Perforator-Based Flap Reconstruction after Melanoma Resection: Evaluation of Oncological, Aesthetic, and Functional Outcomes.

BACKGROUND

 Evidence in literature about the best reconstructive approach after melanoma resection is controversial, with some authors advocating that tissue rearrangement flap techniques might hinder the early detection of local relapses. The aim of the present study is to evaluate oncological, aesthetic, and functional outcomes following melanoma reconstruction using pedicled perforator-based flaps.

METHODS

 The authors reviewed all patients affected by melanoma treated during a 6-year period. Demographic data, tumor characteristics, and operative variables were evaluated. Locoregional recurrence was assessed with clinical and radiological follow-up. One-year postoperatively patients rated on a 5-point Likert scale the aesthetic and functional outcomes of the procedure. Three blind observers examined preoperative and 1-year postoperative photographs and rated the aesthetic outcome of the reconstructive procedure.

RESULTS

 One-hundred sixty-five patients were treated with wide excision and delayed reconstruction, including pedicled perforator-based flaps in 70 patients (group A) and primary closure in 95 patients (group B). Mean Breslow thickness was 2.972 and 2.189 mm in group A and B, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in locoregional recurrence (chi-squared test,

CONCLUSION

 This series suggests that pedicled perforator-based flaps provide optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes in melanoma reconstruction without impairing the locoregional control of the disease.

Informations de copyright

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Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.