INTRODUCTION: Plastic surgery consultation is commonly sought for the treatment of pelviperineal injuries in general hospitals. The objective of this study was to present the experience acquired in the treatment of perineal, sacral, and hip injuries with the use of perforator flaps. METHODS: Patients referred to the Plastic Surgery Division of the Clinical Hospital of Medicine College of Universidade de São Paulo for evaluation of pelviperineal and hip wounds from February to May 2009 were retrospectively evaluated. A total of 22 patients underwent reconstruction with skin and fasciocutaneous flaps based on the perforator vessels, according to the inclusion criteria. The average follow-up period was 6 months. RESULTS: Pelviperineal injuries consisted of pressure ulcers in 20 cases (91%), deep infection in 1 case (45%), and perineal hidradenitis in 1 case (4.5%). The choice of flap for reconstruction was dependent on the local wound: 15 cases (68.2%) of sacral ulcers were repaired with a superior gluteal artery perforator flap; 3 cases (13.6%) of ischial ulcers were repaired with an inferior gluteal artery perforator flap; and 2 cases (9.1%) of trochanteric ulcers were repaired using a tensor fascia lata perforator flap. A fasciocutaneous gluteofemoral flap was selected for reconstruction of post Fournier' syndrome in 1 patient and was used after resection of perineal hidradenitis in 1 patient. A new suture for late primary closure was necessary in 3 (13.6%) cases in which the suture line dehiscence was < 10% of the injury perimeter during the first 15 post-operative days. There were no cases of > 3% necrosis of the flap surface. These results were maintained during the follow-up evaluation period. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study were satisfactory, and the utility of surgical flaps without the incorporation of muscle for pelviperineal reconstruction was demonstrated. This treatment alternative decreases donor site morbidity and preserves the muscular tissue for future interventions.
Perineum; Wounds and injuries; Pressure ulcer; Surgical flaps; Plastic surgery
