The success of rectus and gracilis muscle flaps in the treatment of chronic pelvic sepsis and persistent perineal sinus: a systematic review.

AIM: Chronic pelvic sepsis is a challenging problem, which may require muscle flaps to fill the pelvic cavity. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the relative success of rectus and gracilis flaps used for this purpose. METHOD: A systematic review was conducted to identify papers that reported the outcome of rectus or gracilis myocutaneous flaps in the treatment of persistent perineal sinuses or chronic pelvic sepsis. Reports of muscle flaps used for reconstruction or treatment of fistula in the absence of chronic sepsis were excluded. A successful outcome was defined as complete perineal healing within 12 months of surgery. RESULTS: The review identified 19 studies reporting the outcome of 73 rectus and 87 gracilis flaps. Their respective success was 84% and 64%. Heterogeneity of the underlying cases did not allow for direct comparison of the flaps. Full healing of the flaps was generally achieved within 3 months. Donor site morbidity was minimal. CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment of chronic pelvic sepsis should be tailored to the individual, but the rectus flap has a reasonable success rate with little morbidity.