Scalp Reconstruction With Local Flaps: A Case Series

The scalp, a crucial protective barrier for intracranial structures, undergoes intricate reconstruction procedures, demanding detailed anatomical knowledge. The mnemonic SCALP identifies its layers, influencing successful aesthetic reconstruction. Vascular considerations, orchestrated by branches from carotid arteries, sustain scalp health. The multifaceted nature of scalp defects, driven by diverse causes, underscores reconstruction complexity. Effective surgical planning, assessing intrinsic and extrinsic factors, is imperative. Insights from the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department at the "Dr. José Eleuterio González" University Hospital, particularly on local flaps, are shared, highlighting their significance in achieving optimal outcomes. All patients treated during this period were included, with flap types chosen based on defect size for tension-free coverage. Despite the depth of the affected site, local flap reconstruction was successfully employed. The study details flap nourishment, defect location descriptions, and surgical planning, meticulously assessing intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Eighteen patients underwent successful scalp reconstruction, primarily for traumatic (55.5%) and oncological (44.4%) reasons. Male patients dominated (72.2%), and interventions varied across regions, with the parietal area being the most common (44.4%). The postoperative period showed a lack of complications, with all flaps surviving and no wound dehiscence, affirming the efficacy of the reconstruction procedures. The findings contribute valuable insights into optimizing scalp reconstruction outcomes.