Soft tissue reconstruction following hemipelvectomy

BACKGROUND: Resection of primary and metastatic pelvic bone disease may result in large soft tissue deficits. Guidelines for soft tissue reconstruction following pelvic bone resection were evaluated in a retrospective study. METHODS: Over a 5-year period 21 patients (31%) required soft tissue reconstruction following pelvic bone resection. Data on these patients were retrieved from case records. RESULTS: Twelve patients underwent immediate, planned reconstruction, 1 a two-stage reconstruction, and 8 patients required a delayed procedure for complications after bone resection and primary closure. Soft tissue reconstruction was usually accomplished with muscle-based flaps; (25 flaps in 20 patients: 20 pedicled, 5 free), or with skin grafts alone (1 patient). Specific postreconstruction complications occurred in 9 patients, 5 in flaps based on the ipsilateral rectus muscle. CONCLUSION: Flap closure is indicated to achieve primary closure and eliminate deadspace. The ipsilateral rectus muscle should be used with caution and contralateral-based rectus flaps considered. Indications for free flaps include the size and location of the defect and availability of tissue from an amputated limb.