INTRODUCTION

The DIEP flap is an essential flap in the arsenal of a reconstructive microsurgeon since it is a universal flap in breast, head, and neck reconstructive surgery. However, on biological models, the training of the harvesting of free and perforator flaps has not gained popularity.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a supermicrosurgical model for harvesting and transplantation of the flap, as well as management of complications via analysis of anatomical similarities between free perforator flaps of anterior abdominal wall in rats and humans.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We harvested bilateral DIEP flap and bilateral SEAP flap in two different groups of male laboratory rats. After that, all flaps were transplanted on cervical vessels. Subsequent follow-up of the flaps was performed.

CONCLUSION

Original model of harvesting and transplantation of free microsurgical flaps is appropriate for training of microsurgical and supermicrosurgical techniques by young microsurgeons.

Keywords. deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, superior epigastric artery perforator (SEAP) flap, microsurgery, supermicrosurgery, training model