ABSTRACT
Refinements in microsurgery should include not only the selection of an appropriate
flap based on the requirements of the recipient defect, but consideration to minimize
any donor site morbidity. This concept is analyzed for preoperative assessments, when
using any of the variants of the rectus abdominis muscle or musculocutaneous flaps
that may be approached via vertical, horizontal, or suprapubic incisions that are
chosen to avoid conspicuous scars. Of perhaps greater importance, preservation of
abdominal wall integrity is possible, preventing late complications of hernia or eventration
by using fascial-sparing techniques.
