Endoscopic harvesting of autogenous fascia lata.

PURPOSE To describe a technique of endoscopic harvesting of autogenous fascia lata. METHODS A retrospective, noncomparative clinical study to evaluate the technique of videoendoscope assistance in harvesting autogenous fascia lata was conducted during a 1-year period in 2002. A small incision approximately 2 cm long is made over the lateral aspect of the thigh, either as a low or high approach. A sheathed 4-mm rigid 0- or 30-degree endoscope is used to visualize the length of the fascia lata along both its superficial aspect and its undersurface. Standard endoscopic brow lifting instruments are then used to dissect a length of fascia under direct visualization. RESULTS Three patients underwent harvesting of autogenous fascia lata under endoscopic visualization (2 high-thigh and 1 low-thigh technique). Adequate lengths of fascia lata, approximately 12 cm long, were harvested and no complications occurred. The endoscope was particularly useful in identifying the anatomical structures adjacent to the fascia. The technique was easy to use, but took twice as long as traditional harvesting techniques. CONCLUSIONS Videoendoscopy allows complete visualization of anatomical structures during harvesting of autogenous fascia lata. It highlights the anatomy for teaching and provides an alternative approach to conventional harvesting methods.