V-Y Bilateral gluteus maximus myocutaneous advancement flap in the reconstruction of large perineal defects after resection of pelvic malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of the V-Y bilateral gluteus maximus myocutaneous flap (GLM) in the reconstruction of large perineal defects after wide surgical resections for pelvic malignancies.

METHOD: Twelve consecutive patients (seven females and five males), of mean age 59 years (36-78), with primary or recurrent pelvic malignancies (rectal, anal and vulvar carcinoma), underwent either abdomino-perineal rectum excision with partial sacrectomy or total pelvic exenteration. The perineal defect was reconstructed by means of a GLM flap. Intra-operative blood loss, operative time, hospital stay, postoperative complications and long-term outcome were retrospectively assessed.

RESULTS: One patient died postoperatively. All the remaining patients had at least one early and/or late complication. After a mean follow-up of 31.2 months, seven patients were alive. No major functional impairment in daily activities was observed. Five patients experienced a slight discomfort in either walking, sitting or cycling.

CONCLUSION: Gluteus maximus myocutaneus flap is a useful technique for the repair of perineo-pelvic defects after abdomino-perineal rectum excision with partial sacrectomy.