Immediate Breast Reconstruction Using an External Oblique Rectus Musculofascial Turnover Flap

Abstract

The development of the external oblique rectus musculofascial turnover flap has recently received a great deal of attention. With this method, the upper part of the external oblique muscle is lifted off the lower thoracic wall along with a segment of the rectus muscle, pedicled in the sixth intercostal space and subsequently connected with the lower margin of the pectoralis major muscle. This approach bridges the weak regions of the thin muscle layers in the medioinferior breast area. Because this procedure avoids the need for a second operation to restore the contour and enables production of a natural ptosis and a well-accentuated lower breast fold, it has become increasingly important in immediate breast reconstruction. Compared with the complex myocutaneous flaps techniques, this procedure is characterized by relative simplicity and ease of performance. Compared with the tissue expansion technique, the oblique rectus turnover flap allows restoration of the female form in a one-stage procedure with a better, more natural ptotic breast shape and well-defined inframammary crease. Results have been encouraging. In fact, this procedure has almost completely replaced other techniques for immediate reconstruction of the female breast following mastectomy.