Bilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction Research Articles

The Impact of Technical Innovations and Donor-Site Mesh Repair on Autologous Abdominal-Based Breast Reconstruction-A Retrospective Analysis.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the potential benefit that may be achieved through the introduction of technical innovations and the incorporation of mesh for fascial donor site closure in uni- and bilateral autologous breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue. Methods: A retrospective single-center review of all breast reconstructions with a DIEP or MS-TRAM flap between January 2004 and December 2019 was performed. Donor and recipient site complications and operation times were evaluated before and after the implementation of coupler anastomoses, preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA), indocyanine green (ICG) angiography, and the inclusion of mesh in donor site repair. Results: A total of 396 patients were included, accounting for 447 flaps. Operation time was significantly shorter in unilateral reconstructions after the implementation of CTA (p < 0.0001). ICG angiography significantly reduced the rates of partial flap loss (p = 0.02) and wound healing disorders (p = 0.02). For unilateral reconstructions, abdominal bulging or hernia was observed more often in MS1-TRAM flaps without synthetic mesh repair (p = 0.001), whereas conservatively treated seroma developed more frequently after mesh implantation (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Recent technological advancements developed over the past few decades have made a substantial impact on decreasing surgical duration and enhancing procedure safety.

Co-surgeon versus Single-surgeon Outcomes in Free Tissue Breast Reconstruction: A Meta-analysis.

Autologous breast reconstruction offers superior long-term patient reported outcomes compared with implant-based reconstruction. Universal adoption of free tissue transfer has been hindered by procedural complexity and long operative time with microsurgery. In many specialties, co-surgeon (CS) approaches are reported to decrease operative time while improving surgical outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes the available literature to evaluate the potential benefit of a CS approach in autologous free tissue breast reconstruction versus single-surgeon (SS). A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE from inception to December 2022. Published reports comparing CS to SS approaches in uni- and bilateral autologous breast reconstruction were identified. Primary outcomes included operative time, postoperative outcomes, processes of care, and financial impact. Risk of bias was assessed and outcomes were characterized with effect sizes. Eight retrospective studies reporting on 9,425 patients were included. Compared with SS, CS approach was associated with a significantly shorter operative time (SMD -0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.01 to -0.29, p < 0.001), with the largest effect size in bilateral reconstructions (standardized mean difference [SMD] -1.02, 95% CI -1.37 to -0.67, p < 0.00001). CS was also associated with a significant decrease in length of hospitalization (SMD -0.39, 95% CI -0.71 to -0.07, p = 0.02). Odds of flap failure or surgical complications including surgical site infection, hematoma, fat necrosis, and reexploration were not significantly different. CS free tissue breast reconstruction significantly shortens operative time and length of hospitalization compared with SS approaches without compromising postoperative outcomes. Further research should model processes and financial viability of its adoption in a variety of health care models.

Response to the Letter to the Editor: Surgical Delay of Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flaps for Bilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

Response to the Letter to the Editor: Surgical Delay of Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flaps for Bilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

Impact of autologous breast reconstruction on bra fit.

To inform bra design by analyzing 3D surface images of breast cancer patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction. We computed bra design measurements on 3D surface images of patients who underwent unilateral and bilateral autologous breast reconstruction. Breast measurements and right-left symmetry between preoperative baseline and postoperative time points were compared using either paired Student t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test, depending on the data's distribution. Regression analysis determined associations between measurements and patient characteristics such as age. Postoperative measurements and symmetry differences were also compared between autologous and implant-based breast reconstruction. Among participants who underwent bilateral autologous breast reconstruction, the reconstructed breasts were smaller and positioned higher on the chest wall than their native breasts. For patients who underwent unilateral reconstruction, similar postoperative changes were observed in the contralateral breast due to symmetry procedures. Overall, for participants whose baseline breast measurements showed substantial asymmetry, unilateral reconstruction decreased right-left asymmetry whereas bilateral reconstruction amplified right-left asymmetry. Preoperative baseline breast measurements, age, and BMI were statistically significantly associated with most postoperative breast measurements for participants who underwent bilateral autologous reconstruction. Compared to implant-based reconstruction, autologous reconstruction resulted in fewer changes in breast shape and symmetry that are pertinent to bra fit. Preoperative baseline breast measurements, age, and BMI can impact bra designs for breast cancer survivors who undergo autologous reconstruction due to size, shape, and symmetry changes. Bra needs of people who undergo autologous reconstruction differ from those who undergo implant-based reconstruction.

Surgical Delay of Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flaps for Bilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

Surgical Delay of Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flaps for Bilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

BREAST-Q and Donor Site Comparison in Bilateral Stacked Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Introduction: Patients undergoing bilateral autologous breast reconstruction may benefit from increased flap volume using bilateral stacked deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and profunda artery perforator (PAP) flaps. Our aim was to characterize the donor site morbidity and patient reported outcomes in four-flap breast reconstruction. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review was performed for all patients undergoing four-flap breast reconstruction by two surgeons between January 2010 – September 2021. Outcome measures including the BREAST-Q reconstructive module, the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), inpatient surgical site pain scores by Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and a post-operative subjective survey comparing donor sites were obtained. Four-flap BREAST-Q scores were compared to bilateral DIEP and to bilateral PAP patients. Results: A total of 79 patients undergoing four-flap breast reconstruction were identified. Four-flap BREAST-Q scores (n=56) were similar to bilateral DIEP and bilateral PAP reconstruction patients. Long term survey outcomes from the LEFS demonstrated improved score trend after 6 months. Mean instances of donor site pain location recorded at the abdomen were significantly higher than the thigh during the post-operative admission. Subjective survey data revealed more long-term donor site pain at the PAP site, a patient preference for the DIEP donor site, and easier post-operative care for the DIEP donor site. Conclusion: This is the largest consecutive series of four-flap breast reconstruction outcomes reported to date. BREAST-Q scores in four-flap patients demonstrate overall patient satisfaction that is similar to both bilateral DIEP and bilateral PAP reconstruction patients. The DIEP donor site appears to be preferred by patients than the PAP donor site.

BREAST-Q and Donor Site Comparison in Bilateral Stacked Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

Background:Patients undergoing bilateral autologous breast reconstruction may benefit from increased flap volume using bilateral stacked deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and profunda artery perforator (PAP) flaps. Our aim was to characterize the donor site morbidity and patient-reported outcomes in four-flap breast reconstruction.Methods:Retrospective review was performed for all patients undergoing four-flap breast reconstruction by two surgeons between January 2010 and September 2021. Outcome measures including the BREAST-Q reconstructive module, the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), inpatient surgical site pain scores by numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), and a postoperative subjective survey comparing donor sites were obtained. Four-flap BREAST-Q scores were compared with bilateral DIEP and bilateral PAP patients.Results:A total of 79 patients undergoing four-flap breast reconstruction were identified. Four-flap BREAST-Q scores (n = 56) were similar to bilateral DIEP and bilateral PAP reconstruction patients. Long-term survey outcomes from the LEFS demonstrated improved score trend after 6 months. Mean instances of donor site pain location recorded at the abdomen were significantly higher than the thigh during the postoperative admission. Subjective survey data revealed more long-term donor site pain at the PAP site, a patient preference for the DIEP donor site, and easier postoperative care for the DIEP donor site.Conclusions:This is the largest consecutive series of four-flap breast reconstruction outcomes reported to date. BREAST-Q scores in four-flap patients demonstrate overall patient satisfaction that is similar to both bilateral DIEP and bilateral PAP reconstruction patients. The DIEP donor site appears to be preferred by patients over the PAP donor site.

The Versatility of the Fasciocutaneous Infragluteal (FCI) Flaps for locoregional or free flap reconstruction

The wide range of reconstructive purposes requires specific demands and considerations for appropriate flap selection. One versatile and reliable option, which is rarely reported in current literature, is the fasciocutaneous infragluteal (FCI) flap. In this study, we present our results of performing the FCI flap for different clinical indications. This retrospectively study was conducted between September 2011 and September 2019. We included 30 patients (21 females and 9 males) who underwent reconstruction with either pedicled or free FCI flap. Indications for performing FCI flap were uni- or bilateral autologous breast reconstruction, perineal reconstruction, congenital thoracic deformity, lower extremity coverage, and vulva reconstruction. Forty-one FCI flaps were performed (34 free and 7 pedicled flaps). The average flap dimension was 7×20cm (range, 7-8×19-21) and the mean length of the pedicle was 13.4cm (range, 10.5-15.5). The mean diameter of the artery was 2.5mm (range, 2.2-3.2), the mean diameter of the accompanying vein was 3mm (range, 2.4-3.3). The flap survival rate was 97.6% (one flap loss). The most common minor complications were infragluteal wound healing disorders and hematoma. The FCI flap provides constant and reliable anatomy with a long vascular pedicle as well as enough soft tissue bulk and a well-hidden scar. In our clinical practice, this flap has emerged as a first choice in perineal/vulvar reconstruction and a reliable alternative in breast reconstruction if the gold standard procedure cannot be performed. IV (Therapeutic).

Anatomic Comparison of Recipient Nerves for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Neurotization: A Randomized Control Trial.

Although neurotization has the potential to improve sensory outcomes after autologous breast reconstruction, this technique remains controversial. There is debate regarding the clinical outcomes and the recipient nerve of choice. This histoanatomical study aims to quantitatively compare the sensory components of the recipient nerves involved in neurotization of the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap. Subjects undergoing bilateral autologous breast reconstruction were enrolled. Transected nerve specimens underwent immunohistochemical staining with antibodies against neurofilament 1 and choline acetyltransferase for total and motor neurons within the axons, respectively. Photomicrographs were captured, and axons were analyzed using ImageJ. Sensory axons were calculated as equal to the difference between the total and cholinergic axonal counts. Thirty-eight nerves from 19 subjects were included. The overall mean sensory axon count was 1246.3 (±1171.9) in the lateral cutaneous branch (LCB) of the fourth intercostal nerve and 1123.8 (±1213.0) in the anterior cutaneous branch (ACB) of the third intercostal nerve.The fourth LCB presented with an additional 10.9% sensory axonal count (P > 0.05). On average, sensory fibers constituted 36.7% and 31.7% of all fibers in the third ACBs and fourth LCBs, respectively. This study provides anatomic and histological evidence that the fourth LCB and third ACB contain comparable mean numbers of sensory axons. Both constitute adequate recipient nerves for coaptation in deep inferior epigastric perforator reinnervation to achieve optimal sensory return after breast reconstruction. The fourth LCB should be preferable when the third ACB remains intact to preserve any native breast flap sensation.

4: Four-flap Breast Reconstruction: Assessing Breast-q And Donor Site Morbidity In Bilateral Stacked Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Purpose:Patients undergoing bilateral autologous breast reconstruction may benefit from increased flap volume using bilateral stacked deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and profunda artery perforator (PAP) flaps. Four-flap reconstruction patients are a unique population in which to compare donor site morbidity of the two most commonly used free flaps in breast reconstruction (DIEP and PAP). Our aim was to characterize the donor site morbidity and overall patient outcomes of four-flap breast reconstruction patients.Methods:Retrospective chart review was performed for all patients undergoing four-flap breast reconstruction by two surgeons between 2014-2019 at a single academic medical center. Inpatient surgical site pain location and pain scores by Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) were recorded during the immediate post-operative admission. All patients were contacted to complete the BREAST-Q reconstructive module and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). Four-flap BREAST-Q scores were compared to bilateral DIEP and to bilateral PAP patients as reference populations.Results:A total of 63 patients undergoing four-flap breast reconstruction were identified. BREAST-Q (n=38) scores demonstrated mean Satisfaction With Breasts of 66.1+/-32.2, Psychosocial Well-Being 70.8+/-34.3, Sexual Well-Being 44.5+/-36.5, Physical Well-Being Chest 72.8+/-32.5, and Physical Well-Being Abdomen 63.6+/-34.9. In comparison to bilateral DIEP (n=180), and bilateral PAP reconstruction patients (n=43), four-flap BREAST-Q scores were similar. No difference in BREAST-Q scores remained after matching four-flap patients to bilateral DIEP patients by Age, Race, BMI, Zip Code, and radiation history. With regard to donor site morbidity, mean instances of donor site pain location recorded at the abdomen (9.72, 95%CI[7.78-11.66]) were significantly higher than the thigh (2.82, 95%CI[1.63-4.00]) during the post-operative admission (p=<0.0001). Mean pain scores by NPRS were similar between abdomen, thigh, and breast surgical sites. Subjective survey data revealed more donor site pain at the PAP site, a patient preference for the DIEP donor site, and easier post-operative care for the DIEP donor site. Further, a majority of patients felt the thighs were aesthetically improved post-operatively (54.29%). Long term survey outcomes from the LEFS (n=35) demonstrated a mean score of 92.4% (SD 10.9). The majority of women would make the same decision for four flap breast reconstruction (81.82%).Conclusion:This is the largest consecutive series of four-flap breast reconstruction outcomes reported to date. Patients undergoing four-flap breast reconstruction have more immediate donor site pain at the abdomen than the thigh, but more thigh pain after discharge home once ambulating. BREAST-Q scores in four-flap patients demonstrate overall high patient satisfaction that is similar to both bilateral DIEP and bilateral PAP reconstruction patients. In patients who require increased flap volume for body appropriate breast reconstruction, four-flap reconstruction is comparable to bilateral DIEP and bilateral PAP by BREAST-Q scores.

Breast sensibility in bilateral autologous breast reconstruction with unilateral sensory nerve coaptation

BackgroundPatient satisfaction after breast reconstruction is dependent on both esthetics and functional outcomes. In an attempt to improve breast sensibility, a sensory nerve coaptation can be performed. The aim of this study was to objectify the sensory recovery in patients who, by chance, underwent bilateral autologous breast reconstruction with one innervated and one non-innervated flap. It must be emphasized that the intention was to coaptate the sensory nerves on both sides.MethodsThe cohort study was carried out in the Maastricht University Medical Center between August 2016 and August 2018. Patients were eligible if they underwent bilateral non-complex, autologous breast reconstruction with unilateral sensory nerve coaptation and underwent sensory measurements using Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments at 12 months of follow-up. Sensory outcomes were compared using t tests.ResultsA total of 15 patients were included, all contributing one innervated and one non-innervated flap. All patients had a follow-up of at least 12 months, but were measured at different follow-up points with a mean follow-up of 19 months. Sensory nerve coaptation was significantly associated with better sensation in the innervated breasts and showed better sensory recovery over time, compared to non-innervated breasts. Moreover, the protective sensation of the skin can be restored by sensory nerve coaptation.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated that sensory nerve coaptation leads to better sensation in the autologous reconstructed breast in patients who underwent bilateral breast reconstruction and, by chance, received unilateral sensory nerve coaptation.

Unilateral pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap and unilateral free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap as a surgical alternative in bilateral autologous breast reconstruction

Unilateral pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap and unilateral free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap as a surgical alternative in bilateral autologous breast reconstruction

The Stacked Hemiabdominal Extended Perforator Flap for Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

Options for bilateral autologous breast reconstruction in thin women are limited. The aim of this study was to introduce a novel approach to increase abdominal flap volume with the stacked hemiabdominal extended perforator (SHAEP) flap. The authors describe the surgical technique and analyze their results. A retrospective study was conducted of all SHAEP flap breast reconstructions performed since February of 2014. Patient demographics, operative details, complications, and flap reexplorations were recorded. The bipedicled hemiabdominal flap was designed as a combination of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) and a second, more lateral pedicle: the deep or superficial circumflex iliac perforator vessels, the superficial inferior epigastric artery, or a lumbar artery or intercostal perforator. A total of 90 SHAEP flap breast reconstructions were performed in 49 consecutive patients. Median operative time was 500 minutes (range, 405 to 797 minutes). Median hemiabdominal flap weight that was used for reconstruction was 598 g (range, 160 to 1389 g). No total flap losses were recorded. Recipient-site complications included partial flap loss (2.2 percent), hematoma (3.3 percent), fat necrosis (2.2 percent), and wound problems (4.4 percent). Minor donor-site complications occurred in five patients (10.2 percent). Most flaps were harvested on a combination of the DIEP and deep circumflex iliac artery vessels. This study demonstrated that the SHAEP flap is an excellent option for bilateral autologous breast reconstruction in women who require significant breast volume but have insufficient abdominal tissue for a bilateral DIEP flap. The bipedicled SHAEP flap allows for enhanced flap perfusion, increased volume, and abdominal contour improvement using a single abdominal donor site. Therapeutic, IV.

Bilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction in a Patient with Unilateral Breast Cancer: A Case Report

Bilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction in a Patient with Unilateral Breast Cancer: A Case Report

The Impact of the Cosurgeon Model on Bilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

Background Microsurgical breast reconstructions (MBRs) are time and labor intensive procedures. To circumvent these barriers, plastic surgeons have started working together as cosurgeons (CSs). This study aims to evaluate the impact of the CS model (CSM) specifically on bilateral MBR. The hypothesis is that CS procedures reduce operative time and surgical complications. Study Design This was a single institutional retrospective cohort study, which included all consecutive patients who underwent bilateral MBR from 2014 to 2016. Patients were grouped into single surgeon (SS) or CSs based on the number of the attending plastic surgeons present. Demographic and clinical characteristics including age, body mass index, smoking, American Society of Anesthesiologist class, radiation, and the timing of the reconstruction were assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for outcomes including operative time and postoperative complications. Results Of the 136 patients included in the study, 41% had breast reconstruction performed by CSs, whereas 59% had a SS. Sociodemographic features were evenly distributed with the exception of a greater number of delayed reconstructions in the SS group (33 vs. 13%; p &lt;0.01). Pedicle TRAMS (transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps) were performed in 5 versus 0% of SS versus CS cases, respectively. Rates of major (4 vs. 16%) and minor (11 vs. 24%) complications were significantly lower in CS procedures. Multivariate analyses demonstrated CS operations required significantly shorter operative time by 73 minutes (p &lt;0.001), and trended toward a reduced postoperative complication rate (p = 0.07). Conclusion The CSM is associated with improved operative efficiency for bilateral MBR. Further evaluation of the CSM may prove useful in other surgical disciplines with time and labor intense procedures.

Treatment Options for Bilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction in Patients with Inadequate Donor-Site Volume.

More than 250,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States in 2017 alone. A large number of these patients will undergo mastectomy and will be candidates for immediate breast reconstruction. The most common reconstructive options are either implant-based or autologous tissue reconstruction, with the latter having been reported to have higher rates of long-term patient satisfaction, lower cost, and less postoperative pain. A subset of patients, however, may not be ideal candidates for autologous microsurgical reconstruction, for example, due to inadequate abdominal tissues, yet they may desire this reconstructive modality. This is particularly challenging in patients requiring bilateral reconstructions. In this article, the authors discuss the various reconstructive modalities that can be considered in patients who desire bilateral breast reconstruction, are not ideal candidates for autologous reconstruction, yet do not wish to rely solely on implant-based modalities.

Should We Excise Native Breast Skin Envelope to Achieve Symmetric Scars in Bilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction?--A Survey of Surgeon and Patient Preference.

Given the multiple possible scar patterns in autologous breast reconstruction and combinations of such patterns in bilateral reconstruction, the present study aimed to determine the importance of scar symmetry in achieving aesthetically pleasing results. A survey was administered to 128 participants including plastic surgeons and female breast reconstruction patients. In part A of the survey, participants were provided with photos of bilateral autologous breast reconstructions, and scar placement was varied to represent bilateral (1) immediate, (2) delayed symmetric, (3) delayed asymmetric, and (4) a mixture of immediate and delayed free flap reconstructions. Participants were asked to rank the photos in order of best to worst aesthetic outcome. In part B, pairs of the same reconstruction before and after nipple-areolar complex (NAC) reconstruction were presented, and participants were asked to assign a score to each photo according to aesthetic outcome. In part A, immediate reconstructions that included the smallest flap skin paddles ranked best among 52.5% ± 30% of participants, followed by delayed symmetric reconstructions that ranked best in 46.7% ± 29.6%. Mixed reconstructions ranked worst among 53.6% ± 37.6% of participants, followed by delayed asymmetric reconstructions (42.5% ± 37.9%). When NAC reconstruction was added to 1 set of the photos in part A, the same immediate reconstruction was ranked best, a significantly higher proportion of the time (36.3% increase, P < 0.001). This was accompanied by a significant decrease in top ranking for the delayed symmetric reconstruction (37.9% decrease, P < 0.001). In part B, addition of NAC increased each reconstruction's score by an average of 1.36 points on a 5-point scale with patients citing less improvement between the conditions (0.93 ± 0.03) than plastic surgeons (1.13 ± 0.49) (P = 0.03). More symmetric breast scars led to higher aesthetic ranking of bilateral autologous breast reconstructions. Participants in our survey preferred symmetric scars, even if achieving such a scar pattern would require excision of native breast skin and inclusion of more flap skin. Furthermore, NAC reconstruction alone improves aesthetic outcome, and improvement was most notable among immediate reconstructions.

The Use of Retrograde Limb of Internal Mammary Vein in Autologous Breast Reconstruction With DIEAP Flap

It has been postulated that the abdominal skin may have either predominantly deep or superficial venous drainage. This may account for complications arising from autologous breast reconstruction using the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEAP) flap. In this study, we evaluate the use of the retrograde limb of the internal mammary vein (IMV) as a second recipient vein in reconstructions with the DIEAP flap. In Part A, 10 IMVs were harvested from 5 fresh cadavers and the flow of methylene blue through the retrograde limb and the presence of valves were evaluated under a stereoscopic microscope.In Part B, the clinical outcomes of 38 patients who underwent single or bilateral autologous breast reconstruction using the DIEAP flap technique between January 2007 and March 2011 were reviewed. A total of 48 flaps were evaluated: 31 with single vein anastomosis and 17 with 2-vein anastomosis. In Part A, no valves were identified in the IMVs. In all 10 cadaver IMVs, there was free flow of methylene blue in both antegrade (superior) and retrograde (inferior) directions.In Part B, a retrospective analysis of the 2 patient outcomes was performed. Outcomes assessed included total flap loss, partial flap necrosis, fat necrosis, wound infection, wound dehiscence, and hematoma. Results were compared using a 2-tailed Fisher exact test with a critical P value of 0.05. No statistically significant differences between groups were identified. The retrograde limb of the IMV seems to be a safe alternate recipient vein in DIEAP and muscle sparing free TRAM autologous breast reconstruction. This study does not identify a significant reduction in overall fat necrosis or overall complications when using the 2 venous repair techniques versus the simple venous repair technique.

Bilateral Breast Reconstruction from a Single Hemiabdomen Using Angiosome-Based Flap Design

Performing bilateral autologous breast reconstruction using the abdominal donor site usually entails harvesting one flap from each hemiabdomen. However, the overlapping vascular territories of the superior epigastric, deep inferior epigastric, superficial inferior epigastric, and superficial circumflex iliac vessels make it theoretically possible to harvest two flaps based on vessels from one hemiabdomen. This may be useful in the obese patient, where one hemiabdomen may provide adequate tissue to reconstruct two breasts. The authors describe three clinical scenarios where they have used this principle, including the first reports in the literature of metachronous and synchronous bilateral breast reconstructions using two flaps based on pedicles from a single hemiabdomen. Therapeutic, V.

Minimizing Donor-Site Morbidity Following Bilateral Pedicled TRAM Breast Reconstruction With the Double Mesh Fold Over Technique

Transverse rectus abdominus muscle flaps (TRAM) can result in significant abdominal wall donor-site morbidity. We present our experience with bilateral pedicle TRAM breast reconstruction using a double-layered polypropylene mesh fold over technique to repair the rectus fascia. A retrospective study was performed that included patients with bilateral pedicle TRAM breast reconstruction and abdominal reconstruction using a double-layered polypropylene mesh fold over technique. Thirty-five patients met the study criteria with a mean age of 49 years old and mean follow-up of 7.4 years. There were no instances of abdominal hernia and only 2 cases (5.7%) of abdominal bulge. Other abdominal complications included partial umbilical necrosis (14.3%), seroma (11.4%), partial wound dehiscence (8.6%), abdominal weakness (5.7%), abdominal laxity (2.9%), and hematoma (2.9%). The TRAM flap is a reliable option for bilateral autologous breast reconstruction. Using the double mesh repair of the abdominal wall can reduce instances of an abdominal bulge and hernia.