Autologous Flap Breast Reconstruction Research Articles

Photometric Comparison of Skin Color Match between Abdominal- and Thigh-Based Free Flaps for Breast Reconstruction in Caucasian Patients".

With the increasing demand for autologous breast reconstruction, different surgical techniques have emerged to provide patients with the best possible result tailored to their individual needs. The upper thigh provides an alternative tissue resource in patients where abdominal based flaps are not feasible. While surgical outcomes and donor-site morbidity demonstrate favorable results using abdominal as well as thigh based free flaps for autologous breast reconstruction, the differences in skin constitution and color between the two flap donor-sites have not been investigated. From our flap data base, 60 patients who underwent unilateral secondary breast reconstruction with free DIEP or TMG flaps where randomly selected from our database. In both cohorts, postoperative pictures were used for photometric color evaluation of the reconstructed breast using the Delta E 2000 score at Time A (1.5 - 3 months), Time B (6 - 8 months) and Time C (12 - 20 months). Standard univariate descriptive statistics and group comparisons were performed. The DIEP flap demonstrated a better skin color match at Time A (p < 0.001), Time B (p = 0.003) and Time C (p = 0.009). Over time, both flaps showed improved Delta E 2000 values, and patient age was only associated with higher Delta E 2000 values in TMG flaps after 1.5 - 3 months (p = 0.021). The study provides the first objective analysis of skin color match in secondary autologous breast reconstruction. The DIEP flap reconstruction shows a preferable color match compared to the TMG flap. Both free flaps demonstrate an improved skin color match 12 - 20 months after secondary breast reconstruction.

"Introduction of the L-PAP Flap: Bipedicled, Conjoined, and Stacked Thigh-Based Flaps for Autologous Breast Reconstruction".

"Introduction of the L-PAP Flap: Bipedicled, Conjoined, and Stacked Thigh-Based Flaps for Autologous Breast Reconstruction".

The transverse upper gracilis flap for autologous breast reconstruction: patient satisfaction outcomes from a single centre experience.

The transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flap procedure is an alternative procedure for autologous breast reconstruction, that is indicated in patients with a low body mass index (BMI) and small to moderate sized breasts. We investigated patient satisfaction of all TUG flap breast reconstructions at Royal Free Hospital. A retrospective review of all patients who had undergone a TUG flap procedure was performed using Electronic Patient Records between October 2010 and October 2021 in Royal Free Hospital. We collected patient demographic data and surveyed our cohort by telephone, investigating patient satisfaction with a 31-item questionnaire. From 2010 to 2021, 57 TUG procedures for autologous breast reconstruction were carried out on 36 patients. One patient died 6 years postoperatively. Patient age ranged from 29-74 with an average of 49.5 years. Also, 3/57 flaps failed, and 1 patient died 6 years postoperatively. Twenty one out of 35 patients responded to the telephone call survey. Out of the survey respondents 11/21 underwent unilateral breast reconstruction and 10/21 underwent bilateral breast reconstruction. The BODY-Q scale in appraisal of thighs reported an overall patient satisfaction mean score of 75.6±27.4 points. The BREAST-Q scale in breast satisfaction reported an overall patient satisfaction mean score of 61.5±24.1 points. Overall, 19/21 of patients were satisfied with the outcome of the TUG procedure. Royal Free Hospital reported excellent patient satisfaction scores. The TUG procedure is a suitable method for patient's undergoing autologous breast reconstruction. However, patient expectations regarding breast satisfaction should be managed.

The Preferred Design of the Profunda Artery Perforator Flap for Autologous Breast Reconstruction: Transverse or Diagonal?

Since its introduction for autologous breast reconstruction in 2010, the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap has emerged as a preferred choice when an abdominal flap is suboptimal. The traditional transverse design (tPAP) was popularized, given the inconspicuous donor scar. A diagonal design (dPAP) has since evolved to address some of the shortcomings of the tPAP. The authors aimed to compare outcomes of tPAP/dPAP flaps harvested for breast reconstruction by a single surgeon. A retrospective review was conducted from 2017 to 2022 of patients undergoing tPAP versus dPAP-based breast reconstruction by a single surgeon at a tertiary cancer center. Patient variables and operative variables were assessed. Need for additional symmetrizing breast procedures were compared. Complications and BREAST-Q patient-reported outcome measures were analyzed. Thirty-nine flaps were used to reconstruct 35 breasts in 24 patients. Average follow-up for the group was 1.8 years. The groups were similar with respect to demographics. The majority of dPAP flaps had two perforators, whereas most tPAP flaps had one perforator. The dPAP flaps had greater average weights, width, and overall surface area. There were no cases of partial/total flap loss. Complications and PROM results were similar between the two groups. The dPAP design allows for a larger skin paddle and greater tissue harvest and capture of cutaneous perforators, without increasing the risk of complications or compromising satisfaction. It should be considered as a viable option in patients unable to undergo abdominal-based reconstruction. Additional patients and multi-institutional efforts are necessary to better compare advantages of either design.

Maximizing volume in autologous breast reconstruction: stacked/conjoined free flaps.

Since the first report of abdominally based tissue breast reconstruction with a free flap of rectus abdominis muscle to reconstruct mastectomy defects, autologous breast reconstruction has continually increased in popularity due to improved cosmesis, patient satisfaction, and quality of life. While abdominal tissue is frequently used as the principal donor site, other flap options are available, including from the buttocks, thighs, and back. Microsurgical advancements in recent years have continued to improve patient outcomes and decrease operative times. One innovative technique is the use of stacked or conjoined free flaps which can be used when more breast volume is needed than can be provided by one free flap alone. These stacked or conjoined free flaps can be used unilaterally or bilaterally and can include combinations of nearly every free flap depending on the volume of tissue desired for the reconstruction. Though these flaps are increasing in popularity, there is limited comparative data on the safety and efficacy of stacked or conjoined free flaps as compared to single free flaps. In this review, we aim to highlight the use of stacked/conjoined free flaps for autologous breast reconstruction, as well as highlight recent data on this technique and provide recommendations for its safe use.

Introduction of the L-PAP Flap: Bipedicled, Conjoined, and Stacked Thigh-Based Flaps for Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

Thigh-based flaps are increasingly popular options for autologous breast reconstruction in the setting of abdominal donor-site inadequacy, previous surgery, or patient preference, but the volume and skin associated with these flaps are often lacking relative to the abdomen. An individualized, shared decision-making approach to donor-site selection was adopted based on body shape, surgical history, lifestyle, reconstructive needs, and patient expectations. Different thigh-based flaps combined in stacked, bipedicled, or conjoined configurations were selected to maximize efficient use of available soft-tissue skin and volume while optimizing donor-site aesthetics. A total of 23 thigh-based stacked, bipedicled, or conjoined profunda artery perforator (PAP), lateral thigh perforator (LTP), or gracilis musculocutaneous flap components were used in six patients. Configurations included bilateral stacked PAP and LTP flaps, bipedicled posterolateral thigh flaps based on the LTP and PAP (L-PAP), and bipedicled thigh flaps based on the gracilis and PAP pedicles. Most anastomoses were performed to the antegrade and retrograde internal mammary vessels; intraflap anastomoses were performed in one case. There were no partial or total flap losses. There was one donor-site seroma. Design of stacked, bipedicled, and conjoined thigh-based flaps using multiple conventional flap components allows for tailored approaches to donor-site utilization based on individual body shape in selected patients. Bipedicled design with the L-PAP flap represents one strategy in appropriate cases to overcome skin and volume deficiencies while facilitating coning and projection. Therapeutic, IV.

Lumbar Artery Perforator Flaps in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

The lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flap should be considered for autologous breast reconstruction when a patient's abdomen is unavailable as a donor site. The LAP flap can be harvested with dimensions and volume of distribution that facilitate the restoration of a naturally shaped breast with a sloping upper pole and maximal projection in the lower one-third. Harvest of LAP flaps lifts the buttocks and narrows the waist and, consequently, aesthetic improvement in body contour is generally achieved with these procedures. Although technically challenging, the LAP flap is a valuable tool in the practice of autologous breast reconstruction.

Safety and Efficacy of the Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator (SGAP) Flap In Autologous Breast Reconstruction: Systematic Review and Metanalysis

Introduction: The superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap is a valuable technique for autologous breast reconstruction and provides a good alternative to the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap, especially in patients with unsuitable lower abdominal tissue. Unlike more commonly used techniques current literature on the outcomes and complications of the SGAP flap is relatively heterogenous and limited. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search of multiple databases was performed by two independent reviewers using the PRISMA guidelines. We included articles evaluating SGAP flaps in autologous breast reconstruction. Patient’s and flap-related data, flap-related outcomes and complications and donor-site morbidity were recorded and analyzed. Proportions and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated in a random-effects meta-analysis. Results: Fifteen studies meeting the inclusion criteria representing a total of 673 SGAP flaps were included. Total flap loss rate was 2% (95% CI 1), partial flap loss rate was 3% (95% CI 0), hematoma rate was 5% (95% CI 2), emergent operative take-back was 7% (95% CI 7) and overall donor-site complications was 12% (95% CI 4). Conclusion: This study is the first systematic review evaluating the efficacy and safety of the SGAP flap in autologous breast reconstruction. It confirms the overall safety and low complication rate of the SGAP flap in breast reconstruction.

Diagonal upper gracilis (DUG) flap for autologous breast reconstruction: a case series

Diagonal upper gracilis (DUG) flap for autologous breast reconstruction: a case series

Does Fitzpatrick Score Predict Flap Loss? Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction Outcomes of Varying Skin Color.

This is a retrospective study conducted on patients who underwent any type of autologous flap breast reconstruction performed by the two senior authors at an academic center between January 2010 and December 2021. The sole primary outcome variable was flap loss. Patient skin tone was assessed using the Fitzpatrick scale on clinical photographs of patients. A total of 1115 pateints underwent autologous flap breast reconstruction, of which only 56 met both exclusion and inclusion criteria with 58 individual breasts being included in the final study population. The most common race of subjects was White (n = 33; 56.9%) while the most common Fitzpatrick score skin tone was type II (n = 22; 37.9%). The Cochran-Armitage test of trend showed a statistically significant linear trend, P = 0.006, with darker Fitzpatrick score skin tones associated with a higher proportion of flap loss in patients who had vascular compromise. A logistic regression showed that none of the predictor variables were significant. Patients with darker Fitzpatrick skin tones were associated with flap loss after vascular compromise. To prevent flap loss in patients who have darker Fitzpatrick score skin tones, more aggressive flap monitoring should be taken into consideration in the immediate postoperative setting.

Risk Factors and Complications of Abdominally Based Breast Reconstruction: A Comparative Analysis of 13,587 Patients

INTRODUCTION: Autologous breast reconstruction is most commonly abdominally based. Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP), pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (pTRAM), and free transverse rectus abdominus musculocutaneous (fTRAM) flaps subject a patient to significant abdominal wall morbidity. A comparative analysis of DIEP, pTRAM, and fTRAM flaps for breast reconstructions is necessary to understand major risk factors for adverse outcomes. The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and advantages of a DIEP vs pedicled TRAM vs fTRAM flap for breast reconstruction. METHODS: Admitted patients with a DIEP or pTRAM or fTRAM breast flap were analyzed using the National Inpatient Sample database, 2005–2014. Demographics, clinical data, and outcomes were collected. The relationship between mortality and predictors was assessed using a stratified analysis and multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 13,587 patients with DIEP, fTRAM, or pTRAM breast flap reconstruction were analyzed. Patients with a fTRAM were the most likely to experience a complication, followed by DIEP and then pTRAM. The most common complication for all groups was hemorrhage, most common in DIEP flaps. However, DIEP flap reconstructions were performed with shorter hospital stays. This group also exhibited the highest rates of thrombosis compared with pTRAM and fTRAM flaps. Conversely, the DIEP group had the lowest rates of postoperative infections, dehiscence, and pulmonary embolism. There were no significant differences in flap type used in the breast reconstruction between survived and deceased patients. CONCLUSION: These data support the DIEP flap as the chosen flap for autologous breast reconstruction in postmastectomy patients.

Safety and Efficacy of the Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator (SGAP) Flap in Autologous Breast Reconstruction: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(1) Background: The superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap is a prominent technique for autologous breast reconstruction. Unlike other commonly used techniques, current literature on the safety and efficacy of the SGAP flap is heterogenous and limited. The aim of this article was to perform a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of postoperative outcomes and complications associated with SGAP flap autologous breast reconstructions. (2) Methods: A systematic literature search of multiple databases was performed using the PRISMA guidelines. We included articles evaluating SGAP flaps in autologous breast reconstruction. Outcomes and complications were recorded and analyzed. Proportions and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated in a random-effects meta-analysis. (3) Results: Fourteen studies meeting inclusion criteria, representing a total of 667 SGAP flaps, were included. The total flap loss rate was 1% (95% CI 0-3%), partial flap loss rate was 1% (95% CI 0-3%), hematoma rate was 3% (95% CI 1-6%), emergent surgical re-exploration rate was 5% (95% CI 2-9%), and overall donor-site complications were 12% (95% CI 4-23%). (4) Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis provide comprehensive knowledge on the efficacy and safety of the SGAP flap in autologous breast reconstruction. It demonstrates its overall safety and low complication rate, validating its important role as an effective option in breast reconstruction.

Does it Always have to be the Abdomen? Alternative Flaps in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

[English] Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) or muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis muscle (ms-TRAM) flaps remain the gold standard for autologous reconstruction in post-mastectomy patients, although many women may not be candidates for abdominally based free tissue transfer. In this scenario, there are several other donor site options based from the thigh (transverse and diagonal upper gracilis flaps, profunda artery perforator flap, lateral thigh flap), trunk (lumbar artery perforator flap), and buttock (superior and inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps). This article will provide insight into the history, relevant anatomy, surgical technique and novel applications (neurotization) for alternative flaps in autologous breast reconstruction.

Surgical Delay-Induced Hemodynamic Alterations of the Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Flap for Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

The superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap allows transfer of tissue without violating the rectus fascia. Traditionally it is best used in single stage reconstruction when vessel caliber is 1.5 mm; 56% to 70% of SIEAs are less than 1.5 mm and, therefore, not reliable. We aim to demonstrate the increased reliability of SIEA through surgical delay by quantifying reconstructive outcomes and delay-induced hemodynamic alterations. Patients presenting for autologous breast reconstruction between May 2019 and October 2020 were evaluated with preoperative imaging and received either delayed SIEA or delayed deep inferior epigastric (DIEP) reconstruction based on clinical considerations, such as prior surgery and perforator size/location. Prospective data were collected on operative time, length of stay, and complications. Arterial diameter and peak flow were quantified with Doppler ultrasound predelay and postdelay. Seventeen delayed SIEA flaps were included. The mean age (± SD) was 46.2 ± 10.55 years, and body mass index was 26.7 ± 4.26 kg/m2. Average hospital stay after delay was 0.85 ± 0.90 days, and duration before reconstruction was 6 days to 14.5 months. Delay complications included 1 abdominal seroma (n = 1, 7.7%). Superficial inferior epigastric artery diameter predelay (mean ± 95% confidence interval) was 1.37 ± 0.20 mm and increased to 2.26 ± 0.24 mm postdelay. A significant increase in diameter was noted 0.9 ± 0.22 mm (P < 0.0001). Mean peak flow predelay was 14.43 ± 13.38 cm/s and 44.61 ± 60.35 cm/s (n = 4, P = 0.1822) postdelay. Surgical delay of the SIEA flap augments SIEA diameter, increasing the reliability of this flap for breast reconstruction. Superficial inferior epigastric artery delay results in low rates of complications and no failures in our series. Although more patients are needed to assess increase in arterial flow, use of surgical delay can expand the use of SIEA flap reconstruction and reduce abdominal morbidity associated with abdominal flap breast reconstruction.

Improving the Safety of DIEP Flap Transplantation: Detailed Perforator Anatomy Study Using Preoperative CTA.

Background: Deep inferior epigastric perforator and muscle sparing transverse rectus abdominis muscle flaps are commonly used flaps for autologous breast reconstruction. CT-angiography allows to analyse the perforator course preoperatively. Our aim was to compare the different aspects of perforator anatomy in the most detailed study. Methods: CT-angiographies of 300 female patients with autologous breast reconstruction of 10 years were analysed regarding the anatomy of the deep inferior epigastric artery and every perforator. Results: Overall, 2260 perforators were included. We identified correlations regarding the DIEA branching point and number of perforators and their intramuscular course. The largest perforator emerged more often from the medial branch of the DIEA than the smaller perforators (70% (416/595) vs. 54% (878/1634), p < 0.001) and more often had a direct connection to the SIEV (large 67% (401/595) vs. small 39% (634/1634), p < 0.01). Medial row perforators were larger than the laterals (lateral 1.44 mm ± 0.43 (n = 941) vs. medial 1.58 mm ± 0.52 (n = 1304) (p < 0.001)). The larger and more medial the perforator, the more likely it was connected to the SIEV: perforators with direct connection to the SIEV had a diameter of 1.65 mm ± 0.53 (n = 1050), perforators with indirect connection had a diameter of 1.43 ± 0.43 (n = 1028), perforators without connection had a diameter of 1.31 mm ± 0.37 (n = 169) (p < 0.001). Medial perforators were more often directly connected to the SIEV than lateral perforators (medial 56% (723/1302) vs. lateral 35% (327/941), p < 0.001). A lateral perforator more often had a short intramuscular course than medial perforators (69% (554/800) vs. 45% (474/1055), p < 0.001), which was also more often observed in the case of a small perforator and a caudal exit of the rectus sheath. Conclusion: The largest perforator emerges more often from the medial branch of the DIEA and frequently has a direct connection to the SIEV, making medial row perforators ideal for DIEP flap transplantation.

Intraoperative Blood Flow Analysis of DIEP vs. ms-TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction Combining Transit-Time Flowmetry and Microvascular Indocyanine Green Angiography.

Background: Vascular patency is the key element for high flap survival rates. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the blood flow characteristics of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (ms-TRAM) flaps for autologous breast reconstruction. Methods: This prospective clinical study combined Transit-Time Flowmetry and microvascular Indocyanine Green Angiography for the measurement of blood flow volume, vascular resistance, and intrinsic transit time. Results: Twenty female patients (mean age, 52 years) received 24 free flaps (14 DIEP and 10 ms-TRAM flaps). The mean arterial blood flow of the flap in situ was 7.2 ± 1.9 mL/min in DIEP flaps and 11.5 ± 4.8 mL/min in ms-TRAM flaps (p < 0.05). After anastomosis, the mean arterial blood flow was 9.7 ± 5.6 mL/min in DIEP flaps and 13.5 ± 4.2 mL/min in ms-TRAM flaps (p = 0.07). The arterial vascular resistance of DIEP flaps was significantly higher than that of ms-TRAM flaps. The intrinsic transit time of DIEP flaps was 52 ± 18 s, and that of ms-TRAM flaps was 33 ± 11 s (p < 0.05). The flap survival rate was 100%. One DIEP flap with the highest intrinsic transit time (77 s) required surgical revision due to arterial thrombosis. Conclusion: In this study, we established the blood flow characteristics of free DIEP and ms-TRAM flaps showing different blood flow rates, vascular resistances, and intrinsic transit times. These standard values will help to determine the predictive values for vascular compromise, hence improving the safety of autologous breast reconstruction procedures.

Truncal-based perforator flaps for autologous breast reconstruction: A review of 975 flaps and their clinical application.

When autologous breast reconstruction is desired and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is inadequate or unavailable, other perforator flaps in the truncal region should not be disregarded. This study aimed to review all truncal-based perforator flaps used for autologous breast reconstruction to identify clinical indications and outcomes of alternate perforator flaps. From 2013 to 2018, patients undergoing truncal-based perforator flap breast reconstruction were reviewed and data recorded for; indications, pre-operative and intra-operative treatment decisions, flap failures, take-backs, and revisions. Compared to the gold standard of the DIEP flap, alternate truncal-based flaps were evaluated for their reconstructive merit and application. A total of 975 perforator flaps were harvested circumferentially around the lower trunk. As an alternative or adjunct to the DIEP flap (n=633, 65%), perforator flaps were harvested based on the superficial inferior epigastric, the deep and superficial circumflex iliac arteries, the intercostal, and lumbar arteries (n=342, 35%). Overlapping vascular territories facilitate the safe harvest of these alternate flaps with 0.8% of flaps requiring take back (n=8) and 0.2% flap failure rate (n=2). There was no difference in peri-operative outcomes between anterior abdominal and alternate truncal-based flaps (p> .05). Circumferential harvest of alternate truncal flaps is an appropriate option for autologous reconstruction with comparable peri-operative and long-term outcomes as compared to flaps from the anterior abdomen.

Donor-site morbidity following breast reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi flap – A prospective study

Despite a trend toward the use of perforator-based flaps for autologous breast reconstruction, the m. latissimus dorsi (LD) flap remains a popular alternative. Several studies have sought to uncover the shoulder-related donor-site morbidity, but the results are inconclusive. This study aims at evaluating what impact breast reconstruction with an LD flap has on shoulder strength, range of motion (ROM), lymphedema, sensory disturbances, and patients' ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL). In a prospective observational study, we examined 20 female patients undergoing delayed breast reconstruction with an LD flap. The primary outcome was a change in shoulder strength, measured with the Biodex System4 Pro-dynamometer. ROM was assessed using two-dimensional photogrammetry. Furthermore, the patients' self-reported pain, lymphedema, sensory disturbances, and ability to perform ADL were assessed using a questionnaire. Measurements were performed pre-operatively at 3 months and 12 months post-operatively. Of the 20 included patients, 17 completed the follow-up. At the 12 months follow-up, a significant loss of isometric shoulder strength of 17% was observed in shoulder adduction (P<0.001) and 21% in extension (P<0.001). Isometric strength and ability to perform ADL and ROM were unchanged. There was a decrease in the number of patients reporting problems with lymphedema (10 to 7) and an increase in the incidence of sensory disturbances (10 to 13). A loss of shoulder strength was observed following the transfer of the LD flap; however, the procedure did not hinder the post-operative performance of ADLs for the patients. LD reconstruction seems to be a safe procedure.

The Influence of Flow Velocity in the Feeding Vessel on Flap Perfusion in Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap

Contralateral perfusion of zones II and IV is critical to estimate the amount of fat necrosis and determine intraoperative flap sacrifice during autologous breast reconstruction. We aimed to determine whether perfusion of the contralateral side was affected by the peak flow velocity in the feeding vessels in the deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) perforator free flap reconstructions. This was a retrospective review of patients who received DIEA perforator flap for autologous breast reconstruction from February to July 2020. Intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) angiography and measurement software (Image J) were used to validate the perfusion of the contralateral side of the flap. Peak flow in the vessels was measured with duplex color Doppler and linear correlation was used to analyze the association between perfusion and blood flow velocity. Forty-two patients received a DIEP flap. The average age of the patients was 48.5 years, and body mass index was 23.84 kg/m2. Peak flow velocity of the internal mammary artery (IMA) was significantly higher than that of the DIEA (p <0.05). Contralateral perfusion confirmed by ICG angiography was higher in the IMA than in the DIEA (p <0.05). A linear correlation was found between peak speed (p = 0.045) and ICG perfusion length (p = 0.00003). The status of flap perfusion depends on the feeding vessel. The velocity of blood flow between IMA and DIEA is different, and the flap perfusion varies accordingly. Therefore, ICG angiography should be performed after anastomosis at the recipient site for an accurate assessment.

Lessons Learned from 30 Years of Transverse Myocutaneous Gracilis Flap Breast Reconstruction: Historical Appraisal and Review of the Present Literature and 300 Cases

Background: Happy 30th birthday to the transverse myocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap. Since 1991 the TMG flap has been used to reconstruct a wide variety of defects and became a workhorse flap and reliable alternative to the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap in many breast reconstruction services worldwide. This manuscript sheds light on the history and success of the TMG flap by critically reviewing the present literature and a series of 300 patients receiving a breast reconstruction. Patients and Methods: The present literature and history of the TMG flap was reviewed and a retrospective double center cohort study of 300 free TMG free flaps for autologous breast reconstruction was conducted. Patient demographics, perioperative data, and post-operative complications were recorded and compared with literature findings. Results: Mean flap weight was 320 g. Mean pedicle length was 70 mm. Complications included 19 (6.3%) flap loss. 10 patients (3.3%) had postoperative cellulitis and 28 (9.3%) wound healing disturbance of the donor site. Conclusion: Recipient and donor site complications were comparable to other free flaps used for breast reconstruction. A low BMI or the lack of an abdominal based donor site do not represent a limitation for breast reconstruction and can be overcome using the TMG flap.