Fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh flaps for complex abdominal wall reconstruction after resection of enterocutaneous fistulas and the role of indocyanine green angiography: a pilot study

PURPOSE: No previous study reported the use of a fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap combined with a biological mesh for abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) after enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) in a single-staged procedure and the use of Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICGA) intraoperatively. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and safety of this procedure and to examine the added value of ICGA in minimizing postoperative complications. METHODS: A single-institution review of a prospectively maintained database was conducted at Maastricht University Medical Center. To evaluate the feasibility and safety of this procedure, early (≤ 30 days) and late (> 30 days) postoperative complications were assessed. ECF recurrence was considered the primary outcome. To examine the added value of ICGA, complications in the ICGA group and the non-ICGA group were compared descriptively. RESULTS: Ten consecutive patients, with a mean age of 66.7 years, underwent a single-staged AWR with fasciocutaneous ALT flaps. Mean follow-up was 17.4 months (4.3–28.2). Two early ECF recurrences were observed. Both restored without the need for reoperation. A lower rate of early complications was observed in the ICGA group compared to the non-ICGA group. CONCLUSION: The combination of a biological mesh and fasciocutaneous ALT flap is feasible and safe in AWR after ECF repair in a single-staged approach, with an acceptable complication rate in a cohort of complex patients operated in a dedicated center. ECF closure was achieved in all patients. ICGA seems to be of great added value in minimizing postoperative complications during AWR. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s10029-020-02167-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.