Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
[Anatomic study and advantages of the free rectus abdominis flap for head and neck reconstruction]
F Michel1, J M Prades, N Merzougui
1Service d'Oto-rhino-laryngologie, de chirurgie cervico-faciale et plastique, Hôpital Bellevue, CHU de Saint-Etienne, 42055 Saint-Etienne, France. fredmichelorl@hotmail.com
Introduction:
The main goal of using the free flap is to be able to carry out extensive surgical resection resulting in good functional outcome. The aims of this study were to define the best area for free rectus abdominis harvest and to assess its value in head and neck reconstruction.
Material And Methods:
Twenty rectus abdominis flaps were studied in ten fresh cadavers. A review of the literature of the free rectus abdominis flap in head and neck reconstruction yielded the main recipient sites and complications (flap necrosis and postoperative abdominal hernia). A reconstruction was performed after near total glossectomy.
Results:
With seven perforators and four cutaneous branches of intercostal nerves, the paraumbilical region is the best area to harvest this flap. The rectus abdominis free flap seems to be adapted for near total glossectomy reconstruction. Previous studies reported that this flap was essentially used for oropharynx and skull base reconstruction. The main complications are flap necrosis (4%) and abdominal hernia (3%).
Conclusion:
The paraumbilical rectus abdominis free flap is reliable and easy to use with a two-team approach in head and neck reconstruction with moderate donor site morbidity. It is useful for reconstruction of large defects of the oropharynx and skull base. Sensory-motor reinnervation superiority for deglutition in tongue reconstruction still needs to be evaluated.
