Extended V-Y Advancement Flap Reconstruction of a Large Posterior Upper Midline Trunk Defect

• Published in: Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open Vol. 4; no. 5; p. e713
• Main Authors: Fukudome, Eugene Y, Bharadia, Deepak R, Helm, Douglas L, Sinha, Indranil
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Society of Plastic Surgeons 01-05-2016; Wolters Kluwer Health
• Subjects: Case Report
• ISSN: 2169-7574; 2169-7574
• DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000000722

Large posterior upper trunk defects can be challenging to reconstruct. Trapezius or latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps are principally utilized for reconstruction; however, some defects may not be amenable to this standard approach. Here, we describe a patient with a full-thickness skin and subcutaneous tissue loss of the upper back and inferior cervical region after dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans resection. A large, extended V-Y flap was used for closure of this wound secondary to its location, size, and orientation. This approach preserves shoulder function, allows for readvancement of the flap as needed, and is a reconstructive option for patients with large upper back defects.