Perineal defect reconstruction after surgery for advanced or locally recurrent rectal cancer involving organ resection: Multiple flaps combined with lining repair

Abstract

AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of multiple perineal perforator flaps in repairing deep perineal defects after pelvic exenteration for locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer.MethodWe investigated the outcomes of eight patients whose repairs involved a novel method of using an internal pudendal artery perforator (IPAP) flap combined with an inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flap.ResultsThere were four male and four female patients with a mean age of 56 years (36–72 years). Bilateral IPAP flaps combined with bilateral IGAP flaps were used in five patients, unilateral IPAP flaps combined with bilateral IGAP flaps were used in two patients and bilateral IPAP flaps were used in one patient. There were no functional limitations in daily activities during the 6‐month follow‐up period.ConclusionOur study showed that using multiple perineal perforator flaps combined with lining repair is feasible for repairing deep perineal defects in patients who have undergone rectal cancer surgery that includes pelvic exenteration.