Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap Research Articles

Free tissue transfer with the free rectus abdominis flap in high-risk patients above 65 years: A retrospective cohort study

Though technically feasible, free tissue transfer carries the risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. To minimize the operative treatment time and complication rates, we choose the rectus abdominis muscle (RAM) flap. Between 2012 and 2017, 34 patients (mean age: 74±7 years, range: 65-89 years) with comorbidities underwent defect reconstruction with a free RAM flap. Recipient-sites were: lower extremity (65%), trunk (18%), upper extremity (12%), and head and neck (6%). The ASA status was 2 in 11 patients, 3 in 21 patients, and 4 in 2 patients. Twenty patients (59%) received additional vascular surgery. Three patients (9%) underwent simultaneous restoration of fractures. The mean operative time (OT) was 325±75min. There was no total flap loss. Partial flap loss occurred in one patient (3%). The incidence of surgical and medical complications was 32% and 38%: 11 patients experienced a total of 22 surgical complications, of which 15 were major (requiring additional surgery) and 7 minor (conservative treatment). One patient died postoperatively because of progressive respiratory failure. Prolonged OT was highly associated with hematoma formation requiring re-operation (p = 0.01). ASA status was a significant predictor for postoperative critical care monitoring (p = 0.03). Reconstruction was successful in 31 out of 34 patients (91%) during a mean follow-up time of 17.7 ± 8.8 months (range: 2-51 months). The free RAM flap has proven as a reliable and efficient tool in the armamentarium of reconstructive microvascular surgeons with some advantages in the treatment of multimorbid patients older than 65 years.

Free muscle sparing vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap

Introduction: Abdominal region is a unique donor area in the reconstructive surgery to provide numerous flaps. The aim of this study is to show effectivity of the free vertical rectus abdominis muscle (VRAM) flap in the complex wounds reconstruction without damaging integrity of the rectus abdominis muscle and sacrificing the opposite deep inferior epigastric artery. Materials and Methods: The study population was composed of all patients who applied to our department for evaluation and management of the complex wounds reconstruction with the free muscle sparing (MS) vertical rectus abdominis flap, between September 2011 and October 2015. Results: We utilized the free MS vertical rectus abdominis flap to closure complex wounds in seven patients (6 males and 1 female) in our department. Etiologies were malign skin tumors, amputation stump, unstable scar, and crush injury in three, two, one, and one patients, respectively. All MS vertical rectus abdominis flaps survived completely. A hematoma developed in the recipient site in one case, and it was immediately evacuated without any problem. Conclusions: Free MS vertical rectus abdominis flap is a quite easy and reliable flap to harvest from abdominal wall, reducing the possibility of bulging or hernia formation with less morbidity of the donor site.

Cáncer de Mama, siete años de experiencia quirúrgica en el Hospital Oncológico “Julio Enrique Paredes C”.

Introducción: En la última década se han incorporado nuevas técnicas quirúrgicas como la cirugía oncoplástica conservadora y la biopsia de ganglio centinela para el tratamiento de cáncer de mama. El objetivo del presente estudio es describir el tipo de cirugía realizados en mujeres con cáncer de mama en un centro oncológico.
 Métodos: El presente estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, fue realizado en el Hospital Oncológico “Julio Enrique Paredes C” Solca–Ambato. Se revisaron las historias clínicas del período 2008 – 2014 de pacientes con cáncer de mama. Las variables analizadas fueron: edad, localización del tumor, estadío clínico y tipo de cirugía.
 Resultados: En el hospital fueron sometidas a tratamiento quirúrgico 114 pacientes con cáncer de mama, entre 40 y 69 años; el carcinoma ductal infiltrante en un 69 %; el estadio clínico II corresponde a un 49 %; la mayor ubicación fue en el cuadrante superior externo de mama izquierda. Un 59 % fue sometido a mastectomía radical modificada. 12 % de casos se realizaron reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo del músculo recto transverso del abdomen.
 Conclusión: En este reporte se un incrementando el número de casos de cáncer de mama, que deben ser sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico, en los últimos años se ve una mayor incidencia de cirugías conservadoras de la mama.

Quantitative analysis of shoulder function and strength after breast reconstruction: A retrospective cohort study.

Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) after mastectomy has been proven to affect patient quality of life, psychological well-being, and functional capacities. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of breast reconstruction on postoperative shoulder function and muscle performance by evaluating isokinetic muscle performance tests.A retrospective chart review to collect data on shoulder function analysis with isokinetic muscle performance testing was performed among patients who received mastectomy with IBR from July 2013 to March 2015. Patients were categorized into 4 groups: a control group that underwent mastectomy without reconstruction, a tissue expander/implant insertion group, a pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) flap group, and a free transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap group.Analysis of the groups at 1 to 3, 4 to 6, 7 to 9, 10 to 12, and 13 to 15 months postoperatively showed significant shoulder function improvement in the tissue expander/implant and TRAM groups as measured by linear regression analysis. Compared with the control group, patients who received immediate reconstruction with tissue expander/implant insertion or a TRAM flap showed statistically significant improvement in shoulder function after mastectomy.IBR with a TRAM flap or tissue expander/implant insertion were more beneficial for shoulder rehabilitation and for regaining function compared to mastectomy alone and breast reconstruction with a LD flap.

Limited incision harvest of the rectus abdominis muscle flap

Rectus abdominis muscle harvest typically uses a long and continuous paramedian approach. To limit donor site morbidity, the senior author performs a limited incision approach particularly useful in medically vulnerable patients, including patients with sternal wound infections. All patients of a single surgeon from 2000 to 2014 who underwent rectus harvest by one or two transverse incisions and use of lighted retractor were identified. Patients were categorized by indication, for “sternal wound coverage” or “non-sternal wound coverage.” Co-morbidities, operative notes, and post-operative courses were evaluated. Comparisons were made to patients undergoing harvest by paramedian approach. Seventeen patients with a mean age of 61 underwent limited-incision rectus harvest. Nine patients had indication for “sternal wound coverage.” Three patients had single transverse incision and six patients had double transverse incisions. One patient expired post-reconstruction day 3. One patient had complete abdominal and partial sternal wound dehiscence. No other donor site complications were observed. Eight patients had indication for “non-sternal wound coverage,” including seven patients requiring free rectus for lower extremity defects and one a pedicled rectus abominis for pelvic osteomyelitis. No post-operative complications were observed in these non-sternal wound coverage patients. There was a trend toward improved wound healing and hospitalization time using the transverse compared to paramedian technique, although this was not significant. The morbidity of the traditional paramedian incision for rectus harvest may be avoided using a limited skin incision approach. This is useful in patients with attenuated healing capacity and offers a lower risk approach to a traditionally risky donor site. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Extensively Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Sternal Osteomyelitis

Background Sternal wound infection continues to be the leading complication after median sternotomy. With the growing concern of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) bacterial infections, sternal wound reconstruction is a critical step in successfully healing these patients. The use of a rectus abdominis muscle flap for coverage of the lower one third of sternal wounds as well as objectively optimizing antimicrobial therapy has revolutionized the field of sternal wound reconstruction, yet both practices are not well documented within the literature. Clinical Scenario A 72-year-old man developed an XDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection of his sternum after median sternotomy. The sternal wound was successfully reconstructed using a dual flap approach of bilateral pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps and a rectus abdominis muscle flap. Because of the antibiotic susceptibility profile and patient allergy profile, parental tobramycin and high-dose continuous-infusion meropenem were used to treat the osteomyelitis; meropenem serum concentrations were obtained via mass spectroscopy to optimize bactericidal activity. Conclusions Osteomyelitis secondary to XDR P. aeruginosa is exceedingly rare in the literature. Individuals with this type of infection can be successfully treated with aggressive surgical debridement, subsequent reconstruction using bilateral pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps and a rectus abdominis muscle flap for coverage of the sternal wound, and both guided and targeted parental antibiotics. Lastly, the innovative use of antibiotic concentrations was instrumental in targeting the appropriate dose of antimicrobials in this patient.

National and Regional Differences in 32,248 Postmastectomy Autologous Breast Reconstruction Using the Updated National Inpatient Survey

The incidence of breast cancer (BC) cases has increased significantly. The number of breast reconstruction (BR) procedures performed has mirrored this trend. Although implant-only procedures remain the most commonly used type of immediate BR, autologous techniques involving donor sites account for approximately 20%. The aim of this study was to assess national and regional trends in different types of autologous BR. Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (2008 to 2012), data on BC and mastectomy rates, type of autologous BR, and sociodemographics were obtained and analyzed. Furthermore, national and regional trends over time for autologous BR were plotted and analyzed. A total of 427,272 patients diagnosed with BC or at increased risk of BC were included in the study. A total of 343,163 (80.3%) patients underwent mastectomy and, within this group, 148,700 (43.3%) patients underwent immediate BR. Of these, 32,249 (21.7%) patients underwent an autologous BR (not solely implant based) and 118,258 (78.3%) implant-based BR. Most autologous BRs were performed in the Southern region (37.4%). When stratified into flap types, most pedicled transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM), free TRAM, and other flaps were performed in the Northeast region, whereas most deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps were performed in the Southern region. Subgroup analysis demonstrated a significant increasing trend for both LD and DIEP flaps, both nationally (P < 0.001) and regionally (P < 0.001). Pedicled TRAM and free TRAM reconstructions decreased significantly both on national and regional level. Autologous BR demonstrated a significant positive trend over time in the Southern region (P < 0.001). The DIEP and LD flaps increased significantly over time, both nationally and regionally.

Thinning of the free muscle flaps for the treatment of hand and foot defects

To investigate the feasibility of one-stage thinning of latissimus dorsi muscle, rectus abdominis muscle and gracilis flap in reconstruction of the hand and foot defects. From June 2009 to April 2015,24 free muscle flaps were thinned during transfer operation by removing their superficial muscle layers on the basis of their vessel pedicles running in the deep surface of flaps. The surface of the muscle flaps were covered by split-thickness skin grafts. There were 16 latissimus dorsi muscle flaps,4 gracilis flaps and 4 rectus abdominis muscle flaps. Flap size ranged from 6 cm × 4 cm to 20 cm × 12 cm. Thinned muscle flaps were used to resurface 7 hand defects and 17 foot defects. All muscle flaps survived the thinning procedures without any circulation problems except for one case which suffered total flap necrosis due to venous thrombosis. Skins grafts on muscle flaps also took well. One patient experienced partial skin loss. Two patients underwent secondary debridement and thinning procedure for infection and bulkiness. During the 0.3-20 months follow-up, the contour of thinned muscle flaps matched well with the recipient areas. Reconstructed feet are able to wear regular shoes. Intraoperative immediate thinning of free muscle flaps can be safely accomplished during the primary reconstruction procedure. This procedure prevents the limitations of muscle flap bulkiness and may provide an alternative for surface coverage.

Flap design and perfusion are keys ofsuccess: Axial fasciocutaneous posterior thigh flaps for deep small pelvic defect reconstruction.

Radical excisions of the rectum often result in large perineal and intrapelvic defects. Compromised wound healing can delay adjuvant therapies and limit the patient's prognosis. With current treatment, integrity of the abdominal wall may be maintained. The defect geometry is unique and requires extensive volume for reconstruction. This study describes the surgical technique and reports clinical outcomes of fasciocutaneous posterior thigh flaps as preliminary data for this indication. Thirteen posterior thigh flaps were used in eleven patients between 2013-2015. Patients were prospectively followed-up for the pursposes of this case series. Flap dimensions and volume were measured in two representative cases. The surgical technique is described in detail. Dead space occlusion was achieved in 100% of cases. No intestinal herniation was detected. Vaginal wall defects were concurrently reconstructed in two patients. Total flap volume was calculated as 315-360 cm3. The fasciocutaneous flaps were easy to harvest, versatile to manipulate and did not result in significant function deficits. In contrast to classic Vertical Rectus Abdominis Muscle (VRAM) flaps, the posterior thigh flaps preserve abdominal wall function and should be considered as a reliable alternative option in reconstruction of intrapelvic defects including neighboring organs. Future studies of larger patient series should be executed to verify our findings and determine the optimal point in time for reconstruction.

Cutaneous Erythema at Scar Site of Modified Radical Mastectomy: An Unexpected Manifestation of Recurrent Carcinoma

A 44-year-old woman presented with marked erythema over right mastectomy scar, while on Herceptin therapy. She had neoadjuvant chemotherapy, modified radical mastectomy, and radiotherapy less than one year earlier for the treatment of invasive ductal carcinoma. On physical examination, no palpable masses were detected in the erythematous skin. A biopsy revealed permeation of the skin lymphatics by emboli of metastatic ductal carcinoma, similar to what is seen in inflammatory carcinoma. The involved skin was excised, followed by immediate reconstruction with transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap. On follow-up, the wound was healing well, with no signs of inflammation.

Focused Arterial Anastomotic Assessment in a Novel Univariate Design of a Vertical Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap in a Pig Model

Background Microsurgical anastomosis is the basis for free tissue transfer. The goal of this study was to create an animal model that mimics free tissue transfer but would focus on the arterial anastomotic assessment alone, without additional bias of a venous anastomosis. Methods A vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (VRAM) flap based on the left deep superior epigastric artery (DSEA) was raised in six large white pigs. The right DSEA was raised and used as the donor vessel. An arterial end-to-end microsurgical anastomosis was then performed between the right and the left SEA artery. The lateral deep epigastric vein (DIEV) was left intact to drain the flap. Perfusion of the flap was confirmed clinically by laser Doppler and by flowmetry. Results One flap failure was observed in this study that occurred on postoperative day (POD) 5 as a consequence of venous occlusion due to hematoma. There was a significant initial drop in arterial flow across the anastomosis in comparison to preanastomotic flow measurements (p &lt; 0.05); however, this was normalized by the seventh POD (p &gt; 0.05). Flow measurements in the vein significantly increased after the arterial anastomosis was completed and the seventh POD (p &lt; 0.05). Laser Doppler assessment demonstrated adequate tissue perfusion of the skin island flap. Conclusion This modified VRAM flap is a viable procedure to simulate a free flap transfer and assess the arterial anastomosis alone, while maintaining the flap's innate venous drainage. This method can allow the investigation of new arterial anastomosis techniques and devices.

Viability of five different pre- and intraoperative imaging methods for autologous breast reconstruction.

SummaryBackgroundAutologous breast reconstruction is an integral part in the treatment of breast cancer. While computed tomography angiography (CTA) is an established preoperative diagnostic tool for microsurgeons, no study has so far evaluated and compared five different imaging methods and their value for the reconstructive team. In order to determine the feasibility of each of the tools for routine or specialized diagnostic application, the methods’ efficiency and informative value were analyzed.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed imaging data of 41 patients used for perforator location and assessment for regional perfusion and vessel patency in patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP), transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap (TRAM), or transverse myocutaneous gracilis flap (TMG). Five different imaging techniques were used: hand held Doppler (HHD), CT angiography (CTA), macroscopic indocyanine green (ICG) video angiography, microscope-integrated ICG video angiography, and laser Doppler imaging (LDI).ResultsCTA proved to be the best tool for preoperative determination of the highly variable anatomy of the abdominal region, whereas HHD showed the same information on perforator localization with some false-positive results. Intraoperative HHD was an excellent tool for dissection and vessel patency judgment. Microscope-integrated ICG was an excellent tool to document the patency of microanastomoses. In our series, macroscopic perfusion measurement with ICG or LDI was only justified in special situations, where information on perfusion of abdominal or mastectomy flaps was required. LDI did not add any additional information.ConclusionPreoperative assessment should be performed by CTA with verification of the perforator location by HHD. Intraoperative HHD and microscope-integrated ICG contribute most toward the evaluation of vessel patency. ICG and LDI should only be used for special indications.

Effects of High-Voltage Electrical Stimulation in Improving the Viability of Musculocutaneous Flaps in Rats

The musculocutaneous flap of the transverse rectus abdominis muscle is a technique used for breast reconstruction, and one of the complications of this procedure is tissue necrosis. The objective of the study is to determine the effect of high-voltage electrical stimulation (HVES) in the transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap in rats. Fourteen rats underwent surgery for obtaining the flap. The rats were distributed into 2 homogeneous groups: group 1 underwent both surgery and the use of HVES, whereas group 2 underwent just the surgery (control). Electrical stimulation was applied immediately after surgery and for 2 consecutive days. The percentage of necrotic area was analyzed using the Image J software, and blood flow was assessed by infrared thermography in different regions of the flap, divided into 4 zones according to the proximity of the pedicle of the inferior epigastric artery. The results were analyzed using a Student t test, where group 1 experienced a necrotic area of 26.2%, and group 2 had an area of 54.5%. Regarding the temperature, the 2 groups showed increase in the minimum and maximum temperature on the fourth postoperative day. The HVES appeared to have a positive influence on the viability of the flap.

Abdominal Closure after TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction with Transversus Abdominis Muscle Release and Mesh.

Summary:Breast reconstruction with a pedicled transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap can result in significant abdominal wall donor-site morbidity. Although the pedicled TRAM flap donor area reinforced with mesh results in decreased rates of postoperative abdominal bulging and hernias, the best technique to accomplish that is yet to be elucidated. We present our novel technique of posterior components separation with transversus abdominis muscle release and retromuscular mesh reinforcement for donor-area closure during pedicled TRAM flap breast reconstruction.

Reparo de lesão penetrante em parede torácica de cão, ocasionada por javali (Sus scrofa scrofa), com flape unipediculado de músculo reto abdominal

RESUMO Lesões penetrantes no tórax causadas por interação animal são frequentes em cães e caracterizam-se por dano extenso e desvitalização dos tecidos moles adjacentes. Quando a musculatura local é insuficiente para a reconstrução, retalhos musculares podem ser mobilizados para reparar o defeito torácico. O presente relato tem como objetivo demonstrar uma alternativa para o reparo de defeito da parede torácica em um cão, ocasionada por interação com javali (Sus scrofa scrofa), utilizando flape unipediculado de músculo reto abdominal. Com base na literatura consultada, essa técnica reconstrutiva ainda não foi descrita. O flape de músculo reto abdominal mostrou-se uma alternativa viável no reparo de lesão extensa e infectada na parede torácica em cães.

Evolving Trends in Breast Surgery: Oncoplastic to Onco-Aesthetic Surgery.

The term oncoplastic surgery was first coined by Gabka and Bohmert [1], reflecting a recognition that the cosmetic outcome of breast surgery is an important part of patient outcomes. With the publication of practice guidelines, the principles of oncoplastic surgery were embedded in the management of breast cancer [2,3,4,5,6]. The evidence that poor aesthetic outcomes after breast surgery adversely impacted the quality of life led surgeons to seek out and refine surgical techniques that would preserve the size, volume, shape, and cosmetic appearance of breasts treated for breast cancer [7]. This led to the evolution of surgical procedures that utilize fibroglandular flap advancement to fill the surgical defect left after the excision of the breast, and therapeutic mammoplasty to excise large tumours or tumours located at cosmetically unforgiving sites on the breast such as the lower and medial quadrants of the breast [8,9]. Various techniques have been described for reconstructing large-volume breast excisions [10,11,12]. Increased awareness regarding the availability of these techniques has led women of today to be well informed and to expect an aesthetically acceptable breast form after the conservative treatment of breast cancer. Advancements in reconstruction techniques after mastectomy using latissimus dorsi flaps, transverse rectus abdominus muscle flaps, and deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps, as well as improvements in implant-based reconstruction, contributed to an increase in the demand for and uptake of post-mastectomy reconstruction; moreover, the safety of nipple sparing mastectomy has been demonstrated in large-scale cohort studies [13,14]. The evidence that post-mastectomy radiotherapy can contribute to patient survival compelled breast surgeons to revise the reconstruction options offered to women after mastectomy. Delayed reconstruction with autologous flaps or two-staged reconstruction deploying a tissue expander during radiotherapy, followed by a fixed-volume implant or autologous flap reconstruction, became the reconstruction of choice for patients who were likely to need chest wall radiotherapy after mastectomy [14]. The literature regarding potential comorbidities associated with silicone-based breast implants led to declining patient acceptance of silicone-based implants. After safety statements by the Food and Drug Administration, the uptake of silicone-based resumed in North America, and silicone and saline-based implants are more commonly used implants [15]. The advent of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) dramatically increased the number of options and techniques available for breast reconstruction, and the increasing use of ADM diminished the surgical challenge of donor site morbidity, enhancing patient acceptance. Guidelines for the optimal use of ADM are still evolving and are the focus of intense research and training [16]. Advancements in liposuction techniques that yield a high success rate after autologous fat transplant have led to the development of lipo-modelling techniques as an adjunct in restoring cosmetic defects after breast-conserving surgery and enhancing the cosmetic appearance of a reconstructed breast [17,18,19]. Oncoplastic breast surgery has come of age: the technical skills of surgeons have advanced, the technology of reconstructive mechanical adjuncts has improved, and a better scientific understanding of restorative and reconstructive breast surgery has been achieved. The new frontiers of aesthetic enhancement after breast cancer surgery in terms of restoring normal anatomical appearance and symmetry have been reached by breast surgeons. Indeed, most modern oncoplastic-trained surgeons are able and willing to undertake surgery on the contralateral side to enhance the aesthetics and cosmetic appearance of the breast treated for cancer. One could perhaps argue that surgical treatment that involves the techniques of flap formation, reconstruction with pedicled grafts, liposuction, lipo-modelling, and the use of ADM now deserves to be called onco-aesthetic surgery, which is a significant and rewarding step forward from oncoplastic surgery!

Management of Radiation Anterior Prostato-symphyseal Fistulas With Interposition Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap

To describe a novel, organ-sparing approach for reconstruction of radiation-induced anterior prostato-symphyseal fistulas (PSFs) at our institution over a consecutive 10-year period. We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing surgical reconstruction for anterior PSF between January 1, 2006 and October 31, 2015. Patient demographics as well as preoperative, operative, and postoperative data were reviewed, including etiology of fistula, surgical management, and outcomes. A total of 4 patients with anterior PSF underwent organ-sparing reconstruction. All fistulas were the result of previous pelvic radiation. All 4 patients presented with pubic osteomyelitis. Patients underwent pubic symphysis debridement, fistula closure, and placement of an interposition rectus abdominis muscle flap. At a median follow-up of 27 months, 100% of the patients undergoing repair with interposition rectus flap were closed with 1 procedure. Radiation-induced PSF can be successfully reconstructed with pubic symphysis debridement and fistula closure using an adjunct rectus abdominis interposition flap, avoiding prostatectomy and urinary diversion.

A titanium screw-retaining temporary denture on the raw surface muscular flap for the immediate maxillary reconstruction

ObjectiveIn any immediate reconstruction of the maxillofacial defect after total maxillectomy, the defect is often covered with a flap, however, dentures cannot be maintained stably by the flap, because of the high mobility and large amount of displacement of the flap under pressure. Therefore, we developed a method in which a muscle flap is transplanted without creating a skin island in the oral cavity and a denture is immediately fixed with titanium screws, and obtained favorable results. Patients and methodsThe subjects were 9 patients who underwent resection for maxillary sinus cancer. In all patients, a free rectus abdominis muscle flap was used for the reconstruction and the raw surface of the muscle tissue was left in the oral cavity without creating a skin island. Dentures that had been made preoperatively were fixed on the remaining palate and alveolus with titanium screws for one month, so that they covered the muscle tissue. ResultsGood palatal morphology was formed without hanging down after epithelialization of the surface of the muscle tissue. In comparison with the preoperative levels, the masticatory and conversational functions recovered to 77% and 90%, on average. ConclusionsOur method is considered to be one of the useful reconstruction methods for maxillofacial defects.

Plastic surgery of extended defects after exenteration of the pelvis

Extended resections of pelvic malignancies, especially in cases of recurrent malignancies, result in the formation of large tissue defects in the region of the pelvic floor and perineum, which are difficult to deal with. Both after extra levator rectal excision and pelvic exenteration, wound healing deficiencies and local infections of the perineal wound are frequent. Primary closure is often impossible due to a lack of tissue substance after resection and an additional previous radiotherapy in most cases. This can result in poor or non-healing wounds, a consecutive need of complex care and an increased risk of secondary problems including tumour recurrences. A permanent wound closure of good quality can therefore only be achieved by plastic surgery. This can be done by local or distant muscle flaps with or without skin, for example, the gluteus maximus flap, the vertical rectus abdominis muscle flap (VRAM) or free flaps such as the latissimus dorsi flap.

The vertical pedicled DIEP flap: an alternative for large perineal reconstructions after tumour excision

Traditionally, the vertical rectus abdominis muscle (VRAM) flap has been used as a robust and effective loco-regional reconstruction for perineal defects. We present a unique approach using a vertical skin paddle pedicled deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap for the management of large perineal defects following colorectal tumour excision. As a colorectal and plastic surgery tertiary referral centre, over the last 5 years, we have developed a vast experience in reconstructing these defects in collaboration with our general surgical colleagues in the multidisciplinary setting. Our main reconstructions consisted of pedicled VRAM flaps, although we have used other local and free flap options when and as required. We have since moved towards this improved technique of the pedicled DIEP flap reconstruction and present our initial experience, highlighting its main advantages, particularly over the VRAM flap.