OBJECTIVE: To seek a simple, safe and effective method for the instant repair of soft-tissue defects after excision of superficial tumor, chronic ulcer and scar constructure as well as injury. METHODS: From August 1993 to October 1997, according to the location and size of the lesion, adjacent single or double reverse tongue-shaped skin flaps were designed to repair the defects of head, face, limb and shoulder in 31 cases, and the donor sites were closed directly. RESULTS: The wounds were healed by first intention and the skin flaps were all survived postoperatively. CONCLUSION: It suggests that the tongue-shaped flap have the following characteristics: abundant blood supply, high survival rate, wide application, less trauma, and adjacent tissue can be fully used. It is a simple, safe and effective method for the instant repair of soft-tissue defects.
