Simultaneous deep inferior epigastric and bilateral anterolateral thigh perforator flap reconstruction of an extended perineoscrotal defect in Fournier's gangrene: A case report

The “Sombrero-Shape” Super-Thin Pedicled ALT Flap for Complete Scrotal Reconstruction Following Fournier's Gangrene

When the scrotal sac is entirely debrided following a Fournier gangrene, testes exposure poses unique challenges for the reconstructive surgeon. Despite the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is considered a workhorse in such context, aesthetic results are often suboptimal because of the lack of natural ptosis and patchwork appearance. We describe the use of a super-thin pedicled ALT flap for total scrotal reconstruction, modified according to a peculiar flap design and inset technique. A 42-year-old man was referred to our department for delayed total scrotal reconstruction 8 months after a Fournier gangrene extensive debridement. A super-thin pedicled ALT flap from the right thigh was designed: in the central portion of the ALT, a lateral skin paddle extension was marked to guarantee adequate posterior anchorage during insetting and ptosis of the scrotal sac. This particular flap arrangement has inspired the name “sombrero” as the shape is akin to the famous hat. No secondary refinements were needed, and the patient showed satisfying aesthetic and functional results at 12 months' follow-up. The ALT flap design “sombrero” modification proposed in this article can improve scrotum cosmesis and patient satisfaction in a single-stage single-flap procedure.

[A pedicled deep inferior epigastric flap to cover a hip arthroplasty infection]

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is a reliable flap mostly used in skin resurfacing after signifiant resection for sarcoma or correction contour deformities. This case is about a pedicled DIEP flap covering the trochanteric region after a total hip arthroplasty infection. A 62years old woman with a BMI at 42kg/m² presents an infected total hip arthroplasty with a cutaneous defect. The hip prosthesis is changed and covered with a pedicled DIEP flap. This original case reports the used of pedicled DIEP flap in hip coverage. This local fasciocutaneous flap covered the hip osteoarticular infection. The limb is salved and the patient can walked again. The success of this surgery is the collaboration between infectious disease specialist, orthopedic surgeon and plastic surgeon.

Flap coverage for necrotising soft tissue infections: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Necrotising soft tissue infections (NSTI) are destructive and often life-threatening infections of the skin and soft tissue, necessitating prompt recognition and aggressive medical and surgical treatment. After debridement, the aim of surgical closure and reconstruction is to minimize disability and optimize appearance. Although skin grafting may fulfil this role, techniques higher on the reconstructive ladder, including local, regional and free flaps, are sometimes undertaken. This systematic review sought to determine the circumstances when this is true, which flaps were most commonly employed, and for which anatomical areas.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was conducted utilising electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library). Full text studies of flaps used for the management of NSTI's (including Necrotising Fasciitis and Fournier Gangrene) were included. The web-based program 'Covidence' facilitated storage of references and data management. Data obtained in the search included reference details (journal, date and title), the study design, the purpose of the study, the study findings, number of patients with NSTI included, the anatomical areas of NSTI involved, the types of flaps used, and the complication rate.

RESULTS

After screening 4555 references, 501 full text manuscripts were assessed for eligibility after duplicates and irrelevant studies were excluded. 230 full text manuscripts discussed the use of 888 flap closures in the context of NSTI in 733 patients; the majority of these were case series published in the last 20 years in a large variety of journals. Reconstruction of the perineum following Fournier's gangrene accounted for the majority of the reported flaps (58.6%). Free flaps were used infrequently (8%), whereas loco-regional muscle flaps (18%) and loco-regional fasciocutaneous flaps (71%) were employed more often. The reported rate of partial or complete flap loss was 3.3%.

CONCLUSION

Complex skin and soft tissue defects from NSTIs, not amenable to skin grafting, can be more effectively and durably covered using a spectrum of flaps. This systematic review highlights the important contribution that the plastic surgeon makes as an integral member of multidisciplinary teams managing these patients.

[The clinical study of partial perineum area and wound repair in males]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the suitable division of male genitalia subunits and the effectiveness of large-area perineum defect repair under its guidance.

METHODS

According to the anatomical and functional characteristics of male genitalia, the subunit division scheme was proposed: area Ⅰ, glans penis; area Ⅱ, body of penis; area Ⅲ, scrotum; area Ⅳ, scrotum. Between April 2017 and July 2019, 12 patients with large genitalia defects were treated, with an average age of 60.9 years (range, 57-66 years) and an average disease duration of 2.7 years (range, 2-5 years). The defect area involved area Ⅰ in 1 case, area Ⅱ in 7 cases, area Ⅲ in 5 cases, and area Ⅳ in 8 cases; the size of area ranged from 6 cm×4 cm to 23 cm×16 cm. The causes of defect included 3 cases of trauma, 6 cases of Paget disease, 2 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, 1 case of spindle cell tumor. According to the design of the corresponding repair scheme, the main repair methods were to rotate and advance the skin flap and pedicled skin flap in the same area. When the defect was large, the free skin flap transplantation, free skin grafting, and free mucosa transplantation were used to repair the defect.

RESULTS

All the patients were followed up 6-13 months with an average of 8.6 months. Skin flap, skin graft, and mucosa survived in one stage in 10 patients; infection occurred in 1 case after the scrotal flap of area Ⅲ was transferred to repair the defect in area Ⅱ, 1 case had distal venous crisis at 2 days after repair area Ⅲ defect used free anterolateral thigh flap, and after active treatment, the condition improved. The appearance of the receiving area and the supplying area was good, and the local feeling was recovered satisfactorily. The range of motion of hip joint was good in 10 cases, and 2 cases were slightly stretched but did not affect normal life. All patients had normal urination and defecation function, and were satisfied with the treatment effectiveness.

CONCLUSION

The subunits of male genitalia can be used to guide the repair of the defect, which can better restore the physiological appearance and function, and has positive clinical significance.