Surgical Outcomes of VRAM vs. Gracilis Flaps in Vulvo-Perineal Reconstruction Following Oncologic Resection: A Proportional Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Pelvic exenteration and abdominoperineal resection are radical techniques commonly used for locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancy with high morbidity due to large pelvic defects. Flaps can help provide healthy, well-vascularized, non-irradiated tissues to fill pelvic dead space. We conducted a proportional meta-analysis to compare surgical outcomes of vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap (VRAM) vs. gracilis flap for vulvo-perineal reconstruction following oncologic resection. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases. Proportional meta-analysis was performed to compare the surgical outcomes of using VRAM or gracilis flaps. Our review yielded 16 eligible studies. The pooled resolution rate of overall donor site complications for VRAM flap (pooled proportion = 0.576 [95% CI 0.387, 0.754]) was significantly higher than the pooled rate of overall donor site complications of gracilis flap (pooled proportion = 0.160 [95% CI 0.058, 0.295]). Partial and total flap necrosis were similar in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference between minor and major complications for both flaps. Both flaps can be used safely for vulvo-perineal reconstruction following oncologic resection with similar recipient site outcomes, although the VRAM flap will have more donor site complications than the gracilis flap.