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In large congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDHs), direct suture of the diaphragm is impossible. Surgeons can use a triangular internal oblique muscle (IOM) plus transverse abdominis muscle (TAM) flap. Its caudal limit faces the medial extremity of the 11th rib. Clinical studies show that the flap is not hypotonic but that the procedure could expose patients already presenting a hypoplastic lung to external oblique muscle (EOM) hypotonia. The aims of this study were to study EOM innervation by the 10th intercostal nerve (ICN) and ICN innervation to the IOM and TAM. Forty cadaveric abdominal hemi-walls were dissected. The number of branches and the trajectory of each specimen's 10th ICN were studied medially to the medial extremity of the 11th rib (MEK11) using surgical goggles and a microscope (Carl Zeiss®). The 10th ICN was consistently found between the IOM and TAM. There was a median of nine branches from the 10th ICN to the EOM, 77% of them medial to the MEK11. Median values of nine and 12 branches for the IOM and TAM were found, 60% and 51%, respectively, medial to the MEK11. These results argue in favor of good innervation to the IOM plus TAM flap but also indicate postoperative abdominal weakness exposing patients to herniation risks, as more than 75% of the branches from the 10th ICN to the EOM were sectioned or pulled away during flap detachment. Clin. Anat., 33:759-766, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: The Hall-Findlay superomedial pedicle technique is widely used for breast reduction, and, despite low complication rates, nipple-areola complex (NAC) necrosis and denervation are still the two most common complications, particularly when resection volumes exceed 600g. An understanding of the anatomy of the neurovascular pedicle of the NAC is paramount in avoiding these complications., Methods: An anatomical study was undertaken on 11 female cadaveric breast specimens (nine fresh and two embalmed). The neurovascular anatomy of the breast was explored through dissection, microdissection, radiographic, computed tomographic, photographic and cross-sectional studies. The superomedial pedicle was mapped out on each specimen, and the course of the relevant nerves and vasculature was identified., Results: The arterial supply to the superomedial pedicle was found to originate from a single dominant vessel in each specimen, while the venous drainage was via an extensive branching network. Both vascular patterns traversed the pedicle in a superficial plane. The innervation of the pedicle was via intercostal branches, which coursed extremely superficially in the pedicle., Conclusion: De-epithelialisation or superficial thinning of the superomedial pedicle for breast reduction is at high risk for complications related to vascular compromise or denervation. Where greater resection is needed, this should be done from the deep surface or the base of the pedicle, contrary to previous descriptions., (Copyright 2009 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The present study investigated anterior cutaneous branches of the 10th, 11th and 12th intercostal nerves. Innervated transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap are often used in breast reconstruction. To innervate these flaps effectively, the appropriate anterior cutaneous branches of intercostal nerves must be selected. Dissection of 40 sides of 20 cadavers (5 male, 15 female) was performed. Nerves were classified into four groups according to vertical location from rectus abdominis (RA) entry points. Group 1 was situated from 0-19% of the umbilicus-to-pubic tubercle distance; Group 2, 20-39%; Group 3, 40-59%; and Group 4, 60-79%. Mean number of nerves per side was 1.4 in Group 1, 1.2 in Group 2, 1.1 in Group 3 and 0.2 in Group 4. The arcuate line was situated 32 +/- 9% below the umbilicus. Group 3 and 4 nerves tended to enter the RA more laterally than Group 1 nerves. Most nerves separated into 1-2 cutaneous branches while branching off several muscular branches. Several nerves in Groups 1 and 2 displayed no cutaneous branches. More muscular branches were present in Groups 1 and 2 than in Groups 3 and 4. Distance from lateral edge of the RA sheath to RA entry point was longer in Groups 1 and 2 than in Group 4. Cutaneous points, indicating entry points of a nerve into the dermis, were situated slightly more inferior than RA entry points. To innervate flaps effectively, a nerve entering the RA slightly superior to the expected sensory recovery area should be chosen. Clinically, Group 1 or 2 nerves seem to be selected in many TRAM or DIEP flap cases. If the cutaneous branch in Group 3 or 4 is easy to separate from RA, this can be included in the flap along with a main nerve, and might enable the flap to recover sensation in a wider area or reinforce the occasional lack of a sensory branch from Group 1 or 2. The present findings provide the basis for more precise dissection of TRAM and DIEP flaps, and should facilitate reliable preservation of sensation in flaps.

Objective: To find out the most suitable perforator and cutaneous nerve for strategic design of the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap., Material and Method: The characteristics of the pedicles, perforators, intercostal nerves and the relationship between nerves and vessels in DIEP flaps were studied in 31 formalin-preserved cadavers., Results: Four hundred and five perforator vessels were divided into three vertical rows. These perforators were mostly contained in the medial row (45.4%), the average size of the perforators in the lateral row was the largest (1.0+/- 0.3 mm). The largest perforators (1.4+/- 0.3 mm) were mostly located within 1 cm horizontally from the umbilicus. Lateral row perforators, usually rectilinear course (82.7%), traveled with nerves from the beginning. Whereas, the perforators in the medial row usually coursed obliquely (86.4%) and were not related to nerves initially, they joined before piercing the rectus sheath., Conclusion: The present findings indicate that it would be more beneficial to use the lateral row perforators.

The serratus anterior muscle has recently been suggested as a versatile and reliable flap for reconstruction of complex craniofacial and neck lesions, extremity and sacroiliac region injuries, as well as intrathoracic and extrathoracic reconstruction procedures. The muscle has been used as a microvascular flap or a pedicled transfer and has been transferred in combination with other muscles, bones, and skin. We performed 15 dissections of adult axilla regions that were examined under x3.5 loupe magnification to collect anatomic data regarding the neurovascular pedicle of the serratus anterior muscle. The serratus muscle and fascia were found to have a dual blood supply, with the upper part supplied by the lateral thoracic artery and the lower part by terminal branches of the thoracodorsal artery. The lateral thoracic artery was noted to supply the upper four slips but it extended into the lower serratus anterior muscle in two cases. Seven branching patterns were found in the lower serratus anterior muscle. In type I, the only branch of serrati proceeded over the long thoracic nerve. Type II had the only branch of serrati proceeding under the long thoracic nerve. In type III, double branches of serrati proceeded over the long thoracic nerve; while in type IV branches of serrati ran with a double branch under the long thoracic nerve. In type V, three serrati branches proceeded over the long thoracic nerve. Type VI serrati branches were branches of thoracodorsalis, which was hypoplastic, and the supply was maintained from the lateral thoracic artery. In type VII, one serrati branch ran over the long thoracic nerve. There was no connection between the branches of serrati and the branches of the lateral thoracic artery. The length of the long thoracic nerve, the number of motor axons and the vascular network in anatomic proximity to this nerve make it an expendable but powerful source of reconstructions of head, neck, chest wall and extremity defects. Results of this study provide an anatomic framework to improve current reconstructive or aesthetic procedures on the serratus anterior neurovascular structures.

Objective: To investigate the anatomic characteristics of the perforator neurovascular bundles in the anterior abdominal wall for the anatomical basis of the sensate deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap., Methods: Abdominal wall dissection was performed on 9 embalmed female cadavers (18 sides)., Results: Most of the deep inferior epigastric perforators emerged at the anterior sheath of the rectus. There were averaged 17.5 perforators on each side, with the diameter equal to or larger than 0.5 mm in 7.8 perforators. The number of skin perforators was the greatest in the supero-medial area. 56.2 percent of vascular perforators traveled with the sensory branches while 80.9 percent of larger perforators (> or = 0.5 mm in diameter) run with the sensory branches., Conclusions: The lateral perforator neurovascular bundle was the first choice in the design of the sensate DIEP flap.

Objective: To provide anatomy basis for a free latissimus dorsal muscular flap with the sensate nerve., Methods: The structure of back and lateral chest area were dissected and the origin, alignment and distribution of the intercostals nerve within the area of latissimus dorsal muscular flap were observed in 40 adult cadaver specimens., Results: The 5th to 10th lateral posterior branches of the thoracic nerve pierced from respective intercostal area near the axial anterior line and run a long distance in deep fascia. They distributed mainly in lateral latissimus skin outside the scapular line and anastomosed with the lower branch near the scapular line. Among these branchs, the 6th to 8th branches had a longer nerve distribution respectively and the pedicle of nerve and artery was parallel and long., Conclusion: It is possible to design a sensate latissimus dorsal muscular flap with the 6th to 8th lateral posterior branch of the intercostal nerve.

Objective: To observe the distribution of the terminal branches of the eleventh and twelfth thoracic nerve(T11, T12) for the anatomical basis and operation key points of the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous(TRAM) flap with T11, T12., Methods: The anterior abdominal wall was investigated through anatomical dissection in 22 embalmed cadavers., Results: Cutaneous nerve distribution in the TRAM flap came mainly from T11, T12. They run obliquely between transverse abdominis and obliquus internus abdominis muscle. At the lateral edge of the rectus abdominis, they piece the anterior rectus sheath into the muscle. While supplying the muscle they pass on to supply the anterior rectus sheath and the overlying skin., Conclusion: It is possible to preserve T11, T12 in the TRAM flap, which would favour rapid return of flap sensation.

Objective: To provide the anatomical basis for the free paraumbilical flap with sensory nerve., Methods: The morphology, branch and distribution of the inferior epigastric artery and inferior intercostal nerve were dissected and measured in 20 adult cadaver specimens., Results: The diameter of inferior epigastric artery at the original point was (2.3 +/- 0.3) mm, and that of its accompanying vein was (3.6 +/- 0.4) mm. The anterial branch of inferior intercostal nerves transversed through their corresponding intercostal spaces of axilla anterior line and ran out of the superficial fascia at the midclavicular line. The lateral anterior branch of the eighth to tenth intercostal nerves ran out of superficial fascia in the range of 0-7 cm above umbilicus and innervated the paraumbilical flap., Conclusion: It is possible to design sensory paraumbilical flap with the lateral anterior branch of the eighth to tenth intercostal nerve.

To date, the external oblique muscle has been considered to have a purely segmental vascular supply and therefore has been used surgically only as a pedicled flap. To better define the vascular anatomy and nerve supply of the muscle, we performed arterial injection studies and dissected the nerves that entered the muscle in 35 human cadavers. We found that in addition to the segmental arteries, one or two large branches of the deep circumflex iliac artery contributed significantly to the blood supply of the external oblique muscle in 33 of the 35 cadavers. We also found that the lateral cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves entered and supplied the muscle near its origin from the rib in a strictly segmental pattern. These anatomic findings enabled us to transplant the external oblique muscle successfully as a free flap based on the deep circumflex iliac vessels in six patients. The muscle flap is thin, pliable, and can be combined with an iliac bone or an abdominal skin transplant. Its vascular pedicle is long (mean 12 cm) and of adequate diameter for microvascular repair. The donor scar of the flap is inconspicuously situated along the inguinal ligament and the iliac crest. Finally, since the muscle has a multiple nerve supply, it has the potential to provide several functional units at the recipient site when transplanted as a functional free flap.

Sixteen cadaver dissections were performed to identify the location and course of the intercostal nerves in relation to the rectus abdominis muscle. Histochemical staining of fresh nerve biopsies was performed to assess the motor, sensory, and autonomic content of each nerve. Six to eight nerves passed inferomedially between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles before entering the lateral confluence of the anterior and posterior rectus sheath or, in some cases, the posterior rectus sheath proper. The nerves, which contained varying numbers of sensory, motor, and autonomic fibers, passed under the muscle and became intramuscular at varying points along the width of the muscle, with most nerves entering the muscle in the lateral third in direct association with the lateral intercostal vascular pedicle. Two to three nerves entered the lower portion of the muscle below the umbilicus lateral to the inferior epigastric artery. During a partial muscle harvest of the medial two-thirds of the rectus abdominis muscle in these cadavers, it was possible to preserve innervation to the lateral third in several cadavers and to the portion of the rectus muscle lying below the arcuate line in all the cadavers. Innervation to a preserved medial muscle strip could not be preserved. Postoperative electromyographic evaluation of five patients undergoing TRAM flap breast reconstruction using the partial muscle harvest technique demonstrated that the retained lateral strip of muscle can remain innervated but with greatly diminished function, while the lower portion of the retained rectus muscle maintains near-normal function.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The intercostal island flap is a new omnipotential flap that is extremely valuable for torso reconstruction, provided one understands the intricacies of intercostal anatomy. Human cadaver dissections were done to determine the precise course and branching pattern of the lower (T7-T11) intercostal neurovascular bundles. On the basis of these dissections, the intercostal structures can be divided into four anatomical segments: vertebral, costal groove, intermuscular, and rectus. The anatomical segments can be safely combined in many ways to create versatile skin flaps. Three different clinical applications with requisite modifications in surgical technique are described in detail to exemplify important anatomical observations. The potential value of the intercostal island flap in reconstructive surgery is discussed.

The usefulness of leaving lateral strips of the rectus abdominis muscle in place during a transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap procedure is questioned. Since textbooks do not agree on the course of the intercostal nerves in the rectus fascia and no precise description is given of the exact site of penetration of the nerves in the rectus muscle, six fresh cadavers were dissected. It has been observed that the nerves enter the deep face of the muscle in its middle portion. Lateral parts of the muscle are consequently denervated during a transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap, which preserves them. This has been confirmed by CT scan of the abdominal wall in 10 patients 2 to 37 months after a transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap. In these patients, a progressive fibrosis and disappearance of the remaining muscle could be demonstrated. It is concluded that a partial taking of the rectus abdominis muscle does not preserve its muscular function.