Perineal reconstruction with local flaps: technique and results

Wide excision of perineal lesions, often including the entire anal canal, may be necessary for benign and malignant conditions. Closure of these large defects is challenging, especially when continence is a goal. The aim of this study was to assess our experience with local flap closure of large perineal defects.

From 1994 to 2009, 20 patients underwent wide perineal and/or anal canal excisions and reconstruction using local flaps. Mean age was 45 years (range 20-65 years), 13 were male, and 8 (40 %) were immunocompromised. Primary indications included anal or perineal squamous cell carcinoma-(n = 12), Buschke-Lowenstein tumor (n = 3), and anal intraepithelial neoplasia (n = 3), hidradenitis, stenosis, ectropion, and traumatic cloaca repair (n = 1 each). Primary procedures included wide local excision of large neoplastic lesions-(n = 15) (mean size 10 cm, range 5-18 cm), abdominoperineal resection (APR) (n = 2), perineoplasty with sphincteroplasty-(n = 1), and others-(n = 2). All were reconstructed with bilateral local flaps (V-Y 18, S 2). Thirteen had complete excision of the anal canal to the anorectal ring preserving the sphincters. Six (30 %) had ostomies; 2 with APR and 4 temporary.

There were no perioperative deaths. Mean hospital stay was 4.2 days. Follow-up averaged 35 months (range 3-87 months) in survivors. Five patients died during follow-up; 2 of complications of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and 3 of cancer (2 treated palliatively). Wound dehiscence occurred in 6 (30 %) patients: in 3 cases, this was minor dehiscence and healed quickly; in 3 cases, it was major dehiscence and occurred in the 2 radiation/APR patients and in one patient with advanced AIDS. Radiation was the only significant risk factor (P < .05). Twelve of 14 eligible patients with long-term follow-up and an intact anal canal are fully continent, and 2 are partially continent (1 traumatic cloaca; 1 the same as before surgery).

Local flap reconstruction of the perineum and anal canal is an excellent method of managing large perineal defects. Most heal primarily, even in immunocompromised patients, and continence may be preserved. Local flaps should be avoided in irradiated patients.