[Postoperative monitoring of free muscle flaps using perforator-based adipocutaneous skin paddles: economy, quality of care and aesthetics].

Introduction: Besides fasciocutaneous workhorse flaps, free muscle flaps for the reconstruction of large soft tissue defects are well-established standard microsurgical procedures. Random-pattern adipocutaneous skin paddles are often included for postoperative perfusion monitoring of the muscle flap. At our institution, both conventional broad-based and perforator-based adipocutaneous skin paddles are used. While conventional skin paddles have to be removed during a second operation, perforator-based skin paddles can be removed at the bedside by ligature. The present study aims to compare economic aspects, quality of care and aesthetic results of perforator-based versus conventional adipocutaneous skin paddles after free muscle flap transfer.

Methods: 102 patients treated between August 2014 and July 2016 were identified and included in a retrospective data analysis. Patients with perforator-based skin paddles (group A) were compared with a population of patients with conventional skin paddles (group B). Patient characteristics, procedural characteristics, economic data and aesthetic results were compared between both groups.

Results: Perforator-based skin paddles were raised in 72 patients (group A, 71 %), and conventional skin paddles were raised in the remaining 30 patients (group B, 29 %). Patient, defect, and flap characteristics were comparable in both groups. Operating times tended to be shorter in group B. Skin paddle removal was performed significantly earlier in group A (p < 0.01). Both overall and post-reconstructive length of hospital stay were significantly shorter in group A (p = 0.03; p < 0.01). Also, personnel and material resources were saved and more satisfactory aesthetic results were achieved in group A.

Conclusion: Perforator-based monitor islands can help avoid secondary operations that would otherwise be necessary to remove monitoring skin paddles. Thus, the inpatient length of stay can be reduced while sparing material and human resources.