Vram flap transposition in pelviperineal reconstruction. A technical note

The vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap is a workhorse flap for perineal reconstruction after pelvic exenteration with low rate of complications. When flap viability is compromised, it is principally due to an incorrect inset or inadequate postoperative care. The aim of this article is to specify the technical details that must be taken into account during VRAM flap transposition inside the pelvis. Flap rotation will be completely different depending on two key factors: the resultant perineal defect after tumor resection and whether the patient is in the supine or prone position during the surgery. We expose an algorithmic approach to have in mind at the moment of the flap inset, step by step, in order not to compromise the vascular pedicle. In anterior perineal defects, we propose to rotate the flap 270º in the sagittal plane. In such manner, the cranial part of the flap covers the most anterior part of the defect, optimizing the arc of rotation of the flap. In posterior perineal defects, rotating the flap 180º in the coronal plane avoids tension on the pedicle. As a result, the cranial part of the flap covers the most posterior part of the defect. In our experience, these technical notes aid to guarantee the viability of the flap when performing perineal reconstructions, preventing from torsion or tension on the epigastric vessels during its transposition inside the pelvis.