Flap Donor Site Size Reduction with Substratum Horizontal Mattress Suture

BACKGROUND: Closure of donor site of the flap has special problems. Reduction of this site will decrease the morbidity of operation. In this study, we present our experience in donor site size reduction. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2008, 15 patients with skin and soft tissue defects underwent operation. In all patients, coverage of defect was performed with various flaps. Substratum horizontal mattress suture was used to reduce donor site dimensions. In all 15 patients, size of the flaps, the defect after the flap elevation and the scar size were measured. RESULTS: The mean size of the flap, the defect after flap elevation, and the scar after 3 months were 43.9 cm(2), 69.4 cm(2), and 32.2 cm(2), respectively. There was 46.5% reduction in the donor site after using this suture. CONCLUSION: The substratum horizontal mattress suture was shown to de- crease the donor site dimensions and also its scar size in flap surgery. This suture is highly recommend in order to reduce donor site dimensions.