Anatomical study of the superior gluteal artery perforator (S-GAP) for free flap harvesting.
OBJECTIVE
To present the appropriate superior gluteal branch for free flap harvesting.


METHODS
The characteristic and external diameter of the pedicles and the main perforators, and length of the pedicles were studied in both sides of 30 formalin-preserved cadavers.


RESULTS
The patterns of the pedicle could be classified into four types, the vertical, the horizontal, the descending, and the penetrating main branches. The descending branch was the longest (7.33 +/- 1.3 cm). While the pedicle and perforator of the horizontal branches was the largest (2.7 +/- 0.6 mm and 1.2 +/- 0.2 mm, respectively). However, it was difficult to dissect the vertical and the horizontal branches because the vessel courses did not run in the direction of the muscle fiber. Whereas the penetrating main branches were observed in the intermuscular septum so, it was easy to approach the pedicle. The length (5.3 +/- 1.3 cm) and external diameter (2.17 +/- 0.5 mm) of the pedicle were adequate for free flap harvesting.


CONCLUSIONS
In the anatomical study the penetrating pedicle was recommended to use for the S-GAP flap.
Tansatit
Tanvaa
T
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. tansatit@yahoo.com
Chokrungyaranont
Prayuth
P
Sanguansit
Pasinee
P
Wanidchaphloi
Samang
S
D002081:Buttocks / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery; D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*