Harvesting autologous fascia lata for pelvic reconstructive surgery: techniques and morbidity.
OBJECTIVE
To determine donor site morbidity associated with harvesting of fascia lata.


METHODS
We reviewed medical records and evaluated responses to mailed questionnaires from all patients who underwent fascia lata harvesting during a 54-month period. Data were collected about immediate complications and long-term morbidity related to the donor site.


RESULTS
The study comprised 71 patients. Immediate postoperative complications were limited to 1 (1%) hematoma that required drainage, 2 (3%) seromas, and 5 (7%) cases of cellulitis that required oral antibiotics. Questionnaire response rate was 77%, with a mean follow-up of 25 months. Of the responders, 22 (40%) reported mild symptoms, 3 (5%) reported clinically significant symptoms related to the donor leg, and 7 (13%) expressed dissatisfaction because of unacceptable cosmesis (n = 5), leg discomfort (n = 5), or both.


CONCLUSIONS
There was little immediate postoperative morbidity. Although many patients may be expected to report long-term symptoms related to the donor leg, these symptoms are generally mild, and the incidence of patient dissatisfaction is relatively low.
Walter
A J
AJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA.
Hentz
J G
JG
Magrina
J F
JF
Cornella
J L
JL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000209:etiology; D004954:Esthetics; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D005206:Fascia Lata / Q000637:transplantation; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous