The Free Abdominoplasty Flap and Its Use in Breast Reconstruction: An Experimental Study and Clinical Case Report

TLDR

The free abdominoplasty flap was developed to provide abundant reconstructive tissue while preserving a satisfactory donor site. The study aimed to evaluate the flap’s viability and suitability for breast reconstruction. The flap is harvested from the area between the umbilicus, pubic region, and anterior superior iliac spines, based on a single-sided inferior epigastric vessel. In eight abdominoplasty cases the flap remained viable with intact perfusion, and in two breast reconstruction cases it proved usable—one failed due to venous thrombosis, while the other achieved favorable results after anastomosing three veins.

Abstract

AbstractIn search for a free microvascular flap which would give abundant reconstructive material as well as a satisfactory donor site the free abdominoplasty flap was developed. The flap is designed on the area between the umbilicus, the pubic region and the anterior superior iliac spines and is based on the inferior epigastric vessels on one side only. In eight regular abdominoplasty procedures elevation of this flap and keeping the blood flow intact through the isolated vessels did not jeopardize the viability of the flap. Angiography of the specimens showed a good perfusion. The free abdominoplasty flap has been used for breast reconstruction in 2 cases of radical mastectomy. The first was a failure because of venous thrombosis. In the second case 3 veins were anastomosed, 2 venae comitantes to the inferior epigastric vein and the contralateral superficial epigastric vein and the result was favourable.