Utility and Outcomes of a Keystone Perforator Island Flap for Reconstruction at Various Anatomical Locations: A Prospective Study

Background In Yemen, traumatic wounds are prevalent, imposing a substantial burden on plastic surgery teams operating within limited-resource settings. Advanced microsurgical reconstruction options are scarce, and expertise in free flap techniques is limited. While local flaps are commonly used for soft tissue reconstruction, there is a need for simpler, effective alternatives with lower complication rates. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of the keystone island perforator flap (KIPF) as a viable alternative for soft tissue coverage in resource-challenged facilities. Methods From February 2021 to December 2023, a single surgeon's team in three plastic and reconstructive surgery departments in Sana'a, Yemen, conducted this prospective study, which included 35 patients who underwent KIPF for various soft tissue defects. We assessed patient demographics, intraoperative variables, and postoperative outcomes, including aesthetic outcomes evaluated using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) at six months postoperatively. We analyzed the factors influencing flap success and complication rates. Results The mean age of patients was 29 ± 11.75 years, with the majority being males, comprising 86% of the sample. Trauma was the leading cause of tissue defects (77.1%), primarily affecting the legs (57.14%) and feet (11.43%). The mean operative time was 73.57 minutes. Complications occurred in 26% of patients, with flap dehiscence being the most common (11.43%). Ninety-seven percent of patients experienced flap survival, and 91.4% experienced complete wound healing within a median of 16 days. Scar assessments at six months postoperatively indicated satisfactory aesthetic outcomes, with scars resembling normal skin. Conclusion The KIPF technique proves to be a reliable and practical option for soft tissue reconstruction in resource-limited settings. Its simplicity, minimal postoperative care needs, and high flap survival rates make it an advantageous alternative to more complex reconstructive techniques. This study supports the adoption of KIPF as a standard approach in similar environments with limited reconstructive surgery capabilities.