Reparation of upper limb soft-tissue defects by pedicled thoraco-umbilical flap that is tubular skin flap

Objective To explore the application of the thoraco-umbilical flap to the reparation of upper limb soft-tissue defects.Methods The blood supply of the thoraco-umbilical flap came from the inferior epigastric artery and its periumbilical cutaneous perforating branch. To obtain such a thoraco-umbilical flap, a line was drawn from the umbilicus to the inferior angle of the subseapular direction on the abdominal donor site. Hymen flap formed skin tube in the thoraco-umbilical flap staik. This flap was used to repair the soft-tissue defects in the upper limb. Results Among 18 case, 3 cases were stained with water vacuole in the edge occurring eaticulum necrosis and the rest survived.Conclusion This findings show that the pedicled Thoraco-umbilical flap is suitable for repairing upper limb soft-tissue defects, that Tublar skin flap operates easily and function remarkably, and that the stalk cuts well. Key words: Pedicled Thoraeo-umbilical flap; Reparation; Soft-tissue defects; Tublar skin flap