Rectus Femoris Flap as a Choice for Complicated Abdominal Wound Defect Following Appendectomy

Area of Science:

• Reconstructive surgery
• Plastic surgery
• Surgical case report

Background:

• Burst abdomen presents significant challenges in wound dehiscence, often linked to malnutrition and infection.
• Extensive abdominal defects necessitate specialized reconstructive options, yet the rectus femoris flap remains under-discussed for such cases.

Observation:

• A 45-year-old male with malnutrition and an abdominal wall abscess with iliac wing osteomyelitis post-appendectomy was treated.
• A rectus femoris flap was selected for reconstruction due to its accessibility and suitability for the lumbar defect.

Findings:

• The patient underwent debridement and hemipelvectomy, followed by reconstruction with a rectus femoris flap.
• At 6-month follow-up, the wound healed successfully with preserved thigh motor function and no donor site morbidity.

Implications:

• The rectus femoris flap is a viable option for complex abdominal defects, particularly in infected and malnourished patients.
• This flap provides enhanced rotational capability and reduced tension, offering distinct advantages over other reconstructive methods.