The Single-port Laparoscopic Omental Free Flap: Reconstruction of Dorsal Hand Defects with Negligible Donor-site Scar

Abstract

Summary: The reconstruction of complex dorsal hand injuries can be challenging. For coverage of dorsal hand defects, thin flap tissue is preferred. In addition, it is ideal to raise flaps with minimal donor-site morbidity and a discrete scar. In a 65-year-old obese man, we successfully reconstructed a soft-tissue defect measuring 7 × 5 cm at the dorsal hand with an omental free flap harvested through single-port laparoscopy. Our patient regained hand function and is satisfied with the aesthetic results. We propose the single-port laparoscopic omental free flap to be a suitable option for free flap dorsal hand reconstruction, especially in obese patients with small defects. The technique provides a thin free tissue with a concomitant negligible donor-site scar.