The "Swiss-Roll" flap: a modified C-V flap for nipple reconstruction

Nipple reconstruction is an integral step in breast reconstruction. There are a variety of local-flap based techniques however one of the most commonly used is the C-V flap. The traditional flap forms a nipple shell composed of dermis and epidermis containing a core of subcutaneous fat. The shortcomings of this technique are that it relies on subcutaneous fat for nipple bulk and with time loses a significant part of its volume. We present a modification of the C-V flap designed for use in breasts with little subcutaneous fat in order to minimise post-operative nipple projection loss.     

改良箭式皮瓣乳头再造术的临床疗效观察

目的探讨改良箭式皮瓣乳头再造术的临床疗效。方法收集2018年1月至2019年10月在南京市中医院甲乳外科住院接受改良箭式皮瓣乳头再造的患者10例,对再造乳头回缩率、患者满意度及局部皮瓣并发症发生率进行评价。结果10例患者手术时间为(15.10±1.52)min,范围为13~18 min。所有患者随访时间为(14.60±1.07)个月,范围为3~24个月。乳头高度回缩率为(28.53±3.02)%,范围为23.5%~33.2%。乳头直径回缩率为(8.92±1.05)%,范围为7.1%~10.5%。患者满意度为(97.90±1.60)%,范围为96%~100%。10例患者均未出现切口愈合不良、切口裂开、皮瓣坏死等并发症。结论改良箭头式皮瓣设计简便,操作简单,疗效满意,术后并发症发生率低。     

Retention of a reconstructed nipple using a C-V flap with different layer thicknesses in the C-flap

Background: The C-V flap for nipple reconstruction is now one of standard surgical techniques. But decreased projection is still a problem. In recent years, it has been suggested that projection can be more easily maintained when raising of the C-flap is performed with a split thickness dermis. In this study, we examined whether decrease of projection can be prevented by raising of a C-flap with a split dermis rather than with full dermis.

Methods: A total of 49 consecutive patients who underwent reconstruction of a nipple using the C-V flap technique were enrolled. The patients included 22 who underwent surgery using a C-flap with a full thickness dermis (Group F), and 27 who underwent surgery with raising of a flap with a split thickness dermis (Group S). The size of the reconstructed nipple was measured at 2?weeks, 6?months and 1?year postoperatively for comparison between Groups F and S.

Results: Partial necrosis of the C-flap end occurred in 4 subjects in only Group S. The decrease in projection after 1?year postoperatively in Group S was significantly lower than that in Group F. In contrast, the teat base size in Group F tended to be greater than that in Group S, suggesting a tendency for an expanded base using a flap with a full dermis.

Conclusions: Our results indicated that it is recommended to use a C-flap with a split dermis for cases with high projection of the nipple on the contralateral side.     

Lastissimus dorsi three-flap nipple reconstruction

The author describes the use of latissimus dorsi skin in a one-stage procedure for reconstruction of the nipple. Three flaps of skin are fashioned based on a central disk design.     

Nipple reconstruction with muscle flap

The author presents a case of nipple reconstruction using rectus abdominal pedicle flaps to maintain nipple protrusion.     

The latissimus dorsi myo-cutaneous flap for breast reconstruction

Summary The authors present a method of breast reconstruction after mastectomy making use of the versatile latissimus dorsi myo-cutaneous flap. Two different flap designs are proposed. A fish-shaped flap for reconstruction after mastectomy without irradiation damage and a tennis rackuet type flap for the replacement of irradiated skin, breast and pectoralis muscle. This axial pattern innervated composite flap enables a safe 2-stage breast reconstruction.     

改良的鱼尾状瓣法乳头再造术

目的:探讨改良的鱼尾状瓣法乳头再造术式。方法:定位新乳头位置后,采用改良的鱼尾状瓣法,设计二个不等长的皮瓣,长分别为2.0～2.5cm和1.5～2.0cm,其共有的蒂位于下方,分别掀起皮瓣,旋转交叉缝合,再造乳头。结果:应用6例共6侧乳头再造,切口愈合好,形态对称,效果满意。结论:改良的鱼尾状瓣法是乳头再造的理想术式之一。     

A new method for using a silicone rod for permanent nipple projection after breast reconstruction procedures

Nipple-areola complex (NAC) is a unique part of the human body. Not only is it a functional structure, but it plays an aesthetic role as well. It offers the final touch to the convex shape of the breast. Its lack frequently leads to depression in patients. This paper describes the method used by the authors for reconstructing nipple mound projection in patients following an autologous breast reconstruction procedure.To reconstruct the nipple mound an adapted local C-V flap technique described by Losken was used, with a silicone rod to support the nipple. The new method is based on simple preparation of flaps, fixing the silicone rod at the nipple bottom and below the top, it is quick and efficient in terms of time and materials used.The procedure was conducted in 30 patients: 10 cases following LDf reconstruction and Becker prosthesis or expander prosthesis, 20 cases following body tissue reconstruction with TRAM flap (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous flap). All the patients who had undergone the LDf procedure developed flap necrosis followed by rod removal. In the patients who had undergone TRAM flap reconstruction no necrosis or wound split was observed, healing progressed without complications. In this group durable nipple projection was achieved. The new method for reconstructing nipple projection may be applied both in simultaneous and staged procedures, only in patients who have undergone autologous breast reconstruction procedure.     

DIEAP flap for safe definitive autologous breast reconstruction

BackgroundBreast cancer is the commonest form of cancer in women affecting almost a quarter of a million patients in the US annually. 30 percent of these patients and patients with genetic mutations undergo removal of the breast, as highlighted in a high profile celebrity patient. Although breast reconstruction with free microvascular transfer of a DIEAP flap from the abdomen is an ideal form of reconstruction, there have been misgivings about the complexity and potential complications. This study was aimed at clearing these misunderstandings and establishing the value of this form of breast reconstruction.Methods1036 DIEAP flap breast reconstructions carried out at the University Hospital, Gent (five year period) and at the Sana Kliniken, Düsseldorf (three year period) were included prospectively. Comorbid factors like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, patient age >65 years, BMI >30 and smoking were recorded. Outcomes were evaluated over a mean follow up of 2 years.ResultsOverall complication rate related to the reconstructed breast and donor abdominal area was 6.8 percent. Total flap loss was seen in only 0.8 percent. The mean operating time was less than five hours. Older age, higher BMI, chemotherapy and radiotherapy did not have a significant influence on complication rates, however smoking resulted in significant delay in wound healing in the breast (p = 0.025) and abdominal wounds (p = 0.019).ConclusionThe DIEAP flap is an excellent option for breast reconstruction, with a low level of donor site morbidity and complications. It is an autologous reconstruction that provides a stable long term result.     

Laparoscopically harvested omental flap for immediate breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer surgery and accompanying breast reconstruction have been diversified. We report our experience of immediate breast reconstruction using laparoscopically harvested omental flap (LHOF). METHODS: During a 44-month period, 44 immediate breast reconstructions with LHOF were performed. Patients were followed up for complications and cosmetic results. RESULTS: Forty cases of pedicled LHOF and 4 cases of free LHOF were performed after either nipple-sparing mastectomy (n = 21) or breast-conservation treatment (n = 23). Morbidity included 1 minor vascular injury (2.3%) of the LHOF, 4 wound and graft infections (9.1%), and 1 epigastric hernia (2.3%). Cosmetic results were mostly satisfactory, with a soft breast that was natural in appearance. Donor-site scars were minimal. However, in 5 patients (12.5%), omental flap size was found to be inadequate during the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is a limit of volume, LHOF is an attractive autologous flap, which makes a natural soft breast and minimal deformity of the donor site.     

Patient-reported outcomes for nipple reconstruction: Review of literature

BackgroundThere is currently no validated patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) that is specific to nipple–areola complex (NAC) reconstruction. This paper evaluates all patient-reported outcomes for NAC reconstruction in the literature.MethodsSystematic literature searches of The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were conducted to identify all primary studies with patient-reported outcomes for NAC reconstruction. The primary outcome measures were patient satisfaction rates for appearance and symmetry of NAC reconstruction.ResultsFifty-nine papers were included in this review. Reported patient satisfaction was generally high, with the pooled average satisfaction rate for appearance being 81.9% and symmetry 80.3%. 89.5% of respondents would do it again and 94.8% would recommend it to others. There is no standardised or validated PROM specific to NAC reconstruction and this contributes to a lack of conclusive findings from studies in this area.ConclusionThere is a need for a validated PROM that is specific to NAC reconstruction, in order to serve as a standardised outcome assessment to guide further research and improve patient care.     

The use of poly-lactic acid to improve projection of reconstructed nipple

Purpose

Nipple-areola reconstruction represents an important step for final mammary reconstruction. Many techniques have been described. The drawback is the progressive nipple projection loss with time from 50% to over 70% of the initial projection. In this report, we evaluated the effect of injectable poly-lactic acid (PLLA) to improve projection of reconstructed nipples.

Results

We selected 12 patients with a residual nipple projection between 0.1 and 2 mm. The patients were injected locally inside the nipple with 0.5 ml of PLLA (dilution 1:4) every 4 weeks for 4 times. At the study end, patients were satisfied with results. No adverse effects were observed. After one year, an increase of nipple projection ranging from 0.5 to 3.5 mm was obtained with an average increase of 2.3 mm (282%) and this variation was statistically significant (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The use of injectable PLLA is a simple and effective procedure to improve projection of reconstructed nipple.     

Nipple-areola reconstruction: outcome assessment

The creation of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) is usually the final step in the surgical treatment of breast cancer patients. It has substantial aesthetic and symbolic implications for the patients involved. In this study we reviewed 17 consecutive nipple-areola reconstructions over a 4-year period. Breast reconstruction in these patients was performed using a combination of breast implant only (n=4) and flap reconstructions (latissimus dorsi, TRAM) (n=13). The skate flap technique was used for nipple reconstruction in all of these patients. Patients were assessed objectively and subjectively. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 48 months (mean 20 months). Mean nipple projection at review was 6.75 mm (range 5.2–9 mm) and mean nipple diameter was 12 mm (range 8–14 mm). The majority of the patients were satisfied with the results.An editors comment to this paper can be found at .     

腹直肌-背阔肌肌皮瓣联合应用乳房再造术

目的　探索一种同时修复乳房和胸壁缺损的手术方法。方法　利用下腹部横行腹直肌肌皮瓣 (下简称TRAM皮瓣 )和部分背阔肌肌皮瓣 ,为乳癌术后患者行乳房再造及胸壁缺损修复。结果　 4例 8个皮瓣全部成活 ,再造乳房及胸壁缺损修复效果满意。结论　联合应用腹直肌—背阔肌肌皮瓣 ,可以同时完成乳房再造及胸壁缺损的修复 ,效果满意。     

背阔肌肌皮瓣在乳房再造中的应用

目的探讨利用背阔肌肌皮瓣进行乳房再造的设计、手术操作及效果。方法2005年5月至2006年4月行背阔肌肌皮瓣乳房再造18例,其中8例联合假体置入。观察指标包括手术时间、术后并发症及美学效果。结果平均手术时间为147min。再造乳房全部成活,无严重术后并发症。除1例再造乳房位置偏高以外,其余17例（94.4%）患者对再造乳房均很满意。结论背阔肌肌皮瓣或联合假体置入乳房再造操作简便、术后并发症少,再造乳房形态好,是一种可供选择的乳房再造方法。     

Inferior gluteal artery perforator flap breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND: In thin patients or in those with prior surgery that precludes the use of abdominal tissue for autologous breast reconstruction, the skin and fat of the lower buttock, perfused by perforating branches of the inferior gluteal artery, has been proposed as an alternative. METHODS: This study reviewed 19 reconstructions based on the inferior gluteal artery that were performed between July 2001 and March 2007. Patient characteristics, cancer stage and treatment, indications for use of gluteal tissue, surgical time, length of hospitalization, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Our average patient age was 49 years, with early stage breast cancer, and low body mass index. The average surgical time was 9 hours and 7 minutes, and the average hospitalization time was 4 days. Complications included 2 complete flap losses, seromas, and delayed donor site healing. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that tissue from the lower buttock, perfused by branches of the inferior gluteal artery, is a useful alternative for autologous breast reconstruction.     

应用下腹部横行腹直肌肌皮瓣的乳房再造

目的 安全应用下腹部横形腹直肌肌皮瓣（TRAM）进行乳房再造。方法 总结42例乳房再造的经验,详尽介绍了病例选择,皮瓣设计和手术方法。结果 应用TRAM再造乳房42例,其中即时再造25例,后期再造17例;单蒂TRAM35例,双蒂TRAM7例,单蒂中有7例附加血管吻合。2例术后腹部供区皮瓣部分坏死,2例TRAM部分坏死,1例双蒂皮瓣术后腹壁疝形成。结论 附加血管吻合或选用双蒂肌皮瓣,以及肌肉内分离是减少并发症的重要措施。     

Patient satisfaction following nipple reconstruction incorporating autologous costal cartilage

BACKGROUND:

Nipple-areolar reconstruction completes post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Many techniques for nipple reconstruction have been described, and each has their advocates and critics. One of the frequent failings of most designs is loss of nipple projection with time.

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the effect of including autologous costal cartilage on patient satisfaction with their nipple reconstruction.

METHODS:

Sixty-eight patients were identified who had undergone fishtail flap nipple reconstruction following autologous free flap breast reconstruction between 1990 and 2004. Qualitative questionnaires, using Likert scales, were sent to each patient to specifically assess their satisfaction with their nipple reconstruction.

RESULTS:

Of 26 respondents (mean ± SEM follow-up period 3.7±3.6 years), 13 had undergone nipple reconstruction incorporating costal cartilage banked at the time of initial breast reconstruction, and the other 13 had no cartilage in their nipple reconstructions. While both groups would opt for nipple reconstruction again, patients with cartilage grafts incorporated into their reconstructions had overall satisfaction ratings 1.92 grades higher on average (not significant, P=0.12) than those without. This difference increased to 3.2 grades when the satisfaction of the patient’s partner was taken into account (P<0.05). Improved satisfaction corresponded to higher scores for volume, consistency, texture, and particularly for projection and contour of the nipple (P<0.05). Although nipple morphology changed over time, there was a trend toward improved stability in the cartilage group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patient satisfaction with nipple reconstruction can be improved by incorporating costal cartilage beneath the skin flaps. Superior contour and projection are sustained over time.