Objective:To summarize the methods and effects of utilizing the ilioinguinal flap in repairing the defect after the extended resection of the middle and lower abdominal wall or the groin region’s dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.Methods:From November 2011 to October 2018, nine patients (including five males) with the middle and lower abdominal wall or groin region’s dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans received extended resection procedures in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University. The age distribution of patients was 27-60 years old with a mean age of 44.3 years old. The defect area following the extended resection of the tumor ranged from 9.5 cm × 10.5 cm to 15.0 cm × 18.0 cm, and the size of the ilioinguinal flap ranged from 6.0 cm × 11.0 cm to 8.0 cm × 15.0 cm. Either an axial flap or a V-Y advancement flap was used to repair the defect. Five patients were treated with the unilateral ilioinguinal flap, two with the bilateral ilioinguinal flap combination flap, one with the ilioinguinal flap combined with the tensor fascia lata myocutaneous flap, and one with the ilioinguinal flap combined with the anterolateral thigh flap.Results:All defects were covered by flaps completely, and all donor sites were closed directly. Eight flaps survived completely without necrosis, while one case of ilioinguinal flap faced the distal necrosis, which was debrided and repaired with full-thickness skin grafting in the second stage. The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 1.0 to 8.5 years. No local recurrence or other distant metastases occurred. All reconstructed regions had a good outline and ordinary sense function.Conclusions:Almost all defects after the extended resection of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in the middle and lower abdominal wall or the groin region could be repaired with a unilateral or bilateral ilioinguinal flap, whose blood supply is stable and reliable. Moreover, the operation presented is simple, less time-consuming, safe, reliable, and with a satisfactory postoperative appearance.

Objective:To summarize the methods and effects of utilizing the ilioinguinal flap in repairing the defect after the extended resection of the middle and lower abdominal wall or the groin region’s dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.Methods:From November 2011 to October 2018, nine patients (including five males) with the middle and lower abdominal wall or groin region’s dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans received extended resection procedures in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University. The age distribution of patients was 27-60 years old with a mean age of 44.3 years old. The defect area following the extended resection of the tumor ranged from 9.5 cm × 10.5 cm to 15.0 cm × 18.0 cm, and the size of the ilioinguinal flap ranged from 6.0 cm × 11.0 cm to 8.0 cm × 15.0 cm. Either an axial flap or a V-Y advancement flap was used to repair the defect. Five patients were treated with the unilateral ilioinguinal flap, two with the bilateral ilioinguinal flap combination flap, one with the ilioinguinal flap combined with the tensor fascia lata myocutaneous flap, and one with the ilioinguinal flap combined with the anterolateral thigh flap.Results:All defects were covered by flaps completely, and all donor sites were closed directly. Eight flaps survived completely without necrosis, while one case of ilioinguinal flap faced the distal necrosis, which was debrided and repaired with full-thickness skin grafting in the second stage. The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 1.0 to 8.5 years. No local recurrence or other distant metastases occurred. All reconstructed regions had a good outline and ordinary sense function.Conclusions:Almost all defects after the extended resection of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in the middle and lower abdominal wall or the groin region could be repaired with a unilateral or bilateral ilioinguinal flap, whose blood supply is stable and reliable. Moreover, the operation presented is simple, less time-consuming, safe, reliable, and with a satisfactory postoperative appearance.