Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 25, 2025
Procurement for a Vascularized and Reinnervated Abdominal Wall Allotransplantation
Published on: July 18, 2025
Abdominal-based adipocutaneous advancement flap for reconstructing inguinal defects with contraindications to
Clara Schaffer1, Daniel Haselbach1, Luigi Schiraldi1
1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland.
Background:
Groin wounds occurring after vascular surgical site infection, oncologic resection, or occasionally orthopedic surgery and trauma may represent a surgical challenge. Reconstruction of these defects by the usual workhorse flaps may be contraindicated following previous surgery and in patients with lower limb lymphedema or extreme morbidity.
Methods:
This study included 15 consecutive patients presenting with inguinal wounds after vascular or general surgery that required debridement and soft tissue coverage. All cases had absolute or relative contraindications to conventional reconstructive techniques, including a compromised deep femoral artery network, limb lymphedema, scarring of potential flap harvesting sites, or poor overall condition. Abdominal adipocutaneous excess enabled the performance of adipocutaneous advancement flaps in an abdominoplasty-like fashion. Immediate and long-term outcomes were analyzed.
Results:
Soft tissue coverage was effective in all cases. Two patients required re-intervention due to flap-related complications (venous congestion and partial flap necrosis). All patients fully recovered over a mean±standard deviation follow-up of 2.4±1.5 years.
Conclusions:
Abdominal flaps can be an effective and simple alternative technique for inguinal coverage with reproducible outcomes. In our experience, the main indications are a compromised deep femoral artery network and poor thigh tissue quality. Relative contraindications, such as previous open abdominal surgery, should be considered.
