Clinical Application Of Thoracoumbilical Flap In The Reconstruction Of The Groin After Resection Of Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of thoracoumbilical flap in the reconstruction of the groin after resection of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.Methods: From October 2015 to October 2017,5 patients were performed the reconstruction of the groin after resection of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans using thoracoumbilical flap in the Department of Plastic and Cosmetic,the First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University.There were 3 male and 2 female.The patients’ age ranged from 23 to 65(mean,43 years).The defect size ranged from 7×12cm to 12×24cm(mean,9.5×18cm).According to the size and location of defects,thoracoumbilical flaps pedicled inferior epigastric artery perforator were harvested in the ipsilateral or contralateral abdominal wall.Of 5 patients,3 were treated with the ipsilateral thoracoumbilical flap,and 2 were treated with the contralateral flap.The flap size ranged from 7×12cm to 7.5×25cm(mean,7.25×18.5cm).The flap was transferred to cover the defect,and the donor site was directly sutured.Results: All flaps survived completely after the operation,and 1 case had scab and exfoliation in the distal end of the flap in the early stage,but recovered after removing the scab and changing medicine.All patients were followed up for 8-20 months(mean,12 months).There was no recurrence of the tumor.The flaps were soft and elastic,and the color was similar to the surrounding skin.The walking,hip abduction and rotation disorders were not found in the patients.Conclusion: Radical resection of the inguinal dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans lead to a large defect in local area,but the ipsilateral or contralateral thoracoumbilical flap can primarily reconstruct the defect,while the donor site can be directly sutured,and the postoperative effect is good.The thoracoumbilical flap is an attractive approach to the reconstruction of the groin with large skin and soft tissue defects.