Outcomes of Wound Closure with the Reading Man Flap Technique

Abstract

Background:

In dermatologic surgery, numerous flap types have been described for wound closure after skin cancer surgery. The reading man flap was first published in 2008 for the closure of skin defects of the face, trunk, and extremities. Technically, this flap is based on an asymmetrical Z-plasty.

Objective:

To investigate the feasibility, clinical outcomes, and postoperative complications for wound closure with the reading man flap technique.

Methods:

We treated seven patients (facial and extremity defects) after microscopically controlled surgery using the reading man flap technique. The median defect size was 491.71 mm². All of the patients were treated under tumescent local anesthesia.

Results:

A tension-free defect closure was created in all patients. One minor complication, a wound infection on one leg, was observed.

Conclusion:

The described technique is an easy and safe dermatologic surgery procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia.