INTERCOSTAL MUSCLES IN THE RABBIT - SURGICAL ANATOMY AND FLAP CONSTRUCTION

Demos and colleagues (1967) obtained good antireflux results from tran sposing an intercostal myoneurovascular pedicle around the gastro-oeso phageal junction in dogs. An intact neurovascular supply is essential for the viability of a muscle flap. The aim of this study was to delin eate the nerve and arterial supply to the left 11th intercostal muscle In the rabbit and to assess whether this muscle could be mobilized as a viable flap. The innervation of the muscle was studied using the me thods of gross dissection in cadaveric specimens, and histological sta ining techniques. The arterial supply was studied using gross dissecti on, and aortography. In three non-recovery experiments, intercostal mu scle was transposed around the gastro-oesophageal junction. The distal motor latency was recorded after electrical stimulation of the interc ostal wraps. Gross dissection, histological staining techniques, and a ortography showed that the left 11th intercostal muscle group in the r abbit is supplied by segmental vein, artery and nerve, running between external and internal intercostal muscles. Aortography and electrical stimulation demonstrated that the muscle group could be mobilized wit h an intact neurovascular supply. The left 11th intercostal muscle gro up has potential as a viable muscle flap for use in surgical procedure s within the upper abdomen.