Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Research Articles

En-bloc excision of sacral squamous cell carcinoma with immediate reconstruction.

Sacral squamous cell carcinoma is an uncommon condition that may arise in scars following burns or in chronic wounds, such as an untreated pilonidal cyst. The aim of the present technical note is to describe a surgical technique aimed at minimizing local recurrence rates by en-bloc resection as well as providing immediate plastic reconstruction: 1. right-sided extended vertical rectus abdominis myo-cutaneous (VRAM) flap; 2. abdomino-perineal excision of the rectum with end colostomy; 3. en-bloc excision of the mass inclusive of gluteus maximus muscles and distal sacrectomy; 4. sacrectomy defect covered with VRAM flap; 5. bilateral gluteal defects covered with single-layer dermal substitute of bovine collagen and elastin hydrolysate followed by immediate split-thicknessskin grafting from bilateral thigh donor sites, and negative pressure wound therapy dressings. This approach resulted in a favorable outcome at 2-year follow-up in a male patient presenting with a large locally advanced sacral squamous cell carcinoma involving the external anal sphincter muscle.

Soft-tissue reconstruction with pedicled vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap after total or high sacrectomy for giant sacral tumor

BackgroundThe large soft tissue defect after total or high sacrectomy for giant sacral tumor induces high incidence of wound complications. It remains a huge challenge to reconstruct the soft tissue defect with a preferred clinical outcome. MethodsA total of 27 patients undergoing one-stage total or high sacrectomy for giant sacral tumor between 2016 and 2021 in a tertiary university hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Thirteen patients underwent a pedicled vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap reconstruction while 14 patients underwent a conventional wound closure. Patient’s clinical characteristics, surgical duration, postoperative complications and outcomes were compared between the two groups. ResultsPatients in VRAM and Non-VRAM group were similar in baseline characteristics. The mean tumor size was 12.85cm (range: 10~17cm) in VRAM group and 11.79cm (range: 10~14.5cm) in Non-VRAM group (P=0.139). The most common giant sacral tumor is chordoma. Patients in VRAM group had shorter length of drainage (9.85 vs 17.14 days), postoperative time in bed (5.54 vs 17.14 days), and total length of stay (19.46 vs 33.36 days) compared to patients in Non-VRAM group. Patients in VRAM group had less wound infection and debridement than patients in Non-VRAM group (15.4 vs 57.1%, P<0.001). ConclusionThis study demonstrates the advantages of pedicled VRAM flap reconstruction of large soft tissue defects after high or total sacrectomy when using the anterior-posterior approach. This choice of reconstruction is better than direct wound closure in terms of wound infection, length of drainage, and total length of stay.

Commentary on “30 days postoperative outcome associated with vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap reconstruction after pelvic surgery” by Thomsen TV, Warming P, Hasanbegovic E, Rindom MB &amp; Stolle LB

Commentary on “30 days postoperative outcome associated with vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap reconstruction after pelvic surgery” by Thomsen TV, Warming P, Hasanbegovic E, Rindom MB &amp; Stolle LB

Surgical Outcomes of Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap Pelvic Reconstruction.

The vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap has emerged as the workhorse flap for perineal and pelvic reconstruction. We aimed to evaluate outcomes of VRAM flap over a 20-year period and the role of mesh abdominal wall reinforcement following VRAM flap-based reconstruction. We conducted a retrospective review of all consecutive patients who underwent pelvic reconstruction with a VRAM flap between January 2001 and March 2021. Our primary outcome measure included recipient and donor surgical site occurrences (SSOs). We identified a total of 546 patients (55% females) with a mean age was 58 years and mean BMI was 27 kg/m 2. Mesh was used at the time of VRAM reconstruction to reinforce the abdominal donor site in 36% of patients. Recipient-site SSOs occurred in 38% of patients while donor-site SSOs occurred in 17% of patients. Hernia was identified in 9.9% of patients while bulge developed in 6.4% of patients. Cox proportional hazards regression model for hernia occurrence identified age, BMI, tobacco use (HR 2.03, 95% CI [1.02 - 4.04]) and use as an extended VRAM (HR 2.13, 95% CI [1.04 - 4.36]). The use of mesh or component separation were not independent protective factors for hernia occurrence. The pedicled VRAM flap is versatile and is our preferred flap for reconstruction of pelvic and perineal defects. The use of mesh/component separation to allow for fascial closure was not shown to reduce donor site hernia occurrence.

Intraoperative Blood Flow Analysis of Free Flaps with Arteriovenous Loops for Autologous Microsurgical Reconstruction

Background: Arteriovenous (AV) loops help to overcome absent or poor-quality recipient vessels in highly complex microvascular free flap reconstruction cases. There are no studies on blood flow and perfusion patterns. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare intraoperative hemodynamic characteristics of AV loops followed by free tissue transfer for thoracic wall and lower extremity reconstruction. Methods: this prospective clinical study combined Transit-Time Flowmetry and microvascular Indocyanine Green Angiography for the assessment of blood flow volume, arterial vascular resistance and intrinsic transit time at the time of AV loop construction and on the day of free flap transfer. Results: A total of 11 patients underwent AV loop creation, of whom five required chest wall reconstruction and six required reconstruction of the lower extremities. In seven of these cases, the latissimus dorsi flap and in four cases the vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap was used as a free flap. At the time of loop construction, the blood flow volume of AV loops was 466 ± 180 mL/min, which increased to 698 ± 464 mL/min on the day of free tissue transfer (p &gt; 0.1). After free flap anastomosis, the blood flow volume significantly decreased to 18.5 ± 8.3 mL/min (p &lt; 0.001). There was no significant difference in blood flow volume or arterial vascular resistance between latissimus dorsi and VRAM flaps, nor between thoracic wall and lower extremity reconstruction. However, a significant correlation between the flap weight and the blood flow volume, as well as to the arterial vascular resistance, was found (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: This is the first study to perform intraoperative blood flow and hemodynamic measurements of AV loops followed by free tissue transfer. Our results show hemodynamic differences and contribute to deeper understanding of the properties of AV loops for free flap reconstruction.

Oncological Skull Base Reconstruction with Microvascular Tissue Transplantation in Advanced Relapsed Cases

Introduction: Tumors involving the skull base are real challenges to reconstructive surgeons. Many articles have been published about these reconstructions, especially in primary cases. In tumor relapses after previous surgeries or irradiation, the surgical options for reconstruction are extremely narrowed and is our opinion that microvascular autologous tissue transplantation is specially indicated in those patients, even though it requires a technically demanding procedure. Materials and Methods: We analyzed retrospectively all patients treated at our institution between March 2014 and December 2018 and that met all the inclusion criteria: 1) oncological surgery for a tumor involving the skull base; 2) previous surgical treatment for that tumor; 3) cranial base bone resection; 4) dural exposure or defect; 5) reconstruction done with a free flap. The patient's age, comorbidities, number of previous surgeries and/or irradiation, oncological excisional procedures, type of defect, type of reconstruction, postoperative complications and mortality were reviewed. Results: Fifteen flaps were used in the 14 patients that met all the inclusion criteria. The used flaps were: Anterolateral Thigh (ALT) perforator or chimeric ALT/Vastus Lateralis (VL) (n=6), profunda artery perforator (n=3), muscular Rectus Abdominis (n=2), Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (VRAM) (n=2), chimeric osteomuscular scapular tip/Latissimus Dorsi (LD) (n=1) and radial forearm (n=1). Dural defects were reconstructed with Pericranial or fascia Lata grafts in 7 patients. No total flap failures or vascular thrombotic events were noted and just one case of partial flap necrosis was registered (treated conservatively). There was one case of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, one diffuse cerebral edema and one donor site wound dehiscence, all successfully treated with conservative measures. The only complication that required a second operation was a cranioplasty prosthetic exposure that required a second free flap. One patient had a tracheostomy bleeding followed by a pneumothorax and died 8 weeks postoperatively with a nosocomial pneumonia. In the follow-up period, one patient died 19 months postoperatively with a local relapse and another with a metastatic disease (at month 15). Conclusion: Secondary or multiple relapsed cases in the skull base require reconstructions that are technically demanding and the defects are often extensive. The surgical options are extremely reduced by previous treatments and if the basic concepts of cranial base reconstruction were strictly respected, the microsurgical free flaps can offer the best chance to avoid severe complications. However, it is not without some postoperative complications and mortality can be significant in the follow-up because of the advanced stage of the oncologic disease.

Perineal wound complications after vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap and mesh closure following abdominoperineal surgery and pelvic exenteration of anal and rectal cancers: A meta-analysis.

A meta-analysis research was implemented to appraise the perineal wound complications (PWCs) after vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap and mesh closure (MC) following abdominoperineal surgery (AS) and pelvic exenteration (PE) of anal and rectal cancers. Inclusive literature research till April 2023 was done and 2008 interconnected researches were revised. Of the 20 picked researches, enclosed 2972 AS and PE of anal and rectal cancers persons were in the utilized researchers' starting point, 1216 of them were utilizing VRAM flap, and 1756 were primary closure (PC). Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to appraise the consequence of VRAM flap in treating AS and PE of anal and rectal cancers by the dichotomous approach and a fixed or random model. VRAM flap had significantly lower PWCs (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.42-0.98, p < 0.001), and major PWCs (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.32-0.80, p = 0.004) compared to PC in AS and PE of anal and rectal cancers persons. However, VRAM flap and PC had no significant difference in minor PWCs (OR, 1; 95% CI, 0.54-1.85, p = 1.00) in AS and PE of anal and rectal cancer persons. VRAM flap had significantly lower PWCs, and major PWCs, however, no significant difference was found in minor PWCs compared to PC in AS and PE of anal and rectal cancers persons. However, caution needs to be taken when interacting with its values since there was a low sample size of most of the chosen research found for the comparisons in the meta-analysis.

Secondary post-oncologic vulvar reconstruction - a simplified algorithm.

Surgical treatment is the gold standard of care for vulvar cancer and is burdened by a high risk of wound complications due to the poor healing typical of the female genital area. Moreover, this malignancy has a high risk of local relapse even after wide excision. For these reasons, secondary reconstruction of the vulvoperineal area is a relevant and challenging scenario for gynecologists and plastic surgeons. The presence of tissue already operated on and undermined, scars, incisions, the possibility of previous radiation therapy, contamination of urinary and fecal pathogens in the dehiscent wound or ulcerated tumor, and the unavailability of some flaps employed during the primary procedure are typical complexities of this surgery. Due to the rarity of this tumor, a rational approach to secondary reconstruction has never been proposed in the literature. In this observational retrospective study, we reviewed the clinical data of patients affected by vulvar cancer who underwent secondary reconstruction of the vulvoperineal area in our hospital between 2013 and 2023. Oncological, reconstructive, demographic, and complication data were recorded. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of wound complications. The secondary outcome measure was the indication of the different flaps, according to the defect, to establish an algorithm for decision-making. Sixty-six patients were included; mean age was 71.3 ± 9.4 years, and the mean BMI was 25.1 ± 4.9. The mean size of the defect repaired by secondary vulvar reconstruction was 178 cm2 ± 163 cm2. Vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM), anterolateral thigh (ALT), fasciocutaneous V-Y (VY), and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) were the flaps more frequently employed. We observed five cases of wound breakdown, one case of marginal necrosis of an ALT flap, and three cases of wound infection. The algorithm we developed considered the geometry and size of the defect and the flaps still available after previous surgery. A systematic approach to secondary vulvar reconstruction can provide good surgical results with a low rate of complications. The geometry of the defect and the use of both traditional and perforator flaps should guide the choice of the reconstructive technique.

Comparison of inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps versus vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps in the reconstruction of perineal wounds

Achieving a healed perineal wound following chemoradiotherapy and abdominoperineal resection (APR) is challenging for surgeons and patients. Prior studies have shown trunk-based flaps, including vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flaps, are superior to both primary closure and thigh-based flaps; however, there has been no direct comparison with gluteal fasciocutaneous flaps. This study evaluates postoperative complications after various methods of perineal flap closure of APR and pelvic exenteration defects. Retrospective review of patients who underwent APR or pelvic exenteration from April 2008 through September 2020 was analyzed for postoperative complications. Flap closure techniques, including VRAM, unilateral (IGAP), and bilateral (BIGAP) inferior gluteal artery perforator fasciocutaneous flaps, were compared. Of 116 patients included, the majority underwent fasciocutaneous (BIGAP/IGAP) flap reconstruction (n = 69, 59.6%), followed by VRAM (n = 47, 40.5%). There were no significant differences between group patient demographics, comorbidities, body mass index, or cancer stage. There were no significant differences between BIGAP/IGAP and VRAM groups in minor complications (57% versus 49%, p = 0.426) or major complications (45% versus 36%, p = 0.351), including major/minor perineal wounds. Prior studies have shown flap closure is preferable to primary closure after APR and neoadjuvant radiation but lack consensus on which flap offers superior postoperative morbidity. This study comparing outcomes of perineal flap closure showed no significant difference in postoperative complications. Fasciocutaneous flaps are a viable choice for the reconstruction of these challenging defects.

Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap for Reconstruction of Forequarter Amputation Defect after Shoulder Soft Tissue Sarcoma Resection: Technical Consideration

Forequarter amputations in advanced local malignancy or trauma cases often leave a large defect that is challenging to reconstruct. Options for defect closure are varied. A vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap could be an alternative to close a significantly large defect, which is relatively easier than the more technically demanding free flap. This case presents a 64-year-old man with a soft tissue sarcoma in the left shoulder that was treated by forequarter amputation and subsequent defect closure using a VRAM flap. The VRAM flap was initially used to reconstruct the chest and abdominal walls. There have been no reported uses for the shoulder defect. The repair site defect was viable even with a less aesthetic donor site, and all of the defects were closed without any signs of infection. The VRAM flap is a good option for a large defect closure at the shoulder region, particularly after forequarter amputation.

The Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap for Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction on a Relapse Case of Monophasic Synovial Sarcoma

Introduction: Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (VRAM) flap is a chosen method for a large wound closure instead of Anterolateral Thigh (ALT) flap. Both versatile and highly vascularized flaps share almost similar advantages for large wound closure. In our case, the site and size of the wound are the points of consideration. Case Presentation: A 16-year-old girl with a chief complaint of a large progressive lower abdominal mass enlarged since January 2021 that has grown back from the same site. Abdominal CT-Scan shows a tumor in the right lower abdomen infiltrated to the pelvic cavity and spanning from the lower abdominal area all the way to the groin area. Histopathology interpretation suggests a Monophasic Synovial Sarcoma. The patient underwent a second tumor resection with VRAM flap as the wound closure. The benefits of this versatile flap are excellent dead space obliteration and low Surgical Site Occurrence (SSO’s). Conclusion: As postulated in many studies VRAM flap is an excellent flap for a CAWR procedure. The expected SSO’s is non-existence during the postoperative follow-up

30 days postoperative outcome associated with vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap reconstruction after pelvic surgery

30 days postoperative outcome associated with vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap reconstruction after pelvic surgery

Radiological incidence of donor-site incisional hernia and parastomal hernia after vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap-based reconstruction following colorectal surgery.

A vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap is commonly used to reconstruct perineal defects for low rectal and anal cancer. The incidence of midline incisional hernias after VRAM reconstruction varies from 3.6% when detected clinically to 50% when detected radiologically. The aim of this study is to accurately determine the radiological incidence of donor-site incisional and parastomal hernia following VRAM reconstruction. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing colorectal surgery requiring VRAM reconstruction over 10 years. Data were collected on patient demographics, indication for surgery and surgical procedure, including details of any hernia repair. Images from surveillance CTs were reviewed for the presence and size of midline incisional and/or parastomal hernias. Parastomal hernias were classified based on the European Hernia Society (EHS) classification. One hundred and seventy three patients were included in the analysis. The median age was 67 years (range 29-88 years) and the median length of follow-up was 49 months (interquartile range 24.3-71.0months). The cumulative incidence of donor-site incisional hernia after VRAM at 1, 2 and 5 years was 15.1%, 25.4% and 29.1%, respectively. The cumulative incidence for PSH at 1, 2 and 5 years was 33.1%, 46.6% and 53.3%, respectively (95% CI 45.4%-60.5%). Most patients who develop donor-site incisional hernia and parastomal herniation following VRAM tend to do so within the first 2 years. Although the use of CT imaging improves the diagnosis of donor-site incisional and parastomal hernias, the clinical significance of this is unknown.

62 (PB-062) Poster - A comparative analysis between vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap and transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap as options for post-mastectomy chest wall reconstruction

Background: Oncoplastic breast reconstruction prevents the chest wall deformities occurring after a mastectomy or occurring after chest irradiation following lumpectomy. It offers lower morbidity, higher quality of life and a more natural aesthetic outcome than traditional breast reconstruction techniques. Free flaps offer great cosmetic results and also prevent donor site morbidity but they require advanced microsurgical techniques that may be difficult in institutions with constraints of resources.

TH8.1 Radiological incidence of donor-site incisional hernia and parastomal hernia after Vertical Rectus Abdominus Myocutaneous Flap-based reconstruction following colorectal surgery

Abstract Aims The vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap is commonly used to reconstruct perineal defects for low rectal and anal cancer. The incidence of midline incisional hernias after VRAM reconstruction varies from 3.6% when detected clinically to up to 50% when detected radiologically. The aims of this study is to accurately determine the radiological incidence of donor-site incisional and parastomal hernia following VRAM reconstruction. Methods Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing colorectal surgery requiring VRAM reconstruction over 10 years. Data were collected on patient demographics, indication for surgery and surgical procedure including details of any hernia repair. Images from surveillance CTs were reviewed for presence and size of midline incisional and/or parastomal hernias. Parastomal hernias were classified based on the European Hernia Society (EHS) classification. Results 173 patients were included in the analysis. The median age was 67 years (range 29 – 88 years) and median length of follow up was 49 months (IQR 24.3 – 71.0 months). The overall radiological incidence of incisional hernia was 27.6%. The radiological incidence of donor-site incisional hernia after VRAM at 1, 2 and 5 years was 16.8%, 25.2% and 18.5%. The parastomal hernia incidence at 1, 2 and 5 years was 37.9%, 44.1% and 29.8% (48.6% overall). Conclusions The majority of patients who develop donor-site incisional hernia and parastomal herniation following VRAM tend to do so within the first two years. Although the use of CT imaging improves the diagnosis of donor-site incisional and parastomal hernias, the clinical significance of this is unknown.

TH5.8 Use of Botulinum Toxin A infiltration in conjunction with negative pressure wound dressing and mesh-mediated traction in the management of the ‘open abdomen’

Abstract Aims Botulinum Toxin A (BTA) is widely used in complex abdominal wall reconstruction (CAWR). It temporarily paralyses the oblique muscles allowing medialisation of the rectus sheath and decreases tension on the closure. This analysis presents the use of BTA in management of the ‘open abdomen’ (OA). Methods Retrospective series of patients with OA where BTA was used in conjunction with AbtheraTM negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and polypropylene mesh-mediated traction (MMT) to attempt fascial closure. BTA was performed by Anaesthetists with experience of BTA use in CAWR using Dysport® 600 IU. Results We include 5 patients since 2020. Median age at index operation was 55 years (range 39–81); four were male. Index operations were intra-abdominal catastrophe where fascia closure impossible (n=2), dehiscence after Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (VRAM) flap for pelvic malignancy (n=2) and colectomy for obstructing colorectal cancer complicated by rectus sheath necrotising fasciitis (n=1). There were no immediate complications from BTA infiltration. All patients achieved primary fascial closure with a median of five re-looks (range 3–7). There were no full-thickness dehiscences after final closure. One patient died within 1 month from unrelated cause. One patient had no clinically palpable incisional hernia at six months and a further two had no incisional hernia at six and 12 months, respectively, on cancer surveillance CT. Conclusion BTA in the setting of the OA in conjunction with NPWT and MMT appears safe and effective in achieving fascial closure, and can potentially reduce the risk of incisional hernia. Further studies are welcomed.

Vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap to reconstruct thigh and groin defects: A retrospective cohort and systematic review

The vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap is one of the options for soft-tissue reconstruction in the groin and thigh. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes, risk factors for complications, and the utility of using mesh to prevent abdominal hernia. A retrospective review of patients who underwent VRAM flap reconstruction to reconstruct proximal thigh and groin defects from 1997 to 2018 was performed. Data regarding patient demographics, surgical characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to assess the association of the risk of recipient site complications. A systematic review was performed to assess the outcomes and summarize the evidence from published studies. Fifty-three patients were identified and included in this study. In most of the cases, the procedures were performed after tumor resection (77%) and in the rest of the cases, they were performed for chronic complicated wounds (23%). Twenty-five (47.2%) patients developed complications. Intraoperative and postoperative radiotherapy, chronic kidney disease, history of prior tumor resection, and reconstructions of chronic complicated wounds were associated with an increased risk of recipient site complications. A systematic review identified 9 articles, for a total of 189 reconstructions. The pooled complications and failure rates were 31.2% and 2.1%, respectively. Stratified analysis showed that the rate of abdominal hernia was similar in patients with mesh (16.7%) and in patients with primary closure only (15.1%; p=0.761). Defects in the groin or proximal thigh can be treated successfully with the VRAM flap. Although wound complications and hernia rates are high, the reconstruction failure rate is low.

OP5: First Reported Cases of Robotic Assisted Harvest of Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (VRAM) Flap for Pelvic Wound Coverage

OP5: First Reported Cases of Robotic Assisted Harvest of Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (VRAM) Flap for Pelvic Wound Coverage

Abdominal and perineal hernia rates following vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap reconstruction – a supraregional experience

BackgroundVertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap has proven to be a robust reconstruction method following radical pelvic surgery. Radical pelvic surgery is associated with high morbidity due to pelvic complications and non-healing perineal wounds, as a result of non-collapsible pelvic dead space and pre-operative adjuvant radiotherapy insult. VRAM flap reconstruction addresses both issues by obliterating the dead space and introducing healthy non-radiated tissue. However, flap reconstruction complications can include donor site hernias (abdominal wall), perineal hernias, and flap-specific complications. This study aimed to evaluate the abdominal and perineal hernia rates as well as radiological evidence of flap vascularity post-operatively. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent a VRAM flap reconstruction following radical pelvic surgery at Christchurch hospital over a 10-year period. We identified the presence of donor site hernias (abdominal wall hernias), perineal hernias, and flap vascularity on post-operative radiological imaging performed within 48 months. ResultsSeventy-seven patients underwent a VRAM flap reconstruction of which 60 patients met the inclusion requirements for the study (mean age was 60.3 years [range 26–89]; 31 were male and 29 were female). Eighteen patients underwent an APR and 42 underwent a partial or a complete pelvic exenteration and the majority of them (75.0%) were for rectal cancers. Available imaging was on average 21.6 months post-operatively (IQR 11.8–31.3 months). The donor site hernia rate was 16.7%, and the perineal hernia rate was 3.3%. VRAM flap appeared to have DIEA flow in 98.3% of the patients. ConclusionVRAM flap reconstruction of complex pelvic defects remains a robust method of choice in complex pelvic reconstruction with little morbidity.

Personalized Reconstruction of Genital Defects in Complicated Wounds with Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flaps including Urethral Neo-Orifice.

Non-healing extensive wounds in the perineal region can lead to severe soft tissue infections and disastrous complications, which are not manageable with conservative measures. Specifically in recurrent or advanced pelvic malignancies, irradiation often leads to extensive scarring and wound breakdown, resulting in significant soft tissue defects during surgical tumor excision. Among several surgical options to reconstruct the perineum, the transpelvic vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap has proven to be one of the most reliable methods. Specific modifications of this flap allow an individualized procedure depending on the patient’s needs. We modified this technique to include the urethral orifice into the skin paddle of VRAM flaps in three patients as a novel option to circumvent urinary diversion and maintain an acceptable quality of life.