title: [The transverse musculocutaneous gracilis free flap for breast reconstruction: experience with 6 cases].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Microsurgical techniques have allowed reconstruction procedures after mastectomy to take a qualitative leap with the development of different technical options. Although the abdomen is the main donor area destined for breast reconstruction, occasionally this skin is not sufficient or unsuitable for this purpose. In these cases, alternative donor areas are required, such as the flap of the transverse myocutaneous gracilis (TMG) muscle. The objective of this study is to evaluate the reliability of the TMG flap and the level of patient satisfaction with the result obtained.
  
  
  METHODS
  During a nine-month period in 2009, 72 breast reconstructions were performed, of which 17 required the use of free flaps. In 7 of these cases, the abdominal wall could not be used as a donor area; therefore 6 of them opted for the TMG flap. The surgical technique and its results have been analysed, as well as the patient satisfaction with the results obtained using a questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no total or partial loss of the flap or other complications at the transfer level. There was minor dehiscence in the donor area in 3 of the cases. The patients classified the results of the reconstruction as satisfactory or good.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The TMG flap is a good technical option, comparable to abdominal flaps, for patients with small or medium sized breasts which require reconstruction with autologous tissue. The evaluation of the results by the patients was satisfactory or good.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Cirugía Plástica y Reparadora, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain. juldelgado@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Julio
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Delgado Martínez
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rodrigo Palacios
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Albiñana García-Dihinx
authors.forename: Rodrigo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Velasco Velasco
authors.forename: Elías
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: González Peirona
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013524:Surgical Flaps