Sartorius Muscle Flaps for Vascular Groin Wound Complications

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Wound Management
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Sartorius myoplasty (SM) is utilized for soft tissue coverage in vascular groin wound complications.
• Concerns exist regarding the reliability of SM as a primary muscle flap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reliability of SM performed by vascular surgeons for managing vascular groin wound complications.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 103 SM procedures performed between 1997 and 2012.
• Analysis of indications (prophylactic, infectious, noninfectious) and failure rates.
• Definition of SM failure: reintervention for bleeding, drainage, or infection.

Main Results:

• SM failure occurred in 11% of cases, predominantly in the infectious group (73% of failures).
• Hemorrhage was the most common failure reason (45%).
• Salvage procedures were required in 73% of failures, with SM viability maintained in 82% of reoperations.

Conclusions:

• SM performed by vascular surgeons offers reliable soft tissue coverage for vascular groin wound complications.
• SM should be considered the primary muscle flap for most patients.
• Alternative flap options should be considered in cases of SM failure.