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Logothetou et al: Complications and influence of cutaneous closure technique on subdermal plexus flaps in 97 dogs (2006–2022)
Veterinary Surgery 3, 2024

🔍 Key Findings

  • Complication rate for subdermal plexus flaps (SPFs) in dogs was 53.6%.
  • Skin staples had a numerically higher complication rate (72.2%) than sutures (49.3%), but not statistically significant due to small sample size.
  • Most common complication was wound dehiscence (35%), followed by seroma (14%) and wound discharge (14%).
  • Increased body weight was significantly associated with higher complication risk (OR = 1.056 per kg; p = .029).
  • Advancement flaps were associated with a lower incidence of complications on univariable analysis (p < .001).
  • Head region flap closures had fewer complications, while proximal pelvic limb closures had the highest complication rate.
  • Age was a risk factor—each additional year increased odds of complications (OR = 1.019; p = .004).
  • Closure technique did not significantly influence complication severity, though staple use was numerically worse.

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← Articles

Logothetou et al: Complications and influence of cutaneous closure technique on subdermal plexus flaps in 97 dogs (2006–2022)
Veterinary Surgery 3, 2024

🔍 Key Findings

  • Complication rate for subdermal plexus flaps (SPFs) in dogs was 53.6%.
  • Skin staples had a numerically higher complication rate (72.2%) than sutures (49.3%), but not statistically significant due to small sample size.
  • Most common complication was wound dehiscence (35%), followed by seroma (14%) and wound discharge (14%).
  • Increased body weight was significantly associated with higher complication risk (OR = 1.056 per kg; p = .029).
  • Advancement flaps were associated with a lower incidence of complications on univariable analysis (p < .001).
  • Head region flap closures had fewer complications, while proximal pelvic limb closures had the highest complication rate.
  • Age was a risk factor—each additional year increased odds of complications (OR = 1.019; p = .004).
  • Closure technique did not significantly influence complication severity, though staple use was numerically worse.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Logothetou 2024 et al., on SPF complications, what was the most commonly reported postoperative issue?

A. Surgical site infection
B. Wound discharge
C. Hematoma
D. Wound dehiscence
E. Skin necrosis

Answer: Wound dehiscence

Explanation: Wound dehiscence was observed in 35% of cases, making it the most common complication.
In Logothetou 2024 et al., on SPF complications, which anatomic site for SPF reconstruction was associated with the fewest complications?

A. Proximal pelvic limb
B. Distal thoracic limb
C. Trunk
D. Head
E. Neck

Answer: Head

Explanation: Flaps on the head had significantly fewer complications compared to other regions.
In Logothetou 2024 et al., on SPF complications, which patient factor was independently associated with increased complication risk on multivariable analysis?

A. Flap type
B. Closure technique
C. Bodyweight
D. Age
E. Tumor recurrence

Answer: Bodyweight

Explanation: Higher bodyweight significantly increased the odds of complications (OR = 1.056 per kg; p = .029).
In Logothetou 2024 et al., on SPF complications, how did staple use for skin closure compare to sutures in terms of complication rate?

A. Significantly lower
B. Significantly higher
C. Not different but numerically higher
D. No complications were seen with staples
E. Equal with significantly less necrosis

Answer: Not different but numerically higher

Explanation: Staples had a higher complication rate (72.2%) vs sutures (49.3%), but not statistically significant.
In Logothetou 2024 et al., on SPF complications, which flap type had the lowest complication rate on univariable analysis?

A. Transpositional flap
B. Axillary skin fold flap
C. Inguinal skin fold flap
D. Advancement flap
E. Phalangeal fillet flap

Answer: Advancement flap

Explanation: Advancement flaps were associated with a significantly lower complication rate on univariable analysis.

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