Breast reconstruction with free-tissue transfer

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the rationale for the use of free tissue transfer for breast reconstruction. 2. Understand the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of this method of reconstruction. The authors discuss the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of free-tissue transfer for breast reconstruction. The most common free flaps used today are individually discussed. Details about indications, contraindications, pertinent anatomy, pedicle characteristics, flap pliability, perfusion characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages for each of these flaps are presented. Details pertaining to the more common recipient vessels are presented. Future considerations are also briefly discussed.