Incisional lumbar hernia after the use of a lumbar artery perforator flap for breast reconstruction

Abstract

Autologous breast reconstruction with a perforator flap has become increasingly popular. The free lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flap has been described as a good alternative for autologous breast reconstruction. The LAP flap is a perforator flap based on a single pedicle. This flap is easy to harvest, with minimal donor-site morbidity. We present a case of a lumbar incisional hernia after LAP flap breast reconstruction in a 53-year-old patient. The patient had been treated with a bilateral mastectomy for cancer. Secondary breast reconstruction was performed with a bilateral DIEP flap. Reoperation was necessary because of a failed DIEP flap at the left side. Reconstruction was performed with a free LAP flap. The patient was referred for a right lumbar incisional hernia at the donor-site of the LAP flap. Open repair was performed with a retroperitoneal mesh. The thoracolumbar fascia was closed in with a running suture. Lumbar artery perforator is a perforator flap based on a single pedicle. Although it does not sacrifice any muscle and seems to be associated with minimal donor-site morbidity, we present the first report of a lumbar incisional hernia repair after LAP flap breast reconstruction treated using an open retroperitoneal mesh repair.