Bilateral Fascia Lata Flap: An Alternative for Massive Abdominal Wall Defect Repair

Abstract

The abdominal wall represents a unique structure of dermo-myotendinous conformation that is considered a surgical challenge. The musculocutaneous pedicled flap, using tensor fasciae latae muscle (TFL), is a technique of abdominal wall repair, and it is becoming a more frequent reconstructive procedure. It is a well-suited procedure because it provides both a semirigid fascia layer and adequate skin coverage. We present a case of a 61-year-old man with the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder, clinical stage IV (T4bN1M1), complicated with an ileo-recal-urethrocutaneous fistula. We reconstructed a massive defect of the abdominal wall by rotating bilateral pedicled TFL flaps. The therapeutic plan comprised 2 surgical procedures. The first surgical intervention was intended to obtain and temporarily fix the flap, and to allow the delay phenomenon to occur. Three weeks later, we performed the abdominal wall reconstruction by repositioning the bilateral TFL flaps and placing a dual prolene with regenerated oxidized cellulose mesh. We performed a successful palliative procedure in a terminal oncologic patient. Combined with a massive oncologic procedure (done by the oncologic surgeon), we were able to solve the cutaneous fistula and provided a significant improvement in the quality of life. The patient was discharged with no procedure-related complications. He has remained healthy 18 months after surgery, and there has been no evidence of ventral hernia. Bilateral TFL flaps represent a viable alternative for primary or secondary abdominal wall reconstruction in selected cases. This reconstructive strategy should be considered when plastic and reconstructive surgeon faces large and complex abdominal wall defects, associated with significant lack of skin cover.