Outcomes of vascular surgeon-performed rectus femoris flaps for complex postoperative wound infection

Rectus femoris flaps (RFFs) provide tissue coverage in infected fields and historically have been performed by plastic surgeons.

We report the technique and outcomes following vascular surgeon-performed RFFs for postoperative groin complications.

Sixty-three RFFs were performed in 54 patients. The median follow-up was 728 days. RFF complication, defined as a composite of flap-related readmission and infection, was 26.7% at 30 days. Diabetes mellitus was a risk factor of RFF complications (odds ratio [OR], 27.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-582.6; P = .032); prolonged duration of intravenous antibiotics (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5-0.9; P = .004) and use of beta blocker (OR, 0.0; 95% CI, 0.0-0.2; P = .003) were associated with decreased risks of 30-day RFF complication. Amputation-free survival was 100% at 30 days and 90.2% at 1 year.

Our findings support the role of vascular surgeons in using RFF as a safe and effective option for the management of infected groin wounds.