Evaluation of sartorius muscle flap versus tensor fascia lata to cover exposed groin vascular grafts: which is better?

Abstract

Purpose To focus on the importance of tensor fascia lata or sartorius muscle flaps to improve wound healing and to save exposed groin vascular grafts with minimal complications and to evaluate which is better. Background Treatment of an exposed groin vascular grafts after vascular interventions may be challenging. Saving these grafts saves a patient’s limb. Patients and methods A prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 54 patients suffering from exposed groin vascular grafts to compare postoperative outcomes using tensor fascia lata flap [group A; 28 (51.8%) cases] versus sartorius muscle flap [group B; 26 (48.2%) cases]. Postoperative follow-up was for 6 months. Results No flap loss was recorded in any of the procedure. Minor complications, such as skin graft was lost partially, were seen in group A in five (17.9%) cases at the donor area, but partial loss of skin graft was noticed only in one (3.8%) case in group B (P=0.0022). Small hematoma was noticed in in six (21.4%) cases in group A but only in two (7.6%) cases in group B (P=0.0036). Finally, overall wound healing was noticed in 22 (78.6%) cases in group A and 24 (92.3%) cases in group B (P=0.014). Conclusion Both tensor fascia lata and sartorius muscle flaps for exposed groin vascular grafts are considered a protective weapon to save these exposed grafts and to help to ensure good wound healing. Sartorius muscle flaps are easily rotated from the same incision, are more effective, and are safe, with minimal postoperative complications.