An Ideal Flap Alternative for Closure of Myelomeningocele Defects: Dorsal Intercostal Artery Perforator Flap

Background: Dorsal intercostal artery perforator (DICAP) flap is an ideal flap to be used for posterior trunk defects since it leads to lower donor-site morbidity and shorter operative times, offers easy surgical planning, and uses a reliable and easily identifiable artery.

Materials And Methods: The study retrospectively reviewed 52 patients with meningomyelocele defects that were closed with DICAP flap between January 2007 and May 2015.

Surgical Technique: Each of the 4th to 12th posterior intercostal arteries can be used as dorsal perforators. The dominant direct cutaneous perforators derive from the 4th, 5th, 6th, 10th, and 11th posterior intercostal arteries. These perforators are located 5 cm medial to the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae and can be easily identified.

Conclusion: Dorsal intercostal artery perforator flap is a reliable flap alternative for the defects seen in neonates, including myelomeningocele, oncologic resections, burn defects, and radiation burns since it is a thin flap and offers easy surgical planning and shorter operative times.