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In situ Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap: A Rat Model of Myocutaneous Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Published on: June 8, 2013
Transversal suture of the rectus abdominis muscle in DIEP harvesting to include more than one perforator: Technical
A Auque1, A Wessels1, F Bodin2
1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
Introduction:
Microsurgical breast reconstruction using a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) is currently considered the gold standard in autologous reconstruction. In some case, partial sectioning of the rectus abdominis muscle is necessary to include several perforators and make the flap more reliable. This technical note presents an optimized approach to transverse suturing of the rectus abdominis muscle after partial transection.
Technical Note:
A double transverse braided suture is made around the muscle band to be cut then the muscle strip is sectioned transversely. After weaning the flap, the two resulting strips of rectus muscle are joined by separate transmuscular stitches.
Conclusion:
Transverse suturing of the rectus abdominis muscle after partial transection is a method that allows several perforators to be included in DIEP harvest, while limiting parietal complications.
