Systematic review: Cutaneous flaps

Background: Cutaneous flaps are essential in reconstructive surgery for managing soft tissue defects. Their selection depends on defect location, size, and vascular supply. Objective: To systematically review the clinical applications, outcomes, and complications of cutaneous flaps. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for studies from 2013–2025 evaluating cutaneous flap techniques. Studies reporting clinical outcomes in humans were included. Results: 52 studies were included. Local flaps demonstrated high survival rates with minimal complications. Free flaps were preferred for large defects but had higher risk of partial necrosis and donor site morbidity. Conclusion: Proper selection of flap type optimizes functional and aesthetic outcomes. Further high-quality trials are needed to standardize indications.