Perineal reconstruction following abdominoperineal resection: Comprehensive review of the literature.

Abstract

Abdominoperineal resection (APR) in patients with anorectal carcinomas may involve flap-based perineal reconstruction techniques, such as rectus abdominis, myocutaneous, gracilis, and gluteal flaps. There is no consensus on the optimal approach. We evaluated the outcomes of perineal reconstruction following APR in the literature and identified a predominance of abdominal-based approaches, though overall outcomes were similar compared with thigh or perineal-based options. Statistical power to detect small differences in outcomes is limited, however, due to the retrospective design, relatively short-term follow-up, and potential selection bias based on morbidities associated with reconstructive techniques. Lacking randomized studies to define optimum approaches to perineal reconstruction, clinicians should individualize surgical strategy.