Combined application of gluteus maximus muscle flaps and random pattern skin flaps in repairing sacrococcygeal sinus tracts: a prospective study and technical note

Updates Surg. 2024 Jan 4. doi: 10.1007/s13304-023-01707-0. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Background: Sacrococcygeal sinus ulcers are caused by pressure sores, trauma, or surgery. Several surgical techniques have been developed for its treatment; however, studies are ongoing to develop the ideal method. The present study aims to introduce an innovative application of gluteus maximus muscle flaps (GMMFs) packing combined with local random pattern skin flaps (RPSFs) in repairing sacrococcygeal sinus tracts (SSTs).

Methods: This was a prospective analysis study conducted on the patients (n = 26) with SSTs underwent an innovative repairing surgery in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, China between December 2015 and December 2020. The repairing surgery was GMMFs combined with RPSFs. The demographic information and the clinical parameters including operative time, postoperative healing time, and recurrence rate were used to evaluate the efficacy of the operation.

Results: Except one case of partial necrosis at the edge of the flap due to severe fibrosis, which was cured after dressing change, all the other cases showed effective healing after the operation.

Conclusion: The combined application of GMMFs and RPSFs for the treatment of sacrococcygeal sinus tracts gains the advantages of short operative time, quick postoperative recovery, and low postoperative recurrence rate.

Keywords: Gluteus maximus muscle flaps; Pressure ulcers; Random pattern skin flaps; Sacrococcygeal sinus tracts.