[The internal breast flap: a new technique of reconstruction].
OBJECTIVE
The internal breast pedicle flap is not a well-known technique yet. Anyway, it is effective for some of breast reconstructions and partial thoracic defects. This technique is applied to patients presenting breast hypertrophy. In this article, we present the experience of our department in this technique, considering its indications, surgery details, complications that may occur and subsisting interrogations about this surgical approach.


METHODS
Two patients were treated with internal breast pedicle flap, one for controlateral breast reconstruction and one for coverage of partial thoracic defect.


RESULTS
Patients were followed; flap survival and aesthetic results were analyzed during consultations. Results were good and similar to other well-spread reconstruction techniques.


CONCLUSIONS
The internal breast pedicle flap is a relevant, reproducible and easy technique. Overall results are satisfying and allow the possibility of applying other techniques in case of failure. You have to keep in mind the risk of making a transfer of a potentially carcinogenic tissue for a patient having already presented a breast cancer.
Sarfati
B
B
Département de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, centre hospitalier René-Dubos, 6, avenue de l'Ile-de-France, 95301 Pontoise, France. benjamin.sarfati@gmail.com
Zwillinger
N
N
Lazar
C C
CC
Sarfati
A
A
Lorenceau
B
B