Taylor flap (Oblique Rectus Abdominus flap) for perineal reconstruction after abdominoperineal resection. Short and long terms morbidity. A single center series of 140 patients.

Background Abdominoperineal resection (APR) leads to a substantial loss of tissue and a high rate of complications. The Taylor flap is a musculocutaneous flap that is used in reconstruction after APR.Our objectives were to analyze the short and long-term morbidity of reconstruction with a Taylor flap (Oblique Rectus Abdominus flap) after APR and to identify the risk factors for post-operative complications. Methods All patients who had undergone APR with immediate reconstruction with a Taylor flap in our department, between July 2000 and June 2018, were included retrospectively. Demographics, oncological data, treatment and short and long-term morbidity were reviewed. Results Among the 140 patients included, there early minor complications were found in 42 patients (30%), and 14 early major complications (10%) were found. Total necrosis of the flap requiring its removal occurred in four patients (2.8%). Eleven patients (7.9%) presented with an incision hernia along midline and seven patients (5%) presented with a subcostal incision hernia. No perineal hernia was found. No risk factor for complication were found. Conclusion The Taylor flap is a safe procedure with few complications and limited donor site morbidity. Moreover, it prevents perineal hernias. These results confirm that the Taylor flap is a well-suited procedure for reconstruction after APR.