The clinical application of superficial circumflex iliac artery flaps

Objective To investigate the clinical application of pedicled superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) flaps in Burns and Plastic Surgery.Methods 19 cases with skin and soft tissue defects were repaired with the Superficial circumflex iliac artery flaps.The defects located in the hand and forearm,the lower abdomen and perineal area,the radicle area of thigh,etc.Before the SCIA flaps were transfered to the recipient areas,15 cases with different kinds of wounds were debrided thoroughly,3 cases with scar were removed directly.The size of the flaps ranged from 3.0 cm × 4.5 cm to 26.0 cm × 22.0 cm,and the pedical was 5 cm to 7 cm in length.Results The flaps in the 18 cases survived completely.Skin necrosis in the distal end of the flap appeared in 1 case,and the wound healed after the second repair.The follow-up period rang from 3 to 18 months.The apperance and function of the hand or foot was satisfactory.Conclusions Because the pedicled SCIA flaps can be obtain conveniently and contain sufficient bloodsupply,so the flap is easy to survive and the flap can be designed in a large size.We believe it is an ideal method to use this flap to repair skin and soft tissue defects located in hands,forearms,the lower abdomen and perineal areas,the radicle area of thigh and so on. Key words: Surgical flaps;  Reconstructive surgical procedures