Management of Acquired Soft Tissue Defects of Groin and Genitalia

Abstract

Background: The defects of the groin and the genitalia are complex and pose a challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. These defects may arise out of a variety of insults which include – extirpative oncologic surgeries, necrotizing fasciitis, post burn defects, post traumatic defects including road traffic accidents and animal bites etc. Objectives: To study the epidemiology of the acquired soft tissue defects of the groin and genitalia. To evaluate the role of various reconstructive modalities for the acquired soft tissue defects of groin and genitalia. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Govt. Medical College Jammu, J&K, India and included 25 patients admitted with acquired soft-tissue defects of groin and genitalia over a period extending from November 2018 to October 2019 (Prospective study). Personal and demographic data of the patient was noted. A detailed history regarding the cause of the defect along with history of trauma, discharge and bleed from the site was taken. Any past history of surgery and irradiation of the region was noted. The patients having soft tissue defects of the groin and genitalia secondary to the release of post burn contracture were subjected to the detailed history as regards cause of burn, treatment taken and time taken for burn wounds to heal. Examination included general physical examination along with the local wound condition which included site, size, discharge, slough, granulation tissue and any exposed vital structures such as vessels/ nerves. A hemogram, assessment of blood sugar, renal function (blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine), coagulation profile, blood grouping, viral markers, chest x-ray and ECG were done as a part of routine pre-operative investigations. Wound swab was sent for culture. Biopsy was taken wherever required. Analysis of report of any previously taken biopsy was done. Split thickness skin grafting was the modality of coverage utilized in 56% cases followed by flap coverage in 32% cases. 12% of the defects were closed primarily. Results: Majority of the patients had durable coverage of the defects of groin/genitalia and the coverage modality was acceptable to the patient as regards aesthesis and functional outcome. No major complication was encountered in any of the patients. Conclusion: The reconstruction of the soft tissue defects of groin and genitalia need a meticulous examination and planning of reconstructive modality which may include skin grafting or a flap coverage.