Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Treatment of Oncological Perineal and Genital Defects

Abstract

Defects of the perineum may result from ablative procedures of different malignancies. The evolution of more radical excisional surgery techniques resulted in an increase in large defects of the perineum. The perineogenital region per se has many different functions for urination, bowel evacuation, sexuality, and reproduction. Up-to-date individual and interdisciplinary surgical treatment concepts are necessary to provide optimum oncological as well as quality of life outcome. Not only the reconstructive method but also the timing of the reconstruction is crucial. In cases of postresectional exposition of e.g., pelvic or femoral vessels or intrapelvic and intra-abdominal organs, simultaneous flap procedure is mandatory. In particular, the reconstructive armamentarium of the plastic surgeon should include not only pedicled flaps but also free microsurgical flaps so that no compromise in terms of the extent of the oncological resection has to be accepted. For intra-abdominally and/or pelvic tumors of the rectum, the anus, or the female reproductive system, which were resected through an abdominally and a sacrally surgical access, simultaneous vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap reconstruction is recommendable. In terms of soft tissue sarcoma of the pelvic/caudal abdomen/proximal thigh region, two-stage reconstructions are possible. This review focuses on the treatment of perineum, genitals, and pelvic floor defects after resection of malignant tumors, giving a distinct overview of the different types of defects faced in this region and describing a number of reconstructive techniques, especially VRAM flap and pedicled flaps like antero-lateral thigh flap or free flaps. Finally, this review outlines some considerations concerning timing of the different operative steps.

Guidelines of the Brazilian Society of Oncologic Surgery for pelvic exenteration in the treatment of cervical cancer

“…The pelvic dead space can result in abscess formation, intestinal occlusion, or fistulization due to strong adhesions that form on the pelvic walls. These complications can be prevented by using techniques such as a muscle flap, silicone prosthesis, or the omentum to fill this space …”

“…When the procedure's morbidity remains low, it is recommended to use the best performing pedicled myoperitoneal or myocutaneous flaps …”

“…Several options exist for local flap reconstruction of perineal wound closure such as vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps, local V‐Y advancement flaps, and gracilis muscle flaps …”

Surgery for chronic mesh infection occurred 10 years after sacrectomy − Mesh resection and mesentric leaf repair: A case report

“…To prevent such complications, many repair techniques have been reported, such as primary suture, repair using myocutaneous flap and prosthetic mesh reconstruction [1], [5], [6], [7], [8].…”

“…In several studies, mesh reconstruction of the pelvic floor has been used to treat sacral hernia [1], [6], [7], [8], [9]. Importance is an onlay position of the mesh to avoid its direct contact with the small intestine, colon and rectum.…”