Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
[The transverse musculocutaneous gracilis free flap for breast reconstruction: experience with 6 cases]
Julio Delgado Martínez1, Javier Rodrigo Palacios, Fernando Albiñana García-Dihinx
1Servicio de Cirugía Plástica y Reparadora, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain. juldelgado@yahoo.com
Introduction:
Microsurgical techniques have allowed reconstruction procedures after mastectomy to take a qualitative leap with the development of different technical options. Although the abdomen is the main donor area destined for breast reconstruction, occasionally this skin is not sufficient or unsuitable for this purpose. In these cases, alternative donor areas are required, such as the flap of the transverse myocutaneous gracilis (TMG) muscle. The objective of this study is to evaluate the reliability of the TMG flap and the level of patient satisfaction with the result obtained.
Material And Methods:
During a nine-month period in 2009, 72 breast reconstructions were performed, of which 17 required the use of free flaps. In 7 of these cases, the abdominal wall could not be used as a donor area; therefore 6 of them opted for the TMG flap. The surgical technique and its results have been analysed, as well as the patient satisfaction with the results obtained using a questionnaire.
Results:
There was no total or partial loss of the flap or other complications at the transfer level. There was minor dehiscence in the donor area in 3 of the cases. The patients classified the results of the reconstruction as satisfactory or good.
Conclusions:
The TMG flap is a good technical option, comparable to abdominal flaps, for patients with small or medium sized breasts which require reconstruction with autologous tissue. The evaluation of the results by the patients was satisfactory or good.
