V-Y Advancement Flap for Reconstruction of Defects after Excision of Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Face

摘要

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer. After excision of BCC on the face, the options of treatment for a skin defect are variable. Many surgeons prefer to use a local flap rather than a skin graft or free flap for small- or moderately-sized circular defects. We have evaluated the versatility of V-Y perforator flap for reconstruction of skin defects after excision of BCC of the face. Methods: All of the patients were pathologically diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), Thirty-seven patients underwent V-Y advancement flap repair over the period between September 2011 and May 2013. We evaluated the postoperative complications in the form of flap loss either partial or complete, wound dehiscence, hematoma, seroma and wound infection. The cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction was evaluated at 6 months after surgery. Results: There were 30 men and 7 women. The ages ranged from 51to 69 years with a mean age of 60 years. The causes were BCC in all cases. The tumor locations were the face in all patients. All of the flaps survived apart from only one case in which there was partial flap loss. Postoperative recovery was usually rapid. Conclusions: The V-Y advancement flap is preferably used for small and medium size facial defects. Its advantages are less scarring and superior aesthetic results as compared with other local flap methods.