Thoracodorsal artery perforator fasciocutaneous flap in the treatment of chronic hidradenitis suppurativa of axilla

Abstract

The only definitive treatment of chronic axillar hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) that prevents relapses is 'in toto' excision of the infected glandular tissue. This way a deficiency emerges, which needs to be restored. Reconstruction with split skin graft (SSG) is a most common way of recovery, but thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) fasciocutneous flap delivers better functional and aesthetic results. Between May 2014 and July 2016, 14 patients underwent reconstructive surgery after excision of axillary HS, 2 of them had bilateral lesion. In 15 cases TDAP was used, in 1 case we used thoracodorsal artery capillar perforator flap (TAPcp). In all but 2 cases 1 dominant perforator was found. 1 flap had 2 dominant perforators and 1 flap was supplied by capillary perforators. Size of the flaps spread between 6 × 8 and 10 × 15 cm. 15 reconstructions were successful, 1 flap necrotised because of the lack of compliance of the patient. As a result of the glandular tissue excision carried out because of a chronic HS, a deficiency emerges. TDAP flap is an ideal solution for surgical reconstruction of axillar deficiencies, and a great alternative to SSG.