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 review...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAnnals of plastic surgery Vol. 56; no. 4; p. 355
Main Authors Scheer, Adena S, Novak, Christine B, Neligan, Peter C, Lipa, Joan E
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.04.2006
Subjects
Adult
Body Mass Index
Breast - surgery
Demography
Epigastric Arteries - transplantation
Female
Humans
Mammaplasty - methods
Middle Aged
Postoperative Complications
Rectus Abdominis - transplantation
Surgical Flaps
Transplantation, Autologous
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0148-7043
DOI:10.1097/01.sap.0000201549.83738.42