Perineal Wound Closure Following Abdominoperineal Resection and Pelvic Exenteration for Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Personalized Decisional Algorithms for Soft Tissue Defect Reconstruction after Abdominoperineal Resection for Low-Lying Rectal Cancers

BACKGROUND

Abdominoperineal resection (APR)-the standard surgical procedure for low-lying rectal cancer (LRC)-leads to significant perineal defects, posing considerable reconstruction challenges that, in selected cases, necessitate the use of plastic surgery techniques (flaps).

PURPOSE

To develop valuable decision algorithms for choosing the appropriate surgical plan for the reconstruction of perineal defects.

METHODS

Our study included 245 LRC cases treated using APR. Guided by the few available publications in the field, we have designed several personalized decisional algorithms for managing perineal defects considering the following factors: preoperative radiotherapy, intraoperative position, surgical technique, perineal defect volume, and quality of tissues and perforators. The algorithms have been improved continuously during the entire period of our study based on the immediate and remote outcomes.

RESULTS

In 239 patients following APR, the direct closing procedure was performed versus 6 cases in which we used various types of flaps for perineal reconstruction. Perineal incisional hernia occurred in 12 patients (5.02%) with direct perineal wound closure versus in none of those reconstructed using flaps.

CONCLUSION

The reduced rate of postoperative complications suggests the efficiency of the proposed decisional algorithms; however, more extended studies are required to categorize them as evidence-based management guide tools.

The empty pelvis syndrome: a core data set from the PelvEx collaborative

BACKGROUND

Empty pelvis syndrome (EPS) is a significant source of morbidity following pelvic exenteration (PE), but is undefined. EPS outcome reporting and descriptors of radicality of PE are inconsistent; therefore, the best approaches for prevention are unknown. To facilitate future research into EPS, the aim of this study is to define a measurable core outcome set, core descriptor set and written definition for EPS. Consensus on strategies to mitigate EPS was also explored.

METHOD

Three-stage consensus methodology was used: longlisting with systematic review, healthcare professional event, patient engagement, and Delphi-piloting; shortlisting with two rounds of modified Delphi; and a confirmatory stage using a modified nominal group technique. This included a selection of measurement instruments, and iterative generation of a written EPS definition.

RESULTS

One hundred and three and 119 participants took part in the modified Delphi and consensus meetings, respectively. This encompassed international patient and healthcare professional representation with multidisciplinary input. Seventy statements were longlisted, seven core outcomes (bowel obstruction, enteroperineal fistula, chronic perineal sinus, infected pelvic collection, bowel obstruction, morbidity from reconstruction, re-intervention, and quality of life), and four core descriptors (magnitude of surgery, radiotherapy-induced damage, methods of reconstruction, and changes in volume of pelvic dead space) reached consensus-where applicable, measurement of these outcomes and descriptors was defined. A written definition for EPS was agreed.

CONCLUSIONS

EPS is an area of unmet research and clinical need. This study provides an agreed definition and core data set for EPS to facilitate further research.

VRAM Flap for Pelvic Floor Reconstruction after Pelvic Exenteration and Abdominoperineal Excision

Due to the still large number of patients diagnosed with pelvic neoplasms (colorectal, gynecological, and urological) in advanced stages right from the initial diagnosis, surgery represents the mainstay of treatment, often implying wide, eventually multi-organ resections in order to achieve negative surgical margins. Perineal wound morbidity, particularly in extralevator abominoperineal excision, leads to complications and local infection rates of up to 40%. Strategies to reduce postoperative wound complications are being pursued to address this issue. The VRAM flap remains the gold standard for autologous reconstruction after pelvic oncological resection; it was initially designed for abdominal wall defects and later expanded for large pelvic tissue defects. The flap's application is based on its physical characteristics, including abundant tissue and a generous skin paddle, which effectively obliterates dead space after exenterations. The generous skin paddle offers good cosmetic and functional outcomes at the recipient site. This article describes the case of a patient histopathologically diagnosed with stage IIIA squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix who received multimodal onco-surgical treatment. The surgical mainstay of this treatment is pelvic exenteration. Pelvic reconstruction after this major surgery was performed using a vertical flap with the rectus abdominis.

Perineal wound complications after vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap and mesh closure following abdominoperineal surgery and pelvic exenteration of anal and rectal cancers: A meta-analysis

A meta-analysis research was implemented to appraise the perineal wound complications (PWCs) after vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap and mesh closure (MC) following abdominoperineal surgery (AS) and pelvic exenteration (PE) of anal and rectal cancers. Inclusive literature research till April 2023 was done and 2008 interconnected researches were revised. Of the 20 picked researches, enclosed 2972 AS and PE of anal and rectal cancers persons were in the utilized researchers' starting point, 1216 of them were utilizing VRAM flap, and 1756 were primary closure (PC). Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to appraise the consequence of VRAM flap in treating AS and PE of anal and rectal cancers by the dichotomous approach and a fixed or random model. VRAM flap had significantly lower PWCs (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.42-0.98, p < 0.001), and major PWCs (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.32-0.80, p = 0.004) compared to PC in AS and PE of anal and rectal cancers persons. However, VRAM flap and PC had no significant difference in minor PWCs (OR, 1; 95% CI, 0.54-1.85, p = 1.00) in AS and PE of anal and rectal cancer persons. VRAM flap had significantly lower PWCs, and major PWCs, however, no significant difference was found in minor PWCs compared to PC in AS and PE of anal and rectal cancers persons. However, caution needs to be taken when interacting with its values since there was a low sample size of most of the chosen research found for the comparisons in the meta-analysis.

Effect of differing flap reconstruction strategies in perineal closure following advanced pelvic oncological resection: a retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Advancing approaches to locally invasive pelvic malignancy creates a large tissue defect resulting in perineal wound complications, dehiscence, and perineal hernia. Use of reconstructive flaps such as vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous (VRAM) flap, gracilis, anterolateral thigh and gluteal flaps have been utilised in our institution to address perineal closure. The authors compared outcomes using different flap techniques along with primary perineal closure in advanced pelvic oncological resection.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing advanced pelvic oncological resection in a single tertiary hospital was retrospectively analysed. This study included consecutive patients between 2014 and 2021 according to the Strengthening The Reporting of Cohort Studies in Surgery (STROCSS) criteria. Primary outcome measures were the frequency of postoperative perineal complications between primary closure, VRAM, gluteal and thigh (anterolateral thigh and gracilis) reconstruction.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-two patients underwent advanced pelvic resection with perineal closure. Of these, 40 patients underwent extra-levator abdominoperineal resection, and 70 patients underwent pelvic exenteration. Sixty-four patients received reconstructive flap closure, which included VRAM (22), gluteal (21) and thigh flaps (19). Perineal infection and dehiscence rates were low. Infection rates were lower in the flap group despite a higher rate of radiotherapy ( P <0.050). Reoperation rates were infrequent (<10%) but specific for each flap, such as donor-site hernia following VRAM and flap dehiscence after thigh flap reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who are at high risk of postoperative perineal infections, reconstructive flap closure offers acceptable outcomes. VRAM, gluteal and thigh flaps offer comparable outcomes and can be tailored to the individual patient.

Outcomes of DIEP flap reconstruction after pelvic cancer surgery: A retrospective multicenter case series

BACKGROUND

Flap reconstruction is often required after pelvic tumor resection to reduce wound complications. The use of perforator flaps has been shown to reduce donor site morbidity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator (pDIEP) flap reconstruction.

METHODS

This was a retrospective multicenter study of patients who underwent immediate pDIEP flap reconstruction for a pelvic or perineal defect after tumor resection between November 2012 and June 2022. The primary outcome was abdominal donor site morbidity, and the secondary outcome was perineal morbidity.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients (median age, 57.5 years) who underwent pelvic exenteration (n = 31), extralevator abdominoperineal excision (n = 2), or extended vaginal hysterectomy (n = 1) were included. The most common indications were recurrent cervical (n = 19) and anal (n = 4) squamous cell carcinoma. Twenty-nine patients (85%) had a history of radiotherapy. Only one patient (3%) had major (Clavien-Dindo ≥ III) donor site complications (surgical site infection due to tumor recurrence). Eleven patients (32%) had at least one major recipient site complication (surgical site infection [n = 1], total [n = 2] or partial [n = 1] flap loss, perineal dehiscence [n = 2], hematoma [n = 1], fistula [n = 5]). No incisional or perineal hernias were observed during follow-up. Ninety-day survival was 100%.

CONCLUSION

Pedicled DIEP flap reconstructions performed by experienced surgical teams had good outcomes for perineal or vaginal reconstruction, with low abdominal morbidity, in patients with advanced pelvic malignancies who had undergone median laparotomy. The risks and benefits of this procedure should be carefully evaluated preoperatively using clinical and imaging data.

Techniques of perineal hernia repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Perineal hernias are rare, underreported and poorly studied complications of extensive pelvic surgeries. Their management is challenging, with currently no treatment algorithm available.

METHOD

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched. Studies comprising at least 3 patients who underwent surgical perineal hernia repair were included. The primary outcome was perineal hernia recurrence. The secondary outcomes were overall complications and surgical site occurrences.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine studies were included, comprising 325 patients undergoing 347 repairs. Overall complications were 33% (95% confidence interval 24%-43%) in the entire cohort, 31% (19%-44%) after perineal repair, 39% (14%-67%) after abdominal repair, and 36% (19%-53%) after mesh repair (20% with biological, 46% with synthetic mesh). The surgical site occurrence rate was 18% (8%-29%). The overall recurrence rate was 22% (15%-29%). Recurrence after perineal repair was 19% (10%-29%): 20% with mesh (25% with biological, 19% with synthetic), 24% with primary repair, and 39% with flap repair. Recurrence after an abdominal repair was 18% (11%-26%): 16% with laparoscopic, 12% with open, 16% with mesh (24% with biological, 16% with synthetic), 30% with primary, and 25% with flap repair. No significant differences could be found in the meta-analysis regarding overall complications and recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Synthetic mesh repair seems to be associated with a lower recurrence rate than other techniques, especially after an abdominal approach. The perineal and abdominal approaches appear to be safe, with similar recurrence rates. The combined approach seems promising, but more evidence is needed.

Comparison of Perineal Closure Techniques after Abdominoperineal Resections for Carcinoma of the Anus

BACKGROUND

Perineal reconstruction following salvage APR's for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) are scant with conflicting results from large and single center studies. We analyzed these techniques taking into account sociodemographic and oncologic variables.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study from 2016-2019 using a targeted ACS/NSQIP database stratified into primary closure (PC), abdominal myocutaneous (AM), lower extremity (LE), and omental pedicled (OP) flaps. We analyzed major and wound complications through univariate and multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 766 patients were analyzed, 512 (67%) had PC, 196 (25%) AM, 36 (5%) OP and 22 (3%) LE. Rates of chemotherapy and radiation within 90 days were similar between the groups. Having 2 or more additional organs resected was more common for the AM group (AM 4.1%, PC 1.6%, OP 3.3%, LE 0%). Overall, major complication rate was 41% (n = 324). Primary closure had 35.0%, OP 47.2%, AM 52.6%, and LE 45.5%. Wound complication rate was highest in AM with 11.7%, followed by OP 8.3%, PC 5.9%, and LE 0%. The multivariate regression analysis demonstrated none of the closure techniques to be associated with increasing or decreasing the probability of having a major or wound complication. Morbidity probability was the sole predictor of major complication (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04-1.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Myocutaneous and omental flaps are associated with comparable wound and major complications when taking into account the baseline, oncologic and perioperative variables that drive the clinical decision making when selecting a perineal reconstruction.

Surgical Outcomes of VRAM vs. Gracilis Flaps in Vulvo-Perineal Reconstruction Following Oncologic Resection: A Proportional Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary

The rate of perineal complications after abdominoperineal reconstruction for the treatment of cancers ranges from 25% to 60% in the literature. It is well-established in current literature that direct closure has a higher complication rate than closure with a flap. Several reconstructive options have been proposed to fill the dead space with well-vascularized tissue. Every surgeon would like to be comfortable in selecting which flap has superiority in terms of surgical outcome. In the absence of a meta-analysis on the subject due to the scarcity of RCT and comparative studies, we used a proportional meta-analysis to analyze the surgical outcomes after reconstruction with either VRAM flap or gracilis flap following oncologic resection of the vulvo-perineal region.

Abstract

Pelvic exenteration and abdominoperineal resection are radical techniques commonly used for locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancy with high morbidity due to large pelvic defects. Flaps can help provide healthy, well-vascularized, non-irradiated tissues to fill pelvic dead space. We conducted a proportional meta-analysis to compare surgical outcomes of vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap (VRAM) vs. gracilis flap for vulvo-perineal reconstruction following oncologic resection. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases. Proportional meta-analysis was performed to compare the surgical outcomes of using VRAM or gracilis flaps. Our review yielded 16 eligible studies. The pooled resolution rate of overall donor site complications for VRAM flap (pooled proportion = 0.576 [95% CI 0.387, 0.754]) was significantly higher than the pooled rate of overall donor site complications of gracilis flap (pooled proportion = 0.160 [95% CI 0.058, 0.295]). Partial and total flap necrosis were similar in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference between minor and major complications for both flaps. Both flaps can be used safely for vulvo-perineal reconstruction following oncologic resection with similar recipient site outcomes, although the VRAM flap will have more donor site complications than the gracilis flap.

Tailored concept for the plastic closure of pelvic defects resulting from extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) or pelvic exenteration

PURPOSE

No standard exists for reconstruction after extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) and pelvic exenteration. We propose a tailored concept with the use of bilateral gluteal V-Y advancement flaps in non-extended ELAPE and with vertical myocutaneous rectus abdominis muscle (VRAM) flaps in extended procedures. This retrospective study analyzes the feasibility of this concept.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrieved all consecutive patients after ELAPE or pelvic exenteration for rectal, anal, or vulva cancer with flap repair from a prospective database. Perineal wound complications were defined as the primary endpoint. Outcomes for the two different flap reconstructions were analyzed.

RESULTS

From 2005 to 2021, we identified 107 patients who met the study criteria. Four patients underwent exenteration with VRAM flap repair after previous V-Y flap fashioning. Therefore, we report on 75 V-Y and 36 VRAM flaps. The V-Y group contained more rectal carcinomas, and the VRAM group exhibited more patients with recurrent cancer, more multivisceral resections, and longer operation times. Perineal wound complications occurred in 21.3% in the V-Y group and in 36.1% in the VRAM group (p = 0.097). Adjusted odds ratio for perineal wound complication was not significantly different for the two flap types.

CONCLUSION

Concerning perineal wound complications, our concept yields favorable results for V-Y flap closure indicating that this less invasive approach is sufficient for non-extended ELAPE. Advantages are a shorter operation time, less donor site morbidity, and the option of a second repair. VRAM flaps were reserved for larger wounds after pelvic exenteration or vaginal repair.

Empty pelvis syndrome: a systematic review of reconstruction techniques and their associated complications

AIM

Empty pelvis syndrome is a major contributor to morbidity following pelvic exenteration. Several techniques for filling the pelvis have been proposed; however, there is no consensus on the best approach. We evaluated and compared the complications associated with each reconstruction technique with the aim of determining which is associated with the lowest incidence of complications related to the empty pelvis.

METHOD

The systematic review protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021239307). PRISMA-P guidelines were used to present the literature. PubMed and MEDLINE were systematically searched up to 1 February 2021. A dataset containing predetermined primary and secondary outcomes was extracted.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies fulfilled our criteria; these included 375 patients with mainly rectal and gynaecological cancer. Only three studies had a follow-up greater than 2 years. Six surgical interventions were identified. Mesh reconstruction and breast prosthesis were associated with low rates of small bowel obstruction (SBO), entero-cutaneous fistulas and perineal hernia. Findings for myocutaneous flaps were similar; however, they were associated with high rates of perineal wound complications. Omentoplasty was found to have a high perineal wound infection rate (40%). Obstetric balloons were found to have the highest rates of perineal wound dehiscence and SBO. Silicone expanders effectively kept small bowel out of the pelvis, although rates of pelvic collections remained high (20%).

CONCLUSION

The morbidity associated with an empty pelvis remains considerable. Given the low quality of the evidence with small patient numbers, strong conclusions in favour of a certain technique and comparison of these interventions remains challenging.