Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Thigh flap surgery for complex abdominal wall repair cases
By Hefner R et al.·2026·Department of Surgery, United States·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: Use of pedicled thigh flaps for complex abdominal wall reconstruction: A case series.
Plain-English summary
This study looked at three patients who had complex problems with their abdominal walls after surgeries for cancer or hernia repairs that were complicated by infections or radiation. They were treated using a technique that involved taking tissue from the thigh, which was then used to help rebuild the abdominal wall, along with a special mesh to provide extra support. Each patient had a different type of thigh flap based on their specific needs, and all of them recovered well, with only one person having a minor issue that was easily managed. There were no failures of the tissue used, no complications at the site where the tissue was taken from, and no hernias returned during follow-up. Overall, the study suggests that using thigh flaps for this type of surgery is a reliable option that works well when combined with mesh support.
Abstract
Complex abdominal wall defects that result from oncologic resection, infection, or trauma often require advanced reconstructive techniques beyond primary fascial closure or mesh reinforcement alone. In cases where primary closure is not feasible due to extensive tissue loss, pedicled thigh-based flaps offer a robust, vascularized solution to restore abdominal wall integrity. In this case series, we present three consecutive patients who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction using variations of the pedicled thigh flap based on the lateral femoral circumflex vascular pedicle, performed in conjunction with mesh reinforcement. Each patient presented with a large, complex defect following cancer resection or hernia repair complicated by prior infection or radiation. The reconstructions utilized different variations of the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap, including fasciocutaneous, fascial, and myocutaneous components, tailored to defect size and tissue requirements. In all cases, biologic or bioresorbable mesh was incorporated to support myofascial continuity. All patients had uncomplicated recoveries, with one experiencing minor superficial wound dehiscence managed conservatively. No flap failures, donor site morbidity, or hernia recurrences were observed during follow-up periods. Our findings support the use of pedicled thigh flaps as a versatile and reliable option for complex abdominal wall reconstruction, especially when combined with mesh to optimize structural support and minimize donor site complications.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41908622