TENSOR FASCIAE LATA MYOCUTANEOUS FLAP RECONSTRUCTION FOLLOWING ILIOINGUINAL NODE DISSECTION

Ilioinguinal block dissections have been traditionally associated with a high incidence of complications. Wound complication rates are in th e range of 50 to 70% and lymphedema is seen in a majority of cases. A variety of incisions and reconstructive techniques have been experimen ted with in an effort to reduce the morbidity. We have used the tensor fasciae lata (TFL) myocutaneous flap as a means of primary reconstruc tion after 40 groin node dissections in 25 patients. Excision of the o verlying skin was performed either prophylactically or due to actual i nvolvement by disease. Primary healing was seen in 33 (82.5%) flaps wi th 7 (17.5%) developing moderate complications. Post-operative lymphed ema was seen in only 5 (12%) cases. The average hospital stay was 14.2 days. We conclude that the TFL flap is a safe and reliable flap which results in minimal postoperative morbidity and a substantial decrease in hospital stay for the patient with uni- or bilateral groin node di ssections.