Microsurgical transfer of the rectus abdominis muscle using the superior epigastric vessels.
A microsurgical transplant of the rectus abdominis muscle based on its superior pedicle is described. This procedure represents a salvage maneuver used in a patient in whom the inferior pedicle was found to have been previously injured. Vessels of adequate caliber and a pedicle of sufficient length were found by dissecting the superior epigastric pedicle to the level of the costal margin. In cases in which rectus flap harvest is complicated by a damaged deep inferior epigastric pedicle, we recommend exploration of the superior pedicle before abandoning the flap.
Canales
F L
FL
Microsurgical Replantation Transplantation Department, Davies Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94114.
Furnas
H
H
Glafkides
M
M
Davis
J W
JW
Lineaweaver
W C
WC
D000009:Abdominal Muscles; D000328:Adult; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D004210:Dissection; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009132:Muscles / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D011859:Radiography; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods*; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*