Feasibility of gluteus maximus myocutaneous pedicled flap for presacral pressure sore reconstruction: a simple approach

Abstract

Background Pressure sore, bed sores, and decubitus ulcer have the same meaning and are used to describe ischemic tissue loss resulting from prolonged pressure over bony prominence. They can develop anywhere in the body, but often are located in the trochanteric, ischial, heel, and sacral areas. Although tissue destruction can occur over areas like the scalp, shoulders, calves, and heels when a patient is lying down, ischial sores occur in wheelchair-bound patients who are sitting, making ‘pressure sore’ the better term. Objectives The purpose of the study is to describe our experience in the management of sacral pressure sore with a gluteus maximus myocutaneous flap, its feasibility and outcome. Patients and methods Our prospective study has been conducted in the Surgery Department of Benha University Hospital from February 2017 to February 2019 on 20 patients treated with a unilateral gluteus maximus myocutaneous flap to reconstruct the presacral defect due to pressure sore and all patients have signed informed consents before they have been involved in this study. Results Gluteus maximus flap in presacral pressure sores is a highly feasible and effective method for the treatment of presacral pressure ulcer defect. It has been associated with short operative time (average 45 min) and small amounts of intraoperative blood loss (average 338 ml), three cases out of 20 showed postoperative hematoma, two cases developed wound dehiscence, two cases developed infection, one case developed partial flap necrosis, four cases developed pigmentation, two cases developed keloid, and only one case developed postoperative recurrence. Conclusion The gluteus maximus myocutaneous flap is a useful, safe, and versatile flap for the repair of presacral decubitus ulcer by a simple approach. It may be recommended as the procedure of choice for surgical treatment of this type of wound.