Comparison of lateral thoracic random flap and parascapular random flap for the treatment of severe hidradenitis suppurativa

This study is executed to compare two common reconstructive surgeries in suppurative hidradenitis.

Patients with severe supporutive hidradenitis who had operations to excise their axillary lesions and then treated with two standard surgical repair techniques (lateral thoracic flap vs parascapular pedicle flap) were evaluated in a retrospective cohort study. Assessments included range of motion of shoulder, scar objective measurments, and Dermatology Quality of Life Index questionnaire.  

Mean range of motion in flexion of parascapular flap and lateral thoracic flap were 176 and 175 degrees, respectively. Range of motion in abduction of parascapular flap and lateral thoracic flap were 166 and 147 degrees, respectively which is interesting according to future disabilities. Pigmentation, thickness, pliability and vascularization were objective scar measurements which there were not significant differences between groups. Patients` responses to questionnaire on their satisfaction of surgery did not differ significantly between two groups in any items of questionnaire. But summation of items took lower points in parascapular flap group versus lateral thoracic flap group. 

Despite various reconstructive options in axillary skin defects following suppurative hidradenitis surgery, there is not a generalized agreement on best choice, and each technique has its advantages and disadvantages.