Breast reconstruction using autologous flaps during complex/combination treatment in patients with breast cancer

Abstract

Breast reconstruction using autologous flaps is the gold standard in breast reconstruction plastic surgery. The use of anterior abdominal wall flaps in reconstruction surgery makes it possible to achieve the most natural aesthetic result, since tissue consistency in the anterior abdominal wall is similar to that in the breast. When choosing a reconstruction technique, account is taken of a number of factors, such as age, body mass index, concomitant diseases, the anatomical features of blood supply to the donor and recipient regions, a history of abdominal surgery, and cicatricial deformity of the anterior abdominal wall. Particular emphasis is placed on the impact of postoperative radiotherapy (RT) on autologous breast reconstruction. Studies are currently made to reduce the incidence of complications during autologous breast reconstruction, to shorten the rehabilitation period, and to establish the most optimal timing of autologous reconstruction in patients with breast cancer during complex/combination treatment. A literary analysis has shown the comparable rates of complications and reoperations in the groups of patients with and without postoperative RT.