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Background: Although obesity has previously been associated with poor outcomes after mastectomy and breast reconstruction, its impact across the WHO obesity classification spectrum and the differential effects of various optimization strategies on patient outcomes have yet to be delineated. We sought to examine the impact of WHO obesity classification on intraoperative surgical and medical complications, postoperative surgical and patient-reported outcomes of mastectomy and autologous breast reconstruction, and delineate outcomes optimization strategies for obese patients., Study Design: This is a review of consecutive patients who underwent mastectomy and autologous breast reconstruction from 2016 to 2022. Primary outcomes were complication rates. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcomes and optimal management strategies., Results: We identified 1,640 mastectomies and reconstructions in 1,240 patients with mean follow-up of 24.2 ± 19.2 months. Patients with class II/III obesity had higher adjusted risk of wound dehiscence (odds ratio [OR] 3.20; p < 0.001), skin flap necrosis (OR 2.60; p < 0.001), deep venous thrombosis (OR 3.90; p < 0.033), and pulmonary embolism (OR 15.3; p = 0.001) than nonobese patients. Obese patients demonstrated significantly lower satisfaction with breasts (67.3 ± 27.7 vs 73.7 ± 24.0; p = 0.043) and psychological well-being (72.4 ± 27.0 vs 82.0 ± 20.8; p = 0.001) than nonobese patients. Unilateral delayed reconstructions were associated with independently shorter hospital stay (β -0.65; p = 0.002) and lower adjusted risk of 30-day readmission (OR 0.45; p = 0.031), skin flap necrosis (OR 0.14; p = 0.031), and pulmonary embolism (OR 0.07; p = 0.021)., Conclusions: Obese women should be closely monitored for adverse events and lower quality of life, offered measures to optimize thromboembolic prophylaxis, and advised on the risks and benefits of unilateral delayed reconstruction., (Copyright © 2023 by the American College of Surgeons. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Despite advancements in abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) techniques, hernia recurrences (HRs), surgical site occurrences (SSOs), and unplanned hospital readmissions persist. We sought to develop, validate, and evaluate machine learning (ML) algorithms for predicting complications after AWR., Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of patients who underwent AWR from March 2005 to June 2019. Nine supervised ML algorithms were developed to preoperatively predict HR, SSOs, and 30-day readmission. Patient data were partitioned into training (80%) and testing (20%) sets., Results: We identified 725 patients (52% women), with a mean age of 60 ± 11.5 years, mean body mass index of 31 ± 7 kg/m2, and mean follow-up time of 42 ± 29 months. The HR rate was 12.8%, SSO rate was 30%, and 30-day readmission rate was 10.9%. ML models demonstrated good discriminatory performance for predicting HR (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.71), SSOs (AUC 0.75), and 30-day readmission (AUC 0.74). ML models achieved mean accuracy rates of 85% (95% CI 80% to 90%), 72% (95% CI 64% to 80%), and 84% (95% CI 77% to 90%) for predicting HR, SSOs, and 30-day readmission, respectively. ML identified and characterized 4 unique significant predictors of HR, 12 of SSOs, and 3 of 30-day readmission. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that ML models have a superior net benefit regardless of the probability threshold., Conclusions: ML algorithms trained on readily available preoperative clinical data accurately predicted complications of AWR. Our findings support incorporating ML models into the preoperative assessment of patients undergoing AWR to provide data-driven, patient-specific risk assessment., (Copyright © 2022 by the American College of Surgeons. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Patients with contaminated/dirty-infected defects are at high risk for postoperative complications after abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). We evaluated outcomes of AWR using acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for mesh reinforcement and identified predictors of hernia recurrence (HR), surgical site occurrences (SSOs), and surgical site infections (SSIs)., Study Design: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent AWR using ADM, from March 2005 to June 2019. Outcomes were compared between Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wound classifications. The primary outcome measure was HR. Secondary outcomes were SSOs and SSIs., Results: We identified 725 AWRs using ADM that met the study criteria. Participants had a mean age of 60 ± 11.5 years, mean BMI of 31 ± 7 kg/m 2 , and mean follow-up time of 42 ± 29 months. Three hundred two patients (41.6%) had clean defects, 322 patients (44.4%) had clean-contaminated defects, and 101 patients (13.9%) had contaminated/dirty-infected defects. Patients with contaminated/dirty-infected defects had an HR rate of 20.8%, SSO rate of 54.5%, and SSI rate of 23.8%. Multivariate logistic regression found that contaminated/dirty-infected defects were independent predictors of SSOs (OR 2.99; 95% CI 1.72-5.18; p < 0.0001) and SSIs (OR 2.32; 95% CI 1.27-4.25; p = 0.006), but not HR (OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.57-1.98; p = 0.859)., Conclusions: SSIs and SSOs increase as contamination levels rise, but the risk of HR does not. AWR with ADM provides safe and durable outcomes, even with increasing levels of contamination., (Copyright © 2021 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: A growing body of evidence supports the efficacy of surgical treatments for lymphedema. This study reports the outcomes of vascularized lymph node transplantation (VLNT) for the treatment of patients with lymphedema compared with maximal conservative treatment alone., Study Design: Consecutive patients undergoing VLNT to treat primary and secondary lymphedema affecting the upper or lower extremities were included. All patients were optimized preoperatively with conservative therapy. Demographic and treatment information was collected, and outcomes data were electronically captured prospectively; descriptive statistics were performed., Results: There were 134 patients included that had achieved maximal reductions by conservative therapy preoperatively. This series included jejunal mesenteric (n = 25), groin (n = 43), lateral thoracic (n = 31), omental or right gastroepiploic (n = 21), and submental (n = 14) VLN flaps. At 24 months postoperatively, there were significant reductions in limb volume change (mean [SD] 45.7% [8.7%]; p = 0.002) LDex score (mean [SD] 59.8% [8.7%]; p < 0.001), Lymphedema Life Impact Scale score (mean [SD] 61.6% [5.9]; p < 0.001), and cellulitis episodes (97.9%; p < 0.001). At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, limb volume change was significantly greater for the upper than the lower extremity, otherwise outcomes were similar. There were no flap losses and overall outcomes were similar between the different VLN flap types., Conclusions: Treatment of lymphedema using VLNT resulted in progressive, significant reductions in limb volume, bioimpedance spectroscopy measurements of extracellular fluid, and episodes of cellulitis, with improved patient-reported outcomes and limb function measures compared with maximal conservative therapy alone. The complication rate was low and there were no significant outcomes differences between the VLNT types., (Copyright © 2021 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Lateral abdominal wall (LAW) myofascial defects are a challenging reconstructive problem, and no consensus exists on their surgical management. We hypothesized that mesh repairs anchored to the nonyielding LAW boundaries (pillar-anchored repairs [PARs]) would provide more durable reconstructions, with lower hernia recurrence and bulge occurrence rates, compared with mesh repairs anchored to the surrounding oblique muscle complexes (direct repairs [DRs])., Study Design: We retrospectively reviewed LAW reconstructions at a single center from 2004 to 2010. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether they had received a PAR or a DR. The primary outcome measure was hernia recurrence. The secondary outcome measures were surgical site occurrences (SSOs), surgical site infections (SSIs), and reoperations for complications., Results: We analyzed 106 consecutive patients with LAW reconstructions (PAR, 59 DR, 47). The median follow-up time was 28.1 months (PAR, 24.5 months; DR, 34.5 months). The baseline demographics were similar in the groups. Nineteen hernia recurrences were observed (PAR, 5 [8.5%]; DR, 14 [29.8%]; p = 0.033, log-rank test). The "closure type" (bridged vs reinforced repair), "mesh type" or "defect area" were not associated with hernia recurrence or bulge occurrence. The groups did not differ significantly regarding SSOs, SSIs, or reoperations for complications. In the multivariable Cox proportional regression model, PAR provided a 3.5 times lower risk of hernia recurrence than DR (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.28; 95% CI 0.09 to 0.88; p = 0.03)., Conclusions: The PAR technique is superior to DR for reconstructing LAW defects in order to achieve the lowest hernia recurrence rates in this complex patient population., (Copyright © 2019 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Long-term outcomes data for hernia recurrence rates after abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term durability of AWR using ADM., Study Design: We studied patients who underwent AWR with ADM at a single center in 2005 to 2015 with a minimum follow-up of 36 months. Hernia recurrence was the primary end point and surgical site occurrence (SSO) was a secondary end point. The recurrence-free survival curves were estimated by Kaplan-Meier product limit method. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations of risk factors at surgery with subsequent risks for hernia recurrence and SSO, respectively., Results: A total of 512 patients underwent AWR with ADM. After excluding those with follow-up less than 36 months, 191 patients were included, with a median follow-up of 52.9 months (range 36 to 104 months). Twenty-six of 191 patients had a hernia recurrence documented in the study. The cumulative recurrence rates were 11.5% at 3 years and 14.6% by 5 years. Factors significantly predictive of hernia recurrence developing included bridged repair, wound skin dehiscence, use of human cadaveric ADM, and coronary disease; component separation was protective. In a subset analysis excluding bridged repairs and human cadaveric ADM patients, cumulative hernia recurrence rates were 6.4% by 3 years and 8.3% by 5 years. The crude rate of SSO was 25.1% (48 of 191). Factors significantly predictive of the incidence of SSO included at least 1 comorbidity, BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 , and defect width >15 cm., Conclusions: Use of ADM for AWR was associated with 11.5% and 14.6% hernia recurrence rates at 3- and 5-years follow-up, respectively. Avoiding bridged repairs and human cadaveric ADM can improve long-term AWR outcomes using ADM., (Copyright © 2016 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The optimal strategy for abdominal wall reconstruction in the presence of a stomal-site hernia is unclear. We hypothesized that the rate of ventral hernia recurrence in patients undergoing a combined ventral hernia repair and stomal-site herniorraphy would not differ clinically from the ventral hernia recurrence rate in patients undergoing an isolated ventral hernia repair. We also hypothesized that bridged ventral hernia repairs result in worse outcomes compared with reinforced repairs, regardless of stomal hernia., Study Design: We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data from consecutive abdominal wall reconstructions performed with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) at a single center between 2000 and 2015. We compared patients who underwent a ventral hernia repair alone (AWR) and those who underwent both a ventral hernia repair and ostomy-associated herniorraphy (AWR+O). We conducted a propensity score matched analysis to compare the outcomes between the 2 groups. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models were used to study associations between potential predictive or protective reconstructive strategies and surgical outcomes., Results: We included 499 patients (median follow-up 27.2 months; interquartile range [IQR] 12.4 to 46.6 months), 118 AWR+O and 381 AWR. After propensity score matching, 91 pairs were obtained. Ventral hernia recurrence was not statistically associated with ostomy-associated herniorraphy (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.7; 95% CI 0.3 to 1.5; p = 0.34). However, the AWR+O group experienced a significantly higher percentage of surgical site occurrences (34.1%) than the AWR group (18.7%; adjusted odds ratio 2.3; 95% CI 1.4 to 3.7; p < 0.001). In the AWR group, there were significantly fewer ventral hernia recurrences when the repair was reinforced compared with bridged (5.3% vs 38.5%; p < 0.001)., Conclusions: There was no statistically significant difference in ventral hernia recurrence between the AWR and AWR+O groups. Bridging was associated with an increased rate of hernia recurrence and should be avoided if possible., (Copyright © 2016 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The optimal type of mesh for complex abdominal wall reconstruction has not been elucidated. We hypothesized that AWRs using acellular dermal matrix (ADM) experience low rates of surgical site occurrence (SSO) and surgical site infection, despite increasing degrees of wound contamination., Study Design: We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data from consecutive abdominal wall reconstructions with ADM over a 9-year period. Outcomes of abdominal wall reconstructions were compared between patients with different CDC wound classifications. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses identified potential associations and predictive/protective factors., Results: The 359 patients had a mean follow-up of 28.3 ± 19.0 months. Reconstruction of clean wounds (n = 171) required fewer reoperations than that of combined contaminated (n = 188) wounds (2.3% vs 11.2%; p = 0.001) and trended toward experiencing fewer SSOs (19.9% vs 28.7%, p = 0.052). There were no significant differences between clean and combined contaminated cases in 30-day SSI (8.8% vs 8.0%), hernia recurrence (9.9% vs 10.1%), and mesh removal (1.2% vs 1.1%) rates. Independent predictors of SSO included body mass index ≥30 kg/m(2) (odds ratio [OR] 3.6; p < 0.001), 1 or more comorbidities (OR 2.5; p = 0.008), and defect width ≥15 cm (OR 1.8; p = 0.02)., Conclusions: Complex abdominal wall reconstructions using ADM demonstrated similar rates of complications between the different CDC wound classifications. This is in contradistinction to published outcomes for abdominal wall reconstruction using synthetic mesh that show progressively higher complication rates with increasing degrees of contamination. These data support the use of ADM rather than synthetic mesh for complex abdominal wall reconstruction in the setting of wound contamination., (Copyright © 2014 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Many surgeons believe that primary fascial closure with mesh reinforcement should be the goal of abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR), yet others have reported acceptable outcomes when mesh is used to bridge the fascial edges. It has not been clearly shown how the outcomes for these techniques differ. We hypothesized that bridged repairs result in higher hernia recurrence rates than mesh-reinforced repairs that achieve fascial coaptation., Study Design: We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data from consecutive patients with 1 year or more of follow-up, who underwent midline AWR between 2000 and 2011 at a single center. We compared surgical outcomes between patients with bridged and mesh-reinforced fascial repairs. The primary outcomes measure was hernia recurrence. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors predictive of or protective for complications., Results: We included 222 patients (195 mesh-reinforced and 27 bridged repairs) with a mean follow-up of 31.1 ± 14.2 months. The bridged repairs were associated with a significantly higher risk of hernia recurrence (56% vs 8%; hazard ratio [HR] 9.5; p < 0.001) and a higher overall complication rate (74% vs 32%; odds ratio [OR] 3.9; p < 0.001). The interval to recurrence was more than 9 times shorter in the bridged group (HR 9.5; p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis identified bridged repair and defect width > 15 cm to be independent predictors of hernia recurrence (HR 7.3; p < 0.001 and HR 2.5; p = 0.028, respectively)., Conclusions: Mesh-reinforced AWRs with primary fascial coaptation resulted in fewer hernia recurrences and fewer overall complications than bridged repairs. Surgeons should make every effort to achieve primary fascial coaptation to reduce complications., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: The propensity of desmoid tumors to develop in scars has led some surgeons to limit the complexity of desmoid defect reconstruction as a strategy for avoiding desmoid recurrence. We hypothesized that desmoid recurrence rates are similar despite the magnitude of reconstruction., Study Design: We retrospectively compared recurrence rates between patients who underwent reconstruction and patients who underwent primary closure without reconstruction after desmoid tumor resection in consecutive patients for 15 years. Univariate and multivariate regression analyzed associations between patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics and outcomes., Results: We included 164 consecutive patients (80 [49%] reconstructions vs 84 [51%] primary closures). Mean follow-up duration was 7.1 ± 4.5 years. Patients who underwent reconstruction had more desmoids in an area of earlier trauma or surgery (p < 0.001), greater defect volume (p < 0.01), longer operative time (p < 0.001) and hospital stay (p < 0.001), and more postoperative complications (p = 0.015) compared with the primary closure group. Despite these differences, desmoid recurrence rates were similar for the reconstruction and primary closure groups (30% and 29%, respectively; p = 0.7), as was mean time to tumor recurrence, and no tumors recurred within flap donor sites. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated the 45F mutation to be the only independent predictor of recurrence (hazard ratio = 1.87; p = 0.04)., Conclusions: Rates of desmoid recurrence in resection defects are similar for primary closures and complex reconstructions. Therefore, surgeons should not limit the magnitude of reconstructions in an attempt to avoid tumor recurrence. However, given the propensity of desmoids to recur, reconstructions should allow for the possibility of future resections and reconstructions, particularly in tumors with 45F gene mutations., (Copyright © 2013 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The optimal strategy for oncologic sternectomy reconstruction has not been well characterized. We hypothesized that the major factors driving the reconstructive strategy for oncologic sternectomy include the need for skin replacement, extent of the bony sternectomy defect, and status of the internal mammary vessels., Study Design: We reviewed consecutive oncologic sternectomy reconstructions performed at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center during a 10-year period. Regression models analyzed associations between patient, defect, and treatment factors and outcomes to identify patient and treatment selection criteria. We developed a generalized management algorithm based on these data., Results: Forty-nine consecutive patients underwent oncologic sternectomy reconstruction (mean follow-up 18 ± 23 months). More sternectomies were partial (74%) rather than total/subtotal (26%). Most defects (n = 40 [82%]) required skeletal reconstruction. Pectoralis muscle flaps were most commonly used for sternectomies with intact overlying skin (64%) and infrequently used when a presternal skin defect was present (36%; p = 0.06). Free flaps were more often used for total/subtotal vs partial sternectomy defects (75% vs 25%, respectively; p = 0.02). Complication rates for total/subtotal sternectomy and partial sternectomy were equivalent (46% vs 44%, respectively; p = 0.92)., Conclusions: Despite more extensive sternal resections, total/subtotal sternectomies resulted in equivalent postoperative complications when combined with the appropriate soft-tissue reconstruction. Good surgical and oncologic outcomes can be achieved with defect-characteristic-matched reconstructive strategies for these complex oncologic sternectomy resections., (Copyright © 2013 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Minimally invasive component separation (CS) with inlay bioprosthetic mesh (MICSIB) is a recently developed technique for abdominal wall reconstruction that preserves the rectus abdominis perforators and minimizes subcutaneous dead space using limited-access tunneled incisions. We hypothesized that MICSIB would result in better surgical outcomes than conventional open CS., Study Design: All consecutive patients who underwent CS (open or minimally invasive) with inlay bioprosthetic mesh for ventral hernia repair from 2005 to 2010 were included in a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Surgical outcomes, including wound-healing complications, hernia recurrences, and abdominal bulge/laxity rates, were compared between patient groups based on the type of CS repair, either MICSIB or open., Results: Fifty-seven patients who underwent MICSIB and 50 who underwent open CS were included. Mean follow-ups were 15.2 ± 7.7 months and 20.7 ± 14.3 months, respectively. Mean fascial defect size was significantly larger in the MICSIB group (405.4 ± 193.6 cm(2) vs 273.8 ± 186.8 cm(2); p = 0.002). The incidences of skin dehiscence (11% vs 28%; p = 0.011), all wound-healing complications (14% vs 32%; p = 0.026), abdominal wall laxity/bulge (4% vs 14%; p = 0.056), and hernia recurrence (4% vs 8%; p = 0.3) were lower in the MICSIB group than in the open CS group., Conclusions: MICSIB resulted in fewer wound-healing complications than did open CS used for complex abdominal wall reconstructions. These findings are likely attributable to the preservation of paramedian skin vascularity and reduction in subcutaneous dead space with MICSIB. MICSIB should be considered for complex abdominal wall reconstructions, particularly in patients at increased risk of wound-healing complications., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Component separation (CS) is an effective technique for reconstructing complex abdominal wall defects. Violation of the rectus abdominis complex is considered a contraindication for CS, but we hypothesized that patients have similar outcomes with or without rectus complex violation., Study Design: We retrospectively studied all consecutive patients who underwent CS for abdominal wall reconstruction during 8 years and compared outcomes of patients with and without rectus violation. Primary outcomes measures included complications and hernia recurrence. Logistic regression analysis identified potential associations between patient, defect, and reconstructive characteristics and surgical outcomes., Results: One hundred sixty-nine patients were included: 115 (68%) with and 54 (32%) without rectus violation. Mean follow-up was 21.3 ± 14.5 months. Patient and defect characteristics were similar, except for the rectus violation group having a higher body mass index. Overall complication rates were similar in the violation (24.3%) and nonviolation (24.0%) groups, as were the respective rates of recurrent hernia (7.8% vs 9.2%; p = 0.79), abdominal bulge (3.5% vs 5.6%; p = 0.71), skin dehiscence (20.0% vs 22.2%; p = 0.74), skin necrosis (6.1% vs 3.7%; p = 0.72), cellulitis (7.8% vs 9.2%; p = 0.75), and abscess (12.3% vs 9.2%; p = 0.58). Regression analysis demonstrated body mass index to be the only factor predictive of complications., Conclusions: CS surgical outcomes were similar whether or not the rectus complex was violated. To our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate the effects of rectus violation on surgical outcomes in CS patients. Surgeons should not routinely avoid CS when the rectus complex is violated., (Copyright © 2012 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Porcine acellular dermal matrices (PADMs) have been used clinically for abdominal wall repair. The newer non-cross-linked PADMs, however, have not been directly compared with cross-linked PADMs. We hypothesized that chemical cross-linking affects the biologic host response to PADMs used to repair ventral hernias., Study Design: Fifty-eight guinea pigs underwent inlay repair of surgically created ventral hernias using cross-linked or non-cross-linked PADM. After animals were sacrificed at 1, 2, or 4 weeks, the tenacity of and surface area involved by adhesions to the repair sites were measured. Sections of the repair sites, including the bioprosthesis-musculofascia interface, underwent histologic analysis of cellular and vascular infiltration plus mechanical testing., Results: Compared with cross-linked PADM repairs, non-cross-linked PADM repairs had a significantly lower mean tenacity grade of adhesions at all timepoints and mean adhesion surface area at week 1. Mean cellular and vascular densities were significantly higher in non-cross-linked PADM at all timepoints. Cells and vessels readily infiltrated into the center of non-cross-linked PADM, but encapsulated cross-linked PADM, with a paucity of penetration into it. Mechanical properties were similar for the two PADMs (in isolation) at all timepoints; however, at the bioprosthesis-musculofascia interface, both elastic modulus and ultimate tensile strength were significantly higher at weeks 1 and 2 for non-cross-linked PADM., Conclusions: Non-cross-linked PADM is rapidly infiltrated with host cells and vessels; cross-linked PADM becomes encapsulated. Non-cross-linked PADM causes weaker adhesions to repair sites while increasing the mechanical strength of the bioprosthesis-musculofascia interface at early timepoints. Non-cross-linked PADM may have early clinical advantages over cross-linked PADM for bioprosthetic abdominal wall reconstruction., (Copyright 2010 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Perineal wound complications after chemoradiotherapy and abdominoperineal resection (APR) for anorectal cancer occur in up to 60% of patients, including perineal abscess and wound dehiscence. Vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flaps have been used in an attempt to reduce these complications by obliterating the noncollapsible dead space with vascularized tissue and closing the perineal skin defect with nonirradiated flap skin. Many surgeons are reluctant to use VRAM flaps unless primary closure is not possible., Study Design: All patients who underwent chemoradiotherapy and APR during a 12-year period at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center were retrospectively reviewed. Patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics and surgical complications and outcomes were compared between patients who underwent VRAM flap reconstruction of wounds that could have been closed primarily (flap group, n = 35) and those who had primary closure of the perineal wound (control group, n = 76)., Results: Overall, there were no significant differences in the incidence of perineal wound complications between the groups; the flap group had a significantly lower incidence of perineal abscess (9% versus 37%, p = 0.002), major perineal wound dehiscence (9% versus 30%, p = 0.014), and drainage procedures required for perineal/pelvic fluid collections (3% versus 25%, p = 0.003) than the control group had. Despite flap harvest and the need for donor site closure in the flap group, there was no significant difference in abdominal wall complications between groups during the study's mean patient followup of 3.8 years., Conclusions: VRAM flap reconstruction of irradiated APR defects reduces major perineal wound complications without increasing early abdominal wall complications. Strong consideration should be given to immediate VRAM flap reconstruction after chemoradiation and APR.