[Bilateral breast reconstruction by DIEP flap in two stages: Technical note]. / Reconstruction mammaire bilaterale par lambeau de DIEP en deux temps : note technique.

With the rise of risk prevention surgery, more and more bilateral mastectomies are performed. These present a challenge when patients desire autologous reconstruction. Some surgeons perform reconstructions using a double DIEP flap, but this technique, which requires rapid operation and extensive experience, can sometimes be difficult to implement. Other factors may also favor a two-stage reconstruction, one breast after the other. We present here our technique to harvest two hemi-DIEP during two distinct operating times, by modifying the design of the first flap and by performing a prior autonomization of the second.

Evaluation of satisfaction and the quality of life after bilateral breast reconstruction using the BREAST-Q questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: The demand of breast reconstruction is growing, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the satisfaction and quality of life of patients who underwent bilateral breast reconstruction. METHODS: In this cohort retrospective study, patients who underwent bilateral breast reconstruction in our department between September 2009 and December 2019 were asked to complete BREAST-Q questionnaire based on the timing of the reconstruction received following mastectomy, thus dividing them into three groups: (1) bilateral immediate breast reconstruction(BIBR), (2) immediate breast reconstruction in one side and delayed reconstruction on the other side (mixed group), (3) bilateral delayed breast reconstruction(BDBR). Surgical techniques were divided into prosthesthetic (permanent implant and expander), flaps (pedicle or free), mixed technique (associating flap and prosthesis). RESULTS: Seventy-one out of 94 patients responded to our BREAST-Q questionnaire, with a response rate of 84.5%. A high score is associated with a better result, except in physical well-being where a lower score indicates better outcome. The average score for psychosocial well-being is 63.0 (±17.2) achieving the lowest among the BDBR group. Physical well-being score is 26.0 (±18.6) scoring the highest in BIBR group. Sexual well-being score is 52.2 (±17.4) and seen highest among BDBR group. Satisfaction with breast score is 54.1 (±10.0) and was highest among mixed group. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic proposal was personalized based on patient profile and choice. The best reconstruction treatment enhancing the quality of life and patient satisfaction remains the option chosen by the patient and whose advantages and disadvantages are accepted by them.

Bilateral latissimus dorsi for breast reconstruction in one stage.

The authors present a technique of bilateral breast reconstruction in case series of 5 patients, allowing simultaneous harvest of both latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps. Three patients underwent bilateral immediate reconstruction after prophylactic mastectomy. One patient underwent a delayed reconstruction, in 1 patient latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was used after prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction with implants followed by bilateral necrosis of the skin flaps. The described technique enables safe breast reconstruction in one procedure. The average reconstruction time was about 4 hours, which represents bilateral latissimus dorsi procedure to the centre of the breast reconstructions range, between the reconstructions with double free tissue transfer and the breast implants.

Bilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction with simultaneous unilateral nipple-sparing mastectomy - case report.

With the steady increase in the incidence of breast cancer in women, treatment that includes not only tumor removal but also breast reconstruction is becoming a more relevant issue for oncologic and plastic surgeons. Mastectomy recently evolved as a form of primary prevention of hereditary breast cancer, commonly performed in combination with simultaneous reconstruction. A case of 44-year-old woman who underwent right mastectomy with adjuvant radiotherapy is presented. Due to the patient's positivity for BRCA1 mutation and her wishes, a risk-reducing mastectomy with nipple-areola complex preservation and bilateral deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap reconstruction were performed in one-stage. In selected cases this method appears to be the best possible procedure for simultaneous preventative and reconstructive management in patients with genetically determined breast cancer who have undergone mastectomy with radiotherapy.

Immediate simultaneous bilateral breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric (DIEP) free flap and transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) pedicled flap

Breast reconstructive surgery has evolved tremendously since its inception. Following tumour clearance surgery, physical restoration with breast reconstruction is an important aspect of physical and emotional rehabilitation. Various methods have been described to suit patients demand for the best aesthetic outcome. Surgeon’s preference, experience and practicality of differing procedures must be considered. We describe a simultaneous bilateral breast reconstruction with free deep inferior epigastric (DIEP) flap and pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap immediately post mastectomies for bilateral breast cancers. The surgery described has resulted in a reasonable technical ease, acceptable flap and abdominal morbidity and good aesthetic outcome.

Bilateral simultaneous breast reconstruction with transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flaps.

BACKGROUND: A transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flap provides good autologous reconstruction for small- and medium-sized breasts. Although the procedure is well adapted for bilateral breast reconstruction, no publication has specifically addressed simultaneous bilateral cases. METHODS: From 2010 to 2014, the authors performed seven simultaneous bilateral breast reconstructions using transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flaps. The results with respect to operative data, immediate complications, second-stage reconstruction, and patient satisfaction after >1 year of follow-up were studied retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 7 h and 48 min (range, 6-9 h). Three minor complications occurred: two cases of limited flap necrosis and one case of donor-site wound dehiscence. Surgical revision was not required, and there was no flap failure. A second-stage operation was performed in 71% of the patients to improve the aesthetic results and flap volume. On average, 167 cm(3) of fat was injected per breast. After a mean follow-up of 27 months, the satisfaction rate was 86% without significant functional deficits. CONCLUSIONS: A transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flap is an effective and safe option for simultaneous bilateral reconstruction. The operating time is shorter than that for other autologous procedures with similar complication rates and high patient satisfaction levels.

Free TRAM breast reconstruction and ipsilateral interval pedicled TRAM reconstruction for second breast in one patient.

Autologous breast reconstruction can give excellent cosmetic results and is preferred by some women. Donor tissue can be scarce however, especially for bilateral reconstructions and/or when a large breast is needed. In addition, the decision of which donor tissue to use in unilateral reconstruction may have an impact on a subsequent reconstruction if needed. We present a case of a patient who required a large volume unilateral reconstruction, performed using a free TRAM flap, who then re-presented 10 years later with disease in the contralateral breast. For her second reconstruction, a pedicled TRAM was used from the same side as the previous free TRAM. We believe that this sequence of reconstructions using the TRAM twice on the same side has not been previously reported.