Gracilis muscle transplant for delayed healing of the perineal wound.

Delayed perineal wound healing frequently complicates a proctocolectomy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. In almost half of the patients the evicerated pelvic space is not closed six months after surgery. Conventional surgery is very unsuccessful in the treatment of this persistent perineal fistula. A new technique is described using the transposition of the gracilis muscle to fill the perineal cavity. It is an easy procedure that solves a difficult problem.