Pedicled chimeric superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap with external oblique fascia for vesicocutaneous bladder fistula repair: A case report and literature review on the utility of pedicled chimeric SCIP

Following its initial description by Koshima in 2004, the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap has become a ubiquitous and extremely useful flap in coverage of defects whereby bulkiness must be avoided. It also allows direct closure and concealment of the donor site. Its use as a free tissue transfer has been demonstrated by various surgeons globally. Nevertheless, there are few cases illustrating the utility of the pedicled SCIP flap in the reconstruction of lower abdominal defects. We present a case of a pedicled SCIP flap utilized as a chimeric flap incorporating external oblique muscle fascia on a deep branch along with the typical fasciocutaneous component based on the superficial branch to cover the suprapubic defect after vesicocutaneous fistula repair. We thereafter report on the literature of pedicled chimeric SCIP flap for locoregional reconstruction. A 26-year-old female was referred to the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery unit after suffering a functional bladder outlet obstruction necessitating the creation of a urinary stoma. Subsequently, stoma obstruction occurred, and a suprapubic catheter was performed that was complicated by infection and resulted in the development of a vesicocutaneous fistula. Accordingly, the urological surgeons were planning surgical closure of the suprapubic vesicocutaneous defect, measuring 5 × 4 cm. A pedicled SCIP flap was designed to match the defect size; and raised as a chimeric flap with external oblique muscle fascia based on the deep branch, along with the fasciocutaneous component based on the superficial branch. The external oblique fascial component was used to secure the suture line of fistula repair, over which the fasciocutaneous component was inset, effectively double breasting the fistula repair and full thickness lower abdominal defect. The patient had an unremarkable postoperative recovery and has since been followed up in the outpatient setting without complication for the past 24 months. Robust coverage of the suprapubic defect was reliably achieved and no further fistulation has occurred. This case illustrates that a pedicled SCIP flap can be harvested as a chimeric flap and used to reliably cover defects in the infra-umbilical region.