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.