Reconstruction of Scrotal Skin Defects Using Bilobed Pudendal Flap.

Abstract

Due to its unique cosmetic appearance and functioning, scrotal skin offers a major clinical challenge in terms of reconstruction. Thus, successful reconstruction of scrotal skin should include both provision of pliable texture and protection of testicular functions. Skin grafts and flaps are important options for such reconstruction; however, they both have unique features that bring about specific limitations and specific problems. In the light of the negativities related to the widely used skin grafts and flaps, this study aims to discuss the use of bilobed pudendal flap-a simple, uniform, and pliable tissue-for the first time in the related literature for the reconstruction of scrotal skin defects caused by Fournier's gangrene. This study was performed using the single-step method of scrotal skin reconstruction on eight patients who had developed scrotal skin defects and underwent reconstruction by using three-dimensional bilobed pudendal flaps (defect and reconstructive tissues planned on different planes) from December 2016 to August 2019. No complication such as infection, bleeding, hematoma, partial or complete flap loss, scar contraction, urinary problem, erectile dysfunction or discomfort, or sensation loss was observed in seven out of eight study patients. The only complication to have developed in one patient was minimal dehiscence, which was then corrected by restoration. Repair of scrotal skin defect using a three-dimensional bilobed pudendal flap enabled an elastic scrotal repair acceptable in sensorial and visual terms.