Foot reconstruction with the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap under local anesthesia : Two case reports

Rationale: The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) free flap is a popular method used in foot reconstruction. Although the SCIP flap has a relatively short pedicle and does not require intramuscular dissection, general anesthesia is largely preferred for SCIP flap reconstruction. We report 2 cases with the free SCIP flap for skin and soft tissue reconstruction of the foot under local anesthesia.
Patient concerns: Case 1 was a 34-year-old man sustained a crush injury to the dorsal foot, resulting in a soft tissue defect with bone and tendon exposure. Case 2 was a 41-year-old man with type 2 diabetes was referred to our division for an intractable ankle wound after surgery for a calcaneal bone fracture.
Diagnosis: The diagnosis was intractable wounds on feet caused by trauma and surgery. Patients were unable to receive general anesthesia because of asthma or elevated liver enzymes.
Interventions: Two patients with tissue defects on their feet were treated with SCIP flaps under local anesthesia. Fifteen milliliter of 0.5% bupivacaine was injected for ankle block. SCIP flaps were harvested after injecting 10 to 15mL of 1% lidocaine combined with epinephrine around the flap incisions.
Outcomes: No complications related to the use of local anesthesia developed during the operation or postoperatively. Two flaps survived and fully took without complications.
Lessons: With proper local anesthesia, successful foot reconstruction with a free SCIP flap was possible. This method can be considered a sufficient option for foot reconstruction for patients unable to receive general anesthesia.