Free microdissected thin groin flap design with an extended vascular pedicle

Background: The senior author has developed a method of microdissection whereby a thin perforator flap can be elevated accurately in a single-stage procedure. Recently, the authors also applied the microdissection technique to the inguinal area and elevated microdissected thin groin flap. Methods: In preparation of the flap, the perforator penetrating the fascia of the sartorius muscle is initially detected suprafascially, and then the deep adipose and subfascial layer of the inguinal area is dissected using an operating microscope. After confirming the distribution of the blood vessels in this area, the flap is elevated while dissection is performed between the deep and superficial adipose layers. Results: Six cases of scar contracture or skin defect by general burn, three cases of other types of traumatic tissue defects, and one case of skin loss at the donor site of an extended wraparound flap were successfully reconstructed with these new flaps. Conclusions: The uniform thinness and long vascular pedicle are distinctive characteristics of this flap compared with the traditional groin flap. Moreover, the buried vessels in the deep adipose layer and fascia can be confirmed by microdissection; this enables prediction of the safe area of the flap.