Feasibility of Perineal Defect Reconstruction with Simplified Fasciocutaneous Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator (IGAP) Flaps after Tumor Resection of the Lower Rectum: Incidence and Outcome in an Interdisciplinary Approach.

BACKGROUND: Extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) is a relatively new surgical technique for low rectal cancers, enabling a more radical approach than conventional abdominoperineal excision (APE) with a potentially better oncological outcome. To date, no standard exists for reconstruction after extended or extralevator approaches of abdominoperineal (ELAPE) resection for lower gastrointestinal cancer or inflammatory tumors. In the recent literature, techniques with myocutaneous flaps, such as the VY gluteal flap, the pedicled gracilis flap, or the pedicled rectus abdominis flaps (VRAM) are primarily described. We propose a tailored concept with the use of bilateral adipo-fasciocutaneous inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) advancement flaps in VY fashion after ELAPE surgery procedures. This retrospective cohort study analyzes the feasibility of this concept and is, to our knowledge, one of the largest published series of IGAP flaps in the context of primary closure after ELAPE procedures. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort analysis, we evaluated all the consecutive patients with rectal resections from Jan 2017 to Sep 2021. All the patients with abdominoperineal resection were included in the study evaluation. The primary endpoint of the study was the proportion of plastic reconstruction and inpatient discharge. RESULTS: Out of a total of 560 patients with rectal resections, 101 consecutive patients with ELAPE met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study evaluation. The primary direct defect closure was performed in 72 patients (71.3%). In 29 patients (28.7%), the defect was closed with primary unilateral or bilateral IGAP flaps in VY fashion. The patients' mean age was 59.4 years with a range of 25-85 years. In 84 patients, the indication of the operation was lower rectal cancer or anal cancer recurrence, and non-oncological resections were performed in 17 patients. Surgery was performed in a minimally invasive abdominal approach in combination with open perineal extralevatoric abdominoperineal resection (ELAPE) and immediate IGAP flap reconstruction. The rate of perineal early complications after plastic reconstruction was 19.0%, which needed local revision due to local infection. All these interventions were conducted under general anesthesia (Clavien-Dindo IIIb). The mean length of the hospital stay was 14.4 days after ELAPE, ranging from 3 to 53 days. CONCLUSIONS: Since radical resection with a broad margin is the standard choice in primary, sphincter-infiltrating rectal cancer and recurrent anal cancer surgery in combination with ELAPE, the choice technique for pelvic floor reconstruction is under debate and there is no consensus. Using IGAP flaps is a reliable, technical, easy, and safe option, especially in wider defects on the pelvic floor with minimal donor site morbidity and an acceptable complication (no flap necrosis) rate. The data for hernia incidence in the long term are not known.

[Sarcoma of the hand and wrist]. / Sarkome an Hand und Handgelenk.

Sarcomas of the hand and wrist are rare malignancies, which should be referred to high-volume comprehensive cancer centres providing multidisciplinary treatment options. The tumour board should propose patient-oriented oncological pathways as well as sophisticated hand and plastic reconstructive procedures. In Addition, isolated limb perfusion with TNF-alpha and melphalan is likely to lead to preoperative tumour shrinkage allowing for R0 resection in sano. Our clinical results in long-term survivors demonstrate reduced amputation rates and salvage of basic hand function when a risk-adapted treatment rationale is applied.

[Long-term functional results after sarcoma resection]. / Funktionelle Langzeitergebnisse nach Sarkomresektionen.

Multimodal treatment of malignant tumors of the musculoskeletal system with R0 in sano resection plays a key role in prevention of local recurrence in soft tissue and bone sarcoma. In cases of unavoidable neuromuscular or osseous defects, current plastic and orthoplastic reconstruction techniques avoid limb amputation in the majority of patients. Clinical long-term results demonstrate that large resection defects do not necessarily result in impaired limb function if multidisciplinary procedures are integrated. In oncologically necessary major limb amputation, segmental resection and replantation of distal limb parts should be considered which provide end-bearing long stump formation. The functional conditions of long-term surviving elderly patients should be integrated into surgical decision-making and rehabilitation efforts.