case_images: PMC10657836_01
case_images: Pedicled vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap reconstruction of a 60-year-old female with a deep sternal wound infection. (A) Preoperative view. (B) Intraoperative view, immediately after inset of a right pedicled VRAM flap for coverage of the anterior chest defect. (C) Partial necrosis of the flap was observed on the ninth postoperative day. (D) Postoperative 8 mo view (anterior view); the wound recovered without any surgical complications.
case_images: fsurg-10-1268555-g001.jpg
case_images: PMC10657836_01_fsurg-10-1268555-g001.jpg
case_images: F1
case_images: Upon examination, a significant 10 x 20-cm defect in the anterior chest wall was discovered, extending from the jugular notch to the xiphoid process (Figure 1A). To address the soft tissue and bony defect, a pedicled VRAM flap was used for coverage (Figure 1B). Following flap reconstruction, the patient experienced partial flap congestion due to vascular insufficiency, leading to partial necrosis in the distal one-quarter of the flap on the ninth postoperative day (Figure 1C). During the 8-month follow-up period, the patient showed excellent recovery progression and was healthy (Figure 1D).