scholarly journals Autologous Breast Reconstruction with Transverse Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous (TRAM) or Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) Flaps: An Analysis of the 100 Most Cited Articles

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 3520-3536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aijia Cai ◽  
Jan Suckau ◽  
Andreas Arkudas ◽  
Justus P. Beier ◽  
Arash Momeni ◽  
...  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 2513826X1989883
Author(s):  
Trina V. Stephens ◽  
Nancy Van Laeken ◽  
Sheina A. Macadam

Donor-site seroma formation is a complication of autologous breast reconstruction reported most commonly with the use of latissimus dorsi flaps. First-line treatment is percutaneous aspiration which leads to resolution in the majority of cases. Those that persist may progress to a chronic, refractory seroma, which can prove challenging in terms of treatment. The aim of this article is to provide an updated literature review of interventions for chronic donor-site seroma and present the case of a 65-year-old female with a recalcitrant abdominal seroma following deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction. Literature review revealed a single article that reported 2 cases of persistent donor-site seroma after DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The patient presented here underwent repeat aspiration, drain placement, and multiple surgical procedures to achieve resolution. In total, the post-reconstruction seroma history of the patient extended over approximately 14 months. We conclude with evidence-based suggestions for chronic, donor-site seroma prevention and treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (05) ◽  
pp. 346-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven M. Sultan ◽  
Akhil K. Seth ◽  
Andreas M. Lamelas ◽  
David T. Greenspun ◽  
Heather A. Erhard

Abstract Background Some surgeons have advocated for the use of bipedicle-conjoined deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps in unilateral autologous breast reconstruction in thin patients in whom a hemiabdominal flap is deemed insufficient. There have been no studies to date, however, exploring complication rates for bipedicle-conjoined DIEP flaps for unilateral reconstruction in overweight or obese patients. Methods The authors performed a retrospective review of two senior authors' patients from 2013 until 2018. In this time period, 71 patients underwent unilateral breast reconstruction with bipedicle-conjoined DIEP flaps. The patients were divided into normal weight (body mass index [BMI] < 25, n = 30), and overweight/obese (BMI > 25, n = 41) groups. Outcomes were reviewed for both major and minor complications. Results The average BMI of the normal group was 23.1 ± 1.3 kg/m2, while the average BMI of the overweight/obese group was 28.9 ± 4.0 kg/m2 (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in demographics or comorbidities between the two groups.There were no statistically significant differences in the overall incidence of major or minor complications between the two groups (major: overweight/obese = 12.1%, normal BMI = 10.0%, p = 0.39; minor: overweight/obese = 39.0%, normal BMI = 36.7%, p = 0.47). The rate of moderate fat necrosis was significantly higher in the overweight/obese group (overweight/obese = 9.8%, normal BMI = 0%, p = 0.04). Conclusion Unilateral breast reconstruction with bipedicle-conjoined DIEP flaps can be performed safely in overweight and obese patients. The use of bipedicle-conjoined DIEP flaps in this population allows surgeons to provide overweight or obese patients with reconstructions that are commensurate with their body habitus and/or contralateral breast.


Author(s):  
Efterpi C. Demiri ◽  
Antonios Tsimponis ◽  
Anastasios Pagkalos ◽  
Eleni Georgiadou ◽  
Olga-Christina Goula ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The use of autologous tissues is considered the mainstay for delayed breast reconstruction. Aside the free abdominal flaps, which are most commonly used, the fat-augmented latissimus-dorsi (FALD) flap has been recently shown a reliable alternative option for pure autologous breast reconstruction. In this retrospective study, we aim to compare outcomes of autologous breast reconstructions using the extended FALD and deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) flap, with an emphasis on patients' characteristics, demographic data, complications, and patients' satisfaction after a minimum 12-month follow-up. Methods Our series consists of 135 women who underwent a delayed postmastectomy unilateral autologous breast reconstruction from 2011 to 2017: 36 patients (Group A) had an extended FALD flap and 99 (Group B) a free DIEP flap performed by the same surgeons. Demographic data, breast volume, medical history, smoking, complications, and patients' satisfaction were recorded and analyzed. Student's t-test for independent variables, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Chi-squared test were used to compare the reported variables. Results Patients' age, body mass index (BMI), and pregnancy history were statistically different between groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.004, p < 0.001, respectively); younger age (35.1 vs. 41.2 years), lower BMI (25.6 vs. 28.4), and fewer pregnancies were recorded in Group A. Breast volume was also found significantly smaller in Group A patients (p = 0.009). Past medical history using the ASA physical status classification score, previous radiation therapy, history of smoking, and incidence of overall complications were similar in both groups. Overall satisfaction scores were found slightly higher, but not statistically significant, in the free-flap group (p = 0.442). Conclusion The use of the FALD flap may provide comparable outcome to the DIEP flap in delayed breast reconstruction in terms of complications and patients' satisfaction; it should be considered a good reconstructive option for young and thin nulliparous patients, with small to medium size opposite breast.


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