Outcome of Free Medial Sural Artery Perforator Flap (MSAP) for Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Met Analysis

Introduction: Since first described by Cadavas, A free medial sural artery perforator flap (MSAP) is getting popularity day by day. Specially, where the micro surgeons are desired to have thin, pliable flap with long pedicle and less donor site morbidities. For its above-mentioned characteristics and good outcome, it is now considered as one of the workhorse flaps for head and neck reconstruction.

Aims and Objectives: The aim was to find out the feasibilities and versatilities of this flap as workhorse in head and neck reconstruction. As well as taking into consideration of its low donor site morbidities.

Methods: A literature search has been performed in July 2020 in various data base including Pub Med, Trip database, Medline and Google Scholler to find out the outcome of head and neck reconstruction with free MSAP Flap. Data then were tabulated and analysed using Microsoft Excel datasheet.

Results: The results were promising. Overall, flap survival rate was 95%. Mean flap dimension was 9.3 cm x5.5 cm. Average pedicle length was 10.5 cm. Mean flap thickness was 6mm. Overall complication rate was 16% including 6% wound related and 2% donor site complication. Most of the cases donor site have closed directly (87%).

Conclusion: Free MSAP Flap is an ideal workhorse flap for head and neck reconstruction. However, as most of the literatures were case series or personal experiences of surgeons, a multicentre trial with large sample can give us more information.