Successful Perforator-Based Island Flap Placement Using the Push Technique

Background: Several surgical options are available for covering soft tissue defects. Perforator-based flaps can be utilized without skeletonization of the perforator, and surgery is usually straightforward, albeit with limited arcs of rotation. To overcome this limitation, we present our experience of the push technique, whereby the flap is manually pushed to release soft tissue attachments, allowing circumvention of the meticulous dissection required to enhance arc rotation. This technique allows faster flap elevation with minimal complications.Methods: The records of 37 patients that underwent perforator-based flap surgery using the push technique from September 2020 to June 2021 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed.Results: All 38 flaps survived completely though one flap developed congestion resulting in partial necrosis and revision. Mean operation time was less than 80 minutes. No dehiscence or recurrence was encountered at any donor or recipient site during follow-up.Conclusion: We present the “push technique” used during perforator-based flap surgery. This method allows for efficient, minimal, and rapid flap elevation without meticulous dissection and helps the operator determine which parts of soft tissue attachments require further release. The push technique can be performed safely and easily without jeopardizing flap survival due to venous ischemic or congestive change. It serves as a good practice model for inexperienced surgeons wishing to cover moderate-to large-sized defects.