Internal oblique muscle pedicle flap for coverage of a major soft tissue defect of the groin.
We describe a new muscle flap, using the internal oblique muscle as a transposition flap based on the ascending branch of the deep circumflex iliac artery, for coverage of a groin defect with exposed femoral vessels. This muscle also has potential usefulness as a pedicle flap for coverage of the anterior perineum and midline lower abdominal defects. It is a thin, flat muscle with excellent vascularity and is safe and reliable to use. The donor site scar is well concealed. The disadvantages are a possibly bloody and tedious dissection, and the long-term potential for abdominal wall weakness or herniation. In the case reported, no abdominal wall laxity or herniation were noted at eight and one-half months. We believe that the internal oblique muscle flap is a useful technique that complements the already popular methods of reconstruction for groin defects.
D000009:Abdominal Muscles; D000368:Aged; D006119:Groin / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D010412:Penile Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps