Recycling delayed perforator flap: deep inferior epigastric artery perforator-based propeller flap from a prior vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap.

Abstract

This article reports a case of re-elevating a prior vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap as a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator-based propeller flap to cover a recurrent chest wall defect. This case demonstrates that a conventional musculocutaneous flap tissue with a preserved perforator can be recycled as a perforator flap. Furthermore, this technique can be a promising new surgical option for recurring abdominal and chest defects.