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J Reconstr Microsurg 2010; 26(4): 259-264
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1248234
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Free Groin Flap Applications in the Pediatric Population

Erhan Sonmez1 , Serdar Nasır1 , Tunc Safak1 , Abdullah Kecik1
  • 1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
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Publication History

Publication Date:
08 February 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The popularity of the groin flap has gradually decreased because of the disadvantages related to its short pedicle and technically demanding harvesting. We have summarized our experience with free groin flap applications in the pediatric population, which were performed by the same surgeon between 2004 and 2007. A total of 10 free groin flap transfers were performed in patients aged 3 to 13 years. Nine of the patients were operated on because of contractures of the extremities (six lower, three upper), and one patient was operated on for facial contour augmentation. The total duration of the operation was estimated to be between 2.6 and 6.1 hours (mean: 4.1 hours). A revision of the anastomosis was performed in two patients (20%), and in one of these patients (50%) partial flap failure was seen. Flap defatting via liposuction was performed in four patients (40%) in the late postoperative period. In our opinion, donor site morbidity comes into prominence particularly in the pediatric population, and we think that free groin flap should be the first choice of free flap for suitable cases in this group of patients.

KEYWORDS

Pediatric free flaps - free groin flap - superficial circumflex iliac artery flap

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Dr. Erhan SonmezM.D. Ph.D. 

Hacettepe Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Plastik ve Rekonstrüktif Cerrahi Anabilim Dalı

Sihhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey

Email: erhans@hacettepe.edu.tr

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