Abstract:

Objective  To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of chimeric deep circumflex iliac artery perforator flap (DCIAPF) applied in the simultaneous reconstruction of the oromandibular defect. Methods  Six patients underwent simultaneous oromandibular reconstruction using DCIAPF following segmental mandibulectomy in Xiangya Hospital from March 2014 to July 2014. The skin paddle was designed to be centered on the pre-operative perforator mapping. Retrograde dissection was performed through the underlying abdominal wall to raise the skin paddle. The pedicle was isolated from the groin, and the iliac crest was cut. The deep iliac circumflex vessels were dissected until the skin paddle was reached. Finally, the donor site was strictly sutured layer by layer to avoid ventral hernia. Results  The skin paddles ranged from 3.5 cm×5.0 cm to 7.0 cm×10.0 cm. The length of the bone components was 5.0 cm to 11.0 cm. All donor sites closed primarily without skin grafting. DCIAPF was harvested successfully in five patients, except for one patient whose perforator originated from the superficial iliac circumflex vessels. An additional pair of anastomoses was performed. All iliac flaps survived. However, slight skinedge necrosis and exfoliation caused by flap thinning occurred in one patient and healed after pruning and dressing change. The heights of all alveolar ridges were significantly restored, and no serious donorsite complication was observed during the three to six months’ follow-up. Conclusion  DCIAPF is a reconstructive option for mandibular defects because of its adequate bone tissue and rich blood supply. Satisfactory alveolar ridge restoration greatly facilitates future denture retention. DCIAPF also has a great degree of mobility between the skin paddle and the bone component when applied in composite oromandibular defect reconstruction.

Key words: deep circumflex iliac artery, chimeric perforator flap, mandibular defect, reconstruction