Vacuum-Assisted Incisional Closure Therapy after Groin Reconstruction with Muscle Flap

Background Groin reconstruction with muscle flap coverage is associated with high wound complication rates. Incisional vacuum-assisted closure (iVAC) therapy may lower wound complications. We evaluated the impact of iVAC on postoperative outcomes in patients following groin reconstruction with muscle flap coverage. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent groin reconstruction with muscle flap coverage in 2012-2018. Patients were divided into those who received iVAC therapy and those who received standard sterile dressings (SSD). Results Of the 57 patients included, most received iVAC therapy (71%, n = 41) and the rest received SSD (28%, n = 16). The iVAC group had higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and peripheral artery disease (p < 0.05). However, iVAC patients had comparable length of hospital stay (12 vs 8.5 days p = 0.0735), reoperations (34% vs 31%, p = 0.8415), and readmissions (32% vs 37%, p = 0.6801) with SSD patients. iVAC placement was less likely in prophylactic flaps (odds ratio 0.08, p = 0.0049). Conclusion Patients with a prophylactic flap were less likely to receive vacuum therapy, which may highlight a selection bias where surgeons pre-emptively use iVAC therapy in surgical candidates identified as high risk. The pre-emptive use of iVAC may minimize adverse postoperative outcomes in high-risk patients.