Flap Surgery Procedure: Part II
Regional and distant flaps are two more forms of flap surgery offered in reconstruction. While different from previously mentioned flap surgeries, there are some similarities as well.
Regional flaps
Regional or interpolation flaps are not immediately adjacent to the defect. Instead, the freed tissue “island” is moved over or underneath normal tissue to reach the defect to be filled, with the blood supply still connected to the donor site via a pedicle. This pedicle can be removed later on after new blood supply has formed.
Distant flaps
Distant flaps are used when the donor site is far from the defect. These are the most complex class of flap. Direct or tubed flaps involve having the flap connected to both the donor and recipient sites simultaneously, forming a bridge. This allows blood to be supplied by the donor site while a new blood supply from the recipient site is formed. Once this happens, the “bridge” can be disconnected from the donor site if necessary, completing the transfer. A free flap has the blood supply cut and then reattached micro-surgically to a new blood supply at the recipient site. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 702.410.9800.