Total breast reconstruction with the fat-augmented latissimus dorsi (FALD) flap: High safety in a single-center uncontrolled case series

Abstract

According to ASPS, 107,238 breast reconstructions (BR) have been performed in the United States this year. The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is used for breast reconstruction (BR), either with an implant or an extended flap harvest. Implant-enhanced LD is associated with 50% reoperation rates. To avoid implant-related complications, we introduced the Fat-Augmented LD (FALD) flap. Several authors report 92% patient satisfaction and 36% complication rates (CR). The aim of our study is to present a single-center uncontrolled case series with long follow-up assessing CR and esthetic results. Women with small-to-moderate breasts requiring immediate or delayed BR were included, whereas athletic and paraplegic women or patients with contraindication for free flap BR were excluded. Clinical and surgical data were analyzed. Esthetic analysis was performed using a panel of independent observers. Between December 2010 and November 2019, 100 patients underwent 148 FALD-based BR. Average operative time was 193.5min for unilateral procedure and 290.6min for bilateral procedure. Mean immediate AFT volume was 105.3 cc (range 60-170) per breast. Major complication (total or partial flap necrosis > 30%) rate was 0%, and minor complication (partial flap necrosis < 30%, fat necrosis hematoma, seroma, donor site dehiscence, and chronic pain) rate was 6.76%. Esthetic analysis garnered satisfactory results for all types of mastectomies. For variables regarding skin texture (p=0.001), scar location (p=0.005), and total score (p=0.001), patients undergoing Modified Radical Mastectomy scored lower than Skin-Sparing Mastectomy and Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy. We were able to confirm that the FALD flap is a safe with a low complication rate and high patient satisfaction. Level of Evidence IV.