Posterior thigh flap revisited: clinical use in oncology patients.

PURPOSE

The posterior thigh flap is a reliable flap owing to the dependability of the inferior gluteal artery. Its utility for the reconstruction of sacral, perineal, ischial, pelvic, trochanteric and vulvar defects is well established. We herein describe the use of the flap for a variety of indications, and discuss the results with respect to postoperative complications in oncology patients.

METHODS

We reviewed nine oncology patients who were treated with pedicled posterior thigh flaps. We assessed the use of this treatment by recording the site of the defect, the type of flap used, and the presence or absence of previous surgical procedures, radiation therapy and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Defects after resection of soft tissue sarcomas were the most common condition (n = 4), followed by skin cancers (n = 2), gastrointestinal cancers (n = 2) and radiation osteomyelitis (n = 1). Six patients (66 %) developed complications; three (33 %) were major and three (33 %) were minor. There was one case of total necrosis of the flap and two cases of partial necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In oncology patients, the posterior thigh flap is an excellent choice for the reconstruction of sacral, ischial, pelvic or buttock defects, since it does not cause any donor site morbidity.