title: Transfer of free flaps to provide well-vascularized, thick cover for breast reconstructions after radical mastectomy.
abstract: The use of a free flap to bring in well-vascularized cover for a breast reconstruction (following radical mastectomy) is presented. Eleven of 12 such transfers were successful. (One free groin glap failed, and that reconstruction was abandoned.) Patients for breast reconstruction who have a marked deficiency of healthy, well-vascularized skin and subcutaneous tissue in the area are suitable candidates for this operative procedure. When a free groin flap is transferred, the donor defect is minimal.
mesh_terms: D001365:Axilla / Q000601:surgery; D001940:Breast / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006615:Hip / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy; D009132:Muscles / Q000098:blood supply; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000379:methods*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous / Q000379:methods