Name of the Procedure:

Formation of Direct or Tubed Pedicle, with or without Transfer; Scalp, Arms, or Legs

Summary

This surgical procedure involves creating a pedicle (a flap of tissue) that is either directly connected or tubed, to cover and repair areas on the scalp, arms, or legs. The flap, including its blood supply, is repositioned to aid healing in damaged areas.

Purpose

The procedure addresses significant skin and tissue defects caused by trauma, burns, infections, or surgeries. The goal is to provide adequate coverage, promote healing, and restore functionality and appearance to the affected area.

Indications

• Severe skin loss or defects due to burns, trauma, or infection.
• Non-healing wounds requiring robust tissue coverage.
• Previous surgeries that have left large, open areas needing reconstruction.
• Patients needing skin coverage where other simpler methods are inappropriate.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for several hours before the procedure.
• Medication adjustments might be required, particularly if taking blood thinners.
• Preoperative assessments including blood tests, imaging studies (e.g., CT scans), and medical history evaluation.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: The patient is given general or local anesthesia with sedation.
2. Tissue Selection: The surgeon identifies and prepares the donor site (scalp, arm, or leg).
3. Pedicle Creation: A flap of skin and its connecting tissue is carefully lifted but remains attached to its blood supply (either directly or through a tubed stalk).
4. Transfer: The pedicle is positioned over the area requiring coverage or repair.
5. Attachment: The flap is meticulously sutured in place, ensuring proper blood flow.
6. Monitoring: The flap is monitored for viability and blood supply over the next several days or weeks.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on the complexity and size of the tissue defect.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a hospital operating room.

Personnel

• Surgeons specialized in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
• Nurses for intraoperative and postoperative care.
• Anesthesiologists for sedation and pain control.

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the site of surgery.
• Poor blood flow to the transferred flap leading to tissue loss.
• Scarring and differences in skin texture or color.
• Prolonged healing time.
• Rarely, deeper structural damage or functional impairment.

Benefits

• Effective coverage of large tissue defects.
• Restoration of functionality to the affected limb or area.
• Improved cosmetic appearance.
• Prompt healing of chronic non-healing wounds.

Recovery

• Post-procedure care includes wound dressing changes, antibiotics, and pain management.
• Restrictions on movement to protect the graft.
• Regular follow-up visits to monitor healing and flap viability.
• Complete recovery ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the individual case.

Alternatives

• Skin grafts: less complex but may not be suitable for large or deep defects.
• Local flaps: using adjacent tissue, but limited by tissue availability and mobility.
• Negative pressure wound therapy: non-surgical option that may help in small or superficial wounds.

Patient Experience

• Initial discomfort and pain managed with appropriate medications.
• Limited activity post-surgery to ensure successful graft acceptance.
• Light to moderate pain during healing, with growth in comfort as tissues integrate.
• Emotional and psychological support may be beneficial due to the visible nature of the wounds.