Superior and inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps in reconstruction of gluteal and perianal/perineal hidradenitis suppurativa lesions

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a debilitating disease with a tendency to form abscesses, sinus tracts, and scar formation. In this report, our experience with reconstruction of hidradenitis lesions of the gluteal and perianal/perineal area using superior and inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps (SGAP and IGAP) are discussed. A prospective study was conducted in collaboration with the general surgery department for patients with gluteal and perianal/perineal hidradenitis suppurativa between December 2005 and May 2010. Data of each patient included age, sex, disease localization, duration of symptoms, comorbidities, size of defect after excision, perforator flap chosen, complications, and postoperative follow-up. Eleven SGAP and six IGAP flaps were used in 12 patients with gluteal and perianal/perineal involvement. There was one flap necrosis for whom delayed skin grafting was performed. The mean follow-up period was 20 months without recurrences. Patients with gluteal and perineal/perianal hidradenitis suppurativa are usually neglected by surgeons because of lack of collaboration of general and plastic surgery departments. Most surgical treatment options described in the literature such as secondary healing after excision and skin grafting prevent patients from returning to daily life early, and cause additional morbidities. Fasciocutaneous flaps other than perforator flaps may be limited by design such that both gluteal regions may have to be used for reconstruction of large defects. SGAP and IGAP flaps have long pedicles with a wide arc of rotation. Large defects can be reconstructed with single propeller flap designs, enabling preservation of the rest of the perforators of the gluteal region.