title: Scalp reconstruction: A 10-year retrospective study.
abstract: Scalp reconstruction is a challenging task for the reconstructive surgeon. In consideration of the anatomical and cosmetic characteristics, the defect depth and size, an armamentarium of reconstructive procedures ranging from skin grafts over local flaps to free tissue transfer has been described. In this 10-year retrospective study, 85 operative procedures for scalp reconstruction were performed at our department. The underlying entity, defect size/depth, reconstructive procedure, complications, and mean hospital stay were analyzed. In most cases, scalp reconstruction was necessary after oncologic resection (67%) or radiation therapy (16%). A total of 85 operative procedures were performed for scalp reconstruction including local flaps (n = 50), free tissue transfer (n = 18), and skin grafts (n = 17). Regarding the complication rate, we could detect an overall major complication rate of 16.5% with one free flap loss. Briefly, local flaps are an adequate and safe procedure for limited scalp defects. In the case of extensive scalp defects affecting the calvarium, prior multiple surgical interventions and/or radiation, we prefer free tissue transfer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery (Head: Univ. Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. R. E. Horch), University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Steiner
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery (Head: Univ. Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. R. E. Horch), University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hubertus
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery (Head: Univ. Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. R. E. Horch), University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arkudas
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery (Head: Univ. Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. R. E. Horch), University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Taeger
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery (Head: Univ. Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. R. E. Horch), University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ludolph
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery (Head: Univ. Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. R. E. Horch), University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Boos
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery (Head: Univ. Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. R. E. Horch), University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schmitz
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery (Head: Univ. Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. R. E. Horch), University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Horch
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery (Head: Univ. Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. R. E. Horch), University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany. Electronic address: justus.beier@uk-erlangen.de.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Beier
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012535:Scalp / Q000601:surgery*; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods
keywords: Composite scalp defects; Free tissue transfer; Microsurgery; Scalp reconstruction