ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION The autologous transfer of free gluteal tissue was first introduced by Fujino et al. in 1975 (1) as a myocutaneous flap. The use of this technique remained limited over the following two decades because of a collection of associated problems:
l Difficult pedicle dissection l Short vascular pedicle and associated use of the axillary
vessels in breast reconstruction l Discrepancies between the donor and recipient veins l Major donor site contour deformities (displacement of the
inferior gluteal crease, flattening of the buttock, depression due to extensive musculo-adipose-skin harvest)
l Collateral compression injury of the sciatic and posterior femoral cutaneous nerve frequently associated with the dissection and leading to postoperative paresthesia and pain in the buttock and posterior thigh.
