The versatile thoracodorsal artery perforator flap for extremity reconstruction: from simple to five types of advanced applications and clinical outcomes

Abstract

Background Application of the thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap is known to be a popular and reliable method for extremity reconstruction. This manuscript presents our clinical outcomes in reconstructing soft tissue defects using simple and advanced TDAP flaps. Methods From 2013 to 2022, 53 patients with a mean age of 23 years (ranging from 2 to 72 years) underwent reconstructive surgery with different patterns of free TDAP flaps, including chimeric TDAP flaps, double skin paddle TDAP flaps, flow-through TDAP flaps, conjoined TDAP flaps, and microdissected debulking TDAP flaps. Results All TDAP flaps survived. The size of the TDAP skin paddle ranged between 5 × 3 and 25 × 10 cm2. Primary closure of the donor site was achieved in all patients in the simple application group, and one patient in the advanced application group underwent partial skin grafting. Partial flap loss occurred in one case in the simple TDAP flap group and four cases in the advanced application group. There was one case of flap bulkiness and two cases of scar hyperplasia in the simple TDAP flap group. The mean follow-up duration was 11 months (4–46 months). Conclusions The free TDAP flap, with five types of advanced applications, makes it versatile for reconstructing different kinds of soft tissue defects of the extremities that can be used to achieve individualized defect reconstruction, minimize donor site morbidities, and an aesthetic appearance.