Lateral thoracic fasciocutaneous flap for reconstruction of axillary defects after resection of hidradenitis suppurativa: a series of 10 cases

INTRODUCTION: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic follicular inflammation that presents varied clinical features, from isolated small nodules to several abscessed lesions, with formation of fistulas and scars. The axillary region is one of the most frequently affected areas. The objective is to evaluate a series of patients with HS in the axillary region who underwent extensive surgical excision and reconstruction with a lateral thoracic fasciocutaneous flap. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients who underwent treatment between 2010 and 2012 was conducted. RESULTS: Ten patients were operated, of whom two had bilateral involvement, totaling 12 procedures. The mean progression time before the surgical indication was 38 months. The mean defect size after the resection was 10 x 9 cm. The mean size of the flaps was 15 x 10 cm. With regard to early complications, two cases of dehiscence (axillary region) and one case of partial epitheliolysis (distal segment of the flap) were observed. CONCLUSION: We observed that dissection of lateral thoracic fasciocutaneous flaps is not technically difficult and does not present significant functional or aesthetic sequelae in the donor area, making it a reliable and versatile option for reconstruction of larger axillary defects.