Lower abdominal peritoneal flap based on the deep inferior epigastric artery: an anatomic study

Free flaps based on the deep inferior epigastric artery are known to be easily raised and offer a long and reliable vascular pedicle. According to the defect size and consistency, they can be raised as muscular, myocutaneous and as a sandwich flap, including the peritoneum [5]. A free flap consisting of only the peritoneum has been speculated on. Seventeen dissections on fresh cadavers were performed. The visualization of the vascular pedicle was obtained by blue dye coloration, contrast medium angiography, and intravascular silicone latex injections. It was found that the parietal peritoneum of the lower abdomen was constantly supplied by an axial branch of the deep inferior epigastric artery and not by muscle perforators.