title: Microsurgical transfer of the rectus abdominis muscle using the superior epigastric vessels.
abstract: 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.
authors: Microsurgical Replantation Transplantation Department, Davies Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94114.
authors: F L
authors: FL
authors: Canales
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Furnas
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Glafkides
authors: J W
authors: JW
authors: Davis
authors: W C
authors: WC
authors: Lineaweaver
mesh_terms: 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*