부산대학교 도서관

Purpose: The lower limb injuries still one of the devastating problems in surgical practice. Complex defects may affect one major vessel that supplies the distal portion of the leg and foot. The use of the flow-through technique is a very useful tool for sure vascularization of the flap and revascularization of the distal limb at the same time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the advantages of the use of the flow-through technique for lower limb reconstruction. Methods: This retrospective study was including 15 patients complaining of post-traumatic leg and/or foot defects. Free latissimus muscle transfer with the flow-through technique was done for lower limb reconstruction. The subscapular artery was anastomosed to the proximal segment of the limb vessel and the circumflex scapular artery anastomosed to the distal segment of the limb vessel. Follow-up was for six months. Results: Patients were followed for 6 months. All flaps were survived and there were no anastomotic complications. Conclusion: The use of the flow-through technique is a very useful tool for vascularization of the flap and revascularization of the distal limb at the same time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]