title: The search for the ideal thin skin flap: superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap--a review of 210 cases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap is a thin skin flap that can be harvested reliably and quickly from the groin. It is ideal for single-stage resurfacing of cutaneous defects. The donor site heals well and is easily concealed. The authors clarify the anatomy, simplify the flap harvest technique, and outline the modifications to expand the applications of this flap.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between January of 2011 and January of 2014, 210 superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flaps were performed at Asan Medical Center. The flaps were used for head and neck reconstruction (n = 13), upper extremity reconstruction (n = 19), lower limb reconstruction (n = 176), and reconstruction in the trunk region (n = 2). All flaps were raised suprafascially using a free-style approach. The anatomy of the flap, the elevation technique, and the results of the reconstruction were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average flap size was 86 cm, ranging from 17.5 to 216 cm (mean vertical width, 6.3 cm; mean transverse length, 13.5 cm). Total flap loss occurred in 10 flaps (4.8 percent). Two patients developed complications at the donor site. Debulking surgery was performed in five patients (2.4 percent). The average follow-up period was 400 days (range, 30 to 1690 days).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap enables accurate resurfacing of moderate-size cutaneous defects. It is vascularly robust and versatile for use in different sites. This is the thinnest skin flap presently available and has the potential to become the new workhorse flap for resurfacing moderate-size skin defects.
  
  
  METHODS
  Therapeutic, IV.
authors.affiliation: Seoul, Republic of Korea From Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan Medical College.
authors.forename: Terence L H
authors.initials: TLH
authors.lastname: Goh
authors.forename: Sung Woo
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Jae Young
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Jong Woo
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Joon Pio
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Hong
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000527:Alprostadil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000601:surgery; D015897:Comorbidity; D058128:Compression Bandages; D003286:Contracture / Q000601:surgery; D003646:Debridement; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000601:surgery; D061525:Perforator Flap / Q000098:blood supply; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D000527:Alprostadil