Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
Laparoscopically harvested omental flap for immediate breast reconstruction
Hisamitsu Zaha1, Susumu Inamine, Takashi Naito
1Department of Surgery, Nakagami Hospital, 6-25-5 Chibana, Okinawa, 904-2195, Japan. hisamitu@nakagami.or.jp
Background:
Breast cancer surgery and accompanying breast reconstruction have been diversified. We report our experience of immediate breast reconstruction using laparoscopically harvested omental flap (LHOF).
Methods:
During a 44-month period, 44 immediate breast reconstructions with LHOF were performed. Patients were followed up for complications and cosmetic results.
Results:
Forty cases of pedicled LHOF and 4 cases of free LHOF were performed after either nipple-sparing mastectomy (n = 21) or breast-conservation treatment (n = 23). Morbidity included 1 minor vascular injury (2.3%) of the LHOF, 4 wound and graft infections (9.1%), and 1 epigastric hernia (2.3%). Cosmetic results were mostly satisfactory, with a soft breast that was natural in appearance. Donor-site scars were minimal. However, in 5 patients (12.5%), omental flap size was found to be inadequate during the procedure.
Conclusions:
Although there is a limit of volume, LHOF is an attractive autologous flap, which makes a natural soft breast and minimal deformity of the donor site.
