Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
Ten years' experience of free flaps for breast reconstruction in a Danish microsurgical centre: an audit
Christian T Bonde1, Dorthe E Christensen, Jens J Elberg
1Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns Unit, Centre of Head and Orthopaedics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. bonde@rh.dk
Abstract:
We have done a total of 292 breast reconstructions using a free flap over a period of 10 years (1994-2003). During the last five years the number of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps has increased. However, to secure an optimal blood supply we still use a muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap sometimes. Our results with the two flaps were identical as far as operating time and length of hospital stay were concerned, but the DIEP flap has less donor site morbidity. Our results are influenced by our selection of patients and our technique but we think that muscle-sparing TRAM flaps may be used as an alternative to DIEP flaps.
