Alternative flaps for microsurgical breast reconstruction

2021 ◽  
pp. 1107-1114
Author(s):  
Hinne A. Rakhorst

Microsurgery in general has made dramatic improvements over the past decades. This applies to microsurgery in general and to breast reconstructive surgery especially. The demand for autologous breast reconstruction has risen. Since the introduction of the free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flaps, through the muscle-sparing TRAM, flaps designs have evolved into the current gold standard, the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. From experiences and increasing numbers of flap procedures performed by surgeons, techniques became more familiar and part of standard care. These factors gave rise to the development of a growing number of areas of the body where tissues of interest can be harvested using perforator flap-based techniques. This chapter discusses the most common as well as the ‘rising stars’ in terms of flaps to be used as alternative flaps to the DIEP flap for breast reconstruction. It discusses practical issues on dissection as well as donor site morbidity.

2014 ◽  
Vol 103 (4) ◽  
pp. 249-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. C. Benditte-Klepetko ◽  
F. Lutgendorff ◽  
T. Kästenbauer ◽  
M. Deutinger ◽  
C. M. A. M. van der Horst

Background and Aims: Breast reconstruction has been shown to improve quality of life. However, factors involved in long-term patient satisfaction are largely unknown. Our aim was to evaluate patient satisfaction and donor-site morbidity in five types of breast reconstruction. Material and Methods: A prospectively collected database of all breast surgery patients at Hospital Rudolfstiftung, Vienna, Austria, was searched for five types of breast reconstruction (2000–2006): implant, latissimus dorsi-flap, latissimus dorsi-flap with implant, free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous-flap, and deep inferior epigastric perforator-flap. Patients were sent a study-specific questionnaire to assess satisfaction. Short-form 36-item health survey was used to analyze (quality of life), and complication data were retrieved from the database and assessed during a follow-up visit. Results: There were 257 patients identified, of whom, 126 responded to the survey (17 implant, 5 latissimus dorsi + implant, 64 latissimus dorsi, 22 transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous, and 18 deep inferior epigastric perforator reconstructions). No statistical differences were found in complication or reoperation rates. Deep inferior epigastric perforator–flap patients were significantly more satisfied compared to patients from the implant group ( p = 0.007). However, there was no significant difference regarding quality of life scores among the groups. After logistic regression analysis, only “impairment on daily life” showed to be independently correlated with patient satisfaction. This contrary to both operation type and complication rate which did not correlate with patient satisfaction. Conclusions: Our results indicate that operation type, complication rate, and revision rate did not independently correlate with patient satisfaction. Therefore, to further improve patient satisfaction, future research should be focused on other pro-operative factors, for example, patient education, expectations, and personality characteristics.


Author(s):  
Dries Opsomer ◽  
Tom Vyncke ◽  
Michelle Ryx ◽  
Koenraad Van Landuyt ◽  
Phillip Blondeel ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The lumbar artery perforator flap is a second-choice flap in autologous breast reconstruction whenever a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is not possible. Ideal candidates are pear-shaped women who do not have enough bulk on the abdomen or thighs. Patient-reported “satisfaction with breasts” is excellent but we were curious about the donor site morbidity. Methods We performed a retrospective study of all lumbar flap breast reconstructions performed between 2010 and 2019. Patients were invited by e-mail and telephone to take part in a BREAST-Q survey. Results One hundred fifty-four flaps were performed in 110 patients. Sixty-three patients filled out the BREAST-Q questionnaire. The most frequently observed donor site complications are seroma (35.1%), dehiscence (8.4%), and hematoma (3.2%). Correction of the donor site scar was performed in 31.8% of patients, lipofilling of the donor flank in 5.2%, and liposuction of the contralateral flank in 18.3% of patients. Body mass index (BMI) was the only significant risk factor for donor site complications. Patient-reported “satisfaction with donor site appearance” was good but significantly lower for primary reconstructions compared with secondary and tertiary procedures. Flap weight significantly influences patient-reported “physical wellbeing of the donor site.” Ninety-seven percent of patients would recommend the surgery to someone in a similar position and would do it all over. Conclusion The lumbar artery perforator flap is a good alternative for breast reconstruction in selected patients. The donor site issues consist mainly of seromas, prolonged discomfort, and a scar that might be noticeable to others, but patient-reported satisfaction is very high.


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 229-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Elzinga ◽  
Edward Buchel

Autologous breast reconstruction using abdominal-based perforator flaps produces excellent aesthetic results with minimal donor site morbidity. The superficial inferior epigastric artery and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps reliably perfuse a hemi-abdomen, up to the anterior axillary line. Beyond this line laterally, the flank or “love handle” tissue is primarily perfused by the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) or secondarily by the superficial circumflex iliac artery. The flank tissue is a valuable addition to increase flap size when harvested with a DIEP flap or to provide vascularized tissue when the abdomen has been previously harvested. Harvesting the flank tissue in combination with the anterior abdominal tissue improves the contour of the trunk, accentuates the waist, and minimizes secondary revisions to excise prominent “dogears.” The DCIA flap is a novel technique for breast reconstruction. In this article, we describe our technique, pearls and pitfalls, and early results.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (01) ◽  
pp. 059-066 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rami Dibbs ◽  
Jeff Trost ◽  
Valerie DeGregorio ◽  
Shayan Izaddoost

AbstractFree tissue transfer serves as a modern workhorse for breast reconstruction. Advancements in microsurgical technique have allowed for the development of free flap procedures that produce an aesthetic breast while minimizing donor site morbidity. Here, the authors review the use of different free flap procedures for breast reconstruction with a focus on the preferred and most commonly used flap, the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap. Each flap has its advantages and drawbacks, and certain patient risk factors increase postoperative complications. Other techniques of breast reconstruction including pedicled flaps and adjunctive fat grafting are also briefly discussed.


2019 ◽  
pp. 677-694
Author(s):  
Michael Klebuc ◽  
Elizabeth Killion ◽  
Jesse Selber ◽  
Gregory R. D. Evans

Latissimus dorsi muscle and myocutaneous flaps provide a versatile means of providing both implant-based and pure autologous breast reconstructions. The technique is well suited to lean patients and those with contraindications to the use of the lower abdomen as a donor site. The technique has been progressively refined over time to provide concealed scars and to reduce donor site morbidity. The use of endoscopic assistance, robotic flap harvest, muscle-sparing flap design, and perforator flaps based on the thoracodorsal vascular access (the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap or TAP-flap), continue to increase the utility of this donor site for breast reconstruction.


2021 ◽  
Vol 148 (3) ◽  
pp. 357e-364e
Author(s):  
Ariel C. Johnson ◽  
Becky B. T. King ◽  
Salih Colakoglu ◽  
Jerry H. Yang ◽  
Tae W. Chong ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
pp. 781-794
Author(s):  
Maurice Y. Nahabedian

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and muscle-sparing (MS) free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps are arguably the most common flaps used for autologous breast reconstruction. The benefit of these flaps is that very little to no donor site muscle is harvested. The decision to use one or the other is occasionally made preoperatively based on body habitus but often intraoperatively based on the quality of the perforating vessels. The technical aspects of the operation are similar except for the actual dissection around the perforating vessels. Studies have demonstrated no significant differences in outcome when comparing the DIEP and MS free TRAM flaps.


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