2017 Volume 2 Issue 1 Pages 6-11
Background : Partial breast reconstruction has become increasingly popular. The aim of this study was to report our clinical experience and results with lateral chest wall perforator flaps in breast reconstruction.
Methods : Between October of 2011 and March of 2015, 18 patients underwent immediate partial breast reconstruction with either thoracodorsal artery perforator (TAP) flaps or lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flaps. All patients were treated with standard adjuvant radiation and systemic therapy. We retrospectively reviewed their charts and clinical outcomes. The aesthetic results were also evaluated.
Results : The mean resected breast weight and volume using this method were 127±14.5 g and 128.4±14.1 ml respectively, which are more than double those of partial mastectomies without reconstruction during this period. The mean number of perforators used in these procedures was 1.8, and they were located 5 to 13 cm distal to the posterior axillary fold and -5 to 5 cm from the anterior border of the latissimus dorsi muscle. Although there are two patients with positive margins, we have had no recurrences so far. Sixteen (88.9%) patients exhibited good aesthetic results and two (11.1%) patients had partial fat necrosis.
Conclusions : Pediculed lateral chest wall perforator flaps are useful reconstruction methods for lateral breast defects after partial mastectomy.
