Pacman Flap Method

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The V-Y flap is a well-known method for closure of round skin defects. However, with conventional V-Y flaps, it is sometimes difficult to advance the flap sufficiently, especially where there is a lack of subcutaneous tissue. Thus, the authors have devised a new technique named after a famous Japanese video game. METHOD: The flap design is almost the same as a conventional V-Y flap. Instead of cutting off the two triangular parts of the V flap, those two parts are rotated and advanced to meet at the center of the defect. RESULTS: The authors have operated on 18 patients with this method, and in all the cases, the flap survived completely. No secondary surgery was required to correct dog-ear deformity. CONCLUSIONS: This method is easy and can be applied in many situations. The authors conclude that this can be the first choice for closing circular skin defects.