AV loop free flap: an interdisciplinary approach for perineal and sacral defect reconstruction after radical oncological exenteration and radiation in a colorectal cancer patient

Background

The free flap transfer of a latissimus dorsi flap (LDF) for the closure of sacral wound defects after pelvic exenteration and radiation therapy offers a successful tool of the plastic surgeon. This case report shows the successful coverage using an upstream arterio-venous (AV) loop in combination with an LDF.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a patient who underwent a pelvic exenteration and radiation therapy due to a local recurrence of rectal cancer. The initially used VRAM flap could not ensure a satisfactorily wound closure. An interdisciplinary approach first yielded an AV loop using both greater saphenous veins and was connected to the arteria and vena femoris followed by a free LDF transfer, which was performed 11 days later. The result was an excellent reconstructive and plastic coverage of the sacral wound defect with a well-perfused LDF. The long-term result showed a perfectly integrated flap in the sacral region.

Conclusion

We recommend the free LDF for the coverage of large wound defects in irradiated areas after the failure of VRAM flap. If an AV loop is necessary within the flap transfer, we recommend conducting two procedures to guarantee the perfusion of the AV loop.

[Free latissimus dorsi flap lacing and local care in two-stage scalp reconstruction]

Surgical treatment of large and multiple lesions of irradiated scalp may require subtotal scalp exeresis and reconstruction in two-stage free flap surgery: harvesting and placing the flap first, then scalp removing and defect covering in a second step. This strategy raises the question of how to care the flap between the two surgeries. We report an original technique of free latissimus dorsi flap lacing. A 70-year-old male, afflicted with familial cylindromatosis and treated by brachytherapy 18years ago, received a free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in two-stage surgery, allowing 25×25cm pathological scalp exeresis. During first step, suture clips were fixed in two rows around the future scalp defect, in order to be used as anchors for the flap lacing. Braided wire were chosen for a better steerability, and to prevent knots untightening. Thus, the flap were placed in "anatomical" place, next to the scalp, pending secondary procedure. This situation permitted to avoid flap or pedicle compression or plication, and to ease flap care. The wires were tighten as shoelaces, allowing them to be undone and done as desired. The two-stage free latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction of scalp large defect permitted us to assess the flap reliability before final reconstruction. The lacing solution allowed us regular local care and convenient flap handling, while favoriting its optimal placing next to its future location.