Inferior part of rectus abdominis muscle flap: A case report

Abdominoperineal resection (APR) is the standard surgical treatment for low-lying anorectal malignancies. It seems that immediate flap reconstruction has fewer complications compared to primary closure. There are several options for local flap reconstruction of perineal wound closure, and each specific flap method has its own advantages and disadvantages.

In this case report, a new method of reconstruction is presented which contains only the inferior part of the rectus abdominis muscle in 2 patients, one with unilateral and the other with bilateral involvement and they both underwent APR. Both patients were referred to the colorectal surgery clinic for APR by an oncologist. Both patients had severe constipation and both reported pain on defecation and rectorrhagia. Patient 1 received a unilateral inferior part of rectus abdominis muscle flap and patient 2 received a bilateral flap.

Immediate flap reconstruction after APR has fewer complications than primary closure and the inferior part of rectus abdominis muscle flap seems to be a possible means of reconstruction after APR.