Abdominal Mesh Use in Pedicled Rectus Abdominis Flaps for Pelvic Reconstruction

Rectus abdominis flap coverage of high-risk perineal wounds following extirpative pelvic procedures can result in improved perineal outcomes. However, rectus abdominis flap harvest has morbidity associated with the donor site, including hernia or bulge development. The risk-benefit profile of mesh use in this scenario is not well-defined in the literature.

We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent rectus abdominis flap coverage of pelvic defects at our institution during July 2012-January 2021. Patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes were assessed. Patients were stratified into groups based on whether mesh was used and whether primary fascial closure was achieved. Donor site outcomes were analyzed between groups.

One hundred consecutive patients were included. When considering all patients in whom primary fascial closure was achieved, the use of mesh did not significantly decrease rates of hernia development. Mesh use in this setting was associated with significantly greater rates of infection, requiring procedural intervention (12% versus 0%, P = 0.044). When considering all patients in whom mesh was used, primary fascial closure was associated with decreased rates of hernia development, and this trended toward significance (16.1% versus 0.0%, P = 0.058).

When closing a pedicled rectus abdominis flap donor site, if primary fascial closure is achievable, the addition of mesh to reinforce the repair does not have an added benefit. Mesh use in this setting was not shown to prevent hernia or bulge development, and was found to be associated with significantly greater rates of infection, requiring procedural intervention.