Abdominal wall reconstruction with pedicled rectus femoris muscle flap

Abstract

Large abdominal hernias or abdominal wall defects often require the use of prosthetic mesh, local tissue transposition or even distant muscle flaps for proper reconstruction of the abdominal wall. The disadvantages of meshes are well known. The use of muscle flaps is an appreciated alternative. We present 12 cases with reconstruction of the abdominal wall using pedicled rectus femoris muscle flaps after tumor resections, incisional hernias, and infection. Follow up time ranged from 6 months to 4 years. Abdominal wall stability was examined clinically. The aesthetic and the functional result were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. To objectively evaluate the loss of force in the quadriceps muscle the maximal voluntary knee extension torque was measured. In all patients except one a stable abdominal wall was achieved. No major complications occurred. The loss of torque in the operated leg was tolerable. The donor site morbidity is relatively low and the flap provides an easy and save possibility to reconstruct the abdominal wall. The rectus femoris muscle flap should be considered as an alternative for abdominal wall reconstruction.