An inferior rectus abdominis bridge flap for revascularization of an ischemic tongue

Ann Plast Surg. 1994 Jan;32(1):97-100. doi: 10.1097/00000637-199401000-00015.

Abstract

Ablative surgery to completely eradicate cancer may injure or necessitate ligation of major vessels. Unplanned necrosis of intact adjacent tissues and/or organs may result due to insufficient blood supply. We report a case in which a free inferior rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap was successfully used as a bridge flap. Reconstruction of a soft tissue defect as well as revascularization of an ischemic organ (the tongue) was simultaneously achieved with a single flap transfer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a free inferior rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap used successfully as a bridge flap.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anastomosis, Surgical / methods
  • Arteries / surgery
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / surgery*
  • Microsurgery / methods
  • Neck Dissection
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery*
  • Reoperation
  • Surgical Flaps / methods*
  • Tongue / blood supply*
  • Tongue Neoplasms / surgery*