title: The pedicled subpectoral fascia flap for expander coverage in postmastectomy breast reconstruction: a novel technique.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In expander-based breast reconstruction, providing adequate tissue coverage of the prosthesis is necessary to prevent complications. The authors have previously described the use of the serratus anterior fascia for this purpose-but when this fascia is unavailable or inadequate, the subpectoral fascia can be used. This study describes the anatomy of the subpectoral fascia, the surgical technique for harvesting it, and an algorithm for choosing between the serratus and subpectoral fascia flaps. Clinical and functional outcomes following use of the subpectoral fascia in expander-based breast reconstruction are reported.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen patients (17 breasts) were included in the study. After approval by the institutional review board, retrospective case note analysis was performed for demographic and perioperative factors. Postoperative complications including capsular contracture, seroma, hematoma, wound dehiscence, and infection were recorded. Cadaver studies involving 10 hemichests were undertaken. The subpectoral fascia for each hemichest was dissected and measured for length and width.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At a mean follow-up of 589 days (range, 115 to 960 days), seroma occurred in one breast, wound infection occurred in one breast, and minor wound dehiscence occurred in one breast. There were no incidences of capsular contracture or hematoma. The mean +/- SD length of cadaver subpectoral fascia was 148 +/- 26.6 mm and the mean width was 83 +/- 32.1 mm.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The subpectoral fascia flap is a novel and safe option for providing vascularized lateral or inferior coverage of prosthesis in expander-based breast reconstruction. Its harvest and use are not associated with adverse clinical outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Dallas, Texas From the Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Saint-Cyr
authors.forename: Purushottam
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nagarkar
authors.forename: Corrine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Hema
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Thakar
authors.forename: Phillip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dauwe
authors.forename: Rod J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Rohrich
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D018427:Breast Implants; D005205:Fascia / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008408:Mastectomy; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D049291:Seroma / Q000209:etiology; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection