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Semin Plast Surg 2014; 28(01): 026-031
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1368164
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Robotic Harvest of the Rectus Abdominis Muscle: Principles and Clinical Applications

Amir E. Ibrahim
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
,
Karim A. Sarhane
2   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
John C. Pederson
3   Department of Plastic Surgery, Akron Plastic Surgeons, Akron, Ohio
,
Jesse C. Selber
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
07 March 2014 (online)

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Abstract

Harvest of the rectus abdominis muscle requires an abdominal incision as well as violation of the anterior rectus sheath, creating the potential for significant surgical-site morbidity (bulges, hernias, infections, seromas). Laparoscopic or endoscopic techniques, although feasible, have not become popular among plastic surgeons due to multiple technical shortcomings. Robotic surgery on the other hand has an easier learning curve, enhanced precision, tremor elimination, motion scaling, high resolution, three-dimensional optics and an intuitive interface. As a result of these advantages, robotic surgery has permeated into the plastic surgery specialty, assuming a role in the harvest of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap and other reconstructive procedures. In this review, the authors discuss its applicability in the harvest of the rectus abdominis muscle.

Keywords

robotic surgery - rectus abdominis muscle flap - minimally invasive surgery
 

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