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Problems with the lower transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap for breast and chest wall reconstruction

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Summary

Three cases are reported illustrating serious problems which may follow the use of the transverse lower abdominal rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. In the first two cases the flap was used for breast reconstruction, and in the third case it was used to reconstruct an anterior chest wall defect following radiotherapy. The reliability of the blood supply is discussed and a fourth case presented to demonstrate the comparative safety of a similar flap supplied by the deep inferior epigastric vessels. It is concluded that the flap should be used with discretion and reserved for use following the failure of simpler and established methods of breast and chest wall reconstruction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The West London Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Centre, West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth, Middlesex, UK

    R. W. Smith, R. N. Matthews & D. M. Davies

Authors
  1. R. W. Smith
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  2. R. N. Matthews
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  3. D. M. Davies
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Smith, R.W., Matthews, R.N. & Davies, D.M. Problems with the lower transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap for breast and chest wall reconstruction. Chir Plastica 8, 103–108 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00264844

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00264844

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