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

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.