Pedicled abdominal skin flap technique for fingers salvaging and reconstruction in a complex palmar hand burn injury: A case report

Abstract

Introduction and importance: The only treatment option for full-thickness burn injury is surgical management, either skin grafting or a skin flap. Treatment may be challenging due to the multiple procedures that need to be performed and multiple factors that can affect treatment outcomes especially to do fingers reconstruction.

Case presentation: A 25-years-old man was admitted because of a burn injury on the palm of his left hand. There are waxy and leathery appearances of burn injuries on the palm and 2nd to 5th digits of the left hand and diagnosed with a full-thickness contact burn injury and compartment syndrome. The patient underwent a pedicled abdominal skin flap followed by necrotomy, flap thinning, and digit separation as a reconstruction management.

Clinical discussion: Pedicled abdominal skin flap is one of the best surgical techniques available for full thickness burn injury reconstruction because it is believed to regain the closest natural-looking appearance and extremity functions. Abdominal flap as random flap is safe to be divided into small part to cover the fingers.

Conclusion: Thorough examinations and appropriate management such as pedicled abdominal skin flaps are important to perform in patients with full-thickness burn injuries.

Keywords: Full-thickness burn injury; Pedicled abdominal skin flaps.