Introduction: Skin loss of the scalp with exposed underlying
structures are reconstructed by plastic surgeons. In this
study, we highlight the non-microsurgical reconstructive
options.
Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted
where data of 13 cases who underwent immediate scalp
reconstruction were recorded and analyzed.
Results: The causes of scalp defects were either congenital
(7.7%), traumatic (53.8), electrical burn (7.7%) or after tumor
excision (30.8%). The extent of the scalp defects ranged from
20cm X 8cm to 3cm X 4cm. The most affected regions were
temporal, parietal, occipital and forehead. The reconstructive
procedures were transposition flaps, rotation flaps, skin graft,
drill holes, integra, pinwheel flap and Ortichoa flaps.
Discussion: To obtain successful scalp reconstruction,
plastic surgeons need to understand the diversity of scalp
defects and mastering many reconstructive options. When
microsurgical reconstruction of scalp is not available or
contraindicated, a number of more simplified techniques can
achieve stable and efficient results.
Conclusion: A variety of reconstructive requirements and
choices should be considered when undertaking scalp reconstruction.
An algorithm is needed for management of different
defects of the scalp. Defect size, location and depth are the
critical factors for the choice of the surgical technique.