An evolution of clinical application of inferior pedicle based rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap for repair of perineal defects after radical surgery for cancer

Abstract

The inferior epigastric artery based rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (RAMF) is one of the most versatile flaps used to bridge gaps in the perineum and groin, in the reconstruction of vagina after radical resections for cancer and in selected patients with benign and non-healing perineal lesions. Its use for reconstruction after Abdomino-perineal resection was first described in 1984. This review attempts to summarize the anatomic-technical aspects of inferiorly based RAMF and its applications. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.