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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
In situ Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap: A Rat Model of Myocutaneous Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Published on: June 8, 2013
Rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap in radical oncopelvic surgery: a safe and useful procedure
G Houvenaeghel1, L Ghouti, V Moutardier
1Department of Digestive and Oncologic Surgery, Anti-cancer Center Paoli-Calmettes, 232 Bd Sainte Marguerite, 13009 Marseille, France. houvenaeg@marseille.fnclcc.fr
Aims:
The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the usefulness of rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) flaps to treat locally advanced pelvic gynaecological or digestive tumours.
Methods:
We reviewed 46 patients, who received RAM flaps after radical oncopelvic surgery, including: (a) total vaginal reconstruction (TVR); (b) partial vaginal reconstruction (PVR); (c) perineal reconstruction (PR).
Results:
Between 1989 and 1998, 46 patients underwent pelvi-perineal reconstruction with RAM flaps after radical pelvic surgery for carcinoma of the cervix (n=22), anal carcinoma (n=11), rectal carcinoma (n=7), or other pelvic tumours types (n=6). There were two post-operative deaths. Overall surgical morbidity was 45, 6% (n=21). Specific morbidity of the RAM flap was 21, 7% (n=10). Global re-intervention rate was 13% (n=6).
Conclusion:
Rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap in radical oncopelvic surgery is useful for vaginal or perineal reconstruction and prevention of pelvic collections after extended resections with a low rate of associated morbidity.
