Abdominal wall and foot reconstruction after extensive desmoid tumor resection with free tissue transfer

Abstract

Background: Desmoid tumors are rare connective tissue tumors, also referred to as deep, aggressive fibromatosis. Although histologically benign, they show an invasive growth behavior and have a high local recurrence rate. Methods: The treatment of choice is surgical resection with wide negative margins, while the use of radiotherapy remains controversial. Wide resection of greater desmoid tumors may result in considerable defects and functional impairment. Few papers discuss different options for defect coverage after desmoid tumor resection. Two cases of extensive desmoid tumors, one at the trunk, one at the foot, both with compromised wound margins due to multiple previous surgeries, are presented. To achieve a stable and functional soft tissue cover, the defects were treated with microvascular soft tissue transfer (one free latissimus dorsi, one free radial forearm flap). Results: Both flaps healed uneventfully and patients regained full function of the abdominal wall and foot, respectively. Conclusions: The presented cases demonstrate the efficacy of free flap coverage as an ultimate therapeutic option in selected cases of critical defects after extra-abdominal desmoid tumor resection. Furthermore, free flaps provide a well vascularized ground for adjuvant radiotherapy.