Salvage of Prosthetic Vascular Graft Infection in the Distal Thigh Using Free Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flap: A Case Report

Ann Vasc Surg. 2022 Mar:80:394.e1-394.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.avsg.2021.09.038. Epub 2021 Nov 12.

Abstract

Background: Prosthetic vascular graft infection (PVGI) in the distal thigh is a rare wound; thus, little is known about which muscle flaps are the most useful and cause less lower extremity morbidity in such cases. Moreover, very few reliable muscle flaps are available around the distal thigh.

Case report: We report the case of a 72-year-old woman suffering from a distal thigh wound with PVGI. The graft was successfully preserved after coverage with a free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous (LDM) flap.

Conclusions: The free LDM flap procedure is more challenging than local muscle flaps; however, a free LDM flap can be a feasible option for a distal thigh wound with PVGI with the advantage of the maintenance of walking capability by preserving the lower-limb muscles.

Keywords: Distal thigh; Free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap; Prosthetic vascular graft infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphedema / surgery
  • Myocutaneous Flap*
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / surgery
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / surgery*
  • Superficial Back Muscles / transplantation*
  • Thigh / blood supply*
  • Thigh / surgery