Pre-expanded and Prefabricated Abdominal Superthin Skin Perforator Flap for Total Hand Resurfacing

Abstract

Reconstruction of the postburn hand remains a challenge for surgeons. For cosmetic and functional requirements, the desired flap should be thin enough to ensure the flexibility of the hand. Conventional perforator flaps serve as a viable option when reconstructing the postburn hand to regain functionality. However, limitations include the discrepancy in tissue thickness and the difficulty with donor site closure. Thus, a preexpanded superthin skin perforator flap is an ideal choice for postburn hand reconstruction, with the trade-off being a longer treatment course (3-4 months), but with results that satisfy both patients and their surgeons.

Keywords: Finger reconstruction; Hand reconstruction; Pre-expansion; Prefabricated abdominal flap; Superthin perforator flap.