Sartorius myoplasty for the treatment of infected groins with vascular grafts

J L Perez-Burkhardt1, J A Gonzalez-Fajardo, L A Carpintero

  • 1Division of Vascular Surgery, Hospital Universitario, Valladolid, Spain.

Abstract

Insights

Sartorius myoplasty effectively treats infected groin wounds after vascular graft surgery. This technique, involving graft replacement and muscle flap reconstruction, shows excellent long-term results with minimal complications.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Infectious Disease Management
  • Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

  • Vascular graft infection is a rare but severe complication, particularly limb-threatening when in the groin.
  • Prompt and effective treatment is crucial for managing these challenging cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the experience with sartorius myoplasty for treating infected groin wounds following femoral vascular surgery.
  • To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of this reconstructive technique.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 13 patients with Grade III Szilagyi infected groin wounds involving vascular grafts.
  • Treatment included debridement, povidone-iodine lavage, antibiotics, in situ graft change, and sartorius myoplasty.
  • Sartorius myoplasty involved detaching and transposing the muscle origin to the inguinal ligament.

Main Results:

  • Mean hospital stay was 10 days, with a mean follow-up of 36 months.
  • One patient required reoperation for hemorrhage; another developed an abscess when the graft was not changed.
  • No mortality was associated with the sartorius myoplasty procedure.

Conclusions:

  • Sartorius myoplasty, combined with in situ graft replacement, is a highly effective treatment for infected groin vascular grafts.
  • The procedure is technically straightforward and yields excellent long-term outcomes, preserving limb viability.