Anatomical Study of the Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator (S-GAP) for Free Flap Harvesting
Tanvaa Tansatit MD*, Prayuth Chokrungyaranont MD**, Pasinee Sanguansit MSc*, Samang Wanidchaphloi MSc*
Affiliation : * Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok ** Unit of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok
Objective : To present the appropriate superior gluteal branch for free flap harvesting.
Material and Method: The characteristic and external diameter of the pedicles and the main perforators, and
length of the pedicles were studied in both sides of 30 formalin-preserved cadavers.
Results : The patterns of the pedicle could be classified into four types, the vertical, the horizontal, the descending,
and the penetrating main branches. The descending branch was the longest (7.33 + 1.3 cm). While the pedicle
and perforator of the horizontal branches was the largest (2.7 + 0.6 mm and 1.2 + 0.2 mm, respectively).
However, it was difficult to dissect the vertical and the horizontal branches because the vessel courses did
not run in the direction of the muscle fiber. Whereas the penetrating main branches were observed in the
intermuscular septum so, it was easy to approach the pedicle. The length (5.3 + 1.3 cm) and external diameter
(2.17 + 0.5 mm) of the pedicle were adequate for free flap harvesting.
Conclusion : In the anatomical study, the penetrating pedicle was recommended to use for the S-GAP flap.
Keywords : Superior gluteal artery, Perforator flap
