J Reconstr Microsurg 2004; 20(7): 523-526
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-836123
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Advantages of Using Intercostal Vessels as the Recipients for Free Flaps Covering Lumbar Defects

Franck Duteille1 , Pierre Perrot1 , Nancy  Floch, Michel Pannier1
  • 1Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Hôpital Jean Monnet, Nantes, France
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
09 November 2004 (online)

Anatomic conditions in the lumbar region can complicate procedures for covering defects. In particular, a free flap is often required when the defect is large, in which case suitable recipient vessels must be found to insure revascularization. This report concerns a 50-year-old woman with multiple basal-cell carcinomas in the lumbar radiodermatitis zone, who underwent a large resection from D10 to S2. The defect was repaired using a free latissimus dorsi flap revascularized by microvascular anastomosis to the 8th intercostal pedicle. The advantages of using these recipient vessels are then considered relative to reports in the literature.

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Franck DuteilleM.D. 

Service de chirurgie plastique reconstructrice et esthétique

CHU, Hôpital Jean Monnet

44093 Nantes cedex 01, France

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