Flap (surgery)
Flap (surgery)
A Flap in surgery is a piece of tissue that is still attached to the body by a major artery and vein or at its base. This piece of tissue with its attached blood supply is used in reconstructive surgery by being set into a recipient site (injured area onto which a flap or graft is placed).
Pronunciation
Flap: /flæp/
Etymology
The term "flap" comes from the Old English word "flappe" which means to strike or flap about. In the context of surgery, it was first used in the 16th century to describe a piece of tissue that is left attached to the body during a surgical procedure.
Related Terms
- Graft: A graft is a piece of living tissue that is transplanted surgically.
- Reconstructive Surgery: This is a type of surgery performed to restore the form and function of the body.
- Recipient Site: This is the area where the flap or graft will be placed.
- Pedicle: A stalk that supplies the flap with necessary blood supply.
Types of Flaps
There are several types of flaps used in surgery, including:
- Local Flaps: These flaps are located near the area to be repaired and are moved into place after being cut free.
- Regional Flaps: These flaps are a bit further away from the area to be repaired and are moved into place using a specific blood vessel as a carrier.
- Free Flaps: These flaps are completely detached from the original location and reattached at the new location by suturing the blood vessels.
Uses of Flaps in Surgery
Flaps are used in a variety of surgical procedures, including:
- Breast Reconstruction: Flaps of skin, fat, and muscle can be used to recreate a breast after mastectomy.
- Facial Reconstruction: Flaps are often used in facial reconstruction surgery to repair defects caused by injury or disease.
- Burn Treatment: Flaps can be used to cover areas of the body that have been severely burned and have lost skin.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Flap (surgery)
- Wikipedia's article - Flap (surgery)
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