Primary closure of complicated perineal wounds with myocutaneous and fasciocutaneous flaps after proctectomy for Crohn's disease

Background. The purpose of this study is to detail the use of advanced tissue transfer techniques to achieve primary closure of the perineal wound after proctectomy for Crohns disease. Methods. Between October 1984 and March 2000, we performed proctectomy with permanent intestinal stoma in 97 patients with Crohns disease. Twelve of these patients (12.4%) required at least 1 myocutaneous flap to achieve primary closure of the perineal wound. Details of each patient's perioperative course were recorded prospectively. Results. All 12 patients had fistulizing perineal Crohns disease combined with Crohn's proctitis. Two patients had a simultaneous anal adenocarcinoma. Indications for flap closure included management of large perineal skin defects (n = 1.1), reconstruction of the posterior vaginal wall (n = 2), and the need to fill a large pelvic dead space (n = 3). (Three patients had a combination of the previous indications). In total, 6 rectus abdominis, 5 gluteus maximus, 1 posterior thigh, 3 chimeric posterior thigh, and 1 latissimus dorsi flaps were performed. Six patients required more than 1 flap. Three patients had complications develop related to the flaps (2 wound hematomas and 1 seroma). Complete perineal healing was achieved in all patients. Conclusions. Complex tissue flap closure of the perineal wound after proctectomy for perineal complications of Crohns disease should be considered when simple closure is not possible or when reconstruction of the posterior wall of the vagina is necessary.