Name of the Procedure:

Adjacent Tissue Transfer or Rearrangement, Scalp, Arms, and/or Legs; Defect 10 sq cm or Less

Summary

This procedure involves the movement of nearby healthy tissue to cover a small defect (10 square centimeters or less) on the scalp, arms, or legs. This is done to repair and reconstruct the affected area.

Purpose

The procedure addresses skin defects caused by injury, surgery, or disease. The primary goal is to provide coverage for the defect, improve appearance, and restore function to the affected area.

Indications

The procedure is indicated for:

• Small skin defects due to trauma, surgery (e.g., tumor removal), or chronic wounds.
• Patients with healthy adjacent tissue suitable for transfer.
• Cases where direct closure of the wound is not feasible.

Preparation

• Patients may be required to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
• Medication adjustments, especially blood thinners, may be necessary.
• Preoperative assessments, such as blood tests and imaging, are typically conducted.

Procedure Description

1. Local or general anesthesia is administered.
2. The surgeon identifies the defect and plans the adjacent tissue flap.
3. The healthy tissue is carefully mobilized and transferred into the defect.
4. The transferred tissue is sutured in place, ensuring adequate blood supply.
5. The donor site (where the tissue was taken) is then closed with stitches.

Tools and equipment include scalpels, forceps, sutures, and sometimes a dermatoscope for precision.

Duration

The procedure typically takes around 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a hospital operating room or an outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

A surgical team, including:

• A plastic or reconstructive surgeon
• Anesthesiologist or anesthetist
• Surgical nurses and operating room technicians

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the surgical site
• Bleeding and hematoma formation
• Partial or complete loss of the transferred tissue (flap necrosis)
• Scarring and changes in skin sensation
• Rare: Allergic reactions to anesthesia

Benefits

• Improved wound healing and reduced risk of infection.
• Better cosmetic outcomes and restored function.
• Benefits typically realized a few weeks post-procedure.

Recovery

• Patients will receive instructions on wound care, including keeping the area clean and dry.
• Pain management with prescribed medication.
• Avoidance of strenuous activities for a few weeks.
• Follow-up appointments for monitoring and suture removal.

Alternatives

• Direct wound closure, if feasible
• Skin grafting from another body part
• Use of synthetic or biological dressing materials
• Each alternative has its own benefits and drawbacks, such as varying levels of invasiveness, recovery time, and cosmetic outcomes.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients will be under anesthesia and should not feel pain. Post-procedure, some discomfort or pain is expected, which can be managed with medication. Swelling and bruising may occur but typically subside within a week. Comfort measures include elevating the affected limb and applying cold packs as advised.