Approach to Internal Mammary Vessel without Rib Cartilage Resection in Free Abdominal Flap Breast Reconstruction.
- Author:
Jin Sup EOM
1
;
Sang Hoon SUN
;
Tae Gon KIM
;
Taik Jong LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Plastic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. Jinsupp@amc.seoul.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Breast reconstruction;
Internal mammary artery
- MeSH:
Breast;
Cartilage;
Diclofenac;
Female;
Glycosaminoglycans;
Humans;
Mammaplasty;
Mammary Arteries;
Ribs;
Thorax
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
2009;36(6):750-754
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: The thoracodorsal vessels have been the standard recipient vessels for the majority of surgeons performing free abdominal flap breast reconstructions. Recently, the internal mammary vessels have been recommended as the first-choice recipient vessels for microvascular breast reconstruction. To approach the internal mammary vessel, 3rd or 4th rib cartilage excision is needed, but this method has some demerits such as vessel injury, post operative pain and post operative chest hollowness. So, authors propose the approach method to the internal mammary vessel through intercostal space without rib cartilage resection. METHODS: From November, 2008 to May, 2009, 13 patients underwent free abdominal flap breast reconstruction with approach to the internal mammary vessel through intercostal space without rib cartilage resection. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 41.8 years, and the mean height was 159.3 cm. 11 patients underwent immediate breast reconstruction. Free DIEP flap reconstruction was performed in 7 patients, Free TRAM flap was performed in 5 patients, and Free SIEA flap was performed in 1 patient. Except 1 case, approach to the internal mammary vessel was took through 3rd intercostal space, and all width of intercostal space exceeded 1 cm. CONCLUSION: In the authors' experience, use of approach to the internal mammary vessels without rib cartilage resection method is safe and reliable to overcome demerits of rib cartilage resection method.
