Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator Research Articles

The microvascular anatomy of superior and inferior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP and IGAP) flaps: a fresh cadaveric study and clinical implications.

Our study aimed to highlight anatomical similarities, differences, and variations in the microvascular anatomy between superior and inferior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP and IGAP) flaps. Thirty gluteal flaps (15 SGAP and 15 IGAP) were studied on 22 adult fresh cadavers. We recorded the number and location of perforators, the characteristics of the main perforator (course, length, and diameter at the level of division at the greater sciatic foramen), and the anatomical variations of the submuscular venous plexus. The mean number of perforators was similar in both flaps (n = 7). We found a statistically significant difference in the total length of the vascular pedicle between SGAP (mean = 9.80 cm) and IGAP (mean = 13.36 cm) flaps, which correlated strongly with the difference in the intramuscular length (mean difference = 3.40 cm) of the perforator. There was no statistically significant difference in the diameter of the superior and inferior gluteal vessels at the point of pedicle division. The complex submuscular venous plexus, which is typically found on SGAP flaps deep to the sacral fascia, was never encountered on IGAP flaps. Perforators originating from the inferior gluteal artery were found on the lower half of five superior gluteal flaps. These were dominant perforators in two cases. We also report a rare anatomical communication between superior and inferior gluteal vessels deep to the piriformis muscle and a case of atheromatous disease of the inferior gluteal artery. Our findings are highly relevant to clinical practice and contribute to the understanding of the vascular anatomy of SGAP and IGAP flaps and the successful use of these challenging flaps. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Perianal Paget's Disease

The incidence of extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is very low. An 84-year-old Korean man was treated with topical and oral medications at a local dermatologic clinic for a year, but the symptoms did not improve. He visited Severance Hospital and underwent a perianal skin biopsy and was finally diagnosed with EMPD. The authors performed a wide local excision according to a 1-cm margin around the lesion. For the skin and the soft tissue defects, bilateral inferior gluteal artery perforator flap transpositions were performed. The size of the lesion was 14 cm2 × 9 cm2, and the lateral and the basal margins were all disease free.

The Evolution of Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction: Twenty Years after the First DIEP Flap

It is over 20 years since the inaugural deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction. We review the type of flap utilized and indications in 2,850 microvascular breast reconstruction over the subsequent 20 years in the senior author's practice (Robert J. Allen). Data were extracted from a personal logbook of all microsurgical free flap breast reconstructions performed between August 1992 and August 2012. Indication for surgery; mastectomy pattern in primary reconstruction; flap type, whether unilateral or bilateral; recipient vessels; and adjunctive procedures were recorded. The DIEP was the most commonly performed flap (66%), followed by the superior gluteal artery perforator flap (12%), superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (9%), inferior gluteal artery perforator flap (6%), profunda artery perforator flap (3%), and transverse upper gracilis flap (3%). Primary reconstruction accounted for 1,430 flaps (50%), secondary 992 (35%), and tertiary 425 (15%). As simultaneous bilateral reconstructions, 59% flaps were performed. With each flap, there typically ensues a period of enthusiasm which translated into surge in flap numbers. However, each flap has its own nuances and characteristics that influence patient and physician choice. Of note, each newly introduced flap, either buttock or thigh, results in a sharp decline in its predecessor. In this practice, the DIEP flap has remained the first choice in autologous breast reconstruction.

The Island Perforator Flap Design Augments Vascularity

Sir: We read with great interest the article entitled “The Importance of a Skin Bridge in Peripheral Tissue Perfusion in Perforator Flaps,” and we congratulate the authors on their study.1 With dynamic laser-induced fluorescence videoangiography, Mešić et al.1 assessed perfusion of island and nonisland perforator flaps and concluded that conversion of a perforator flap with a skin bridge into an island perforator flap increases peripheral tissue perfusion. Cutting of the skin bridge and conversion of a nonisland flap into an island flap completely divide the dermal/subdermal plexus and are intuitively expected to further impair circulation of the flap. Based on a similar line of thought, perfusion in island flaps is intuitively expected to be lower than that of surrounding skin (or preoperative donor area) due to raising of the flap, division of smaller vessels, and skeletonization of perforators. However, there is now an emerging body of research to suggest otherwise. Rubino et al.2 performed echo color Doppler measurements of diameter and blood flow velocity in deep inferior epigastric, superior gluteal artery, and anterolateral thigh perforator flaps. Their data showed that in the donor area preoperatively, blood velocity in the perforator is lower than that in the corresponding pedicle, whereas after surgery, blood velocity in the perforator is higher than that in the corresponding pedicle. Figus et al.3 assessed hemodynamic changes in deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps with laser Doppler flowmetry. Their study demonstrated an increase of the blood velocity in the circulation of deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps both in the immediate postoperative period and after 3 months. Both groups suggested that the higher velocity within perforator flaps may be a favorable rheologic feature.2,3 We had a case of a 46-year-old man who underwent perineal defect reconstruction with an inferior gluteal artery perforator island flap following laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection of a low rectal malignancy. Seven days after the operation, laser Doppler flowmetry (Moor Laser Doppler Imager; Moor Instruments Ltd., Devon, United Kingdom) assessment of flap perfusion revealed an area of significant hyperperfusion where the inferior gluteal artery entered the flap (Figs. 1 and 2). In comparison to surrounding skin (yellow/green/pink), the perfusion where the pedicle entered the flap was significantly increased (red), while flap perfusion in the areas away from the pedicle was relatively decreased (blue/purple).Fig. 1: The inferior gluteal artery island perforator flap was used to reconstruct the perineal defectFig. 2: Laser Doppler flowmetry displayed in 16-color palette over the range 0 to 230 PU with five marked regions of interest. Flux is highest where the vascular pedicle enters the flap at region 3 (blue, lowest blood flow; red, highest blood flow).In 1975, Behan and Wilson4 introduced the angiotome concept, which culminated in the keystone design perforator island flap. For at least two decades, Behan5 has hypothesized that the island flap design augments vascular perfusion, based on his intraoperative and early postoperative, clinically observed “red dot sign” and hyperaemic flare. In the current era of evidence-based medicine, his observations and interpretations were met with some skepticism until recent years. There are now published clinical series of keystone island flaps reflecting favorable clinical outcomes over decades. It is now gratifying to see the emergence of experimental and basic sciences research that helps to explain our positive experiences with the keystone island flap. Many questions remain unanswered (i.e., in our case, why the perfusion was relatively decreased in the flap areas away from the pedicle), and we look forward to contributing to this body of work on perforator flaps in the near future. DISCLOSURE The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this communication. Cheng Hean Lo, F.R.A.C.S.(Plast.) Hana Menezes, C.C.R.N. Felix Behan, F.R.A.C.S.(Plast.) Monash Health Dandenong, Victoria, Australia

Introducing the Profunda Artery Perforator Flap for Breast Reconstruction

Popularized alternatives to abdominally-based autologous breast reconstruction include the superior or inferior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP or IGAP) flaps and transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flaps. The SGAP flap places a scar across the superior buttock and can create a contour deformity. The IGAP flap has been associated with sitting difficulties, secondary to loss of fat over the ischial tuberosity. The TUG flap has been criticized for its small volume, short pedicle, sacrifice of the gracilis muscle, and a visible scar anteriorly. The authors have explored the posterior thigh, where the profunda artery can supply a perforator (PAP) flap, as a better alternative.

Donor-site morbidity of the inferior gluteal artery perforator flap for breast reconstruction in teenagers

Few options, apart from the buttock area, are available for autologous breast reconstruction in thin teenagers. The aim of the present study was to objectively evaluate and compare donor-site morbidity of the inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flap with that of the previously described inferior gluteal musculocutaneous flap. A retrospective review of all IGAP flaps for breast reconstruction performed in teenagers between June 2006 and April 2011 at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, was performed. Patients were invited to undergo a specific physical evaluation and complete a questionnaire on aesthetic and functional outcomes. Thirteen records and 11 photographic charts were reviewed. Lateral buttock flattening was noticeable in nine of 11 cases. Three patients experienced some degree of inferior displacement of the gluteal crease. All six patients available for the appointment presented with a zone of dysesthesia or hypoesthesia in the territory of the operated buttock and/or posterior thigh. No motor impairment was found. The questionnaire, completed by eight patients, revealed that six were satisfied or very satisfied with the surgery. Appearance of the operated buttock was rated 3.4 on a scale from 1 to 5 (5 = normal) compared with the normal side. The IGAP flap remains a suitable option for breast reconstruction in slim teenagers. Similar to the myocutaneous flap, the major donor-site morbidity of the IGAP flap remains sensory impairment involving the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. There is, however, less visible lateral depression when it is harvested as a perforator flap.

Donor-site morbidity of the inferior gluteal artery perforator flap for breast reconstruction in teenagers

Donor-site morbidity of the inferior gluteal artery perforator flap for breast reconstruction in teenagers

Acne inversa (Hidradenitis suppurativa): A review with a focus on pathogenesis and treatment

Acne inversa (AI) is a disabilitating chronic inflammatory disease with major negative impact on quality of life and significant co-morbidities. This is an important link to insights into immune dysfunction, which stimulated therapeutic approaches like tumor necrosis-α inhibitor therapy. This new off-label drug treatment is particularly beneficial when used in combination with wide excision of inflamed skin and subcutaneous tissue. Retinoids have been reported to be helpful in secondary prevention. The standard of therapy in advanced cases is surgery with wide excisions and healing by secondary intention. This treatment results in significant reduction of complaints and achieves satisfactory body contouring.

Trials and Tribulations with the Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Trials and Tribulations with the Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Author's reply: Perineal reconstruction after abdominoperineal excision using inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps (Br J Surg 2012; 99: 584–588)

Author's reply: Perineal reconstruction after abdominoperineal excision using inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps (<i>Br J Surg</i> 2012; 99: 584–588)

Use of Inferior Gluteal Artery and Posterior Thigh Perforators in Management of Ischial Pressure Sores With Limited Donor Sites for Flap Coverage

Reconstructive surgery for ischial pressure sore defects presents a challenge because of high rates of recurrence. The aim of this study was to describe the use of inferior gluteal artery (IGA) and posterior thigh perforators in management of ischial pressure sores with limited donor sites. Between September 2005 and 2009, 11 patients (9 male, 2 female) with ischial sores were operated by using IGA and posterior thigh perforator flaps. The data of patients included age, sex, cause of paraplegia, flap size, perforator of flap, previous surgeries, recurrences, complications, and postoperative follow-up. Nine IGA and 5 posterior thigh perforator flaps were used. Six patients presented with recurrent lesions, 5 patients were operated for sacral and contralateral ischial pressure sores previously. In 2 patients, IGA and posterior thigh perforator flaps were used in combination. Patients were followed for an average of 34.3 months. In 2 recurrent cases, readvancement of IGA perforator flap and gluteus maximus myocutaneous flap were treatment of choice. Treatment of patients with recurrent lesions or multiple pressure sores is challenging because of limited available flap donor sites. In this study, posterior thigh perforator flaps were preferred in patients in whom the previous donor site was the gluteal region. IGA perforator flaps were the treatment of choice in patients for whom posterior thigh region was previously used. Alternately, preserved perforators of previous conventional myocutaneous flaps enabled us to use these perforators in recurrences.

Perineal and vaginal wall reconstruction using a combined inferior gluteal and pudendal artery perforator flap: A case report

Reliable perineal and posterior vaginal wall restoration following extensive abdominoperineal excision or pelvic exenteration is a reconstructive challenge, especially if the rectus abdominis is unavailable or insufficient for transpelvic transposition. In this short report, we present a novel combined perforator-based technique, in which an inferior gluteal perforator flap is used for perineal reconstruction whereas vaginal reconstruction is performed simultaneously by means of a pudendal artery perforator flap. This procedure circumvents functional muscle loss, permits a tension-free closure of difficult three-dimensional defects and offers a high degree of reconstructive flexibility, which allows a straightforward and independent reconstruction of two different anatomical units.

Predictable Closure of the Abdominoperineal Resection Defect: A Novel Two-Team Approach

Primary closure of the perineum at the time of abdominoperineal resection (APR) is seldom successful. Several factors are known to adversely affect healing, including neoadjuvant chemoradiation, tension, contamination, and fluid collection. This study evaluates a 2-team approach for resection and routine perineal closure in a single stage. After tumor resection, the abdominal and perineal closures are performed simultaneously by 2 separate teams. A competent closure of the perineal defect is achieved with bilateral V-to-Y inferior gluteal artery perforator fasciocutaneous flaps (BIGAP) mobilizing buttock skin, fat, and gluteal muscle fascia for inset into the defect. No muscle is elevated with the flaps and no attempt is made to obliterate the deepest aspects of the pelvic defect. Beginning in August 2010, 18 consecutive patients who underwent APR for distal rectal (n = 14) and anal carcinoma (n = 4) were included in the study. All patients had received neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy. Primary healing was achieved in 16 of 18 patients with a completely tension-free closure. One patient required debridement and secondary closure. Another patient had an unresectable tumor, which invaded the flap closure. Minor healing problems were seen in 7 patients. BIGAP flaps provide sufficient tissue to predictably provide primary closure of the perineal defect. Perineal wound healing morbidity is dramatically reduced compared with primary simple closure of this defect. Early results indicate that this method of perineal closure offers a straightforward and predictable method that is comparable in efficacy to other methods using pedicled flaps for perineal closure.

A reusable perforator‐preserving gluteal artery‐based rotation fasciocutaneous flap for pressure sore reconstruction

Perforator-based fasciocutaneous flaps for reconstructing pressure sores can achieve good functional results with acceptable donor site complications in the short-term. Recurrence is a difficult issue and a major concern in plastic surgery. In this study, we introduce a reusable perforator-preserving gluteal artery-based rotation flap for reconstruction of pressure sores, which can be also elevated from the same incision to accommodate pressure sore recurrence. The study included 23 men and 13 women with a mean age of 59.3 (range 24-89) years. There were 24 sacral ulcers, 11 ischial ulcers, and one trochanteric ulcer. The defects ranged in size from 4 × 3 to 12 × 10 cm(2) . Thirty-six consecutive pressure sore patients underwent gluteal artery-based rotation flap reconstruction. An inferior gluteal artery-based rotation fasciocutaneous flap was raised, and the superior gluteal artery perforator was preserved in sacral sores; alternatively, a superior gluteal artery-based rotation fasciocutaneous flap was elevated, and the inferior gluteal artery perforator was identified and dissected in ischial ulcers. The mean follow-up was 20.8 (range 0-30) months in this study. Complications included four cases of tip necrosis, three wound dehiscences, two recurrences reusing the same flap for pressure sore reconstruction, one seroma, and one patient who died on the fourth postoperative day. The complication rate was 20.8% for sacral ulcers, 54.5% for ischial wounds, and none for trochanteric ulcer. After secondary repair and reconstruction of the compromised wounds, all of the wounds healed uneventfully. The perforator-preserving gluteal artery-based rotation fasciocutaneous flap is a reliable, reusable flap that provides rich vascularity facilitating wound healing and accommodating the difficulties of pressure sore reconstruction.

Perineal reconstruction after abdominoperineal excision using inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps2

Perineal wound complications following abdominoperineal excision (APE) for low rectal tumours remain an important cause of morbidity and prolonged hospital stay, particularly after chemoradiotherapy. The aim was to assess outcomes after using inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flaps for immediate perineal reconstruction, and to compare these with the authors' previous experience and published literature on myocutaneous flaps. A series of patients who underwent immediate IGAP flap reconstruction after APE between April 2008 and December 2010 were examined retrospectively to determine patient demographics, length of operation, complications (perineal wound and general) and length of hospital stay. Forty patients with rectal adenocarcinoma (33 primary and 7 recurrent disease) underwent immediate IGAP flap reconstruction following APE. Median follow-up was 9 months. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was received by 98 per cent of the patients. Thirty-two patients underwent APE plus IGAP flaps (25 open, 7 laparoscopic), with a median operating time of 402 min, and eight patients had multivisceral resection (MVR) plus IGAP flaps (7 total pelvic exenteration (TPE), 1 abdominosacral resection), with a median duration of surgery of 561 min. There was one death (fatal stroke) and four major flap complications (10 per cent) (1 enteroperineal fistula, and 3 deep wound infections). Median length of hospital stay was 13 days after APE plus IGAP flaps and 27 days following MVR plus IGAP flaps. Late complications occurred in two patients who had vaginal reconstruction and developed perineal hernias requiring revisional surgery. Although operating times are long, the IGAP flap is robust, with no flap necrosis observed in this series.

Breast Reconstruction with the Profunda Artery Perforator Flap

The use of perforator flaps has allowed for the transfer of large amounts of soft tissue with decreased morbidity. For breast reconstruction, the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap, the superior and inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps, and the transverse upper gracilis flap are all options. The authors present an alternative source using posterior thigh soft tissue based on profunda artery perforators, termed the profunda artery perforator flap. Preoperative imaging helps identify posterior thigh perforators from the profunda femoris artery. These are marked, and an elliptical skin paddle, approximately 27 × 7 cm, is designed 1 cm inferior to the gluteal crease. Dissection proceeds in a suprafascial plane until nearing the perforator, at which point subfascial dissection is performed. The flap has a long pedicle (approximately 7 to 13 cm), which allows more options when performing anastomosis at the recipient site. The long elliptical shape of the flap allows coning of the tissue to form a more natural breast shape. All profunda artery perforator flaps have been successful. The donor site is well tolerated and scars have been hidden within the gluteal crease. Long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate for possible fat necrosis of the transferred tissue. The authors present a new technique for breast reconstruction with a series of 27 flaps. This is an excellent option when the abdomen is not available because of the long pedicle, muscle preservation, ability to cone the tissue, and hidden scar. Therapeutic, V.

Reconstruções pelveperineais com uso de retalhos cutâneos baseados em vasos perfurantes: experiência clínica com 22 casos

INTRODUÇÃO: As lesões pelveperineais representam grande parcela das interconsultas para o cirurgião plástico em hospitais gerais. O objetivo do presente trabalho é apresentar a experiência obtida no tratamento de pacientes com lesões perineais, sacrais e de quadril com o uso de retalhos com vasos perfurantes. MÉTODO: Foram estudados, retrospectivamente, os pacientes submetidos a avaliação pela equipe da Divisão de Cirurgia Plástica do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, nos meses de fevereiro a maio de 2009, que apresentavam feridas em região pelveperineal e no quadril. No total, 22 pacientes foram submetidos a reconstrução com retalhos cutâneos e fasciocutâneos baseados em vasos perfurantes, de acordo com os critérios de inclusão. O período de seguimento médio foi de 6 meses. RESULTADOS: A lesão pelveperineal foi úlcera por pressão em 20 (91%) casos, infecção profunda em 1 (4,5%), e hidradenite perineal em 1 (4,5%). A opção dos retalhos foi previamente estabelecida, dependendo do local da ferida: úlceras sacrais, retalho baseado nas perfurantes da artéria glútea superior em 15 (68,2%) casos; úlceras isquiáticas, retalho baseado nos vasos perfurantes da artéria glútea inferior em 3 (13,6%) casos; e úlceras trocantéricas, retalho tensor da fascia lata perfurante em 2 (9,1%) casos. Retalho fasciocutâneo inervado gluteofemoral foi a opção para a reconstrução pós-síndrome de Fournier em um paciente e após ressecção de hidradenite perineal em outro. Houve necessidade de nova sutura para fechamento primário tardio em deiscência < 10% do perímetro da lesão em 3 (13,6%) casos, durante os primeiros 15 dias de pós-operatório. Não houve casos de necrose > 3% da superfície do retalho. Os resultados foram mantidos no período de seguimento avaliado. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados obtidos no presente estudo foram satisfatórios e ficou demonstrada a utilidade de retalhos cirúrgicos sem incorporação de músculo para reconstruções pelveperineais. Essa alternativa para tratamento é menos mórbida para as áreas doadoras e preserva o tecido muscular para possível intervenção futura.

Trials and Tribulations with the Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Perforator free flaps from the buttock serve as an alternative to abdominally based flaps in autologous breast reconstruction. Microsurgeons often opt to harvest tissue from the gluteal donor site because of a lack of abdominal volume and/or quality. The authors examined the experience of a single surgeon with the inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flap and provide a quantitative outcomes comparison with the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent IGAP flap surgery for autologous breast reconstruction from August of 2005 to October of 2010 performed by a single surgeon (J.M.S.). Thirty-one inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps were performed on 24 patients. Mean follow-up time was 24.4 months (range, 6 to 65 months). The total flap loss rate was 6.5 percent, and the take-back rate was 13 percent (salvage rate, 75 percent). Vascular complication rates were as follows: intraoperative arterial thrombosis, 13 percent; intraoperative venous thrombosis, 3 percent; delayed arterial thrombosis, 3 percent; and delayed venous thrombosis, 13 percent. Nineteen percent of patients had sensory complaints at the donor site that persisted beyond 3 months postoperatively. In comparison to the DIEP flap, IGAP flaps had a higher rate of intraoperative arterial thrombosis (13 percent versus 2.6 percent, p = 0.024) and delayed venous thrombosis (13 percent versus 1.5 percent, p = 0.008). Review of the IGAP flap reveals some shortcomings of this flap even in the hands of an experienced microsurgeon. Surgeons should be aware of the difficulties and limitations when choosing this flap for reconstruction.

Superior and inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps in reconstruction of gluteal and perianal/perineal hidradenitis suppurativa lesions

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a debilitating disease with a tendency to form abscesses, sinus tracts, and scar formation. In this report, our experience with reconstruction of hidradenitis lesions of the gluteal and perianal/perineal area using superior and inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps (SGAP and IGAP) are discussed. A prospective study was conducted in collaboration with the general surgery department for patients with gluteal and perianal/perineal hidradenitis suppurativa between December 2005 and May 2010. Data of each patient included age, sex, disease localization, duration of symptoms, comorbidities, size of defect after excision, perforator flap chosen, complications, and postoperative follow-up. Eleven SGAP and six IGAP flaps were used in 12 patients with gluteal and perianal/perineal involvement. There was one flap necrosis for whom delayed skin grafting was performed. The mean follow-up period was 20 months without recurrences. Patients with gluteal and perineal/perianal hidradenitis suppurativa are usually neglected by surgeons because of lack of collaboration of general and plastic surgery departments. Most surgical treatment options described in the literature such as secondary healing after excision and skin grafting prevent patients from returning to daily life early, and cause additional morbidities. Fasciocutaneous flaps other than perforator flaps may be limited by design such that both gluteal regions may have to be used for reconstruction of large defects. SGAP and IGAP flaps have long pedicles with a wide arc of rotation. Large defects can be reconstructed with single propeller flap designs, enabling preservation of the rest of the perforators of the gluteal region.

Deep Femoral Artery Perforator Flap: A New Perforator Flap for Breast Reconstruction

We present the deep femoral artery perforator (DFAP) flap, a new perforator flap for breast reconstruction, with a detailed description of operative technique and four clinical examples. The DFAP flap allows harvest of tissue from the lower buttock and lateral thigh with similar territory to an in-the-crease inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flap but based on a different perforator. When present, the DFAP is the largest vessel supplying this territory and is often septocutaneous, facilitating dissection when compared with the IGAP flap. We used preoperative imaging with magnetic resonance angiography to assist in accurate flap planning which also permitted precise determination of perforator origin. In patients with either a contraindication to abdominal wall-based perforator flaps or weight distribution below the waist, the DFAP flap provides an alternative to the IGAP flap with an excellent pedicle and a favorable location on the lateral thigh.