The scrotal and perineal area serves a special function.
It is the pelvic outlet for the gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, and sexual function. In the male, the scrotum allows testicular mobility to reduce trauma and allow optimal thermal regulation for spermatogenesis. Trauma, infection, and cancer resection create defects that require reconstruction. The reconstructive goal here is to obtain durable coverage, function, and lastly aesthetic outcome. Pedicled local and regional flaps are the mainstay for this area. Due to the special function and appearance of the scrotum, reconstructive options for total scrotal defect always fall far short of the native scrotum. On the other hand, perineal reconstruction is overall satisfactory.
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Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Reference: Semin Plast Surg. 2011 Aug;25(3):213-20.
doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1281491
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22851913
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