Evaluation of cutaneous sensibility of the internal pudendal artery perforator (IPAP) flap after perineal reconstructions

Summary Background In oncological perineal reconstructions, the internal pudendal artery perforator (IPAP) flap is our flap of choice, supplied by perforator vessels from the internal pudendal artery and innervated by branches from the pudendal nerve and the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. Data related to the evaluation of its cutaneous sensibility are scarce, discrepant, and subject to methodological criticism. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the cutaneous sensibility of the IPAP flap 12 months after perineal reconstruction and compare it with the preoperative cutaneous sensibility of the gluteal fold (flap donor area). Methods A prospective study of 25 patients undergoing abdominoperineal excision of rectum (APER) and reconstruction with bilateral VY advancement IPAP flap was conducted. The tactile, pain, thermal, and vibration sensibilities were analyzed in four areas of the gluteal fold preoperatively and in the four corresponding areas of the flap 12 months after surgery. Tactile sensibility was assessed using the Pressure Specified Sensory Device™ (PSSD™), which measures the pressure applied to the skin. The other types of sensibility were analyzed using a needle for pain, hot/cold contact for thermal, and a tuning fork for vibration sensibility. Results A comparison between tactile sensibility thresholds on the gluteal fold preoperatively and on the flap 12 months after surgery showed no statistically significant difference, with p values >0.05 in all four areas evaluated. All patients had preserved pain, thermal, and vibration sensibility in all four areas, postoperatively. Conclusion In oncological perineal reconstructions after APER, it is expected that the cutaneous sensibility on the IPAP flap be maintained.