Prefabricated thin flap using the transversalis fascia as a carrier.

Abstract

To harvest a thin flap from the groin and hypogastric area, the authors developed a new prefabricated flap using the transversalis fascia as a carrier. The transversalis fascia is a very thin and abundantly vascularized tissue nourished by the deep inferior epigastric vessels. Flap prefabrication was performed by inserting the transversalis fascia between the thinly undermined skin flap and the tissue expander placed beneath the skin flap, followed by a pretransfer delay procedure around the flap. After a 3-week interval, the flap was transplanted with no complications, such as congestion and thrombus of anastomosis. By using this technique, it was possible to elevate an equally thin flap from the groin and hypogastric area while avoiding morbidity of the donor site.