Anatomical study and clinical importance of the inferior epigastric artery / Estudio anatómico e importancia clínica de la arteria epigástrica inferior

SUMMARY: The inferior epigastric artery (IEA) is a major blood vessel that supplies the anterior abdominal wall. The aim of the current study was to provide clinicians, surgeons, and obstetricians with sufficient anatomical data on the inferior epigastric artery, such as its origin and branching pattern. The study included 20 embalmed cadavers, these cadavers were dissected, and the inferior epigastric artery and vena comitans/venae comitantes were identified and traced downwards to the external iliac vessels. The origins, caliber, course and pedicle length of both the artery and the vein(s) were studied. The inferior epigastric artery arose independently from the distal external iliac artery deep to the inguinal ligament in 19 (95 %) cadavers. The artery entered the rectus abdominis muscle at its middle third in 13 (65 %) cases and at its lower third in the remaining specimens. In this study, we found that the artery divided into two branches in 18 (90 %) of the cases; in the remaining two cases, it continued as one trunk. The average pedicle length was 7.2 cm. The mean caliber of the IEA was 3.7 mm. In 18 (90 %) dissections, the venous drainage consisted of a pair of venae comitantes that united to form a common vessel at their draining point on the external iliac vein. The average diameter was 3.9 mm. The current study focuses on the anatomical features of the inferior epigastric artery to increase the success rate of abdominal and pelvic operations in clinical practice.

RESUMEN: La arteria epigástrica inferior (AEI) es un vaso sanguíneo principal que irriga la pared abdominal anterior. El objetivo del presente estudio fue proporcionar a los médicos, cirujanos y obstetras suficientes datos anatómicos sobre la arteria epigástrica inferior, como su origen y patrón de ramificación. El estudio incluyó 20 cadáveres embalsamados, los que se disecaron y se identificó la arteria epigástrica inferior y la vena concomitante y se siguieron hasta los vasos ilíacos externos. Se estudiaron los orígenes, calibre, trayecto y longitud del pedículo tanto de la arteria como de la (s) vena (s). La arteria epigástrica inferior surgió independientemente de la arteria ilíaca externa profunda al ligamento inguinal en 19 (95 %) cadáveres. La arteria ingresó al músculo recto del abdomen en su tercio medio en 13 (65 %) casos y en su tercio inferior en las muestras restantes. En este estudio, encontramos que la arteria se dividió en dos ramas en 18 (90 %) de los casos; en los dos casos restantes, continuó como un tronco. La longitud media del pedículo fue de 7,2 cm. El calibre medio del AEI fue de 3,7 mm. En 18 (90 %) disecciones, el drenaje venoso consistió en un par de venas concomitantes las que formaron un vaso común en su punto de drenaje en la vena ilíaca externa. El diámetro medio fue de 3,9 mm. El estudio actual se centra en las características anatómicas de la arteria epigástrica inferior con el propósito de mejorar la tasa de éxito de las cirugías abdominales y pélvicas en la práctica clínica.

Mastectomía radical con reconstrucción inmediata en el Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Los Andes, período junio 2012-abril 2015 / Radical mastectomy with reconstruction immediate Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Los Andes in the period June 2012-April 2015

Introducción: La reconstrucción mamaria es parte fundamental del tratamiento de la mujer mastectomizada por cáncer de mama. Tras comprobarse que la reconstrucción no influye negativamente sobre la enfermedad neoplásica, sino que es trascendental para la rehabilitación física y psicológica de la paciente, su desarrollo se ha visto favorecido. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de tipo prospectivo, observacional, descriptivo y comparativo tipo ensayo clínico, entre los colgajos miocutáneos TRAM y dorsal ancho ampliado, en las pacientes sometidas a cirugía electiva. Resultados: Se incluyó un total de 36 pacientes, dividiéndose en 2 grupos de 20 pacientes para el grupo TRAM y 16 para el grupo de dorsal ampliado, con una edad promedio de 45,45 ± 9,50 años en el TRAM y de 56,09 ± 9,07 años en el de dorsal ampliado, con un IMC que oscilaba en ambos grupos entre 25,0-29,9. Se realizó en 19 pacientes mastectomía radical modificada tipo Madden + TRAM, representando un 80%, donde se simetrizó el 15% de dicho grupo. Se realizó un Halsted + TRAM bipediculado, representando un 5%; al grupo dorsal se les realizó mastectomía radical modificada tipo Madden, simetrizándose el 31,3%. Respecto a las complicaciones, se observó en general que en las pacientes del grupo TRAM predominaron la infección de la herida operatoria y la necrosis, con un 25,0% cada una, seguidas de seroma y dehiscencia de sutura con un 10% cada una, describiéndose solo un caso de eventración, totalizando 11 pacientes, donde 3 presentaron 2 o más complicaciones de las descritas anteriormente asociadas; en el grupo de dorsal ampliado predominaron los seromas, con un 18,8%, y necrosis en un 12,5%, totalizando 4 pacientes, igualmente una con 2 complicaciones asociadas. Conclusiones: La reconstrucción mamaria posterior a la Mastectomía con sus diferentes técnicas representa un procedimiento seguro y que se debe implementar en todos los centros en que se manejen pacientes con cáncer de mama, como en nuestro servicio de Cirugía Oncológica.

Introduction: Breast reconstruction is a fundamental part of the treatment of women with mastectomies. After finding that rebuilding a negative effect on the neoplastic disease, but is critical to the physical and psychological rehabilitation of the patient, its development has been favored. Selecting the right process depends on multiple factors such as patient age, stage of disease, smoking, obesity, adjuvant treatment, experience and technical capacity of the center where they will perform the reconstruction, among other. Materials and methods: A study of prospective, observational, descriptive and comparative clinical trial type was held between myocutaneous flaps extended dorsal and TRAM, in patients undergoing elective surgery. Results: A total of 36 patients were included, divided into 2 groups of 20 patients TRAM group and 16 expanded dorsal group, with a mean age of 45.45 ± 9,50 years old in the TRAM and the expanded dorsal group of 56.09 ± 9.07 years old with a BMI in both groups ranged between 25.0-29.9. They were performed in 19 patients radical modified mastectomy Madden + TRAM type representing 80%, where 15% of this group symmetrize. A Halsted + TRAM bipedicled was performed representing 5%; the dorsal group underwent modified radical mastectomy Madden 100%, symmetrize the 31.3%. Overall complications was observed in patients TRAM group predominated operative wound infection and necrosis with 25.0% each, followed by seroma and wound dehiscence with 10% each, describing only one hernia totaling 11 patients, where 3 patients had 2 or more complications associated previously described; in extended dorsal group seroma they predominated with 18.8% and 12.5% necrosis, totaling 4 patients alike with 2 associated complications. Conclusions: The post-mastectomy breast reconstruction with different techniques is a safe procedure that must be implemented in all centers where patients with breast cancer, and our service are handled Surgical Oncology.

Laser photobiomodulation (830 and 660 nm) in mast cells, VEGF, FGF, and CD34 of the musculocutaneous flap in rats submitted to nicotine.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of laser photobiomodulation (PBM) on the viability of the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap in rats subjected to the action of nicotine. We evaluated 60 albino Wistar rats, divided into six groups of ten animals. Group 1 (saline) underwent the surgical technique to obtain a TRAM flap; group 2 (laser 830 nm) underwent the surgical technique and was irradiated with a laser 830 nm; group 3 (laser 660 nm) underwent the surgical technique and was irradiated with a laser 660 nm; group 4 was treated with nicotine subcutaneously (2 mg/kg/2×/day/4 weeks) and underwent surgery; group 5 (nicotine + laser 830 nm) was exposed to nicotine, underwent the surgical technique, and was irradiated with a laser 830 nm; group 6 (nicotine + laser 660 nm) was exposed to nicotine, underwent the surgical technique, and was irradiated with a laser 660 nm. The application of PBM occurred immediately after surgery and on the two following days. The percentage of necrosis was assessed using the AxioVision® software. The number of mast cells (toluidine blue staining) was evaluated, and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect vascular endothelial growth factor expression (anti-VEGF-A), fibroblasts (anti-basic FGF), and neoformed vessels (anti-CD34). PBM with a wavelength of 830 nm increased the viability of the TRAM flap, with a smaller area of necrosis, increased number of mast cells, and higher expression of VEGF and CD34. PBM increases the viability of musculocutaneous flaps treated with to nicotine.

Effects of High-Voltage Electrical Stimulation in Improving the Viability of Musculocutaneous Flaps in Rats.

BACKGROUND: The musculocutaneous flap of the transverse rectus abdominis muscle is a technique used for breast reconstruction, and one of the complications of this procedure is tissue necrosis. The objective of the study is to determine the effect of high-voltage electrical stimulation (HVES) in the transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap in rats. METHODS: Fourteen rats underwent surgery for obtaining the flap. The rats were distributed into 2 homogeneous groups: group 1 underwent both surgery and the use of HVES, whereas group 2 underwent just the surgery (control). Electrical stimulation was applied immediately after surgery and for 2 consecutive days. The percentage of necrotic area was analyzed using the Image J software, and blood flow was assessed by infrared thermography in different regions of the flap, divided into 4 zones according to the proximity of the pedicle of the inferior epigastric artery. RESULTS: The results were analyzed using a Student t test, where group 1 experienced a necrotic area of 26.2%, and group 2 had an area of 54.5%. Regarding the temperature, the 2 groups showed increase in the minimum and maximum temperature on the fourth postoperative day. CONCLUSION: The HVES appeared to have a positive influence on the viability of the flap.

Supercharging of delayed pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps, is it a viable option?

INTRODUCTION: Arterial and venous insufficiency may become evident even in delayed pedicled TRAM flaps. This study assesses the possibility of using the previously ligated deep inferior epigastric vessels for microvascular supercharging during reconstruction. METHODS: Twenty-two patients underwent delay by ligation of the inferior epigastric vessels prior to TRAM flap breast reconstruction. The deep inferior epigastric vessels were excised at the time of reconstruction 10-14 days after delay and microscopically examined for vascular compromise that might prevent use in microvascular anastomosis at the time of reconstruction. RESULTS: 20/22 (91%) of the deep inferior epigastric vessels (20 arteries and accompanying veins) showed clot immediately adjacent to the ligature only and 2/22 (9%) showed clot extending only 5-10 mm. None of these vessels (0%) showed clot in the distal 2 cm of their length (adjacent to the flap). Evidence of intramural hematoma, delamination, and endothelial abnormalities were not found in any of the vessels. An additional patient who was a 48-year-old female underwent bilateral pedicled TRAM flap breast reconstruction and one of the flaps exhibited inadequate capillary refill intraoperatively after transfer to the mastectomy defect. Supercharging of the flap utilizing the previously ligated inferior epigastric artery improved capillary refill and the flap survived completely postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate patency of the inferior epigastric vessels after ligation for TRAM delay during the time frame usually used for delay to take effect.

Histological modification in TRAM flap in rats treated with pentoxifylline.

PURPOSE: To investigate the blood vessels' concentration in TRAM flap's rat model, in the presence of pentoxifylline. METHODS: 32 male, Wistar-EPM rats were divided into two groups. Control group (C): 0.5 ml of saline, intraperitoneally, once a day, for seven days before flap elevation; PTX group (P): pentoxifylline (20mg/kg/day), intraperitoneally, for seven days before flap elevation. After that, they were submitted to a caudal unipedicle TRAM flap. On the fifth postoperative day, percentages of flap necrosis were determined via the "paper template" method and Tram flap's zone IV skin biopsies were taken for histological analysis. RESULTS: the mean percentage of flap necrosis in group C was 58.7 % and in group P, 31.1 (Wilcoxon test; p = 0.003). Mean capillary vessels number in zone IV's skin in C group was 33.4 and in P group was 71.9 (p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Pentoxifylline was effective reducing the necrosis in the caudal unipedicle TRAM flap in the rat as well as increasing the number of capillaries in an ischemic zone (zone IV).

Histological modification in TRAM flap in rats treated with pentoxifylline

PURPOSE: To investigate the blood vessels' concentration in TRAM flap's rat model, in the presence of pentoxifylline. METHODS: 32 male, Wistar-EPM rats were divided into two groups. Control group (C): 0.5 ml of saline, intraperitoneally, once a day, for seven days before flap elevation; PTX group (P): pentoxifylline (20mg/kg/day), intraperitoneally, for seven days before flap elevation. After that, they were submitted to a caudal unipedicle TRAM flap. On the fifth postoperative day, percentages of flap necrosis were determined via the "paper template" method and Tram flap's zone IV skin biopsies were taken for histological analysis. RESULTS: the mean percentage of flap necrosis in group C was 58.7 % and in group P, 31.1 (Wilcoxon test; p = 0.003). Mean capillary vessels number in zone IV's skin in C group was 33.4 and in P group was 71.9 (p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Pentoxifylline was effective reducing the necrosis in the caudal unipedicle TRAM flap in the rat as well as increasing the number of capillaries in an ischemic zone (zone IV). .

What is better in TRAM flap survival: LLLT single or multi-irradiation?

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used with the aim of improving vascular perfusion of the skin and musculocutaneous flaps. This study evaluated the effect of LLLT on transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap (TRAM) viability, vascular angiogenesis, and VEGF release. Eighty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups with 12 rats in each group. Group 1 received sham laser treatment; group 2, 3 J/cm(2) at 1 point; group 3, 3 J/cm(2) at 24 points; group 4, 72 J/cm(2) at 1 point; group 5, 6 J/cm(2) at 1 point; group 6, 6 J/cm(2) at 24 points; and group 7, 144 J/cm(2) at 1 point. All experimental groups underwent LLLT immediately after the TRAM operation and on the following 2 days; thus, animals underwent 3 days of treatment. The percentage of skin flap necrosis area was calculated on the fourth postoperative day using the paper template method, and two skin samples were collected using a 1-cm(2) punch to evaluate alpha smooth muscle actin (1A4) and VEGF levels in blood vessels. Significant differences were found in necrosis percentage, and higher values were seen in group 1 than in the other groups. Statistically significant differences were not found among groups 3 to 7 (p<0.292). Groups 5 and 7 showed significantly higher VEGF levels compared to other groups. Groups 3 and 5 had an increase in levels of blood vessels compared to other groups. LLLT at energy densities of 6 to 144 J/cm(2) was efficient to increase angiogenesis and VEGF levels and promote viability in TRAM flaps in rats.

Histology of the rectus abdominis muscle in rats subjected to cranial and caudal devascularization.

PURPOSE: To investigate the microscopic changes in the rectus abdominis muscle in rats subjected to five delay procedure. METHODS: 30 male Holtzmann rats, weighting between 250 and 350 grams, were used. The animals were divided into five groups (n=6): A - cranial section of the right muscle; B - caudal section of the right muscle; C - craniocaudal section of the right muscle; D - cranial section reflecting the right muscle in the craniocaudal direction; E - caudal section reflecting the right muscle in the caudocranial direction. On the seventh day after surgery, a resection of the cranial and caudal fragments of the right and left muscles, respectively, was performed for microscopic analysis. Histological alterations were quantified and the right and left (control) muscle fragments compared. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical purposes with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The comparison between right and left muscles showed statistically significant differences in group A - inflammatory infiltrate in the cranial fragment (p=0.015); in group C - inflammatory infiltrate (p=0.000) and necrosis (p=0.015) in the caudal fragment; and in group E - edema in the caudal fragment (p=0.000). No significant alterations were noted in groups B and D. CONCLUSIONS: Irrigation exclusively through the perforating muscle vessels is inappropriate; irrigation exclusively through the cranial pedicle causes milder, insignificant histological alterations, when compared with irrigation exclusively through the caudal pedicle; irrigation exclusively through the caudal pedicle causes more pronounced, but still insignificant, histological alterations when compared with other forms of devascularization.

Histology of the rectus abdominis muscle in rats subjected to cranial and caudal devascularization / Histologia do músculo reto do abdome de ratos submetidos à desvascularização cranial e caudal

PURPOSE: To investigate the microscopic changes in the rectus abdominis muscle in rats subjected to five delay procedure. METHODS: 30 male holtzmann rats, weighting between 250 and 350 grams, were used. The animals were divided into five groups (n=6): A - cranial section of the right muscle; B - caudal section of the right muscle; C - craniocaudal section of the right muscle; D - cranial section reflecting the right muscle in the craniocaudal direction; E - caudal section reflecting the right muscle in the caudocranial direction. On the seventh day after surgery, a resection of the cranial and caudal fragments of the right and left muscles, respectively, was performed for microscopic analysis. Histological alterations were quantified and the right and left (control) muscle fragments compared. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical purposes with a significance level of 5 percent. RESULTS: The comparison between right and left muscles showed statistically significant differences in group A - inflammatory infiltrate in the cranial fragment (p=0.015); in group C - inflammatory infiltrate (p=0.000) and necrosis (p=0.015) in the caudal fragment; and in group E - edema in the caudal fragment (p=0.000). No significant alterations were noted in groups B and D. CONCLUSIONS: Irrigation exclusively through the perforating muscle vessels is inappropriate; irrigation exclusively through the cranial pedicle causes milder, insignificant histological alterations, when compared with irrigation exclusively through the caudal pedicle; irrigation exclusively through the caudal pedicle causes more pronounced, but still insignificant, histological alterations when compared with other forms of devascularization.

OBJETIVO: Investigar as alterações microscópicas no músculo reto do abdome de ratos submetidos a cinco técnicas de autonomização. MÉTODOS: Utilizaram-se 30 ratos machos Holtzmann, pesando entre 250 e 350 gramas. Os animais foram distribuídos em cinco grupos (n=6): A - secção cranial do músculo direito; B - secção caudal do músculo direito; C - secção cranial e caudal do músculo direito; D - secção cranial rebatendo o músculo direito no sentido cranial-caudal; E - secção caudal rebatendo o músculo direito no sentido caudal-cranial. No sétimo dia pós-operatório, ressecou-se um fragmento cranial e caudal dos músculos direito e esquerdo, respectivamente, para estudo microscópico. As alterações histológicas foram quantificadas e comparados os fragmentos dos músculos direito aos do esquerdo (controle). Utilizou-se, para fins estatísticos, o teste exato de Fisher, com nível de significância de 5 por cento. RESULTADOS: A comparação entre os músculos direito e esquerdo demonstrou significância estatística no grupo A - infiltrado inflamatório no fragmento cranial (p=0,015); no grupo C - infiltrado inflamatório (p=0,000) e necrose (p=0,015) no fragmento caudal; e no grupo E - edema no fragmento caudal (p=0,000). Não foram observadas alterações significativas nos grupos B e D. CONCLUSÕES: A irrigação exclusiva pelos vasos musculares perfurantes é inadequada; a irrigação exclusiva pelo pedículo cranial causa alterações histológicas menos acentuadas, não-significantes, em comparação à irrigação exclusiva pelo pedículo caudal; a irrigação exclusiva pelo pedículo caudal causa alterações histológicas mais acentuadas, não-significantes, em comparação com as demais formas de desvascularização.

Histology of the rectus abdominis muscle in rats subjected to cranial and caudal devascularization / Histologia do músculo reto do abdome de ratos submetidos à desvascularização cranial e caudal

PURPOSE: To investigate the microscopic changes in the rectus abdominis muscle in rats subjected to five delay procedure. METHODS: 30 male holtzmann rats, weighting between 250 and 350 grams, were used. The animals were divided into five groups (n=6): A - cranial section of the right muscle; B - caudal section of the right muscle; C - craniocaudal section of the right muscle; D - cranial section reflecting the right muscle in the craniocaudal direction; E - caudal section reflecting the right muscle in the caudocranial direction. On the seventh day after surgery, a resection of the cranial and caudal fragments of the right and left muscles, respectively, was performed for microscopic analysis. Histological alterations were quantified and the right and left (control) muscle fragments compared. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical purposes with a significance level of 5 percent. RESULTS: The comparison between right and left muscles showed statistically significant differences in group A - inflammatory infiltrate in the cranial fragment (p=0.015); in group C - inflammatory infiltrate (p=0.000) and necrosis (p=0.015) in the caudal fragment; and in group E - edema in the caudal fragment (p=0.000). No significant alterations were noted in groups B and D. CONCLUSIONS: Irrigation exclusively through the perforating muscle vessels is inappropriate; irrigation exclusively through the cranial pedicle causes milder, insignificant histological alterations, when compared with irrigation exclusively through the caudal pedicle; irrigation exclusively through the caudal pedicle causes more pronounced, but still insignificant, histological alterations when compared with other forms of devascularization.(AU)

OBJETIVO: Investigar as alterações microscópicas no músculo reto do abdome de ratos submetidos a cinco técnicas de autonomização. MÉTODOS: Utilizaram-se 30 ratos machos Holtzmann, pesando entre 250 e 350 gramas. Os animais foram distribuídos em cinco grupos (n=6): A - secção cranial do músculo direito; B - secção caudal do músculo direito; C - secção cranial e caudal do músculo direito; D - secção cranial rebatendo o músculo direito no sentido cranial-caudal; E - secção caudal rebatendo o músculo direito no sentido caudal-cranial. No sétimo dia pós-operatório, ressecou-se um fragmento cranial e caudal dos músculos direito e esquerdo, respectivamente, para estudo microscópico. As alterações histológicas foram quantificadas e comparados os fragmentos dos músculos direito aos do esquerdo (controle). Utilizou-se, para fins estatísticos, o teste exato de Fisher, com nível de significância de 5 por cento. RESULTADOS: A comparação entre os músculos direito e esquerdo demonstrou significância estatística no grupo A - infiltrado inflamatório no fragmento cranial (p=0,015); no grupo C - infiltrado inflamatório (p=0,000) e necrose (p=0,015) no fragmento caudal; e no grupo E - edema no fragmento caudal (p=0,000). Não foram observadas alterações significativas nos grupos B e D. CONCLUSÕES: A irrigação exclusiva pelos vasos musculares perfurantes é inadequada; a irrigação exclusiva pelo pedículo cranial causa alterações histológicas menos acentuadas, não-significantes, em comparação à irrigação exclusiva pelo pedículo caudal; a irrigação exclusiva pelo pedículo caudal causa alterações histológicas mais acentuadas, não-significantes, em comparação com as demais formas de desvascularização.(AU)

The use of a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) in a case of severe breast asymmetry secondary to radiation therapy during childhood.

Breast radiotherapy during childhood may cause unpredictable outcomes in soft tissue growth and may be responsible for most iatrogenic-related breast hypoplasias. Poor local skin quality and subcutaneous atrophy poses a difficult problem for the use of alloplastic tissues. Clinical use of a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) in oncological breast surgery is a common practice; however few studies have described its application in benign situations and no previous report addressed this subject. The authors indicate the use of the DIEP flap to correct severe hypomastia after previous childhood radiotherapy for hemangioma treatment, followed by unsuccessful alloplastic tissue reconstruction. For selected patients the DIEP flap may constitute a new alternative for complications of radiotherapy treatment due to the possibility of large tissue transfer with minimal donor area morbidity. The quantity of flap tissue necessary to restore the breast mound, the perforator vessel size, and the quality of suitable recipient vessels should be carefully evaluated. However, the need for microsurgical training as well as the extended surgical time are the main limiting factors for the use of this flap.

Latissimus dorsi muscle flap based on arterial branch to serratus anterior as salvage of a failed bipedicled transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap. A case report.

We present a case of a failed bipedicled (unilateral rectus flap with superior epigastric pedicle preserved and inferior epigastric vessels anastomosed to the thoracodorsal trunk as the second pedicle) transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap that had compromised the dominant pedicle of the latissimus dorsi muscle. A salvage procedure was possible using this muscle as a pedicle flap based on the back-flow from the serratus anterior arterial branch with success. The use of the reconstructive ladder is highlighted.

Latissimus dorsi muscle flap based on arterial branch to serratus anterior as salvage of a failed bipedicled transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap. A case report

We present a case of a failed bipedicled (unilateral rectus flap with superior epigastric pedicle preserved and inferior epigastric vessels anastomosed to the thoracodorsal trunk as the second pedicle) transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap that had compromised the dominant pedicle of the latissimus dorsi muscle. A salvage procedure was possible using this muscle as a pedicle flap based on the back-flow from the serratus anterior arterial branch with success. The use of the reconstructive ladder is highlighted