Simultaneous deep inferior epigastric and bilateral anterolateral thigh perforator flap reconstruction of an extended perineoscrotal defect in Fournier's gangrene: A case report

Fournier's gangrene is lethal necrotizing fasciitis that involves the perineum and external genitalia. We describe the case of a 52-year-old man with Fournier's gangrene who underwent reconstruction of an extensive perineoscrotal defect using three pedicled perforator flaps. Three debridement procedures resulted in a skin and soft tissue defect of 36x18cm involving the perineum, scrotum, groin, medial thigh, buttocks, and circumferential perianal area and left the perforating arteries originating from these locations unavailable for reconstruction. We repaired the defect using left deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) (29x8 cm) and bilateral anterolateral thigh perforator (ALT) flaps (35x8 cm and 22x7 cm). The flaps reached the defect without tension, and the defect was successfully covered without a skin graft. No postoperative complications occurred except for epidermal necrosis involving a tiny part of the DIEP flap tip. Nine months postoperatively, the patient experienced no impairment of bowel function or hip joint movement. There was also no avulsion or ulceration of the reconstructed perineal skin, and the cosmetic appearances of the healed wound and donor site were satisfactory. The combination of these three perforator flaps enabled us to achieve a satisfactory outcome while avoiding skin grafts.