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A case is presented of the frontal brain abscess following resection of squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus who had undergone reconstruction of the anterior skull base using a free rectus abdominis muscle flap. Local flap, ex. galeal flap, can be used for separating the cranial space from the paranasal sinuses and the nasopharynx, but it cannot provide reliable separation and protection of the brain from bacterial flora of the upper airway and it is too weak to support the brain in cases where orbital exenteration has been performed. The distant flaps such as the pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap, on the other hand, can provide a good alternative for reconstruction of the anterior skull base in such difficult cases, but frequently requires a secondary division of the pedicle. The free flap can circumvent such problems. We used the free rectus abdominis muscle flap and the postoperative course was uneventful. A bone graft was not necessary to reconstruct the anterior skull base.

A high level of suspicion is required when treating patients with a history of esophageal bleeding and portal hypertension. The preoperative workup must be extensive; if the reconstructive surgeon is considering the use of a rectus abdominis muscle transfer, noninvasive studies and an exhaustive physical examination are required. Factors affecting the microcirculation might also influence the patency rates of the venous anastomosis and require further study. When treating these patients, the surgeon must be aware that portal hypertension can exist without clinical evidence.

A series of 178 immediate reconstructions with regional or distant tissue for repair of oropharyngeal defects caused by treatment of head and neck cancer was reviewed to determine whether reconstruction with free flaps was more or less expensive than reconstruction with regional myocutaneous flaps. In this series, three types of flaps were used: the radial forearm free flap (n = 89), the rectus abdominis free flap (n = 56), and the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (n = 33). Resource costs were determined by adding all costs to the institution of providing each service studied using salaried employees (including physicians). The two free-flap groups were combined to compare free flaps with the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, a regional myocutaneous flap. Failure rates in the two groups were similar (3.0 percent for pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, 3.4 percent for free flaps). The mean costs of surgery were slightly higher for the free flaps, but the subsequent hospital stay costs were lower. Therefore, the total mean resource cost for the free-flap group ($28,460) was lower than the cost for the myocutaneous flap group ($40,992). The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap may have been selected for more patients with advanced disease and systemic medical problems, contributing to longer hospitalization and added cost. Nevertheless, this study suggests that free flaps are not more expensive than other methods and may provide cost savings for selected patients.

Breast reconstruction with transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap raises two contradictory questions: the vascular safety of the flap and the late abdominal wall sequellae. In order to analyse these sequellae, 71 patients with TRAM flap breast reconstruction at the Institut Curie had a late postoperative evaluation by both a physiotherapist and a surgeon, an average 28 months after their reconstruction. 12 had had a double pedicled TRAM (DPT) and 59 a single pedicled TRAM (SPT). Hernias and bulges were systematically recorded, and all patients had an evaluation of their abdominal wall function by questioning (subjective evaluation) and muscular testing (objective evaluation). The overall hernia rate (including bulges) was 5.6%. This rate was 2.5% when mesh was used, and 9.5% when direct closure was performed. This hernia rate was not influenced by the type of TRAM (SPT or DPT). 20% of patients complained of residual abdominal pain, and 36% of a decrease of their abdominal strength after SPT. Both these figures were 75% after DPT. Testing showed that these sequellae were related to an impairment of the supraombilical portion of the rectus, this impairment being much higher after DPT than SPT: none of the 12 patients with DPT were able, from a lying position, to sit down without using their hands (not reaching 4 in Lacote's test), whereas 47% of the SPT could do it. The oblique muscles were also impaired, as less than 20% of patients reached Lacote 4. However, this impairment was not influenced by the type of flap harvested. Testing was also equivalent after both techniques of SPT (standart or "supercharged"). The post-operative hernia rate was not higher for DPT and seemed related to the technique used for abdominal wall closing (mesh vs direct closure). However, the functional sequellae (pain, muscle strength decrease) were much higher after DPT than SPT. It thus confirms us in our attitude to restrict the indications of DPT, when feasible, to the profit of microsurgical flaps.

The advantages of TRAM (Transverse Rectus Abdominus Muscle) flap for breast reconstruction is now well recognised. This technique allows a cosmetic reconstruction with a more natural shape than with conventional reconstruction with prosthesis. However the disadvantage is the need of removal of part or all rectus abdominis muscle. If the techniques of free flap are now recognised to be more reliable than pedicle TRAM they have not demonstrate a superiority in term of parietal sequellae. To avoid such problem some teams have progressively developed the DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Peforator Flap). This flap is harvested only on the transmuscular perforators. We are presenting here our expertise which progressively has leed us from free partial TRAM to DIEP. From december 1995 to january 1997 we have practice 18 breast reconstructions with free flap. On 13 DIEP we had only one parietal complication due to incomplete closing of the aponeurosis at the lowest part of the surgical approach. This complication was easily corrected as the muscle was still tonic. On 5 TRAM, clinical examination finds parietal weakness on 3 cases. We believe that this technique is full of promises as it brings autologous tissue with no complication on donor site.

Free TRAM flap breast reconstruction was performed in 23 patients from july 1993 through november 1995 at the Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris. The surgical team was composed of eight different surgeons. In all cases a delayed breast reconstruction procedure was performed. All patients in this series had previously received radiation therapy and 82.6% patients presented with excess body weight. Decision to perform a free flap procedure was confirmed peroperatively under two conditions. Adequate caliber of the donor and recipient vessels was required, allowing the anastomoses to be performed without magnification in most cases. Preservation of the thoraco-dorsal vessels was the rule so as to allow later use of a latissimus dorsi flap if necessary. Thus in 8 of the 31 cases in which a free flap was initially indicated a pedicled flap was actually performed so as to satisfy the above conditions. All procedures were performed by two surgical teams working simultaneously. Flap harvest met local tissue requirements in all cases. A lateral strip of rectus abdominis muscle and fascia was preserved when this appeared feasible. The abdominal wall was reinforced by prosthetic means in 82.6% of cases. The average operative time was 9 hours. Results were considered satisfactory or very satisfactory in most cases. The complication rate was 39.1%. Among the complications noted were 1 case of partial flap necrosis, 1 case of fat necrosis, 1 abdominal hernia, 1 abdominal bulge (both abdominal complications occurred in patients in whom no prosthetic material was used for abdominal repair). This complication rate also includes revision of the microsurgical anastomoses in 2 cases; in both cases the flap survived completely. This study tends to suggest that the free TRAM flap for breast reconstruction is a reliable technique. It is the authors' belief that it should replace the bipedicled TRAM flap since it combines ample flap vascularization with minimal rectus harvest.

Transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction was performed in 15 patients 1 week after a preliminary delay procedure. The indications for surgical delay were obesity, smoking, prior radiation therapy, a requirement for large volumes of transmidline tissue, or combinations of these risk factors. The delay procedure consisted of outpatient ligation of the deep and superficial inferior epigastric vessels. Prior to and 1 week following the delay procedure, noninvasive Doppler examinations of the superior epigastric vessels were performed. Following the delay procedure, the diameter of the superior epigastric artery increased from 1.3 +/- 0.2 to 1.8 +/- 0.3 mm (p < 0.001) and the calculated superior epigastric artery flow increased from 7.25 +/- 0.8 to 18.2 +/- 2.7 ml/min (p < 0.001). Breast reconstruction in these high-risk patients was successful without major ischemic complications, but a tendency toward unreliability of zone IV was noted. This clinical observation is consistent with the findings in our animal studies (part I). The preliminary delay procedure was well tolerated with minimal morbidity. We feel that a preliminary delay procedure is a very useful option for breast reconstruction patients at high risk for TRAM flap vascular compromise.

Surgical delay is an effective technique, but the precise timing of the delay effect and the required extent of the delay procedure are uncertain. We endeavored to study flap survival as a function of the duration of the delay period in a rat transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap model. Two specific delay procedures (limited and extensive) were utilized, and flap survival was assessed after delay periods of 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 30 days (n > or = 7, all groups). A delay of 7 days or greater resulted in statistically significant improvement in flap survival in all groups. The delay effect appeared to be maximal at 14 days, and in the extensive delay group, a 14-day delay resulted in statistically greater flap survival than a 7-day delay. Improvement in flap survival was greater when an extensive delay procedure was used. Although the model system has limitations, the rat TRAM flap appears to be a suitable model for the study of the delay phenomenon. Possible clinical correlations are addressed in part II.

Considering the poor long term results with the bladder neck suspensions, the poor results with the retropubic approach in obese or intrinsic sphincter deficiency and the complexity of the classical retropubic sling procedure, a simple vaginal sling urethropexy approach was developed. The vaginal mucosa is opened at 12 o'clock under the urethra. Dissection of the endopelvic fascia is undertaken. Polypropylene sutures are placed at the 4 corners of a free 2 x 4 cm rectus abdominis muscle flap which is suspended under the bladder neck transvaginally. Polypropylene sutures are tied at the rectus muscle through a 3 cm suprapubic incision. 25 patients were operated by one single surgeon. 7 had previous uretropexies. Previous hysterectomies: 8. Average age: 57. Average weight: 67.6. Severe stress incontinence was demonstrated in 23 patients. 9 patients had mixed incontinence. Average protective pads per day pre-op: 4.1. OR time: 93.8 min. Blood loss was minimal. 10 patients had transient post op retention (24 days average). 1 bladder perforation. 2 incisional hernias. 6 suprapubic wound infections. Average hospital stay: 5.95 days. The average follow up was 22 months. All patients were either cured (76%) or improved. 73% were satisfied (questionnaire). Despite a longer OR time, and the incidence of transient post op retention, this vaginal sling urethropexy approach is a simple and efficient procedure. It can be useful in previously operated or obese patients. It is easier to perform than the more conventional retropubic or combined (retropubic and vaginal) sling urethropexy.

A free vascularized rectus abdominis muscle graft with a long motor nerve was used for reconstruction of unilateral established facial paralysis in one stage. Regarding the procedure, the pedicle vessels were anastomosed to the recipient vessels in the ipsilateral face, and the motor nerve of the muscle was sutured to the contralateral facial nerve. The advantages of using the rectus abdominis muscle are as follows: (1) the muscle is very thin, not bulky, (2) the muscle can be split easily to reduce the volume, (3) the intercostal nerve is long enough (more than 20 cm) to reach the contralateral facial nerve for suturing, (4) the pedicle vessels are large and long, (5) it is possible to carry out simultaneous operations with two teams, and (6) the donor-site morbidity is minimal. The disadvantages of this method are that complicated surgical dissection is required to obtain a motor nerve and that a postoperative abdominal hernia may occur.

The authors have attempted quantitatively to evaluate the effects of gravity and dependency on free-tissue transfers to the lower limb, particularly in the immediate postoperative period, using the diagnostic modalities of Doppler ultrasonography and interstitial compartment pressure measurements. Results of these quantitative evaluations promoted a change in postoperative management among patients undergoing lower-limb tissue transfer. The experience in two patient cohorts is presented.

A widely held tenet in the reconstructive surgery literature is that muscle transplants undergo significant postoperative atrophy, contributing to progressive improvement in appearance of the reconstruction. In contrast, it has been our experience that muscle transplants retain the majority of their bulk following inset, and undergo minimal postoperative atrophy. Prospective evaluation of 20 patients undergoing muscle transplant reconstruction of Gustillo type IIIB lower limb wounds found minimal decrease in limb circumference at 6-month follow-up, as measured at the point of maximum transplant projection.

The internal mammary artery has been well-investigated due to its frequent use in cardiac surgery. However, in reconstructive microsurgery in the thoracic region, the internal mammary vessels have been used rarely as recipient vessels, due to difficulties and lack of knowledge about the internal mammary veins. This study was designed to investigate the anatomy and topography of the veins. Its goal was to gain sufficient information about their availability in free-tissue transfer. Dissection of the vessels was performed in 86 cadavers bilaterally to the sternum. At the level of the fourth rib, which is the most desired access for microvascular anastomosis in reconstructive breast surgery with free flaps, the veins were found to be adequately large (range 0.64 to 4.45 mm). Results were in close agreement with 100 bilateral measurements obtained by color Doppler sonography in 16 patients preoperatively, and additionally in 34 healthy volunteers. Preoperative detection of vessels with the aid of sonography facilitated planning of surgical procedures. According to these findings, the internal mammary veins may be used as suitable recipient veins for free microvascular tissue transfer, especially for established autologous breast reconstruction with the free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, or for reconstruction of complex thoracic-wall defects.

Total loss of the scrotum is an uncommon clinical condition. A pedicled, inferiorly based rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was successfully used to reconstruct the scrotum following total loss from Fournier's gangrene. The design and operative technique are described.

Four patients with chronic empyema after pneumonectomy have undergone successful obliteration of the empyema tract with a deepithelialized transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. The deepithelialized skin island has provided sufficient bulk for tract obliteration. Rotation of the skin island into the long axis of the rectus muscle has added considerable length to this flap, allowing it to reach the apex of the thoracic cavity. A recurrent loculation developed 4 months after the obliteration procedure in one patient. This was successfully treated with open pleural drainage and a second Clagett procedure. Over a mean follow-up period of 35 months, all four patients are free of further infectious sequelae. Chest roentgenograms have confirmed eradication of the tracts in all four patients.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of the rectus abdominis muscle flap (RAMF) technique for the closure and augmentation of small, inelastic bladder extrophies using a rabbit model with a large bladder defect., Materials and Methods: Fifteen New Zealand White rabbits were studied in two groups; nine rabbits in group 1 underwent resection of 65% of the bladder and then bladder augmentation using a full-thickness RAMF, including peritoneum, and six rabbits in group 2 (control) underwent a similar bladder resection but the bladder remnant was closed primarily. Urodynamic investigations were carried out in both groups preoperatively and 4 weeks after surgery. Intravenous pyelography (IVP), voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), urodynamic and histopathological investigations were also carried out for up to 4 months after surgery., Results: As assessed by IVP, the urinary system appeared normal, with no signs of upper urinary tract dilatation and VCUG showed a normal voiding pattern. After surgery, the bladder capacity and compliance decreased in both groups, but both variables partially recovered in group 1, although not significantly., Conclusions: This animal model indicates that the RAMF technique is a suitable alternative for the management of large bladder defects and bladder exstrophies with small, inelastic, non-compliant bladders.

Background: Total mastectomy remains the mainstay of operative treatment for breast cancer mainly because it is preferred by surgeons. The techniques and benefits of reconstructing the amputated breast have been well documented in the medical literature but there have been very few reports on this issue in Chinese women. Immediate breast reconstruction using the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap in Chinese women suffering from early breast cancer who require mastectomy is summarized., Methods: Since September 1991, the option of immediate breast reconstruction was offered to all patients less than 60 years of age suffering from early cancer (Tis, T1 or T2) who were not suitable for breast-conserving treatment or who preferred to have a mastectomy. The single-pedicled TRAM flap was used., Results: From September 1991 to September 1994, 27 reconstructions were performed. Partial flap loss occurred in four patients (15%), fat necrosis in three patients (11%) and abdominal bulging in one patient (4%). Operations performed by two teams simultaneously reduced operating time by 1.5 h without increasing the risk of complications. Twenty-one patients (78%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome of reconstruction., Conclusions: The TRAM flap is a satisfactory method of breast reconstruction in Chinese women. A two-team approach can be employed safely to shorten operative time. Overall patient satisfaction was high.

This series reports the outcomes and significant complications associated with the rectus myocutaneous flap when used for pelvic or inguinal reconstruction in patients with gynecologic cancers. Perioperative variables were retrospectively reviewed to identify social and medical risk factors as well as intraoperative and postoperative complications that predisposed to rectus flap failure. Fifteen patients with gynecologic malignancies underwent reconstructive procedures using a vertically oriented rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap for either vaginal (n = 14) or inguinal (n = 1) reconstruction. The patients' primary cancers were cervical (n = 11), rectal (n = 1), ovarian (n = 1), vulvar (n = 1), and vaginal (n = 1). The median age was 50 years. The median follow-up was 17 months. All flaps were mobilized in conjunction with a radical salvage operation. There were no cases of vaginal prolapse and no abdominal wound infections. However, 4 patients (27%) had major postoperative morbidity in this small series. There was one wound dehiscence and three episodes of necrosis of the subcutaneous and cutaneous portions of the flap. All 4 of these patients required additional operative intervention or debridement. Eleven patients had complete healing of the flap. The rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap is a valuable option for gynecologic reconstructive procedures. Perioperative strategies for improving flap viability include the identification of risk factors that may compromise flap perfusions such as prior abdominal incisions, peripheral vascular disease, and obesity. Meticulous surgical technique is required to preserve the vascular pedicle. These strategies may be useful in preoperative counseling, the perioperative evaluation, and the intraoperative management.

The present work reviews a series of 11 consecutive patients who have received free revascularized rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps for primary reconstruction of soft tissues after ablative tumour surgery in the head and neck area. In 10 patients, a total or subtotal glossectomy had been performed and the flap was used to replace the resected tongue volume. In 5 of these cases, extensive perforating defects had resulted after additional resection of large portions of the chin and the cheek. Mandibular continuity was restored by a metal plate and the flap was divided into an intraoral and extraoral portion in these patients. In one patient, the flap had been used for closure of a full thickness defect of the calvarium. 9 of the 11 flaps healed uneventfully. In one case, a partial flap loss was encountered after thrombosis of the venous pedicle due to compression as a result of an unfavourable defect anatomy and flap positioning. Primary closure of the abdominal wall was achieved in all cases. A subcutaneous hematoma occurred at the donor site in one patient. According to our present experience, the rectus abdominis free flap may serve as an alternative to the frequently employed latissimus dorsi flap in maxillofacial reconstructions while it offers the possibility for flap elevation simultaneously to the surgical procedures in the head and neck area.

Our experience with 50 transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap transfers was evaluated as to the types of TRAM flaps, indications for breast reconstruction with a TRAM flap, and complications. The TRAM flap was transferred as a free flap in 7 patients, a unipedicled flap in 14 patients, and a microvascularly augmented flap in 29 patients. Microvascular augmentation was performed through the contralateral inferior epigastric vascular system to the superiorly pedicled muscle in 10 patients who had undergone radical mastectomy and the ipsilateral inferior epigastric vascular system in 19 patients who had undergone modified radical mastectomy. In this series, the incidence of flap-site complications, including total flap loss, partial flap loss, and fat necrosis, was lowest in the microvascularly augmented flap group. Particularly, incidence of partial flap loss in the microvascularly augmented flap group was significantly lower than in the unipedicled flap group (p < 0.01). These outcomes demonstrated the superiority of the microvascularly augmented TRAM flap for breast reconstruction.

Mediastinitis and/or sternal dehiscence developed in 143 out of 10,263 patients (1.4%) who underwent cardiac surgery between January 1979-December 1993. Mediastinal drainage, sternal debridement and early wound closure with pectoralis major and/or rectus abdominalis muscle flaps was the treatment employed. Between these two stages of treatment, massive hemorrhage developed in seven patients (0.07%) from a tear of the anterior wall of the right ventricle (RV). Six patients survived. Temporary control of the bleeding was achieved with digital or full palm pressure control of the ventricular tear. This was followed by immediate repair in the operating room (OR). The only death was due to exsanguination in the intensive care unit. The other six patients were taken to the OR. The anterior RV was freed from the underside of the sternum and the RV tear repaired with or without the aid of femoral-femoral bypass. These six then had muscle flap wound closures at that time or shortly after. All six were hospital survivors and are currently alive. We believe that RV rupture results from the sternal edges pulling the anterior surface of the RV apart, since the RV is stuck to the underside of the sternum. This experience indicates that the RV must be freed in all cases during initial sternal debridement. Hopefully this simple maneuver will prevent this horrendous complication.

Our experience of seven cases with resection and reconstruction of sternum were introduced. The lesions were 1 chondrosarcoma, 1 malignant fibrous histiocytoma, 1 myeloma, 1 fibrous dysplasia, 1 thymic carcinoma and 2 recurrent breast carcinomas. Partial resection of sternum was performed in 6 and subtotal resection in 1. In reconstruction of sternum we have used frequently Marlex mesh for prosthetic material, and pedicled pectoralis major muscle flap and/or rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap for overlying the prosthesis. All patients are living and well for except one case.

The rectus abdominis muscle has been used in reconstructive surgery as a superiorly and an inferiorly based pedicle flap as well as free flap. Since flap necrosis is unusual, the primary morbidity of the harvesting is donor-site complications, including infections, seromas, poor cosmesis, and hernias. Minimally invasive surgery has been used in abdominal, thoracic, and urologic surgeries with favorable results. To date, flap harvesting and other soft-tissue surgeries have been considered inaccessible to minimally invasive surgery based on existing techniques. We demonstrate in the (5) cadaver and (5) porcine models the technique of endoscopic harvesting of a superiorly based vertical myofascial pedicle flap. Without insufflation, we create a soft-tissue space to operate within using external skin traction. We demonstrate that this flap harvesting can be performed without the obligatory large skin incision. Donor-site complications may be decreased with less tissue disruption. In our cadaver models, we have tried using the rectus without the anterior fascia based on its superior pedicle for breast reconstruction. For this purpose, we use the endoscissors with cautery to create a tunnel up on the chest wall. The muscle based on its superior pedicle could be rotated up on the chest wall subcutaneously, allowing primary closure of the anterior sheath using the endostapler. If the anterior sheath is sacrificed or cannot be closed primarily, mesh can be used to create a reinforcing layer stapled to the edges of fascia and midline. Endoscopic surgery offers an excellent alternative for soft-tissue reconstruction without compromising the results.

Reconstructive surgery has become an integral part of primary breast cancer therapy in patients requiring total mastectomy. State-of-the-art reconstructions with autogenous tissue are transverse rectus abdominis (TRAM) flap procedures. Superior aesthetic results in terms of both appearance and consistency, seem to outweigh the disadvantages of impaired abdominal wall competence and donor site scars. The "free," microvascular TRAM flap may be the way to minimize abdominal wall weakness, since only a little portion of the rectus abdominis muscle must be sacrificed. Despite all discussions, breast reconstruction using silicone (gel) implants is a safe and reliable method and will be in the future. However, not every patient may be the right candidate for silicone reconstruction. Advantages of using silicone implants include (relatively) simple technique, short operation time, and no donor site morbidity. In patients suffering from breast-conserving therapy failures, plastic surgery has to address skin and parenchymal loss in an irradiated environment. Oncoplastic surgery, such as volume shrinking or volume replacement techniques, are useful for immediate reconstruction in breast-conserving therapy.

The functional and aesthetic consequences of ablative head and neck oncologic surgery pose a significant challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. With the advent of microvascular free tissue transfer the reconstructive capabilities of the surgeon have been greatly expanded. The rectus abdominis musculocutaneous free flap has assumed an important role in contemporary head and neck reconstruction because of its ease of dissection, length and size of the vascular pedicle, convenience of harvest in the supine position, reliability and versatility, and low donor site morbidity.

The development of a carcinoma in a neovagina is rare. Most neovaginal neoplasias have been carcinomas in situ in the skin graft. To date, there has not been a report of a neovaginal carcinoma in a myocutaneous flap. This report is the first of a squamous cell carcinoma arising in a neovagina constructed from a rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap.

This study reports on the initial clinical experience using anterior rectus sheath as potentially growing graft material in congenital heart lesions. The first seven patients with complex congenital lesions requiring a rectus sheath graft because of inadequate available pericardium are reviewed. The initial operations were: TOF (unicusp pulmonary valve) (re-op), two Konno procedures (one VSD and one RV patch), two arterial switch procedures for TGA (neoaortic augmentation), two Fontan (re-op) atrial augmentation patch and pulmonary arterioplasty (re-op). Ages ranged from 1 week to 15 years. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 72 months and included open visual inspection at reoperation in 5 cases, angiography in 3 cases, and echocardiography in 4 cases. One early respiratory death occurred in the fourth postoperative week. So far no early bleeding from rectus sheath patches, infection, aneurysmal dilatation, or scar contraction was observed. No manifestation of peripheral emboli was seen. Hernias of the harvest site were absent. We concluded that in absence of pericardium and in areas where future cicatrization or aneurysmal dilatation is undesirable, anterior rectus sheath appears to be a reasonable alternative.

Background: We describe the transpelvic rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap for closing large, often irradiated, perineal defects in patients with cancer., Methods: We studied 9 men and 17 women who underwent wide excision of advanced T3 and T4 tumors and who had preoperative chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both. After tumor ablation, we used a transpelvic rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap to fill pelvic dead space and primarily close the perineal wounds. Twelve simultaneous vaginal reconstructions were performed., Results: Wounds healed promptly in 14 patients. Healing was delayed in the remaining 12 patients due to poor flap adherence to irradiated tissue beds (9), complete flap loss (2), or partial flap loss (1). Delayed healing was associated with the combination of obesity and prior irradiation. Other perioperative complications included localized abdominal wound infection (2), enterocutaneous fistula (1), and abdominal herniation (1). Local disease was controlled in 20 of 26 patients. Mean follow-up was 22 months., Conclusion: Transpelvic rotation of the rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap facilitates healing large, difficult, perineal wounds, resulting from cancer ablation.

Forty-two patients with head and neck cancer were submitted to microvascular reconstructive procedures. We divided patients in three groups; a first group of 30 patients, in whom the oral floor (8 patients), the part of tongue (14 patients), the lower gingiva (6 patients) and the oropharynx (2 patients) were reconstructed using various sizes of forearm flaps; a second group of 7 patients who underwent buccal mucosa reconstructions with the forearm flaps; and a third group of 5 patients who received rectus abdominis flaps for total tongue reconstruction. Three illustrative cases, one from each group, are presented in detail. Good results were obtained in 39 patients (94%), with both functional and morphological rehabilitation. There were three flap losses due to thrombosis of the microvascular anastomoses. There was no surgical mortality. The average operating time was about 10 hours in total. We concluded that there is a place for these complex procedures in the treatment of selected cases of head and neck tumors.

Local or regional flaps usually are sufficient for reconstruction of defects of the cranial base. In some cases, however, free-tissue transfer may be the best or the only choice. Reasons for choosing free-tissue transfer over other methods of reconstruction include previous radiation, previous surgery, limited arc of rotation of pedicle flaps, lower complication and failure rates of free flaps, and specific tissue requirements that only can be met with a free flap. The anatomy, available flap choices, indications, and technical considerations applicable to cranial base reconstruction with microvascular surgery are discussed.

Post-surgical maxillary defects have recently been reconstructed by microvascularized free flaps. However, few reports have evaluated the resulting speech function. This study compared the speech intelligibility of four maxillectomy patients who underwent reconstruction by rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps (RAMCF) with that of four non-reconstructed patients who were treated with split-skin grafts and prostheses, to explore ways of achieving better speech function. Speech function was assessed by a Japanese language speech intelligibility test. Intelligibility scores ranged from 57.3% to 75.8% (mean, 70.4%) in the non-reconstructed group and from 66.2% to 77.2% (mean, 71.0%) in the reconstructed group. An analysis of articulatory manners and sites revealed that speech disorders resulted mainly from poor oronasal separation in the non-reconstructed group and from incorrect linguopalatal contact in the reconstructed group, especially for linguodentoalveolar and linguovelar sounds. Therefore, for higher speech function in the reconstructed group, dentoalveolar and palatal contours of the maxilla must be restored as closely as possible. This must also be done in patients whose maxillae are reconstructed by other types of microvascularized myocutaneous or cutaneous flaps that have similar postoperative palatal contours.

A rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (RAM flap) has often been useful in breast reconstructions after the surgical therapy for breast cancer, or in other plastic surgeries. However, there have been few reports concerning about its applications for intrathoracic diseases. In this paper, we report two cases of recurrent empyema treated with RAM flap and muscle flap from rectus abdominis. One case is 75-year-old male with right-empyema and bronchial fistula after the thoracoplasty due to lung tuberculosis. The bronchial fistula was successfully closed with muscle flap from the right rectus abdominis. The other is 33-year-old male with left empyema and cutaneous fistula after the hemothorax due to traffic accident. He contracted with MRSA in his thoracic cavity. We resected the fistula and reconstructed his left chest wall with left RAM flap. The muscle flap from rectus abdominis or RAM flap has been very effective for the therapy of bronchial fistula after lung tuberculosis, and for the reconstruction of chest wall.

A very rare condition of osteoma cutis was presented by a patient who required an unusual solution to an unusual problem. Multiple surgical procedures were performed during the treatment of the disease, thereby prohibiting the use of more common regional or distant flaps to achieve successful mandibular reconstruction. Microvascular tissue transfer was also not feasible because of two previously-failed free flaps and an operative field that was densely fibrotic. A pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap with incorporated vascularized rib graft is described as a last resort approach for simultaneous reconstruction of the mandible and oral soft tissue.

Functional deficits after raising of a rectus abdominis muscle flap in reconstructive surgery were evaluated retrospectively in 27 patients (11 female, 16 male) and compared to 22 healthy control individuals. To test the torque of trunk flexion, the Cybex 6000 (TEF modular component) was used and subjects tested in a defined position allowing isolated sagittal flexion. For the rectus and oblique abdominal muscles, the Janda muscle function test was applied. For comparison of patients and controls, the Man and Whitney test was applied, and subgroup analyses were performed for men and women, respectively. The peak torque (relative to bodyweight) was significantly lower in patients as compared to controls, the differences being greater in men than in women, whereas clinical examination did not reveal a significant difference between either group. After autologous transplantation of the rectus abdominis muscle flap, compensation is obviously restricted to a certain degree, although the remaining deficit does not seem to represent a handicap in normal life. Thus the use of rectus abdominis muscle flaps in reconstructive surgery may be beneficial for the patient, provided the indication is precise and long-term control is possible.

Free-flap donor sites are a frequent source of morbidity, including scar deformity and reduced mobility, as well as a significant contributor to recovery time after surgery. We present our technique for endoscopic harvest of the rectus abdominis muscle. A groin crease incision is made, which allows identification of the vascular pedicle and access to the inferior portion of the muscle. A balloon dissection device is inserted along the posterior rectus sheath and inflated. The inferior incision is closed over an endoscopic port after medial and lateral ports are inserted under direct vision at the level of the umbilicus. The cavity is insufflated with carbon dioxide, allowing visualization using a 10-mm, 30-degree endoscope. The remaining dissection is performed sharply, and the muscle is harvested via the groin incision. This technique has proved feasible during study in fresh human cadavers. Insufflation greatly reduces work load with retractors. The balloon device speeds dissection with a minimum of trauma. Because all dissection is performed from within the rectus sheath, the peritoneal cavity is not violated. Endoscopic rectus abdominis harvest using the fascial plane is safe and efficient and carries the potential to reduce donor-site morbidity.

To evaluate donor-site morbidity, we used a questionnaire, which was answered by 196 patients. 152 patients underwent a medical examination. The follow-up ranged from six month to ten years. The results of this retrospective study are presented. In 16,8%, we found hernia of the abdominal wall at the donor-site and relaxation was noticed in 32% of the cases. Painful symptoms of different degrees were reported by 50% of the patients.

Background: This study examines the early and long-term outcomes of immediate transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) reconstruction of the breast after mastectomy., Study Design: The records of all patients undergoing mastectomy and immediate TRAM breast reconstruction between December 1989 and October 1993 were reviewed retrospectively using hospital and breast care center databases., Results: Fifty-three patients underwent a total of 73 immediate TRAM breast reconstructions. Reconstruction was successfully completed in all patients, using 46 pedicle flaps and 27 free tissue transfers. There were no flap losses or cardiopulmonary complications. Overall, the complication rate was 26 percent (29 percent for pedicle TRAM and 22 percent for free TRAM flaps). The median follow-up period among the 53 patients was 22.6 months (range of three to 48 months). All patients employed preoperatively resumed their occupations postoperatively., Conclusions: Our experience indicates that immediate TRAM breast reconstruction is a safe and viable option for patients seeking reconstruction at the time of mastectomy.

Breast reconstruction was carried out with rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap on 7 women (8 breasts) with defect of breast, and perfect result was obtained on all the patients. The flap which was normally excised in an abdominal lipectomy was used to cover the defect of breast. The rectus abdominis of the flap was used to fill the reconstractive breast and to carry the vascularization from the internal mammary artery. The advantages of the method are as follow: (1) the waist-line is reduced by closing the musculoaponeurtic defect; (2) The scar of the donor area is well hidden by the abdominoplasty; (3) The breast reconstruction need not use an implant. The disadvantage is a risk of postoperative herniation if the suture tears.

For the reconstruction of the breast after mastectomy, it is possible to use the internal mammary artery and vein as recipient vessels. The authors consider their experience and some new knowledge gained on the basis of 53 cases. They try to promote the indisputable advantages of the use of the mentioned recipient vessels.

During the past eight years, tissue defects of the head and neck region in a total of 45 patients were repaired with free rectus abdominis muscle perforating artery flaps. These flaps are subclassified into (1) reduced musculocutaneous flaps, (2) thin reduced musculocutaneous flaps, (3) paraumbilical perforator-based flaps, and (4) thin paraumbilical perforator-based flaps. The advantages of these flaps are as follows. Since the flaps involve no or only a small portion of the rectus abdominis muscle, (1) the muscle can be left intact on the abdominal wall, and (2) a thin flap can be easily created by simple defatting of the flap. These flaps overcome the major disadvantages of the conventional rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap, i.e., bulkiness of the flap and frequent postoperative abdominal herniation. The territory of the thin flaps is within 10 cm around the perforator. These flaps are suitable for defects in the head and neck region, because simultaneous flap elevation is possible at the time of tumor resection. Paraumbilical perforator-based flaps are suitable for young females and elderly patients.

5 cases of complete bladder exstrophy were treated by one stage reconstruction with abdominal wall skin flap and rectus abdominis muscle flap. Closure of the abdominal wall and bladder defect were achieved satisfactorily in all the patients. 4 patients have been followed up for 1.5-10.5 years. 3 patients whose bladder neck had been augmented by rectus abdominis muscle flap were continent but 1 patient whose bladder neck had not been, had giggle incontinence. The renal functions were all normal in these patients.

The results of a new bladder closure and augmentation technique in children born with bladder exstrophy are reported. The technique was performed in 6 children, including 4 who had, in addition to a small, inelastic, noncompliant bladder, squamous epithelial metaplasia and polypoid transformation. In the remaining 2 patients this technique was used after failed primary closures. A full thickness left rectus abdominis island flap containing skin, fascia, muscle and peritoneal layers is prepared with an intact neurovascular pedicle from the inferior epigastric artery. This flap is rotated to cover the bladder defect and aid in augmentation. The inner layer formed by peritoneum is sutured to the edges of the bladder defect. Postoperative endoscopic and histopathological investigations revealed the inner peritoneal layer of the flap to be completely covered by transitional bladder epithelium. No major surgical complications occurred in these 6 cases. Considering the advantages of the technique from this limited experience, evidence suggests that there is no need for a major gastrointestinal operation for bladder augmentation, since an acceptable bladder capacity was available. There was no mucus production from the inner layer of the flap, and metabolic and electrolyte disturbances were reduced.

The rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap consists of the skin paddle, anterior rectus sheath, rectus muscle and deep inferior epigastric artery and veins. Of these four components, the skin paddle, rectus sheath and rectus muscle could all be adjusted appropriately for reconstruction sites. Only one or two large perforators in the paraumbilical region could easily supply the large abdominal wall. The bulkiness of the rectus abdominis flap is reduced by removal of subcutaneous fat and rectus muscle. These possibilities can provide many modification of the flap for various reconstruction sites. 16 cases were reconstructed primarily and secondarily using this flap after oral and maxillofacial tumour ablation. The results of these cases indicated a very favourable and reliable vascularity. The rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was considered to be one of the most suitable flaps for oral and maxillofacial reconstruction. Various modifications for different reconstruction sites are mainly discussed.

The surgical treatment of breast cancer shows a recent trend toward breast-saving procedures, in consideration of quality and body image. Surgeons who performed mastectomy, however, have not taken aggressive approaches to reconstructive surgery, leaving this to plastic surgeons. We adopted the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap (TRAM-flap) for breast reconstruction in 1988 and performed immediate breast reconstructions in 37 cases. There were no major complications, and good cosmetic results were obtained. For general surgeons, this excellent technique can safely cope with tissue defects in radical mastectomy, as well as modified radical mastectomy. Immediate breast reconstruction with this technique will be an integral part of breast cancer surgery in company with breast-saving surgery.

Since 1982, there have been many outstanding reports by Hartrampf, Dinner and others about the TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis m- c) flap. This procedure is now recognized as one of the best reconstructive armamentarium. Authors also have performed reconstruction by this flap over the past 13 years for 150 cases of chest wall defects and breast deformities with very good results. Through these experiences and studies in cadaver dissection, the authors are convinced that the blood supply of TRAM flap is enough with medial approximately 3/5 muscle as a pedicle, and the lateral 2/5 part of muscle can be preserved with the intercostal nerve innervation intact. The weak point of the TRAM flap is the unstable blood supply of the contralateral portion of skin island (Hartrampf's zone 4). Thus, the authors have been making the flaps with double narrowed pedicle, in cases where a large amount of tissue graft is indispensable. We have performed these refined TRAM flap procedures in 44 cases from 1990. Among the numerous advantages, for example, is the fact that synthetic material is never required to obtain a stable abdominal wall, and TRAM x 2 type flaps are very useful, especially in cases with scars in the lower abdomen that were previously thought to be contraindications for TRAM flap. No disadvantage was observed in these refined TRAM flap procedures.