Protection of femoral vessels after groin dissection

Abstract

Necrosis of skin overlying the femoral vessels after radical groin dissection is a not unusual complication resulting from the marginal blood supply of the widely elevated skin flaps. Accumulation of serum and lymph, previous surgical scars, and contamination in this area will accentuate the devitalization. Potential hazard of hemorrhage from disruption of an exposed femoral vessel remains until the wound granulates and heals over. Adequate and stable coverage of the exposed vessels with transplanted sartorious muscle is often difficult to accomplish. A pedicle flap of external oblique fascia can be easily constructed without any appreciable morbidity which will afford protection to the femoral vessels even though overlying skin undergoes ischemic infarction. The technic has been used successfully in eighteen groin dissections performed on eleven patients.