Stacked TUG and DIEP flaps to reconstruct a single breast: Expanding the scope of autologous breast reconstruction

Abstract

When the entire abdominal tissue is inadequate to match the contralateral breast volume and shape or in bilateral cases, the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap alone might not be adequate, even if bipedicled. In such cases, using combinations of donor sites is useful and more effective. We present our series of breast reconstruction using stacked DIEP and transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flaps to achieve better breast volume and shape. Between 2015 and 2021, 7 patients underwent reconstruction with stacked flaps. Three surgical teams performed the surgery simultaneously. Flaps were stacked and shaped on a table; the DIEP was de-epithelised completely and placed upside down with the pedicle anteriorly. A cranial extension of the DIEP pedicle was anastomosed in series to the TUG vessels. The TUG was coned and placed above the DIEP, the skin paddle was used both to create a new nipple-areola complex and for monitoring. The stacked flaps were anastomosed to the recipient vessels and buried under the mastectomy flaps. No flap losses were encountered. The aesthetic outcome was good or excellent and patients considered the surgery as an improvement for their self-appearance. In patients with loose skin and minimal fat, or in bilateral reconstructions, the presented procedure can be considered as a reliable approach to obtain a better breast shape and simultaneously improve body contouring in the donor sites.