Z-plasty
Pronunciation: zee-PLAS-tee
Surgical technique using Z-shaped incisions to lengthen tissue and change the direction of scars or contractures.
Full Definition
A plastic surgery technique involving the creation of two triangular flaps that are transposed to lengthen tissue in one direction while shortening it in the perpendicular direction. The procedure involves making a Z-shaped incision with a central limb along the line of contracture and two limbs at 60-degree angles. Z-plasty is commonly used in gastrointestinal surgery for treating anal stenosis, relieving scar contractures, and managing web formations in various anatomical locations.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as an adjective (Z-plasty repair); may be written as one word (Zplasty) in some contexts.
In Context
- "Z-plasty was performed to relieve the anal stenosis following previous hemorrhoidectomy." — Operative report
- "The esophageal web was divided and Z-plasty reconstruction prevented recurrent stenosis." — Procedure note