Total 'rib'-preservation technique of internal mammary vessel exposure for free flap breast reconstruction: A 5-year prospective cohort study and instructional video.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The total 'rib'-preservation method of dissecting out the internal mammary vessels (IMV) during microvascular breast reconstruction aims to reduce free flap morbidity at the recipient site. We review our five-year experience with this technique.

Patients & methods

An analysis of a prospectively collected free flap data cohort was undertaken to determine the indications, operative details and reconstructive outcomes in all breast reconstruction patients undergoing IMV exposure using the total 'rib'-preservation method by a single surgeon.

Results

178 consecutive breast free flaps (156 unilateral, 11 bilateral) were performed from 1st June 2008 to 31st May 2013 in 167 patients with a median age of 50 years (range 28-71). There were 154 DIEP flaps, 14 SIEA f

SUBMITTER: Rosich-Medina A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4556813 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature