Recipient vessels for microsurgical flaps to the groin and pelvis: a review

Reconstruction of large defects of the pelvis and groin sometimes requires microsurgical flaps when the otherwise rich supply of local options fails to be sufficient in difficult and complicated cases. Recipient vessels for microsurgical flaps to the groin and pelvis are important elements in planning such procedures. Seven groups have reported pelvis and groin microsurgical flap cases, and their recipient vessels have included the superior and inferior gluteal vessels, the femoral vessels, the deep perforators of the femoral system, the inferior epigastric vessels, intra-abdominal vessels, and interpositional vein grafts to distant recipient vessels. This review summarizes their experience and describes the recipient vessel options in the pelvic and groin region.