Flap prefabrication using high-density porous polyethylene in an animal model – an experimental study

BACKGROUND: The search for new surgical flap techniques and modifications of already existing ones is gaining increasing popularity. Progress in flap designing and harvesting have improved the functional and aesthetic results, especially in head and neck reconstruction. MATERIAL/METHODS: Ten pigs were used in this study. In the first operation, high-density porous polyethylene prefabrication was performed bilaterally in all pigs. After 8 weeks, each prefabricated complex was explored, resected, and macroscopically evaluated. RESULTS: All of 20 prefabricated flaps survived. No serious surgical complications were observed. In 2 cases there was chronic inflammation and in 4 cases there was instability of the implant. CONCLUSIONS: After this experimental study, we believe that the use of high-density porous polyethylene in flap prefabrication may be a good option for reconstruction of 3-dimensional defects, especially in patients with limited donor tissues.