Reconstruction of Large Soft Tissue Defects of the Extremities in Children Using the Kiss Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap to Achieve Primary Closure of Donor Site.

BACKGROUND: The closure of massive skin defects remains challenging, particularly in children. In this report, we describe a technique to achieve primary donor site closure using the kiss deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap for the reconstruction of large soft tissue defects located in the extremities of children.

METHODS: From May 2011 to May 2016, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 10 pediatric patients with extensive soft tissue defects and reconstruction with double-skin paddle DIEP flap. After harvesting the flap, the skin paddle was divided into 2 separate paddles with a common vascular supply, and then the 2 paddles were sutured side by side through translating 2 paddles or rotating one of the paddles by 90 or 180 degrees, effectively doubling the width of the flap and rejoining it at the recipient site. Data on patient age, medical history, defect size, flap dimensions, recipient vessels, donor site closure, complications, and follow-up were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS: Nine children had major soft tissue defects of the lower limb, and the remaining one had an upper limb defect. Only 1 case was complicated by partial necrosis of 1 paddle. Primary donor site closure was accomplished in all cases. The flaps were well matched on texture and contour, except that the 2 flaps were bulky at postoperative follow-up. There was no donor site breakdown, with only a slightly noticeable linear scar.

CONCLUSION: The kiss DIEP flap could be an alternative for reconstruction of large soft tissue defects of the extremities in children, with lower morbidity and improved cosmetic of the donor site.