Complications associated with breast reconstruction using a perforator flap compared with a free TRAM flap.
This study evaluated the recipient and donor site complications associated with breast reconstruction using a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (DIEAP) flap compared with a free TRAM flap. The charts of 108 patients who underwent breast reconstruction using these techniques were reviewed. There were 130 flaps. Patients with free TRAM flaps had a significantly longer hospital stay (P=0.003). There were significantly more cases of fat necrosis in the unilateral DIEAP flaps (P=0.001). In patients who were overweight or obese (body mass index >25 kg/m), there were significantly more breast complications (P=0.006). There were more cases of abdominal flap necrosis at the donor site in smokers (P = 0.018) and the diabetic patients (P=0.013). This study suggests that postoperative complications are related to patient comorbidities, and personal factors and should be considered when selecting the most appropriate reconstructive option.
Faculty of Medicine and, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Adena S
AS
Scheer
Christine B
CB
Novak
Peter C
PC
Neligan
Joan E
JE
Lipa
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001940:Breast / Q000601:surgery*; D003710:Demography; D019074:Epigastric Arteries / Q000637:transplantation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D017568:Rectus Abdominis / Q000637:transplantation*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous