Skip to main content
Top
Published in: BMC Surgery 1/2022

Open Access 01-12-2022 | Research

Application of depithelized gracilis adipofascial flap for pelvic floor reconstruction after pelvic exenteration

Authors: Chen Zhang, Xin Yang, Hongsen Bi

Published in: BMC Surgery | Issue 1/2022

Login to get access

Abstract

Background

Pelvic exenteration is a radical surgery performed in selected patients with locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancy. It involves radical en bloc resection of the adjacent anatomical structures affected by the tumor. The authors sought to evaluate the clinical application of a depithelized gracilis adipofascial flap for pelvic floor reconstruction after pelvic exenteration.

Methods

A total of 31 patients who underwent pelvic floor reconstruction with a gracilis adipofascial flap after pelvic exenterationat Peking University Third Hospital from 2014 to 2022 were enrolled in the study. The postoperative follow-up durations varied from 4 to 12 months.

Results

The survival rate of the flap was 96.77% with partial flap necrosis in one case. The total incidence of postoperative complications associated with the flap was 25.81%, with an incidence of 6.45% in the donor site and 19.35% in the recipient site. All complications were early complications, including postoperative infection and flap necrosis. All patients recovered after treatments, including anti-infectives, dressing change, debridement, and local flap repair. Long-term follow-up showed good outcomes without flap-related complications.

Conclusions

A depithelized gracilis adipofascial flap can be applied for pelvic floor reconstruction after pelvic exenteration. The flap is an ideal and reliable choice for pelvic floor reconstruction with few complications, an elevated survival rate, sufficient volume, and mild effects on the function of the donor site.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Brunschwig A. Complete excision of pelvic viscera for advanced carcinoma. A one-stage abdominoperineal operation with end colostomy and bilateral ureteral implantation into the colon above the colostomy. Cancer. 1948;1(2):177–83.PubMedCrossRef Brunschwig A. Complete excision of pelvic viscera for advanced carcinoma. A one-stage abdominoperineal operation with end colostomy and bilateral ureteral implantation into the colon above the colostomy. Cancer. 1948;1(2):177–83.PubMedCrossRef
2.
go back to reference Brunschwig A. The surgical treatment of cancer of the cervix uteri (a radical operation for cancer of the cervix). Obstet Gynecol Surv. 1949;4(3):418–9.CrossRef Brunschwig A. The surgical treatment of cancer of the cervix uteri (a radical operation for cancer of the cervix). Obstet Gynecol Surv. 1949;4(3):418–9.CrossRef
3.
go back to reference Berretta R, Marchesi F, Volpi L, et al. Posterior pelvic exenteration and retrograde total hysterectomy in patients with locally advanced ovarian cancer: clinical and functional outcome. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2016;55(3):346–50.PubMedCrossRef Berretta R, Marchesi F, Volpi L, et al. Posterior pelvic exenteration and retrograde total hysterectomy in patients with locally advanced ovarian cancer: clinical and functional outcome. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2016;55(3):346–50.PubMedCrossRef
4.
go back to reference Houvenaeghel G, de Nonneville A, Blache G, et al. Posterior pelvic exenteration for ovarian cancer: surgical and oncological outcomes. J Gynecol Oncol. 2022;33(3):e31.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Houvenaeghel G, de Nonneville A, Blache G, et al. Posterior pelvic exenteration for ovarian cancer: surgical and oncological outcomes. J Gynecol Oncol. 2022;33(3):e31.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
5.
go back to reference Chang TP, Chok AY, Tan D, et al. The emerging role of robotics in pelvic exenteration surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer: a narrative review. J Clin Med. 2021;10(7):1518.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Chang TP, Chok AY, Tan D, et al. The emerging role of robotics in pelvic exenteration surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer: a narrative review. J Clin Med. 2021;10(7):1518.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
6.
go back to reference Sardain H, Lavoue V, Redpath M, et al. Curative pelvic exenteration for recurrent cervical carcinoma in the era of concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A systematic review. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2015;41(8):975–85.PubMedCrossRef Sardain H, Lavoue V, Redpath M, et al. Curative pelvic exenteration for recurrent cervical carcinoma in the era of concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A systematic review. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2015;41(8):975–85.PubMedCrossRef
7.
go back to reference Li Lei Wu, Ming MS, et al. Study on pelvic exenteration for gynecological malignancies in 40 cases. Chin J Pract Gynecol Obstet. 2016;32(10):967–72. Li Lei Wu, Ming MS, et al. Study on pelvic exenteration for gynecological malignancies in 40 cases. Chin J Pract Gynecol Obstet. 2016;32(10):967–72.
8.
go back to reference Ferron G, Pomel C, Martinez A, et al. Pelvic exenteration: current state and perspectives. Gynecol Obstet Fertil. 2012;40(1):43–7.PubMedCrossRef Ferron G, Pomel C, Martinez A, et al. Pelvic exenteration: current state and perspectives. Gynecol Obstet Fertil. 2012;40(1):43–7.PubMedCrossRef
9.
go back to reference Ferron G, Martel P, Querleu D. Vaginal reconstruction after pelvic exenteration: when and which technics? Bull Cancer. 2003;90(5):435–40.PubMed Ferron G, Martel P, Querleu D. Vaginal reconstruction after pelvic exenteration: when and which technics? Bull Cancer. 2003;90(5):435–40.PubMed
10.
go back to reference Ng KS, Lee PJM. Pelvic exenteration: pre-, intra-, and post-operative considerations. Surg Oncol. 2021;37:101546.PubMedCrossRef Ng KS, Lee PJM. Pelvic exenteration: pre-, intra-, and post-operative considerations. Surg Oncol. 2021;37:101546.PubMedCrossRef
11.
go back to reference Devulapalli C, Wei J, Tong A, et al. Primary versus flap closure of perineal defects following oncologic resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016;137(5):1602–13.PubMedCrossRef Devulapalli C, Wei J, Tong A, et al. Primary versus flap closure of perineal defects following oncologic resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016;137(5):1602–13.PubMedCrossRef
12.
go back to reference Baird DLH, Pellino G, Rasheed S, et al. A comparison of the short-term outcomes of three flap reconstruction techniques used after beyond total mesorectal excision surgery for anorectal cancer. Dis Colon Rectum. 2020;63(4):461–8.PubMedCrossRef Baird DLH, Pellino G, Rasheed S, et al. A comparison of the short-term outcomes of three flap reconstruction techniques used after beyond total mesorectal excision surgery for anorectal cancer. Dis Colon Rectum. 2020;63(4):461–8.PubMedCrossRef
13.
go back to reference Qiu SS, Jurado M, Hontanilla B. Comparison of TRAM versus DIEP flap in total vaginal reconstruction after pelvic exenteration. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013;132(6):1020e–7e.PubMedCrossRef Qiu SS, Jurado M, Hontanilla B. Comparison of TRAM versus DIEP flap in total vaginal reconstruction after pelvic exenteration. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013;132(6):1020e–7e.PubMedCrossRef
14.
go back to reference Stein MJ, Karir A, Ramji M, et al. Surgical outcomes of VRAM versus gracilis flaps for the reconstruction of pelvic defects following oncologic resection✰. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2019;72(4):565–71.PubMedCrossRef Stein MJ, Karir A, Ramji M, et al. Surgical outcomes of VRAM versus gracilis flaps for the reconstruction of pelvic defects following oncologic resection✰. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2019;72(4):565–71.PubMedCrossRef
15.
go back to reference Lakkis Z, Laydi M, Paquette B, et al. Perineal closure after abdominoperineal resection using a pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator flap: a safe alternative to rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. J Am Coll Surg. 2018;227(2):e1–4.PubMedCrossRef Lakkis Z, Laydi M, Paquette B, et al. Perineal closure after abdominoperineal resection using a pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator flap: a safe alternative to rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. J Am Coll Surg. 2018;227(2):e1–4.PubMedCrossRef
16.
go back to reference Singh M, Kinsley S, Huang A, et al. Gracilis flap reconstruction of the perineum: an outcomes analysis. J Am Coll Surg. 2016;223(4):602–10.PubMedCrossRef Singh M, Kinsley S, Huang A, et al. Gracilis flap reconstruction of the perineum: an outcomes analysis. J Am Coll Surg. 2016;223(4):602–10.PubMedCrossRef
17.
go back to reference Magden O, Tayfur V, Edizer M, et al. Anatomy of gracilis muscle flap. J Craniofac Surg. 2010;21(6):1948–50.PubMedCrossRef Magden O, Tayfur V, Edizer M, et al. Anatomy of gracilis muscle flap. J Craniofac Surg. 2010;21(6):1948–50.PubMedCrossRef
18.
go back to reference Juricic M, Vaysse PH, Guitard J, et al. Anatomic basis for use of a gracilis muscle flap. Surg Radiol Anat. 1993;15(3):163–8.PubMedCrossRef Juricic M, Vaysse PH, Guitard J, et al. Anatomic basis for use of a gracilis muscle flap. Surg Radiol Anat. 1993;15(3):163–8.PubMedCrossRef
19.
go back to reference Hussey AJ, Laing AJ, Regan PJ. An anatomical study of the gracilis muscle and its application in groin wounds. Ann Plast Surg. 2007;59(4):404–9.PubMedCrossRef Hussey AJ, Laing AJ, Regan PJ. An anatomical study of the gracilis muscle and its application in groin wounds. Ann Plast Surg. 2007;59(4):404–9.PubMedCrossRef
20.
go back to reference Pickrell KL, Broadbent TR, Masters FW, et al. Construction of a rectal sphincter and restoration of anal continence by transplanting the gracilis muscle: a report of four cases in children. Ann Surg. 1952;135(6):853.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Pickrell KL, Broadbent TR, Masters FW, et al. Construction of a rectal sphincter and restoration of anal continence by transplanting the gracilis muscle: a report of four cases in children. Ann Surg. 1952;135(6):853.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
21.
go back to reference Harii K, Ohmori K, Torii S. Free gracilis muscle transplantation, with microneurovascular anastomoses for the treatment of facial paralysis. A preliminary report. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1976;57(2):133–43.PubMedCrossRef Harii K, Ohmori K, Torii S. Free gracilis muscle transplantation, with microneurovascular anastomoses for the treatment of facial paralysis. A preliminary report. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1976;57(2):133–43.PubMedCrossRef
22.
go back to reference Gemperli R, Ferreira MC, Neves RI, et al. Use of the gracilis muscle in reconstructing the perineum. Rev Paul Med. 1989;107(2):83–7.PubMed Gemperli R, Ferreira MC, Neves RI, et al. Use of the gracilis muscle in reconstructing the perineum. Rev Paul Med. 1989;107(2):83–7.PubMed
23.
go back to reference Lee YT, Lee JM. Gracilis myocutaneous flap for the coverage of an extensive scrotoperineal defect and protection of the ruptured urethra and testes. Yonsei Med J. 1990;31(2):187–91.PubMedCrossRef Lee YT, Lee JM. Gracilis myocutaneous flap for the coverage of an extensive scrotoperineal defect and protection of the ruptured urethra and testes. Yonsei Med J. 1990;31(2):187–91.PubMedCrossRef
24.
go back to reference Burke TW, Morris M, Roh MS, et al. Perineal reconstruction using single gracilis myocutaneous flaps. Gynecol Oncol. 1995;57(2):221–5.PubMedCrossRef Burke TW, Morris M, Roh MS, et al. Perineal reconstruction using single gracilis myocutaneous flaps. Gynecol Oncol. 1995;57(2):221–5.PubMedCrossRef
25.
go back to reference Whetzel TP, Lechtman AN. The gracilis myofasciocutaneous flap: vascular anatomy and clinical application. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1997;99(6):1642–52.PubMedCrossRef Whetzel TP, Lechtman AN. The gracilis myofasciocutaneous flap: vascular anatomy and clinical application. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1997;99(6):1642–52.PubMedCrossRef
26.
go back to reference Shibata D, Hyland W, Busse P, et al. Immediate reconstruction of the perineal wound with gracilis muscle flaps following abdominoperineal resection and intraoperative radiation therapy for recurrent carcinoma of the rectum. Ann Surg Oncol. 1999;6(1):33–7.PubMedCrossRef Shibata D, Hyland W, Busse P, et al. Immediate reconstruction of the perineal wound with gracilis muscle flaps following abdominoperineal resection and intraoperative radiation therapy for recurrent carcinoma of the rectum. Ann Surg Oncol. 1999;6(1):33–7.PubMedCrossRef
27.
go back to reference Vermaas M, Ferenschild FTJ, Hofer SOP, et al. Primary and secondary reconstruction after surgery of the irradiated pelvis using a gracilis muscle flap transposition. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2005;31(9):1000–5.PubMedCrossRef Vermaas M, Ferenschild FTJ, Hofer SOP, et al. Primary and secondary reconstruction after surgery of the irradiated pelvis using a gracilis muscle flap transposition. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2005;31(9):1000–5.PubMedCrossRef
28.
go back to reference Persichetti P, Cogliandro A, Marangi GF, et al. Pelvic and perineal reconstruction following abdominoperineal resection: the role of gracilis flap. Ann Plast Surg. 2007;59(2):168–72.PubMedCrossRef Persichetti P, Cogliandro A, Marangi GF, et al. Pelvic and perineal reconstruction following abdominoperineal resection: the role of gracilis flap. Ann Plast Surg. 2007;59(2):168–72.PubMedCrossRef
29.
go back to reference Ducic I, Dayan JH, Attinger CE, et al. Complex perineal and groin wound reconstruction using the extended dissection technique of the gracilis flap. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2008;122(2):472–8.PubMedCrossRef Ducic I, Dayan JH, Attinger CE, et al. Complex perineal and groin wound reconstruction using the extended dissection technique of the gracilis flap. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2008;122(2):472–8.PubMedCrossRef
30.
go back to reference Wexner SD, Ruiz DE, Genua J, et al. Gracilis muscle interposition for the treatment of rectourethral, rectovaginal, and pouch-vaginal fistulas: results in 53 patients. Ann Surg. 2008;248(1):39–43.PubMedCrossRef Wexner SD, Ruiz DE, Genua J, et al. Gracilis muscle interposition for the treatment of rectourethral, rectovaginal, and pouch-vaginal fistulas: results in 53 patients. Ann Surg. 2008;248(1):39–43.PubMedCrossRef
31.
go back to reference Ulrich D, Roos J, Jakse G, et al. Gracilis muscle interposition for the treatment of recto-urethral and rectovaginal fistulas: a retrospective analysis of 35 cases. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2009;62(3):352–6.PubMedCrossRef Ulrich D, Roos J, Jakse G, et al. Gracilis muscle interposition for the treatment of recto-urethral and rectovaginal fistulas: a retrospective analysis of 35 cases. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2009;62(3):352–6.PubMedCrossRef
32.
go back to reference Takano S, Boutros M, Wexner SD. Gracilis transposition for complex perineal fistulas: rectovaginal fistula and rectourethral fistula. Dis Colon Rectum. 2014;57(4):538.PubMedCrossRef Takano S, Boutros M, Wexner SD. Gracilis transposition for complex perineal fistulas: rectovaginal fistula and rectourethral fistula. Dis Colon Rectum. 2014;57(4):538.PubMedCrossRef
33.
go back to reference Chong TW, Balch GC, Kehoe SM, et al. Reconstruction of large perineal and pelvic wounds using gracilis muscle flaps. Ann Surg Oncol. 2015;22(11):3738–44.PubMedCrossRef Chong TW, Balch GC, Kehoe SM, et al. Reconstruction of large perineal and pelvic wounds using gracilis muscle flaps. Ann Surg Oncol. 2015;22(11):3738–44.PubMedCrossRef
34.
go back to reference Sheckter CC, Shakir A, Vo H, et al. Reconstruction following abdominoperineal resection (APR): indications and complications from a single institution experience. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2016;69(11):1506–12.PubMedCrossRef Sheckter CC, Shakir A, Vo H, et al. Reconstruction following abdominoperineal resection (APR): indications and complications from a single institution experience. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2016;69(11):1506–12.PubMedCrossRef
36.
go back to reference Yousif NJ, Matloub HS, Kolachalam R, et al. The transverse gracilis musculocutaneous flap. Ann Plast Surg. 1992;29(6):482–90.PubMedCrossRef Yousif NJ, Matloub HS, Kolachalam R, et al. The transverse gracilis musculocutaneous flap. Ann Plast Surg. 1992;29(6):482–90.PubMedCrossRef
37.
go back to reference Kaartinen IS, Vuento MH, Hyöty MK, et al. Reconstruction of the pelvic floor and the vagina after total pelvic exenteration using the transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flap. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2015;68(1):93–7.PubMedCrossRef Kaartinen IS, Vuento MH, Hyöty MK, et al. Reconstruction of the pelvic floor and the vagina after total pelvic exenteration using the transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flap. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2015;68(1):93–7.PubMedCrossRef
38.
go back to reference Kiiski J, Räikkönen K, Vuento MH, et al. Transverse myocutaneous gracilis flap reconstruction is feasible after pelvic exenteration: 12-year surgical and oncological results. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2019;45(9):1632–7.PubMedCrossRef Kiiski J, Räikkönen K, Vuento MH, et al. Transverse myocutaneous gracilis flap reconstruction is feasible after pelvic exenteration: 12-year surgical and oncological results. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2019;45(9):1632–7.PubMedCrossRef
39.
go back to reference Perrault D, Kin C, Wan DC, et al. Pelvic/perineal reconstruction: time to consider the anterolateral thigh flap as a first-line option? Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020;8(4):e2733.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Perrault D, Kin C, Wan DC, et al. Pelvic/perineal reconstruction: time to consider the anterolateral thigh flap as a first-line option? Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020;8(4):e2733.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
40.
go back to reference Nelson RA, Butler CE. Surgical outcomes of VRAM versus thigh flaps for immediate reconstruction of pelvic and perineal cancer resection defects. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009;123(1):175–83.PubMedCrossRef Nelson RA, Butler CE. Surgical outcomes of VRAM versus thigh flaps for immediate reconstruction of pelvic and perineal cancer resection defects. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009;123(1):175–83.PubMedCrossRef
41.
go back to reference Takano S, Boutros M, Wexner SD. Gracilis muscle transposition for complex perineal fistulas and sinuses: a systematic literature review of surgical outcomes. J Am Coll Surg. 2014;219(2):313–23.PubMedCrossRef Takano S, Boutros M, Wexner SD. Gracilis muscle transposition for complex perineal fistulas and sinuses: a systematic literature review of surgical outcomes. J Am Coll Surg. 2014;219(2):313–23.PubMedCrossRef
42.
go back to reference Witte DYS, van Ramshorst GH, Lapid O, et al. Flap reconstruction of perineal defects after pelvic exenteration: a systematic description of four choices of surgical reconstruction methods. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021;147:1420–35.PubMedCrossRef Witte DYS, van Ramshorst GH, Lapid O, et al. Flap reconstruction of perineal defects after pelvic exenteration: a systematic description of four choices of surgical reconstruction methods. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021;147:1420–35.PubMedCrossRef
Metadata
Title
Application of depithelized gracilis adipofascial flap for pelvic floor reconstruction after pelvic exenteration
Authors
Chen Zhang
Xin Yang
Hongsen Bi
Publication date
01-12-2022
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Surgery / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2482
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12893-022-01755-0

Other articles of this Issue 1/2022

BMC Surgery 1/2022 Go to the issue