Clinical application of the lower abdomen transverse flap pedicled with superior epigastric artery

Objective:To summarize the clinical application experience of breast reconstruction and chest wound repaired with the lower abdomen transverse flap pedicled with superior epigastric artery.Methods:Ten patients were treated with the lower abdomen transverse flap pedicled with superior epigasric artery.The superior and inferior epigastric atery running in region to bring about central 1/3 part of rectus abdominis muscle and former sheath.Among these patients,5 cases were accepted breast reconstruction immediately after the radical mastectomy,3 cases were received the repair of radioactivity ulcer in chest wall and 2 cases with recurrent breast cancer were repaired wound at stage one after reoperation.Results:The largest area of flap was 25 cm×14 cm,the minimum size was 16 cm×8 cm.All 10 cases of flap were survived and abdominal wounds were sutured by directly draw.No serious complications were occured in patient's chest and abdomen.Fllowed up from 3 months to 3 years,the shape of the breast were satisfied.There had no hernia and obvious weak occurred in abdominal wall.Conclusions:The lower abdomen transverse flap based on the superior epigastric artery and central 1/3 part of rectus abdominal muscle bundle and former sheath has reliable blood supply,large area,simplified operation and it can effectively prevent the occurrence of the abdominal wall hernia and weak.It is an ideal choice for breast reconstruction and chest wall wound repair.