J Reconstr Microsurg 1989; 5(1): 69-73
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006853
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1989 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Aesthetic Approach to the Rectus Abdominis Free Tissue Transfer

Geoffrey G. Hallock
  • Division of Plastic Surgery, The Allentown Hospital and Lehigh Valley Hospital Center, Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted for publication 1988

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

Refinements in microsurgery should include not only the selection of an appropriate flap based on the requirements of the recipient defect, but consideration to minimize any donor site morbidity. This concept is analyzed for preoperative assessments, when using any of the variants of the rectus abdominis muscle or musculocutaneous flaps that may be approached via vertical, horizontal, or suprapubic incisions that are chosen to avoid conspicuous scars. Of perhaps greater importance, preservation of abdominal wall integrity is possible, preventing late complications of hernia or eventration by using fascial-sparing techniques.