ENDOSCOPIC HARVEST OF THE TENSOR FASCIAE LATAE MUSCLE FLAP

Endoscopic harvest of the tensor fasciae latae muscle flap is presente d. Two cases of abdominal wall hernia were treated with reinforcement of the abdominal wall using endoscopically harvested, pedicled tensor fasciae latae muscle flaps. The scars of the thigh after flap harvest were much shorter than the scar of the conventional open technique and the results were satisfactory. As the tensor fasciae latae muscle is easily undermined, we think it is appropriate to harvest the flap usin g an endoscope. Fascial grafts can also be harvested in the same manne r as the pedicled flap.