Application of maple leaf‐shaped flap combined with negative pressure wound therapy in the perianal circular skin defect reconstruction

Abstract We aimed to explore the efficacy of maple leaf‐shaped flap in the repair of perianal circular skin defect. This study is a retrospective review of patients with perianal circular skin defect after skin tumour resection and repaired with maple leaf‐shaped flap. Patients included in this study were admitted in our department between January 2010 and January 2023. A standardized data collection template was used to collect related variables. The design and surgical procedures of maple leaf‐shaped flap are carefully described in this study. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was applied to assist wound healing postoperatively. Twenty‐seven patients were included in this study. The average wound size after tumour resection measured 4 × 5 cm 2 –10 × 10 cm 2 . The circular skin defect was repaired by maple leaf‐shaped flap, and NPWT was used after surgery. Twenty‐five patients achieved primary wound healing and flaps were well‐survived. Slight infection occurred in two patients, and both were cured after dressing change. During the follow‐up period of 6–24 months, no tumour recurrence occurred. The perianal morphology can be well‐restored by maple leaf‐shaped flap, and the defecation control function of anus was not impaired. The application of maple leaf‐shaped flap and NPWT is a promising way in the repair of perianal circular skin defect with little complication and satisfying outcomes.