Understanding Skin Flaps and When to Use Them

There are several ways one can approach a large, full-thickness skin defect. In addition to size, other factors such as etiology, anatomic location, bacterial load, chronicity, and the condition of the periwound skin need to be assessed. When a wound cannot be closed securely by direct apposition or utilizing a tension-relieving technique, then a skin flap can be considered. This lecture will present a decision-making algorithm to decide on the optimal closure method, and introduce the practitioner to basic, safe flap development for a variety of flaps. Wound bed preparation and post-operative monitoring will also be covered.
Learning objectives:

• Understand the importance of nurturing the wound and periwound skin.
• Be able to evaluate a wound and consider several types of closure options.
• Be aware of the main classes of skin flaps, and understand their physiology.
• Learn how to develop several of the most common subdermal skin flaps.
• Realize the importance of post-operative flap management.

Dermatology

Presented by Bryden Stanley, BVMS, MANZCVSc, MRCVS, MVetSc, DACVS
Surgery Professor at Michigan State University

Presented during Vet Show Global Series 
June 2020