文摘
Background The anatomy of the perfusion zones of the lower abdomen provide the foundation for both pedicled transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous (TRAM) flaps and microvascular-based breast reconstruction. The anatomical context of these techniques was described by Taylor et al. and the clinical context by Hartrampf et al. and therefore established the TRAM, deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap techniques. Objectives The perfusion zones I-IV of the lower abdomen originally described by Hartrampf et al. are still widely accepted as the basis with respect to preoperative and intraoperative planning and decision-making of abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction. The question is whether the classification of these perfusion zones is proven to be clinically and intraoperatively constant and reliable. Furthermore, the question arises how the deep inferior epigastric artery-based perfusion system is linked to the superficial inferior epigastric artery-based system. Methods In a clinical prospective study of 15 patients undergoing DIEP flap breast reconstruction and 25 patients who met the anatomical criteria for SIEA flap surgery, the vascular region of the deep epigastric artery-based system and the contribution of the superficial epigastric artery-based system were visualized intraoperatively using laser-induced fluorescence of indocyanine green. Results Intraoperative in vivo perfusion patterns did not completely correlate with the classical perfusion zones described by Hartrampf et al. Furthermore, the extensive variability of the SIEA-based vascular system could be demonstrated. Conclusion The perfusion zones of the lower abdomen described by Hartrampf et al. should be revised according to the results presented, as the ipsilateral abdominal half has an axial pattern of perfusion and the contralateral half shows a random pattern of perfusion. Laser-induced intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence measurements provide a valid and indispensable tool when assessing the suitability of flaps based on the superficial epigastric artery. Using this information the reliability of abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction can be further optimized and the invasiveness of the operations can be reduced.