Pedicled superficial femoral artery perforator flaps for reconstruction of large groin defects

Abstract

Soft-tissue defects after wide resection of groin sarcomas have been reconstructed with well-characterized flaps, such as rectus abdominis, gracilis, and anterolateral thigh flaps. To our knowledge, the use of superficial femoral artery perforator (S-FAP) flaps for this purpose has not been reported. We report on three female patients in whom groin defects after sarcoma resection were reconstructed with pedicled S-FAP flaps. The dimensions of the skin defects ranged from 13.5 × 11 to 16 × 14.5 cm. Sizable perforators from the superficial femoral arteries were identified preoperatively around the apex of the femoral triangle with computed tomographic angiography or color Doppler ultrasonography. The lengths of the flaps ranged from 17 to 19 cm. The main perforator penetrated the sartorius muscle in two patients and emerged between the sartorius and the adductor longus muscles in the other patient. The postoperative course was uneventful, and results were satisfactory in all patients. The main advantages of the S-FAP flap over more commonly used flaps are that it is easier to harvest and is associated with less donor-site morbidity. We believe that the S-FAP flap may be a versatile option for the coverage of groin defects.