Closure or reduction of the donor defect of a sural flap with a purse-string suture: Long-term results

Abstract

We aimed to reduce the defect with a purse-string suture to minimise the deformity of the flap donor area and to assess the later efficiency at long-term follow-up. We studied 20 patients who required a sural flap for the reconstruction of defects of the lower extremity. The mean (SD) area of the donor defect was roughly 28.7 (20.3) cm². The mean (SD) defect area after closure with a purse-string was 8.2 (5.8) cm² (p < 0.001). The measurements made in the third year were 8.4 (5.3) cm². The purse-string can be used successfully in the distal lower extremity, the long-term cosmetic outcome is good, and the scar has not expanded since the postoperative period.

Key Words::

• Flap
• donor site
• sural
• purse-string
• suture

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.