Giant keystone type III perforator flaps for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans defect reconstruction

Abstract

Introduction: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a relatively rare malignant tumor, with important local aggressiveness.

Case report: We present a case of a 59-years-old man with a history of Psoriasis and viral hepatitis C presented in our department with a giant lesion on the posterior trunk, of 24/36 cm, with pus and local bleeding, causing important anemia. The tumor was excised, creating an elliptical defect of around 34 × 42 cm down to fascial level, which was covered by two lateral flaps - modified Keystone type III.

Results: The flaps were completely viable and integrated with small dehiscence, which were assisted to heal secondarily.

Conclusion: Our paper presents a reliable alternative to skin grafting for a very large defect on the posterior trunk, the modified type III keystone flap, to our knowledge, for the first time presented for such a wide defect and on adult.

Keywords: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans; Giant keystone flaps; Skin defect.