Work

A novel method of minimally invasive rectus abdominis muscle flap harvest: Laparoscopic surgeons take note

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: The rectus abdominis muscle (RAM) is a workhorse flap to fill or repair abdominal defects. A drawback of an open RAM harvest is donor site morbidity, and minimally invasive techniques for flap harvesting have been previously proposed but involve vertical division of the rectus fascia. We present a case of a 52-year-old woman with a recurrent rectovaginal fistula in a radiated field treated with a laparoscopic low anterior resection with simultaneous RAM flap harvest utilising a single Pfannenstiel incision. Our novel modified laparoscopic-assisted RAM harvest technique prevents longitudinal violation of the anterior and posterior rectus sheaths, thereby promoting a quick recovery, improved cosmesis and decreased post-operative morbidity.

Source: Journal of Minimal Access Surgery

DOI: 10.4103/0972-9941.186688

Authors: Atif Iqbal, Tabish Aijaz, Dhruv Singhal, SandaA Tan

Institutions: University of Florida Health, University of Florida

Language: English

Topic: Reconstructive Surgery and Microvascular Techniques

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $200