Reconstruction of Soft-Tissue Defects Using Local and Regional Flaps: Outcome Analysis

Background: Soft-tissue defects resulting from trauma, burns, infection, malignancy excision, and chronic wounds continue to pose major reconstructive challenges in plastic surgery. Local and regional flaps remain reliable reconstructive options because of their vascular reliability, technical simplicity, and cost-effectiveness. Aim: To evaluate the outcomes of reconstruction of soft-tissue defects using local and regional flaps. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of a tertiary care hospital over a period of 6 months. Sixty patients undergoing reconstruction with local or regional flaps were included. Patient demographics, etiology, anatomical location, flap type, complications, flap survival, hospital stay, and functional outcomes were analyzed statistically using SPSS version 26. Results: Among 60 patients, 68.3% were males and 31.7% were females. Trauma was the most common cause of soft-tissue defects (46.7%). Lower limb defects accounted for 38.3% cases. Local flaps were used in 60% patients, while regional flaps were used in 40%. Complete flap survival was observed in 91.7% cases. Partial necrosis occurred in 6.7% patients and total flap loss in 1.6%. Regional flaps showed significantly higher postoperative complication rates compared to local flaps, particularly infection, wound dehiscence, venous congestion, and partial flap necrosis (p<0.05). The mean hospital stay was significantly lower in the local flap group compared to the regional flap group (8.2 ± 2.1 vs 12.4 ± 3.8 days; p=0.001). Excellent or good functional outcomes were achieved in 86.7% patients. Conclusion: Local and regional flaps are dependable reconstructive options for soft-tissue defects with satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes. Appropriate flap selection and meticulous surgical planning significantly improve flap survival and reduce complications.