1 May 2022
ArticleReconstruction with bilateral posteromedial thigh (PMT) flaps after Fournier’s gangrene
Paolo Marchica 1Alex Pontini 1Fabio Vianello 2Bruno Azzena 3
Affiliations
Article Info
1 Clinic of Plastic Surgery, University of Padua; Padua, Italy
2 Department of Urology, Presidio Ospedaliero di Gorizia-Monfalcone, Gorizia, Italy
3 Burns and Plastic Surgery Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
Ann. Ital. Chir., 2022, 93(3), 100409;
Published: 1 May 2022
Copyright © 2022 Annali Italiani di Chirurgia
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Abstract
Fournier gangrene (FG) is a deadliest condition affecting genitoperineal area in predisposed patients. A late diagnosis, thus a delayed surgical treatment, leads often to death. LRINEC score and CT scan can help in suspect, despite definitive diagnosis needs surgical exploration and histological findings. Furthermore, FG determines wide defects of genitoperineal area, thus reconstructive surgery is pivotal to restore form and function of the affected patient. Aim of this article is to discuss the use of posteromedial thigh (PMT) fasciocutaneous flap in FG reconstruction, based on authors’ personal experience. A case report of a 63-year-old obese and diabetic man is presented. Two PMT flaps (10 x 17cm2) were harvested to cover a complete scrotal defect (20 x 40cm2), while penis integuments defect was treated with a two-staged surgery (dermal substitute application and skin graft). Follow-up at 4 months showed a successful outcome of PMT flaps reconstruction, with preservation of testes vitality, despite one of the flaps developed distal necrosis that was treated with further debridement and skin graft. The authors experience is followed by the decision-making process based on a literature review that led to the choice to use PMT flaps to achieve reconstruction. Furthermore, alternative flaps to treat FG, each of them with pros and cons, are discussed, despite there is not a gold standard treatment and every option must be tailored to the patient.
Keywords
- Fournier gangrene
- Genital reconstruction
- Infection
- Necrotizing fasciitis
- Perineum reconstruction
- Posteromedial thigh flap
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