Use of the scrotum as a transposition flap for closure of surgical wounds in three dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To describe use of the scrotum as a pedicle flap to cover defects created by tumor excision in the perineum or caudal and medial aspect of the thigh.


METHODS
Clinical study.


METHODS
Three dogs.


METHODS
After tumor excision and prescrotal castration, an incision was made around the base of the scrotum, leaving a pedicle on the side opposite the skin defect. After removal of the tunica dartos and abdominal fascia, the scrotal skin was stretched and shaped to the defect, then sutured in position with a simple interrupted pattern. Bandages that were changed every 48 hours compressed the flaps, and healing was observed until sutures were removed.


RESULTS
Two dogs had first intention healing in 15 days, whereas 1 dog developed necrosis of 10% of the flap, and this area healed by second intention.


CONCLUSIONS
In male dogs, the scrotal skin can be used as a pedicle flap for reconstructive surgery of wounds in the perineum and the proximomedial and caudal aspect of the thigh.


CONCLUSIONS
The perineal region remains a surgical challenge because of the lack of the available skin for reconstruction of surgical wounds. The scrotal skin should be considered for use as a transposition flap to cover skin defects in this region.
Matera
Julia Maria
JM
Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil. materave@usp.br
Tatarunas
Angélica Cecília
AC
Fantoni
Denise Tabacchi
DT
Vasconcellos
Carmen Helena de Carvalho
CH
D000236:Adenoma / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005354:Fibrosarcoma / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D006614:Hindlimb; D008297:Male; D012515:Mast-Cell Sarcoma / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D010502:Perineum; D012611:Scrotum; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000662:veterinary*