[Use of a Posterior Thigh Flap with the Gluteus Maximus for Perineal Reconstruction - A Case of Fournier's Gangrene with Rectal Cancer]

Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2016 Nov;43(12):1821-1823.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

We present a case of Fournier's gangrene secondary to rectal cancer that was managed with perineal reconstruction using a posterior thigh flap after debridement and tumor resection. A 67-year-old man was admitted with disturbed consciousness as well as hip and right thigh pain. His perineal and gluteal skin was necrotic. CT revealed subcutaneous emphysema that had spread from the rectum to the gluteal region and right thigh. We diagnosed him with Fournier's gangrene, and then removed the necrotic tissue and constructed a sigmoidostomy. A diagnosis of rectal cancer was later confirmed. Fifty-nine days after the initial operation, a laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection was performed. The perineal defect was repaired using a posterior thigh flap with the gluteus maximus. There were no postoperative complications, and the patient was discharged ahead of schedule. We concluded that the use of a posterior thigh flap is a good choice for perineal reconstruction, because it is simple to perform, can cover a large area, and has a low risk of infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Fournier Gangrene / etiology
  • Fournier Gangrene / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Perineum / surgery*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures
  • Rectal Neoplasms / complications
  • Rectal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Surgical Flaps
  • Thigh* / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome