IGAP (Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator) Flap
An IGAP flap is similar to an SGAP flap taken from the buttock area. IGAP flaps are based lower on the buttock and typically rely on the inferior gluteal artery.
The harvest of an IGAP flap may leave a deformity lower on the buttock which may or may not require a revision at a later time. The donor site scar usually falls in or near the crease under the buttock, but may extend slightly out to the side of the buttock. It also has a higher chance of producing discomfort with sitting after the surgery, although this usually resolves with time.
 
The skin and fat over the inferior gluteal artery are utilized to provide circulation for the IGAP flap. The muscle fibers are carefully spread apart to allow gentle removal of the blood vessels, which are then reconnected in the chest using microsurgery. The procedure is very similar to the SGAP pictured above, except that the artery and overlying tissue is taken from lower on the buttock.
Read more about breast reconstruction
Read Dr. Granzow's articles from the leading Plastic Surgery Journals
|
