Harvesting autologous fascia lata for pelvic reconstructive surgery: techniques and morbidity.

Abstract

To determine donor site morbidity associated with harvesting of fascia lata. We reviewed medical records and evaluated responses to mailed questionnaires from all patients who underwent fascia lata harvesting during a 54-month period. Data were collected about immediate complications and long-term morbidity related to the donor site. The study comprised 71 patients. Immediate postoperative complications were limited to 1 (1%) hematoma that required drainage, 2 (3%) seromas, and 5 (7%) cases of cellulitis that required oral antibiotics. Questionnaire response rate was 77%, with a mean follow-up of 25 months. Of the responders, 22 (40%) reported mild symptoms, 3 (5%) reported clinically significant symptoms related to the donor leg, and 7 (13%) expressed dissatisfaction because of unacceptable cosmesis (n = 5), leg discomfort (n = 5), or both. There was little immediate postoperative morbidity. Although many patients may be expected to report long-term symptoms related to the donor leg, these symptoms are generally mild, and the incidence of patient dissatisfaction is relatively low.