Abdominal Wall Defect Reconstructed by Breast Flaps Using a Mercedes Closure Pattern.

Area of Science:

• Abdominal wall reconstruction
• Surgical techniques
• Wound healing

Background:

• Postoperative abdominal wall defects can complicate healing, particularly midline defects.
• The abdominal cavity's role in respiration poses challenges for defect repair.

Observation:

• A modified "Mercedes closure pattern" using three fasciocutaneous flaps was employed for an infected ventral abdominal wall defect.
• The procedure involved a bipedicle flap from the upper abdominal wall and two sliding breast flaps.

Findings:

• The modified Mercedes closure pattern successfully reconstructed the abdominal wall defect.
• This technique positively influenced pressure distribution at wound edges, aiding healing.

Implications:

• The described technique minimizes prosthetic material infection risk by eliminating direct suture-prosthetic contact.
• This method offers a viable solution for complex abdominal wall reconstruction, enhancing patient outcomes.