Groin reconstruction using a pedicled anterolateral thigh flap.

INTRODUCTION: This article describes an attractive approach to the reconstruction of the groin after loss of substance: the skin, subcutaneous tissue and fascia of the rectus abdominis and oblique muscles were reconstructed using an anterolateral thigh flap based on a proximal vascular pedicle.

CLINICAL CASE REPORT: A 70-year-old female with a strangulated inguinal hernia that had been neglected for eight days presented initially with intestinal necrosis and necrotizing infection of the abdominal wall in the right groin. After debridement of necrotic tissue, reconstructive surgery was necessary. We opted for an anterolateral thigh flap based on a proximal vascular pedicle.

DISCUSSION: In this case, there was a major loss of substance that included the rectus abdominis fascia below the level of the arcuate line. This situation required a fascial reconstruction of the abdominal wall; a defect of this size would typically require synthetic mesh for closure. The anterolateral thigh flap allowed us to avoid the use of foreign material by repairing the defect with a pedicle flap including fascia lata and the quadriceps aponeurosis.

CONCLUSION: The use of an anterolateral thigh flap based on a proximal vascular pedicle seems to be a simple straightforward solution for reconstruction of the skin and fascia of the inguinal region.