Bilateral Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator (SGAP) Flap: Modified Concept in Perineal Reconstruction.

Background/Objectives: Perineal reconstruction after abdominoperineal excision often requires complex closures and is fraught with wound healing complications. Flap-based approaches introduce non-irradiated vascularized tissue to the area of resection to fill a large soft-tissue defect and dead space, reduce the risk of infection, and facilitate wound healing. Employing perforator flaps with their beneficial donor site properties, the authors have developed a concept of bilateral superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flaps to restore extensive perineal defects. Methods: This retrospective case series was conducted between September 2015 and December 2019. We included three patients who received bilateral SGAP flap reconstruction after oncological resection. One deepithelialized SGAP flap was used for obliteration of dead space, combined with the contralateral SGAP flap for superficial defect reconstruction and wound closure. Results: Within this patient population, two male and one female patient, with a median age of 62 years (range, 52-76 years), were included. Six pedicled SGAP flaps were performed with average flap dimensions of 9 × 20 cm (range 7-9 × 19 × 21). No flap loss or no local recurrence were documented. In one case, partial tip necrosis with prolonged serous drainage was observed, which was managed by surgical debridement. No further complications were detected. Conclusions: The combination of two SGAP flaps provides maximal soft tissue for defect reconstruction and obliteration of dead space, while maintaining a very inconspicuous donor site, even with bilateral harvesting. Given these advantages, the authors recommend this promising approach for successful reconstruction of perineal defects.

Personalized Decisional Algorithms for Soft Tissue Defect Reconstruction after Abdominoperineal Resection for Low-Lying Rectal Cancers.

BACKGROUND: Abdominoperineal resection (APR)-the standard surgical procedure for low-lying rectal cancer (LRC)-leads to significant perineal defects, posing considerable reconstruction challenges that, in selected cases, necessitate the use of plastic surgery techniques (flaps). PURPOSE: To develop valuable decision algorithms for choosing the appropriate surgical plan for the reconstruction of perineal defects. METHODS: Our study included 245 LRC cases treated using APR. Guided by the few available publications in the field, we have designed several personalized decisional algorithms for managing perineal defects considering the following factors: preoperative radiotherapy, intraoperative position, surgical technique, perineal defect volume, and quality of tissues and perforators. The algorithms have been improved continuously during the entire period of our study based on the immediate and remote outcomes. RESULTS: In 239 patients following APR, the direct closing procedure was performed versus 6 cases in which we used various types of flaps for perineal reconstruction. Perineal incisional hernia occurred in 12 patients (5.02%) with direct perineal wound closure versus in none of those reconstructed using flaps. CONCLUSION: The reduced rate of postoperative complications suggests the efficiency of the proposed decisional algorithms; however, more extended studies are required to categorize them as evidence-based management guide tools.

Uterine retroversion and gluteal transposition flap for postoperative perineal evisceration after extralevator abdominoperineal resection.

Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is the most common histological subtype of malignant tumor affecting the anal canal. Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the first-line treatment in nearly all cases, ensuring complete clinical response in up to 80% of patients. Abdominoperineal resection (APR) is typically reserved as salvage therapy in those patients with persistent or recurrent tumor after CRT. In locally advanced tumors, an extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE), which entails excision of the anal canal and levator muscles, might be indicated to obtain negative resection margins. In this setting, the combination of highly irradiated tissue and large surgical defect increases the risk of developing postoperative perineal wound complications. One of the most dreadful complications is perineal evisceration (PE), which requires immediate surgical treatment to avoid irreversibile organ damage. Different techniques have been described to prevent perineal complications after ELAPE, although none of them have reached consensus. In this technical note, we present a case of PE after ELAPE performed for a recurrent ASCC. Perineal evisceration was approached by combining a uterine retroversion with a gluteal transposition flap to obtain wound healing and reinforcement of the pelvic floor at once, when a mesh placement is not recommended.

Fournier gangrene - would you KISS it?

Fournier gangrene is a disease characterized by necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal and genital region, resulting from synergistic polymicrobiotic infection. Most infections can be localized to a cutaneous, urethral, or rectal source and can culminate in a fulminant sepsis. Current state of the art is systemic broad-spectrum antibiotics and serial aggressive debridement which result in superficial perineal defect of wide dimensions. We compiled all the cases of Fournier gangrene that required reconstruction after debridement in Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central from 2018 to 2022. Inclusion criteria were reconstruction for Fournier defects and patients' age 18 to 90 years old. Exclusion criteria were patients who didn't require reconstruction or didn't complete it due to death or transfer to another healthcare institution. Reconstructive procedures and complication rates are reported as whole numbers and percentages of total. The initial search yielded 32 patients. There were 2 (6.2%) patients with defects that healed by secondary intention, 6 (18.7%) with delayed primary closure, 4 (12.5%) with implantation of the testicle in a medial thigh pocket, 12 (37.5%) with skin grafts, 4 (12.5%) with scrotal advancement flaps, 2 (6.2%) with flaps, and 2 (6.2%) with flaps and skin grafts in combination. Four outcomes were evaluated: number of patients, defect size, method of reconstruction, and wound-healing complications. Most reconstructive techniques provide reliable coverage and protection of testicular function with an acceptable cosmetic result. The reconstructive options need to be patient tailored in order to achieve long lasting results with a minimum of postoperative morbidity.

Is a pedicular flap coupled to the double turnover flaps urethroplasty suitable for urethral-perineal reconstruction? Considerations about a relapsing urethral-cutaneous fistula condition.

Background: This study highlights the effectiveness, in one surgical stage, of two combined local techniques for perineal fistula repair in a patient with spinal cord injury: the " Turn over flaps urethroplasty" and the "Pedicular fasciocutaneous flap" from the inferior gluteal fold. Unlike the traditional Perforator flap, we harvested a Pedicular flap; by definition, this is a flap with a narrow diffuse microvascular supply aimed in our case at shielding the neourethra and substituting the remaining scarred perineum. Method: The urethroplasty technique adopted, the 'Double turn over flaps urethroplasty', has been based on sculpting two opposing local cutaneous flaps circumscribing the fistulous cutaneous openings. Eventually, the neourethra continuity has been re-established by turning over both flaps and making them meet medially. The dimension and thickness of the "Pedicular fasciocutaneous flap", have been considered to prevent any damage to the urethroplasty and at the same time to replace all the debrided scarred perineal tissue. Results: The follow-up confirmed a well-consolidated supple perineal area and a competent neourethra. Conclusions: The "Pedicular flap" is by definition a random vascular flap nourished through a narrow pedicle, not based on a single perforator but only on a diffuse, spread micro-perforators. When associated with the double "Turn over flaps urethroplasty", it represents a possible alternative to achieve satisfactory results for those physical and psychological challenges encountered in the treatment of recurrent urethral fistula of the perineum in a patient with spinal cord injury.

One-year follow-up after standardized perineal reconstruction in women with deficient perineum after vaginal delivery.

INTRODUCTION: Perineal tears are common after childbirth and, if not surgically repaired, they may result in a deficient perineum that can cause symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. Perineal reconstruction aims to restore the perineal body and increase the support of the pelvic floor. The objective of the present study was to estimate symptom reduction after perineal reconstruction in patients with deficient perineum after vaginal delivery and to compare outcomes between participants with or without concomitant levator ani muscle deficiency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants presenting at the Karolinska Pelvic Floor Center with symptoms of deficient perineum at least 1 year after vaginal birth were invited to the study. Inclusion criteria were a visible perineal scar and confirmed anatomic defect. Levator ani defects were assessed using the Levator Ani Deficiency score. A perineal reconstruction was performed in a standardized way. Subjective symptoms were evaluated using the validated "Karolinska Symptoms After Perineal Tear Inventory" at baseline and 1-year follow-up. A score difference in the symptom of an acquired sensation of a wide vagina was the primary outcome. Results were stratified by the presence or absence of a levator ani deficiency. RESULTS: A perineal reconstruction was performed in 131 patients and 128 patients completed the Karolinska Symptoms After Perineal Tear Inventory at baseline and 119 at follow-up. Median age was 36.1 (interquartile range [IQR] 7.9), median body mass index 22.3 (IQR 5.1) and a median of two vaginal deliveries. Fifty-four women (41.2%) had a levator ani deficiency. The mean score reduction for the item "Do you feel that your vagina is too wide/loose?" was -1.56 (SD 0.96; P < 0.001) from a mean score of 2.75 (maximum 3) at baseline. The mean total score reduction was -9.1 points (SD 5.3; P < 0.001) from a mean score of 18.4 (maximum 33) points at baseline. There were no significant differences between groups when stratifying by levator ani deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that perineal reconstructive surgery significantly decreases symptoms of deficient perineum after vaginal delivery. A concomitant levator ani defect does not affect the symptom reduction of an acquired sensation of a wide vagina or the total score reduction after surgery.

Gluteal Propeller Perforator Flaps: A Paradigm Shift in Abdominoperineal Amputation Reconstruction.

Abdominoperineal amputation (AAP) is a gold standard procedure treating advanced abdominal and pelvic cancers. The defect resulting from this extensive surgery must be reconstructed to avoid complications, such as infection, dehiscence, delayed healing, or even death. Several approaches can be chosen depending on the patient. Muscle-based reconstructions are a reliable solution but are responsible for additional morbidity for these fragile patients. We present and discuss our experience in AAP reconstruction using gluteal-artery-based propeller perforator flaps (G-PPF) in a case series. Between January 2017 and March 2021, 20 patients received G-PPF reconstruction in two centers. Either superior gluteal artery (SGAP)- or inferior artery (IGAP)-based perforator flaps were performed depending on the best configuration. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected. A total of 23 G-PPF were performed-12 SGAP and 11 IGAP flaps. Final defect coverage was achieved in 100% of cases. Eleven patients experienced at least one complication (55%), amongst whom six patients (30%) had delayed healing, and three patients (15%) had at least one flap complication. One patient underwent a new surgery at 4 months for a perineal abscess under the flap, and three patients died from disease recurrence. Gluteal-artery-based propeller perforator flaps are an effective and modern surgical procedure for AAP reconstruction. Their mechanic properties, in addition to their low morbidity, make them an optimal technique for this purpose; however, technical skills are needed, and closer surveillance with patient compliance is critical to ensure success. G-PPF should be widely used in specialized centers and considered a modern alternative to muscle-based reconstructions.

Impact of etiology leading to abdominoperineal resection with anterolateral thigh flap reconstruction: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Large and deep perineal defects following abdominal perineal resection (APR) are a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Even if generally performed for oncological reasons, APR can be indicated as well in extended infection-related debridement for Hidradenitis suppurativa, Fournier's gangrene, or Crohn's disease. We aimed to compare the outcomes of two groups of patients with different indications for APR (infectious vs. oncological) after pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap coverage RESULTS: Forty-four consecutive pedicled ALT flap used for coverage after APR in 40 patients were analyzed. 26 patients (65%) underwent APR for oncological reasons and 14 patients (35%) for infectious reasons. The overall postoperative complications rate was significantly higher for infectious cases (76.5% vs. 40.7%, p = 0.0304). Major complications occurred in 52.9% of infectious cases versus 11.1% of oncological cases (p = 0.0045). Obesity and infectious etiology were independent risk factors for overall and major complications, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing APR for acute or chronic infections had significantly more overall and major complications than patients having oncological APR. Modified care might be considered, especially in obese patients, in terms of surgical debridement, antibiotic treatment modalities, and postoperative management.

Comparison of vertical and extended vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps. An anatomical study.

The extended vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (eVRAM) flap has been proposed for reconstruction of large pelviperineal defects where traditional VRAM flap could be insufficient. To compare the dimensions of VRAM and eVRAM flaps an anatomical study was performed. Ten VRAM and ten eVRAM flaps were dissected in ten fresh adult cadavers. Length, width and volume of all the flaps were measured. Length and volume were significantly larger in eVRAM flap compared to VRAM flap (36.55 cm vs. 30.15, p=.005; and 315.5 vs. 244 mL, p=.012, respectively). No differences were observed in flap width. The eVRAM flap could be a better option than traditional VRAM for reconstruction of big pelviperineal defects when bulkier tissue, larger skin paddle and/or longer arch of rotation are needed for reconstruction.

Long-term follow-up of bilateral gracilis reconstruction following extra-levator abdominoperineal excision.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal operations such as an extra-levator abdominoperineal (elAPE) excision for locally advanced or recurrent cancer create a significant perineal tissue deficit. Options for perineal reconstruction include bilateral pedicled gracilis muscle flaps (BPGMF). Fashioning the gracili into a 'weave' creates a muscular sling that supports pelvic contents and is a novel technique. Our series reports the outcomes of the BPGMF in 50 patients undergoing surgery for pelvic cancer. METHOD: This is a retrospective, single-centre study of patients undergoing reconstruction of perineal defects using BPGMF. All surgeries took place between January 2008 and February 2021. The primary outcome measured was perineal wound healing. The secondary outcomes measured were complications of surgical sites and length of hospital stay (short term), flap integrity on follow-up imaging and functional outcomes (long term). RESULTS: Fifty patients underwent perineal reconstruction using BPGMF (26 males). The median age was 62 years. The 30-day mortality was 2% (n = 1). The average follow-up period was 2 years. Complete perineal wound healing was 86% (42/49) at outpatient follow-up. Complication rates for the donor site and reconstructed site were 14% and 22%, respectively. Complications included infection (2% donor site, 12% perineum), haematoma (4% donor site), dehiscence (2% donor site, 4% perineum) and seroma (3% donor site, 2% perineum). CONCLUSION: BPGMF offers a reliable and technically simple muscle flap to reconstruct large perineal defects. The muscle flap integrity appears maintained on follow-up imaging despite a lack of flap monitoring tools. This cohort had minimal functional impairment following BPGMF.

Sub-regional skin grafting for perineal resurfacing after excision of superficial vulvar tumors: An excellent method to achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of sub-regional split-thickness skin grafting in perineal resurfacing. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study was conducted in the Genital Plastic Surgery Center. Detailed clinical data of 14 consecutive patients who underwent split-thickness skin grafting after vulvar tumor resection from February 2013 to June 2022 were analyzed. Clinical data, postoperative photographs, scoring of vulvar appearance, and questionnaire results of the Female Sexual Function Index before and after surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: The patients had sub-regional split-thickness skin grafting ranging from 7 × 8 cm to 11 × 12 cm (88.86 ± 24.99 cm2 ). After a follow-up of 8.21 ± 2.22 months (mean ± SD), all patients had a three-dimensional and aesthetically pleasing vulva and high scoring of vulvar appearance (mean ± SD, 4.43 ± 0.65). All patients had good healing of both the recipient and donor sites without major complications. Only one patient had minor dehiscence in the perineal region and recovered soon after proper treatment. The scores of the Female Sexual Function Index were significantly improved after surgery. Among the included domains, scores of "desire," "arousal," "orgasm" and "satisfaction" increased significantly after surgery (p value <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sub-regional split-thickness skin grafting could achieve excellent cosmetic outcomes with few complications in perineal reconstruction after the excision of superficial vulvar tumors. It can provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance in the vulvar region and improve female sexual function to some extent. In general, sub-regional split-thickness skin grafting could be a recommended reconstructive option to repair vulvar defects.

Outcomes of perineal wound closure techniques after abdominoperineal resections in rectal cancer: an NSQIP propensity score matched study.

Perineal defects following abdominoperineal resections (APRs) for rectal cancer may require myocutaneous or omental flaps depending upon anatomic, clinical and oncologic variables. However, studies comparing their efficacy have shown contradictory results. We aim to compare postoperative complication rates of APR closure techniques in rectal cancer using propensity score-matching. The American College of Surgeons Proctectomy Targeted Data File was queried from 2016 to 2019. The study population was defined using CPT and ICD-10 codes for patients with rectal cancer undergoing APR, stratified by repair technique. Perioperative demographic and oncologic variables were controlled for by propensity-score matching. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for wound and major complications (MCs). Of the 3291 patients included in the study, 85% underwent primary closure (PC), 8.3% rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) flap, 4.9% pedicled omental flap with PC, and 1.9% lower extremity (LE) flap repair. Primary closure rates were significantly higher for patients with stage T1 and T2 tumors (p < 0.001). RAM and LE flaps were most used with multi-organ resections, 24% and 25%, respectively (p < 0.001). Similarly, cases with T4 tumors used these flaps more frequently, 30% and 40%, respectively (p < 0.001). After propensity score matching for comorbidities and oncologic variables, there was no significant difference in 30-day postoperative wound or MC rates between perineal closure techniques. The complication rates of the different closure techniques are comparable when tumor stage is considered. Therefore, tumor staging and concurrent procedures should guide clinical decision making regarding the appropriate use of each technique.

A National Survey on Perineal Reconstruction Following Standard and Extralevator Abdominoperineal Excision: Current Practices and Trends in the UK.

Background Challenging perineal defects resulting from extralevator (ELAPE) and standard abdominoperineal excision (APE) have given rise to an emerging multidisciplinary approach between colorectal and plastic surgeons. At present, there is a relative paucity of evidence on best practice. This study sought to assess current national practice concerning perineal reconstruction following APE/ELAPE in the United Kingdom (UK) and to determine the factors involved in reconstruction choice. Methodology An anonymised survey was circulated to consultant plastic surgeons at all 48 UK centres performing perineal reconstruction following APE/ELAPE. Responses were collected between October 2021 and April 2022. Results Complete responses were received from 24 units nationally. All units had a dedicated APE/ELAPE service. Overall, 70% adopted a standardised reconstructive approach, the most common being the inferior gluteal artery perforator flap (n = 11). Significant variation was identified in the reconstructive technique. Similar differences were observed in the perceived importance of surgical factors guiding the reconstructive decision-making process, the top priorities being the size of the defect and previous radiotherapy. Conclusions The variability of responses suggests a lack of national consensus on optimal reconstruction following APE/ELAPE, despite the majority of centres employing a standardised approach to reconstruction. Our study highlights important surgical decision-making factors and provides valuable insight to aid in developing national collaborative evidence-based guidelines on best practice.

Modified Perineal Reconstruction Combined with Anal Sphincter Repair for Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effectiveness of modified perineal reconstruction combined with anal sphincter repair in the treatment of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). Methods: Twenty consecutive patients with an OASI who underwent modified perineal reconstruction combined with anal sphincter repair in the Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery of the First Hospital of Jilin University from October 2015 to September 2017 were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Anal function was evaluated using the Williams grade, the Wexner score, anorectal manometry, and transrectal ultrasound. Results: Differences in both the Williams grade and the Wexner score prior to operation and following surgery indicated that anal function had improved, and these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). These indices also showed further improvement six months after surgery as compared with values at one month, and again, these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In addition, anorectal manometry at six months following surgery showed statistically significant differences in the maximum anal resting pressure, maximum anal systolic pressure, and anal defecation pressure as compared with values prior to operation (P < 0.05). Postoperative endorectal ultrasound revealed that the anal sphincter presented with close imbricated overlapping. Conclusion: Modified perineal reconstruction combined with anal sphincter repair in the treatment of female perineal defect is associated with a good clinical outcome, strengthening anal function, and reconstructing the perineum, and is a possible method for clinical treatment.

Case control study investigating the clinical utility of NPWT in the perineal region following abdominoperineal resection for rectal adenocarcinoma: a single center study.

BACKGROUND: Perineal wound complications are common after abdominoperineal resection (APR) for rectal adenocarcinoma. Delayed wound healing may postpone postoperative adjuvant therapy and, therefore, lead to a worse survival rate. Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been suggested to improve healing, but research on this subject is limited. METHODS: The aim of this study was to assess whether NPWT reduces surgical site infections (SSI) after APR for rectal adenocarcinoma when the closure is performed with a biological mesh and a local flap. A total of 21 consecutive patients had an NPWT device (Avelle, Convatec™) applied to the perineal wound. The study patients were compared to a historical cohort in a case-control setting in relation to age, body mass index, tumor stage, and length of neoadjuvant radiotherapy. The primary outcome was the surgical site infection rate. The secondary outcomes were the wound complication rate, the severity of wound complications measured by the Clavien-Dindo classification, length of hospital stay, and surgical revision rate. RESULTS: The SSI rate was 33% (7/21) in the NPWT group and 48% (10/21) in the control group, p = 0.55. The overall wound complication rate was 62% (13/21) in NPWT patients and 67% (14/21) in the control group, p > 0.90. The length of hospital stay was 15 days in the NPWT group and 13 in the control group, p = 0.34. The wound severity according to the Clavien-Dindo classification was 3b in 29% (6/21) of the NPWT group and in 38% (8/21) of the control group. A surgical revision had to be performed in 29% (6/21) of the cases in the NPWT group and 38% (8/21) in the control group, p = 0.73. CONCLUSION: NPWT did not statistically decrease surgical site infections or reduce wound complication severity in perineal wounds after APR in this case-control study. The results may be explained by technical difficulties in applying NPWT in the perineum, especially in female patients. NPWT devices should be further developed to suit the perineal anatomy before their full effect can be assessed. Trial registration The study was registered as a prospective registry study (266/2018, registered 15th of November 2018).

Oversized lotus petal flap for reconstruction of extensive perineal defects following abdomino perineal resection.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominoperineal resection (APR) of low rectal and anal tumors are performed for optimal oncological outcome but results in large defects in the perineum. Although vertical rectus abdominus (VRAM) flap is commonly employed for extensive perineal reconstruction, donor site morbidity remains problematic. The fascio-cutaneous "lotus petal" flap is an appealing option for reconstructing perineal defects as it may benefit from less donor site morbidity than other techniques. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the lotus flap should not only be limited to small and moderate sized defects, but can also be applied to extensive APR. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review of the literature on the outcomes and dimensions of the lotus flap was performed. Articles with clear anatomical landmarks and internal pudendal artery flaps dimensions were identified. Afterwards, the lotus flap technique was applied on a series of patients with extensive perineal defects following APR treated in our center. RESULTS: Four articles on internal pudendal artery perforator flap were selected. The average reported size of this flap was 13cm×6cm. In our center, reconstruction of the perineum with oversized lotus flaps was performed on 10 consecutive patients. None had partial/complete flap loss or donor-site morbidity. The use of a Jack-Knife surgical position, indocyanide green fluorescence imaging, and preservation of a proximal skin bridge can extend the size of a secure flap to up to 20cm in length. CONCLUSION: The oversized lotus flap is a reliable option for reconstruction after extensive APR.

Central perforated VRAM flap and neurostimulated levator augmentation for functional and aesthetical reconstruction after abdominoperineal excision in cancer.

BACKGROUND: Preservation of quality of life regarding fecal continence after abdominoperineal excision (APE) in cancer is challenging. Simultaneous soft tissue coverage and restoration of continence mechanism can be provided through an interdisciplinary collaboration of colorectal and plastic reconstructive surgery. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of surgical procedure and outcome combining soft tissue reconstruction using a central perforated vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (VRAM), implementing a perineostoma and restoring anorectal angle augmenting the levator ani by neurostimulated graciloplasty. METHODS: 14 Patients underwent APE due to cancer. In all patients coverage was achieved by pedicled VRAM and simultaneous pull-through descendostomy (perineostoma). 10 of those patients received a levator augmentation additionally. Postoperative complications, functional measures of continence as well as quality of life were obtained. RESULTS: Perineal minor complication rate was 43% without need of surgical intervention. All but one VRAM survived. Continence measures and disease specific life quality showed a good preservation of continence in most patients. CONCLUSION: The results present a complex therapy option accomplished by a collaboration of two highly specialized partners (visceral and plastic surgery) after total loss of the sphincter function and consecutive fecal insufficiency after APE.

Short-term outcomes following beyond total mesorectal excision and reconstruction using myocutaneous flaps: A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Beyond total mesorectal excision (bTME) offers long-term survival in patients with advanced pelvic malignancy. At Skåne University Hospital (SUS) Malmö in Sweden, the vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (VRAM) and gluteal maximus (GM) flap have been used for perineal reconstruction to promote healing and functional outcomes after significant tissue loss. This study aims to examine 90-day overall and flap-specific complications in patients with advanced pelvic cancer treated with bTME and perineal flap reconstruction. METHOD: This retrospective study conducted at SUS included patients undergoing surgery between January 01, 2010 and August 01, 2016. Patients' data were gathered through medical chart reviews. The Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification system was used to classify surgical and medical postoperative complications. Flap-specific complications were evaluated regardless of CD classification. RESULTS: One hundred five patients (51 men, 54 women) underwent bTME surgery with perineal reconstruction, with VRAM flaps used in 27 (26%) patients, GM flaps in 51 (49%) patients and GM flaps with vaginal reconstruction in 27 (26%) patients. The 90-day mortality rate was one (1%), despite surgical CD ≥ III and/or medical CD ≥ II complications affecting 51 (48%) patients. Partial perineal dehiscence was noted in 45 (43%) patients, mostly treated conservatively. At the first outpatient postoperative visit (median, 42 days), flap healing was complete in 47 (45%) patients. CONCLUSION: bTME surgery in pelvic cancer patients with perineal flap reconstruction using VRAM or GM flaps results in high overall and flap complication rates, but low mortality. Most complications can be conservatively treated.