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.