Pelvic floor reconstruction by modified rectus abdominis myoperitoneal (MRAM) flap after pelvic exenterations
Abstract
Objective: To describe the technique and report experiences with pelvic floor reconstruction by modified rectus abdominis myoperitoneal (MRAM) flap after extensive pelvic procedures. Methods: Surgical technique of MRAM harvest and transposition is carefully described.
The patients in whom pelvic floor reconstruction with MRAM after either infralevator pelvic exenteration and/or extended lateral pelvic sidewall excision was carried out were enrolled into the study (MRAM group, n = 16). Surgical data, post-operative morbidity, and disease status were retrospectively assessed.
The results were compared with a historical cohort of patients, in whom an exenterative procedure without pelvic floor reconstruction was performed at the same institution (control group, n = 24). Results: Both groups were balanced in age, BMI, tumor types, and previous treatment.
Substantially less patients from the MRAM group required reoperation within 60 days of the surgery (25% vs. 50%) which was due to much lower rate of complications potentially related to empty pelvis syndrome (1 vs. 7 reoperations) (p = 0.114). Late post-operative complication rate was substantially lower in the MRAM group (any grade: 79% vs. 44%; grade >=3: 37% vs. 6%) (p = 0.041).
The performance status 6 months after the surgery was <=1 in the majority of patients in MRAM (81%) while in only 38% of patients from the control group (p = 0.027). There was one incisional hernia in MRAM group while three cases were reported in the controls.
Conclusions: Pelvic floor reconstruction by MRAM in patients after pelvic exenterative procedures is associated with a substantial decrease in postoperative complications that are potentially related to empty pelvis syndrome.