Delayed vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap for anterior chest wall reconstruction.
BACKGROUND
Not only is a radiation ulcer nonviable itself, but the surrounding irradiated tissue also shows poor healing. Therefore, healing in an irradiated field cannot be expected if a flap used for reconstruction fails even partially. For repair of radiation ulcers, a flap with a stable blood supply is required. A superiorly based vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap is commonly used for chest wall reconstruction. Because the VRAM flap is nourished only by the superior epigastric vessels, the blood supply to the distal part of the flap often is precarious.


METHODS
A case is reported in which a delayed VRAM flap was used successfully to treat a radiation ulcer on the anterior chest wall.


RESULTS
Consecutive angiograms showed that the delay procedure augmented the blood supply to the VRAM flap. The flap showed complete take without any postoperative complications.


CONCLUSIONS
A delay procedure may make the VRAM flap more reliable for anterior chest wall reconstruction. This flap may be a valuable option for reconstruction of intractable ulcers such as radiation ulcers, and may be applicable for breast reconstruction after radiation therapy.
Fujiwara
Masao
M
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tenri Hospital, 200, Mishima, Tenri, Nara, 632-8552, Japan. masaofuj@mth.biglobe.ne.jp
Nakamura
Yoko
Y
Sano
Akira
A
Nakayama
Ei
E
Nagasawa
Miyuki
M
Shindo
Toru
T
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000601:surgery*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D017568:Rectus Abdominis / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D035441:Thoracic Wall / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors