Complex upper limb reconstruction using dorsoepigastric flap. Case report of a convenient resource

•Dorsoepigastric flap is a variant of the classic lattisimus dorsi flap that utilizes less muscle tissue.•It is an appropriate reconstructive alternative and has the advantage of functional preservation of the lattisimus dorsi muscle.•It must be considered as part of the repertoire of the reconstructive surgeon when fixing complex defects of the upper limb. Dorsoepigastric flap (DF), first described by. Haddad and Jimenez, is a variant of the classic lattisimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap that only utilizes a minimum quantity of muscle tissue, through which the vascular pedicle passes by. It has been used primarily as an acceptable alternative in mammary reconstruction when the use of thoraco abdominal muscles is not viable, and offers several advantages such as adequate flap volume with generous cutaneous island dimensions and functional preservation of the latissimus dorsi. We report the case of a 12 year old male, who suffered a left upper limb injury secondary to high power firearm shot. He presented extensive damage to the skin, soft tissues and bone structures and was treated with primary reconstruction using DF and peroneal grafts. Three years later, a shoulder prosthesis was placed to improve limb function with unobjectionable results. DF is a useful resource that has been merely used in the context of complex upper limb reconstruction, and must be considered essential in the repertoire of the reconstructive surgeon when facing traumatic defects of the upper extremity.