LOWER ABDOMINAL-WALL FLAP FOR CLOSURE OF LARGE DIAPHRAGMATIC DEFECTS

A method of closure of diaphragmatic herniae with large defects is des cribed in two children using a muscle flap of internal oblique and tra nsversus abdominus from the inferior aspect of the wound. The advantag es are that the flap is large, easily accessible, autologous, assists in resultant wound closure, and requires no separate incision. It diff ers from previously described flaps as it is taken from below the subc ostal wound and is not limited in size or length by the costal margin.