Congenital breast deformity reconstruction using perforator flaps

BACKGROUND: Congenital breast deformities such as Poland syndrome, unilateral congenital hypoplasia, tuberous breast anomaly, and amastia pose a challenging plastic surgical dilemma. The majority of patients are young, healthy individuals who seek esthetic restoration of their breast deformities. Currently, both implant and autologous reconstructive techniques are used. This study focuses on our experience with congenital breast deformity patients who underwent reconstruction using a perforator flap. METHODS: From 1994 to 2005, a retrospective chart review was performed on women who underwent breast reconstruction using perforator flaps to correct congenital breast deformities and asymmetry. Patient age, breast deformity type, perforator flap type, flap volume, recipient vessels, postoperative complications, revisions, and esthetic results were determined. RESULTS: Over an 11-year period, 12 perforator flaps were performed. All cases were for unilateral breast deformities. The patients ranged from 16 to 43 years of age. Six patients had undergone previous correctional surgeries. Eight (n = 8) flaps were used for correction of Poland syndrome and its associated chest wall deformities. Four (n = 4) flaps were used for correction of unilateral breast hypoplasia. In all cases, the internal mammary vessels were the recipient vessels of choice. No flaps were lost. No vein grafts were used. All patients were discharged on the fourth postoperative day. Complications encountered included seroma, hematoma, and nipple malposition. Revisional surgery was performed in 30% of the cases. Esthetic results varied from poor to excellent. CONCLUSIONS: Perforator flaps are an acceptable choice for patients with congenital breast deformities seeking autologous breast reconstruction. Deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEP) or superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flaps are performed when adequate abdominal tissue is available; however, many young patients have inadequate abdominal tissue, thus a GAP flap can be used. Perforator flaps are a safe, reliable surgical technique. In the properly selected patient, donor-site morbidity and functional compromise are minimized, improved self-esteem is noted, postoperative pain is decreased, and excellent long-term esthetic results can be achieved.     

Immediate nipple reconstruction utilizing the DIEP flap in areola‐sparing mastectomy

The surgical treatment of breast cancer has dramatically evolved over the past decade toward an approach combining oncologic safety with aesthetic outcomes. The skin‐sparing mastectomy initiated this paradigm shift amongst breast surgeons and can be oncologically safe, in some cases sparing both the areola and the nipple. In accordance with the emphasis on aesthetics, some general surgeons have adopted new methods of resecting only the nipple, sparing the areola in select patients. The superior aesthetic results, durability, and decreased donor site morbidity of perforator flaps have brought autologous reconstruction back to the forefront of breast reconstruction with the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap as the gold standard. We describe a technique utilizing the DIEP flap skin paddle for immediate nipple reconstruction at the time of mastectomy and reconstruction, eliminating the need for delayed reconstruction and limiting donor site morbidity by concealing the donor site below the mastectomy skin flaps. In the six cases described performed between 2010 and 2012 (mean with 53 years; range 46–59 years), there have been no complications to the flap or the nipple postoperatively, nor has there been a need for further nipple revisions for 6 months. The nipple position relative to the flap breast mound has remained unchanged for up to 6 months. The immediate nipple reconstruction does not significantly lengthen operative time, requiring approximately 30 additional operative minutes per nipple. Immediate nipple reconstruction utilizing the DIEP flap can be a cost‐effective and feasible technique for recreating a natural‐appearing and aesthetic nipple in select patients. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.     

可扩张乳房假体加背阔肌肌皮瓣的乳房再造术

目的：报告应用带蒂背阔肌肌皮瓣转移术及可扩张的乳房假体（BECKER）置入,修复乳腺癌根治术后的胸壁畸形,同时再造乳房的手术方法。方法：根据乳腺癌病灶清除术后患者胸部的畸形状况,设计患侧带蒂背阔肌肌皮瓣的肌瓣长度、体积以及皮瓣的面积和形状,切取肌皮瓣后经腋部皮下隧道转移至胸前。用肌瓣修复胸前软组织缺损,皮瓣则用于弥补胸部皮肤的不足。肌瓣与胸壁间置入可扩张的乳房假体。术后经注射壶注水,逐步扩张至额定值。6个月后,可抽除注射壶并重建乳头,完成治疗。结果：自1999年以来,对各种乳腺癌术后患者行乳房再造术共26例,获得了满意效果。结论：应用带蒂背阔肌肌皮瓣转移术及可扩张的乳房假体置入,不仅可修复乳腺癌病灶清除术后的胸部软组织的缺损、锁骨下的凹陷畸形而且可重建乳房。该法具有创伤小、恢复快、再造乳房的外形及质感逼真等特点。     

DIEP皮瓣与背阔肌肌皮瓣再造一侧乳房时对侧乳房处理的比较

目的：探讨DIEP（腹壁下动脉穿支,deepinferiorepigasticperforator,简称DIEP）皮瓣与背阔肌肌皮瓣再造一侧乳房时对侧乳房处理策略的比较。方法：2006年7月至2009年10月,选取15例保留乳头乳晕的乳癌改良根治术和10例Poland综合征的患者,其中12例行一侧DIEP皮瓣再造,余13例行一期背阔肌肌皮瓣转移并植入扩张器,术前对侧乳房下垂,3～5个月后二期乳房行假体置换扩张器,如双侧乳房不对称,同时进行对侧乳房的乳房缩小处理,期望能达到两侧对称性。结果：10例DIEP再造的乳房与对侧基本对称,另外2例要求二期修整。13例背阔肌肌皮瓣要求处理对侧下垂乳房,经处理后,与DIEP再造乳房相比,对称性仍感不足。结论：与DIEP乳房再造相比,背阔肌肌皮瓣乳房再造之后为了达到两侧乳房对称,处理对侧乳房是必要的。     

腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣在乳房再造和胸壁溃疡修复中的应用

目的　在解剖学研究基础上 ,对以腹壁下动静脉为蒂的横行腹直肌 (TRAM)肌皮瓣的切取进行完善和改进 ,将其精确为腹壁下动脉穿支 (DIEP)皮瓣 ,从而提供一种更为理想的乳腺癌术后乳房再造和胸壁创面修复的皮瓣。　方法切取DIEP皮瓣 ,移植至胸壁受区 ,腹壁下动静脉分别与胸廓内动静脉相吻合 ,用于乳腺癌术后乳房再造和胸壁放射性溃疡的修复。　结果　解剖学研究和临床观察发现自腹壁下动脉有粗大的肌皮穿支或皮支自血管主干发出 ,穿过腹直肌纤维直接进入皮瓣 ,因此 ,术中只剪开腹直肌前鞘 ,钝性分离腹壁下动静脉及其穿支周围的腹直肌纤维 ,无须离断腹直肌纤维 ,临床应用DIEP皮瓣再造乳房 4例 ,修复胸壁缺损 2例 ,皮瓣面积 (10cm× 12cm )～ (12cm× 35cm) ,全部成活 ,效果满意。　结论　DIEP皮瓣是对传统的TRAM皮瓣的一种技术改良 ,既保留了TRAM皮瓣血运丰富、组织量大、易于塑形的优点 ,尚可保持腹直肌的完整性 ,同期进行腹壁整形     

Utility of the free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap in chest wall reconstruction

Breast cancer chest wall recurrence is often treated with chemotherapy, radical surgery, and radiation. Extensive chest wall resection requires soft-tissue reconstruction with tissue that provides chest wall stability and durability for additional radiation. Local and regional muscle and musculocutaneous flaps are often used for reconstruction. Free flaps, such as the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap, are used for large defects, although donor site morbidity can result. The free deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap provides coverage for large defects and may have less donor site morbidity. We describe the use of the free DIEP flap to reconstruct large chest wall defects (mean, 501 cm2 defects) after the resection of recurrent breast cancer in two patients. One patient had 2% flap loss. No donor site morbidity occurred. The free DIEP flap is a durable and reliable flap that provided immediate and complete coverage of these large chest wall defects with no donor site morbidity and did not delay the administration of adjuvant therapy.     

Contralateral unaffected breast augmentation using zone IV as a SIEA flap during unilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction

BackgroundContralateral breast augmentation during unilateral breast reconstruction is a good option for women with small breasts. In patients with adequate lower abdominal tissues, the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is often the first choice for unilateral autologous breast reconstruction. We use Zone IV, which is usually excised owing to its insufficient blood circulation, as a superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap for contralateral breast augmentation.MethodsBetween October 2004 and January 2016, 32 patients underwent unilateral breast reconstruction using a DIEP flap and an attempted simultaneous contralateral breast augmentation with an SIEA flap. The unilateral DIEP flap attached to the contralateral SIEA flap was split into two separate flaps after indocyanine green angiography. In all patients, ipsilateral internal mammary vessels were used as recipient vessels for DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The SIEA flap pedicle was anastomosed to several branches of the deep inferior epigastric vessels. The SIEA flap was inset beneath the contralateral breast through the midline.ResultsOf 32 patients, 27 underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction and simultaneous unaffected breast augmentation using 25 SIEA or 2 superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flaps. All DIEP flaps survived, and total necrosis occurred in one SIEA flap. The mean weight of the final inset for DIEP flap reconstruction and SIEA or SCIP flap augmentation was 416 g and 112 g, respectively.ConclusionsUnilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction and contralateral SIEA flap breast augmentation may be safely performed with satisfactory results.     

下腹部横行腹直肌肌皮瓣联合腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣乳房再造术

目的 探讨应用下腹部腹直肌肌皮瓣联合腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣行乳房再造的手术方法，并分析其适应证。方法 以健侧腹直肌为肌蒂、患侧腹壁下动、静脉穿支为吻合血管蒂形成下腹部横行腹直肌肌皮瓣与腹壁下动脉穿支联合皮瓣，将腹壁下动、静脉与患侧胸背血管或胸廓内血管相吻合，进行乳房再造。结果 自2003年以来，于临床应用17例，所有皮瓣皆成活，随访3～12个月，再造乳房外形满意。结论 下腹部腹直肌肌皮瓣联合腹壁下动脉穿支皮瓣，具有血运可靠、提供组织量丰富、塑形自由度大、供区损伤较小等优点，尤适宜需要移植体积多以及胸廓内血管受损的乳房再造患者。     

The deep inferior epigastric perforator free flap for breast reconstruction

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is an improved method of autologous tissue breast reconstruction with minimal insult to the abdominal wall. This study summarizes the data collected on 148 consecutive DIEP flaps used for breast reconstruction in 109 patients. Of the patients, 90.7% had immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy, 6.5% had secondary reconstruction, and 2.8% had bilateral reconstruction after having had a mastectomy and having a new primary cancer diagnosed in the remaining breast. A total of 78.7% patients underwent unilateral reconstruction, 21.3% underwent bilateral reconstruction, and 15.7% needed two flaps to make a single larger breast. There was one flap failure. Incidence of fat necrosis was 6.8% and incidence of incisional hernia was 1.4%. The advantages of a free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap breast reconstruction are inherent in DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The increased technical effort for DIEP flap reconstruction is offset by the lesser insult to the abdominal wall with maintenance of the entire rectus abdominis muscle.     

Breast reconstruction with superior epigastric artery perforator (SEAP) free flap: Report of two cases

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction. When the DIEP pedicle is damaged, alternative perforator flaps are harvested from sites with less donor tissue, such as the thigh. Pedicled superior epigastric artery perforator (SEAP) flaps have been recently described for reconstruction of inferior partial breast defects. The purpose of this report is to show the surgical technique of the free SEAP flap for reconstruction of the entire breast in two patients. The authors describe two patients where the DIEP pedicle was unavailable. The first patient was 53 years old, with body mass index (BMI) 22.7, while the second patient was 60 with BMI 32.4. The donor site was marked as for a DIEP, and two lateral row perforators were selected in each case. Flaps were designed to cross the midline, with adequate perfusion confirmed via indocyanine green angiography. Both flaps were rotated 90° counterclockwise for inset into the chest. Flap size and weight for the two patients were: 24 × 15 cm and 350 g; and 25 × 15 cm and 400 g. Both patients had a routine postoperative course without complications. Length of follow-up was 155 and 158 days, respectively. We believe that the free SEAP flap is a promising technique in select patients who require an alternative to the DIEP for autologous breast reconstruction.     

Complete videoendoscopic harvest and transposition of latissimus dorsi muscle for the treatment of Poland syndrome: a first report

Poland syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by unilateral chest wall hypoplasia and ipsilateral hand abnormalities. The indications for chest and breast reconstruction are determined on the basis of functional and aesthetic concerns. The traditional open approach uses a latissimus dorsi muscle flap to attain chest symmetry. Endoscopically assisted latissimus dorsi muscle harvesting has been reported previously, combined with an additional incision for muscle fixation. We present a case series using minimally invasive surgery in Poland syndrome. In our last case, latissimus dorsi muscle harvesting and transposition was performed completely videoendoscopically. We believe we are the first to report this technique in the literature.     

Secondary splitting of a free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap with pedicled transfer to the contralateral breast for staged reconstruction of two breasts: The split diep flap

Free tissue transfer has become popularized for post‐mastectomy autologous breast reconstruction, particularly with the abdominal wall donor site. However, in the setting of previous autologous breast reconstruction, options for later contralateral reconstruction are limited. We present a case of breast reconstruction with a free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap, which was split from the initially reconstructed breast and shared to reconstruct the opposite breast after the occurrence of a metachronous contralateral second primary breast cancer. There were no operative complications, no flap‐related complications, and at two years follow‐up, the patient subjectively described bilateral soft and supple breasts, which were symmetrical in a bra, and with which she has reported high satisfaction. An account of the “split DIEP flap” is provided, highlighting the planning, technique, and vascular rationale. The technique comprises partition of a previously transferred DIEP flap breast reconstruction into two parts based on preoperative computed tomographic angiography, performed to guide surgical planning in avoiding pedicle damage and identifying the portion of the flap to island. The split DIEP flap for staged bilateral autologous breast reconstruction offers two soft‐tissue flaps for the price of one donor site, offering new possibilities in breast reconstruction and the broader field of tissue transplantation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.     

Buttock reconstruction using a pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator flap

Although deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps are mainly used for breast reconstruction as free flaps, they are also useful as pedicled island flaps. However, DIEP flaps have seldom been used for reconstructions in the lateral hip region. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, no report has been issued on the use of this flap for buttock reconstruction. The authors describe the successful use of a pedicled oblique DIEP flap for the reconstruction of a severe scar contracture in the buttock. The pedicled DIEP flap can be a useful option for the reconstruction of large buttock defects, and if a transverse DIEP flap is unavailable, an oblique DIEP flap should be considered an alternative.     

Preserving a patent DIEP pedicle to facilitate salvage breast reconstruction with a second free flap: A case report

Surgeons performing free flap breast reconstruction need to have a range of techniques in their armamentarium to successfully salvage cases of flap failure. We present a case of 47‐year‐old patient who suffered near‐total right breast deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap failure 3 days post‐bilateral immediate breast reconstruction with DIEP flaps. At debridement, the DIEP pedicle was noted to be patent with preserved perfusion to a small segment of tissue around the origin of the pedicle. This tissue and the DIEP pedicle itself were therefore preserved to facilitate subsequent breast reconstruction using stacked transverse upper gracilis flaps anastomosed end‐to‐end to the original DIEP pedicle. Post‐operatively, both flaps remained viable with no further complications and symmetrical aesthetic result maintained at 2 months follow‐up post‐salvage procedure. This case emphasizes the importance of exercising caution during initial debridement for free flap failure to preserve viable tissue in the flap and pedicle, particularly in circumstances where vascular flow in the pedicle is maintained, to facilitate successful salvage reconstruction.     

Breast reconstruction with the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap: history and an update on current technique.

Perforator flaps allow the transfer of the patient's own skin and fat in a reliable manner with minimal donor site morbidity. For breast reconstruction, the abdomen typically is our primary choice as a donor site. The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap remains our first choice as an abdominal perforator flap and has become a mainstay for the repair of mastectomy defects. It allows the transfer of the same tissue from the abdomen to the chest for breast reconstruction as the TRAM flap without sacrifice of the rectus muscle or fascia. We discuss our current techniques and specific issues related to the surgery. We present the results of 1095 cases of free tissue transfers from the abdomen for reconstruction of the breast.     

Aesthetical outcome after breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator flap: Personal techniques

Background:

Now-a-days, deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is widespread throughout the world. The aesthetical result is very important in breast reconstruction and its improvement is mandatory for plastic surgeons.

Materials and Methods:

The most frequent problems, we have observed in breast reconstruction with DIEP flap are breast asymmetry in terms of volume and shape, the bulkiness of the inferior lateral quadrant of the new breast, the loss of volume of the upper pole and the lack of projection of the inferior pole. We proposed our personal techniques to improve the aesthetical result in DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Our experience consists of more than 220 DIEP flap breast reconstructions. Results: The methods mentioned for improving the aesthetics of the reconstructed breast reported good results in all cases.

Conclusion:

The aim of our work is to describe our personal techniques in order to correct the mentioned problems and improve the final aesthetical outcome in DIEP flap breast reconstruction.KEY WORDS: Aesthetic refinements, breast reconstruction, deep inferior epigastric perforator flap     

The deep inferior epigastric perforator flap for breast reconstruction, the learning curve explored.

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap has been used as the principle tool for secondary breast reconstruction in our department. This article details our experience in learning and improving the technique with the help of an external team of experienced surgeons. In our initial 65 DIEP flap breast reconstructions our total flap loss rate was reduced from 9.5 to 0%, partial flap loss rate from 31 to 0%, and fat necrosis rate from 17 to 4.3%. We illustrate how a surgical team, which might initially have considered the complication rate from DIEP flap breast reconstruction too high, can benefit from a staged approach to this complex, but useful, reconstruction technique.     

Poland综合征胸部畸形的整复

目的:探讨矫治Poland综合征胸部畸形的手术方法。方法:2006年8月至2012年8月,笔者对3例年龄分别为21岁、18岁和10岁的女性Poland综合征患者进行了胸部畸形的整复。3例患者均有胸肌发育不良及肋软骨部分缺如等畸形,但上肢形态和功能均未见异常。其中21岁患者行"右侧背阔肌肌瓣带蒂移植术及硅胶假体植入隆乳术",18岁患者行"水动力腹部脂肪抽吸术及左胸部自体脂肪移植术",10岁患儿行"左侧多余乳头切除术",待成年后来我科行患侧胸壁及乳房II期修复术。结果:术后密切随访,患者胸部凹陷畸形均得到不同程度的改善,手术效果持续时间长,患侧上肢及胸背部功能未受影响,提高了患者自信心和生活质量。结论:Poland综合征是一种涉及多部位、变异性较大的先天性畸形,应根据患者的自身特点制定个性化的手术方案,方可取得满意的治疗效果。     

Breast Reconstruction with Microvascular MS-TRAM and DIEP Flaps

The free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps involve transferring skin and subcutaneous tissue from the lower abdominal area and have many features that make them well suited for breast reconstruction. The robust blood supply of the free flap reduces the risk of fat necrosis and also enables aggressive shaping of the flap for breast reconstruction to optimize the aesthetic outcome. In addition, the free MS-TRAM flap and DIEP flap require minimal donor-site sacrifice in most cases. With proper patient selection and safe surgical technique, the free MS-TRAM flap and DIEP flap can transfer the lower abdominal skin and subcutaneous tissue to provide an aesthetically pleasing breast reconstruction with minimal donor-site morbidity.     

Comparison of outcomes and donor-site morbidity in unilateral free TRAM versus DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: At long-term follow up we cannot easily differentiate between patients who have undergone free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction in terms of subjective functional limitations of daily activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative outcomes and long-term subjective functional deficit in patients following unilateral free TRAM compared with DIEP flap breast reconstruction. METHODS: Sixty consecutive patients who underwent unilateral autologous breast reconstruction were included in the study, 30 of whom had undergone a DIEP flap, and 30 a free TRAM flap. Surgical and postoperative outcome data were collected and a postal questionnaire was sent to each patient at least 6 months postoperatively consisting of a short functional assessment questionnaire and a Short Form 36 (SF-36) survey. RESULTS: We found no significant difference in postoperative outcomes or in the subjective ability to perform activities of daily living, including work, domestic activities, sports and hobbies, between patients who underwent TRAM flap breast reconstruction and those who underwent a DIEP flap, and no significant difference between the groups for scores on the physical functioning, role-physical, or bodily pain scales of the SF-36. CONCLUSION: We conclude that harvesting of the free TRAM flap results in no significant difference in postoperative outcomes or in the subjective ability to perform activities of daily living compared with the DIEP flap.