INTRODUCTION: Grafts and flaps have been widely used to reconstruct scrotal defects due to Fournier's gangrene. Controversy still exists concerning the use of grafts and flaps because of the low protection provided by the grafts and the high volume of the flaps. We describe the use of an expanded groin flap for scrotum reconstruction. TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Three patients were treated for total scrotal tissue loss using this method. An expander was installed through an incision from the inferolateral aspect of the groin, and superthin flaps obtained after 3 weeks were dissected starting from the medial side. Care was taken during dissection, because the skin was thin on the lateral side, and dissection was performed in a subfascial fashion. Finally, the defect was covered with the lateral part of the expanded flap and the donor site was primarily closed. CONCLUSIONS: To cover the testes, both the aesthetic and functional state should be taken into consideration. Therefore, a thin and durable cover is required for scrotal reconstruction. The expanded superthin groin flap possesses these features and is a good option.
INTRODUCTION: Grafts and flaps have been widely used to reconstruct scrotal defects due to Fournier's gangrene. Controversy still exists concerning the use of grafts and flaps because of the low protection provided by the grafts and the high volume of the flaps. We describe the use of an expanded groin flap for scrotum reconstruction. TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Three patients were treated for total scrotal tissue loss using this method. An expander was installed through an incision from the inferolateral aspect of the groin, and superthin flaps obtained after 3 weeks were dissected starting from the medial side. Care was taken during dissection, because the skin was thin on the lateral side, and dissection was performed in a subfascial fashion. Finally, the defect was covered with the lateral part of the expanded flap and the donor site was primarily closed. CONCLUSIONS: To cover the testes, both the aesthetic and functional state should be taken into consideration. Therefore, a thin and durable cover is required for scrotal reconstruction. The expanded superthin groin flap possesses these features and is a good option.