Reconstruction of Hand and Upper Extremities Defects by Thin Random Pedicle Abdominal Flaps, Still a Valid Option in Developing Countries: A Cross Sectional Study

Traumatic defects of the soft tissues of the hand and upper extremities are common and may be challenging to the reconstructive surgeon. Several reconstructive procedures have been described to manage these defects, including local, regional, distant, and free flaps. The aim of this study is to report the techniques, outcomes, and complications of pedicle abdominal flaps in reconstructing hand and upper extremity defects. We included patients with different traumatic defects in the hand and upper extremities who underwent reconstruction by random pedicle abdominal flaps between 2002 and 2017. Data was collected and analyzed, variables studied included; patient age and sex, etiology and size of the defect, complications, outcomes, and the need for further revision procedures. Potential factors affecting flap survival were examined using appropriate statistical analysis.