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.
Beshlian
Kevin M
KM
Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA. plakmb@vmmc.org
Paige
Keith T
KT
D015992:Body Mass Index; D002081:Buttocks / Q000098:blood supply; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*