Background: Surgical defects following the extirpation of cutaneous neoplasia may present challenges to the dermatologic surgeon. There are many repair options for an individual defect, including second-intention healing, primary closure, skin graft, and skin flap closure. The island pedicle flap is a random pattern advancement flap well suited to reconstruct a variety of small- to intermediate-sized soft tissue wounds.
Objective: To review the utility of the island pedicle flap in reconstructive dermatologic surgery and to detail the operative technique to achieve reproducible functional and esthetic results.
Methods: The method of flap reconstruction is presented. A variety of defects repaired with this technique are reviewed.
Results: The subcutaneous island pedicle flap yielded excellent functional and cosmetic repair of the presented defects with minimal operative morbidity. Secondary to a well-preserved central vascular pedicle, complications are infrequent.
Conclusions: The random pattern island pedicle flap is a versatile and robust flap used to repair a variety of soft tissue wounds in a single-stage procedure with reproducible operative outcomes.