Closure of large myelomeningocele defects using dorsal intercostal artery perforator flap

Ann Plast Surg. 2011 Aug;67(2):159-63. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0b013e3181f3e0cf.

Abstract

Small meningomylocele defects can be closed primarily. Other repair techniques are required for closure of meningomyelocele defects of >5 cm. In this anomaly, in which random or musculocutaneous flaps are usually used, the technique for skin defect closure should have the following criteria: a safely harvested flap with good blood supply; minimal morbidity in the donor site; closure with adequate thickness to protect the underlying neural structure; and a repair to prevent leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. The dorsal intercostal artery perforator flap is a new perforator flap with a large skin island that can be used safely in the dorsal region. In this article, repair of large skin defects due to myelomeningocele has been attempted using a dorsal intercostal artery perforator flap, and the results are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Meningomyelocele / surgery*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
  • Surgical Flaps* / blood supply
  • Treatment Outcome