[Extended skin and soft tissue defects after vascular wounds: plastic surgical concepts]

Abstract

Introduction: Skin and soft-tissue defects at the ischaemic lower extremity represent a challenging condition. Major amputations can be prevented by optimised surgical therapy. The aim of any intervention is the revascularisation and defect reconstruction of the extremity.

Methods: This article aims to provide a structured overview on up-to-date therapeutic strategies and differentiated indications for certain surgical flaps in combination with bypass surgery for the treatment of chronic "vascular" wounds.

Results: Optimised conservative wound therapy, skin grafts, pedicled or microsurgical free flaps in combination with vascular bypasses can be applied to salvage ischaemic extremities. These operations require an interdisciplinary cooperation between vascular surgeons and plastic surgeons.

Discussion: These procedures should accordingly only be performed in specialised high-volume centres with significant vascular surgical and microsurgical expertise.