Microsurgical reconstructions in pediatric patients: a series of 12 cases

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Reconstructive plastic surgery is used to treat defects of different sizes and locations. The advent of microsurgery has enabled the single-stage reconstruction of complex and large defects with lower morbidity rates. Despite being one of the first microsurgery applications, large pediatric microsurgical reconstruction series have been published only recently.

Method:

Between January 2007 and December 2014, 12 consecutive patients underwent microsurgical reconstruction upon the removal of head and neck tumors or complex trauma in the limbs of pediatric patients. The medical records were retrospectively reviewed for injury location and etiology, flap type, and complications.

Results:

A total of 13 flaps were created for microsurgical reconstruction, including reconstruction upon head and neck tumor removal in five, limb complex post-trauma reconstruction in seven, and a microsurgical revascularization in the arm of one child.

Conclusion:

Microsurgical reconstruction in children is peculiar. Our initial experience and the studies published in the literature to date show that in this particular group of patients, it is possible to achieve rewarding results that render this type of reconstruction feasible and highly successful in this age range.

Keywords:
Microsurgery; Surgical flaps; Reconstructive surgical procedures