title: Intrathoracic application of the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap.
abstract: The use of extrathoracic muscles for intrathoracic transposition of healthy tissues for correction of intrathoracic pathology has many precedents. The lower transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap as elevated in a manner identical to that more commonly used for breast reconstruction may also serve that role especially for basilar thoracic defects if more traditional muscle flap options are unavailable. A unique case of intrathoracic transfer of a lower transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap for obliteration of a chronic empyema cavity is presented.
authors: Division of Plastic Surgery, Allentown Hospital, PA.
authors: G G
authors: GG
authors: Hallock
mesh_terms: D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000637:transplantation*; D000368:Aged; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000601:surgery; D004322:Drainage / Q000009:adverse effects; D016724:Empyema, Pleural / Q000601:surgery; D005402:Fistula / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D013903:Thoracic Surgery; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000009:adverse effects