the use of CT-angiography as a planning tool to predict location, length, course, and calibre of the pedicle to make this a more reliable choice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty consecutive patients with intraoral squamous cell carcinomas were assessed with CT-angiography to examine the peroneal perforators before considering soleus flap raising. If a sizeable perforator could be visualised at the upper half of the lower leg, flap raising was carried out, and the result of the CT-angiography was compared with the intra-operative findings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  CT-angiography allowed for visualisation of perforators measuring 1mm in diameter and could predict location, length and course of the vessel. Accordingly, eight of the 20 patients had to be excluded from flap raising due to missing, too fine or too far distally located perforators. Intra-operative findings corresponded well with the results of the CT-scans.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CT-angiography is a useful tool for planning the soleus perforator flap and allows selection of the most suitable perforator making the use of this flap more reliable.
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Germany.
authors: Klaus-D
authors: KD
authors: Wolff
authors: Florian
authors: F
authors: Bauer
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Dobritz
authors: Marco R
authors: MR
authors: Kesting
authors: Andreas
authors: A
authors: Kolk
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D007479:Iopamidol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000637:transplantation*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D061525:Perforator Flap / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; C057937:iomeprol; D007479:Iopamidol