Transverse division of the rectus abdominis muscle in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap elevation: A rescue technique to include more than one perforator

摘要: Background It is important to include as many perforators as possible in order to enhance the vascularity of a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. However, the rectus muscle must be transected transversely, which prevents suturing and can cause a defect along the same line as the muscle‐sparing procedure. When harvesting the DIEP flap, no specific method was suggested to solve these muscle defects. We found that by transecting the rectus muscle transversely, the muscle could be sutured in the tendinous area more easily while maintaining muscle function. The purpose of this study is to confirm the long‐term recovery of the rectus abdominis muscle through the volume change after DIEP flap using this tendinous transection and suture method. Patients and Methods A retrospective review of 28 patients who underwent unilateral breast reconstruction using a DIEP flap and the tendinous transection …