Comparative Evaluation of Secondary Intention Healing With Versus Without Local Flap Reconstruction in Cutaneous Surgery: The Predictive Role of Initial Defect Size on Healing Duration
Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
10.22034/mphrj.2026.607872.1125
Abstract
Introduction: Cutaneous surgery requires balancing reconstructive durability with minimal morbidity. While secondary intention healing offers simplicity, expansive defects face prolonged recovery. Combining secondary intention with local flaps optimizes healing, yet the precise predictive role of initial defect size remains underexplored. This prospective study evaluates secondary intention healing with versus without local flap reconstruction, investigating how initial defect size predicts healing duration.
Material and methods: This prospective, randomized, single-blind clinical trial at Sina Hospital evaluated twenty surgical patients (n=20) allocated equally into secondary intention healing alone versus combined local flap reconstruction. Participants were selected via convenience sampling based on strict eligibility criteria. Evaluated variables included baseline defect size, serial wound reduction kinetics measured planimetrically across twelve postoperative weeks, complete healing milestones, and postoperative pain intensity.
Results: This prospective trial (n=20) demonstrates that baseline defect surface area strongly predicts healing duration (r=0.87, R2=0.760, P<0.001), while combined local flap reconstruction significantly accelerates early wound area reduction and milestone achievement (50% healed at week 4) compared with secondary intention alone.
Conclusion: Initial surgical defect magnitude governs cutaneous recovery kinetics, whereas adjunctive local flap reconstruction successfully optimizes early tissue repair timelines, supporting defect-guided reconstructive decision-making in clinical practice without confounding gender influences.
Sheikhalizadeh Nobar, F. (2026). Comparative Evaluation of Secondary Intention Healing With Versus Without Local Flap Reconstruction in Cutaneous Surgery: The Predictive Role of Initial Defect Size on Healing Duration. (e255149). Medicinal, Psychological, and Health Research Journal (MPHRJ), (), e255149 https://doi.org/10.22034/mphrj.2026.607872.1125
MLA
Sheikhalizadeh Nobar, F. "Comparative Evaluation of Secondary Intention Healing With Versus Without Local Flap Reconstruction in Cutaneous Surgery: The Predictive Role of Initial Defect Size on Healing Duration" .e255149 , Medicinal, Psychological, and Health Research Journal (MPHRJ), , 2026, e255149. doi: 10.22034/mphrj.2026.607872.1125
HARVARD
Sheikhalizadeh Nobar F. (2026). 'Comparative Evaluation of Secondary Intention Healing With Versus Without Local Flap Reconstruction in Cutaneous Surgery: The Predictive Role of Initial Defect Size on Healing Duration', Medicinal, Psychological, and Health Research Journal (MPHRJ), (), e255149. doi: 10.22034/mphrj.2026.607872.1125
CHICAGO
F. Sheikhalizadeh Nobar, "Comparative Evaluation of Secondary Intention Healing With Versus Without Local Flap Reconstruction in Cutaneous Surgery: The Predictive Role of Initial Defect Size on Healing Duration," Medicinal, Psychological, and Health Research Journal (MPHRJ), (2026): e255149, doi: 10.22034/mphrj.2026.607872.1125
VANCOUVER
Sheikhalizadeh Nobar F. Comparative Evaluation of Secondary Intention Healing With Versus Without Local Flap Reconstruction in Cutaneous Surgery: The Predictive Role of Initial Defect Size on Healing Duration. Medicinal, Psychological, and Health Research Journal (MPHRJ). 2026;():e255149. doi: 10.22034/mphrj.2026.607872.1125
