Abstract
Background
In delayed breast reconstruction, the thoraco-mammary cutaneous tissue often shows residual damage from radiotherapy. The fragility of this tissue is associated with a risk of skin necroses of about 8% when dissection is performed by reopening of the mastectomy scar.
Objectives
The objective of our study was to adapt the technique of short-scar latissimus dorsi flap surgery with an abdominal advancement flap using a lateral approach only avoiding re-incision of the mastectomy scar.
Methods
In this retrospective study, we performed 150 reconstructions in 146 patients to assess the safety and effectiveness of the SSLD technique with lateral approach. The primary outcome was the occurrence of postoperative skin necrosis of the thoraco-mammary area.
Results
Of the 150 delayed breast reconstruction procedures performed, none showed skin necrosis of the thoraco-mammary area, and a positive effect on skin trophicity of this area was observed. The resulting patient and surgical team satisfaction were very favorable.
Conclusions
In our practice, this technique changed our paradigm because of good skin safety and effectiveness. It allows reconstruction without a patch-effect in patients with very poor skin quality in whom the thoraco-mammary skin would have been replaced in the past by a skin paddle. Reconstruction would have even be contraindicated. It could also be an alternative to many other more complex and longer techniques of autologous reconstruction.
Against the “visible” short scar face lift
