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.
Scheer
Adena S
AS
Faculty of Medicine and, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Novak
Christine B
CB
Neligan
Peter C
PC
Lipa
Joan E
JE
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