Transfer of an inferior rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap following enterostomy.

A rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was successfully transferred in a patient in whom a mucous fistula had previously been brought through the midportion of the muscle. The flap was used to close a large defect in a paraplegic. Previous enterostomy is not a contraindication to the use of this flap. Preoperative arteriography to confirm the presence of a patent deep inferior epigastric artery is recommended prior to flap transfer.