Archives of Plastic Surgery

Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (대한성형외과학회)
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Anomaly of Deep Inferior Epigastric Vessels detected at the Elevation of Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous Flap: A Case Report

횡복직근피부피판거상시 발견된 깊은아래배벽 혈관의 이상: 증례보고

  • Han, Kyu Nam (Research Institute of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine) ;
  • Chang, Hak (Research Institute of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine)
  • 한규남 (서울대학교 의과대학 성형외과학교실, 성형재건연구소) ;
  • 장학 (서울대학교 의과대학 성형외과학교실, 성형재건연구소)
  • Received : 2008.03.25
  • Accepted : 2008.05.14
  • Published : 2008.07.10
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Abstract

Purpose: Unexpected vascular anomaly can make the surgeon embarrassing and even affects on the operative results of free flap reconstruction. We experienced one case of abnormal course of deep inferior epigastric vessels during the elevation of rectus abdominis musculocutaneous free flap for breast reconstruction. Methods: A 38-year-old female patient who had modified radical mastectomy on her left breast underwent delayed breast reconstruction with rectus abdominis musculocutaneous free flap. Results: Flap elevation was performed in the traditional manner. During the flap elevation, it was detected that the deep inferior epigastric vessels ran between the rectus abdominis muscle and anterior rectus sheath along the midline after traversing the rectus muscle. The reconstructive surgery was successful and there were no postoperative complications. Conclusion: This is the first case reported in Korea. We should always know about the possibilities of unexpected anomaly that we can encounter.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

Supported by : 한국과학재단

References

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