Cutaneous and fascial vasculature around the rectus abdominis muscle: anatomic basis of abdominal fasciocutaneous flaps.

Macroscopic and radiographic observations of the area around the rectus abdominis muscle were made by cadaver dissection to confirm the vascular patterns of the superior and inferior epigastric arteries. The superior epigastric artery was observed to penetrate the posterior sheath at the middle of the xiphoid process and the anterior sheath at the middle of the upper third of the upper abdomen. The inferior epigastric artery penetrates the posterior sheath near the middle of the lower abdomen. It also penetrates the anterior sheath in an area ranging from the upper third of the lower abdomen to the umbilicus. These arteries anastomose at the lower third of the upper abdomen. This information is useful for planning and implementing vertical fasciocutaneous flaps in the abdomen or for any other flaps considered in that area.