Anatomy: Workhorse Flaps

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The intercostals muscles, serratus anterior, pectoralis major, and latissimus dorsi, are established workhorse flaps used in most chest wall reconstructions. These flaps are reliable and simple. Less frequently, alternative pedicle flaps may be employed: rectus abdominis muscle, fatty or musculocutaneous flaps, thus it may justify a simple overview.

Rectus Abdominis
The rectus abdominis are thick and triangular muscles that extend from the pubic tubercle and arch of the pelvis, to the xiphod process of the sternum, and cartilage of 5th to 7th rib. The use of this flap is based on the ease of dissection and the wide arc of rotation of the rectus abdominis muscle.
The muscle enter the chest through either a subcutaneous tunnel or via the diaphragm. The length and bulk of a pedicled rectus abdominis flap can reach and obliterate and infected plural space as high as to the sternal notch. Intrathoracic mobilization is possible based on the superior epigastric vessels, which continue the internal thoracic ones.
Unfortunately, rectus abdominis muscle, as the omental flap would entail a separate abdominal wound. Furthermore, its use may result in hernia formation or substantial deformity of the abdominal wall in thin or malnourished patients.8

Omentum
The greater omentum has many properties that make it valuable in chest wall reconstruction. This organ not only has a potential ability to revascularize organs to which it is attached, but also is rich in macrophages and localizes infection, even in heterotopic setting. 18,31
The pliability and bulkiness of the tissue makes it suitable for filling irregular spaces and reaching relatively inaccessible locations. The omentum flap is mobile and large enough to fill a extensive wound cavit...

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...t-tissue band representing the cutaneous portion of the flap.3
The contrast enhancement and fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) of the soft-tissue component in muscle flaps is similar to that of other muscular structures. 3 Increasing muscle mass, areas of increased enhancement or fluorine 18-FDG uptake are worrisome for recurrence of cancer or infection in the flap.27 However, heavily calcified intercostals muscle flap can show uptake of fluorine 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) similar to that in bone, mimicking recurrent malignancy.3 15

COMPLICATIONS OF THE FLAP
In successful closure of intrathoracic defects, the inflammatory process decreases gradually. The pleura is pulled toward the thoracic wall, and the residual lung expands.29 There is risk of partial cavity recurrence when severe destruction caused by fibrosis and adhesions prevents the surrounding lung to expand.11

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