Vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap for chest wall reconstruction after irradiation

We have used a contralateral vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap based upon the superior epigastric vessels in six patients to provide coverage after resection of locally recurrent breast carcinoma in irradiated tissues. Primary healing of defects as large as 16 cm X 35 cm has been obtained using this technique. Although there is no evidence to suggest that such a procedure significantly lengthens survival, it was clearly beneficial to the quality of life in these patients. Our results suggest that older patients with relatively indolent disease receive the greatest benefit from this procedure.