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Breast sharing: New perspectives on an old method
A Novo-Torres1, I Fakih1, J J Aparicio-Alcazar1
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Spain.
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery : JPRAS
|September 22, 2015
Summary
This study introduces a one-stage breast reconstruction technique using the contralateral breast as a donor site. While complications occurred, the breast-sharing method offered satisfactory aesthetic outcomes for patients needing breast symmetry.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Oncology
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Established breast reconstruction methods often require contralateral breast reduction for symmetry.
- The Marshall technique, a one-stage, autologous, non-microsurgical approach, utilizes perforator flaps for breast sharing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the first case series of one-stage mammarian reconstruction using the breast-sharing technique.
- To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of autologous non-microsurgical breast reconstruction utilizing contralateral breast tissue.
Main Methods:
- Seven patients undergoing simple mastectomy and delayed breast reconstruction were included.
- All patients had oncological screening of the donor breast to rule out pathology.
- The breast-sharing technique was performed between June 2011 and January 2014.
Main Results:
- One patient (14%) experienced major complications (flap loss) due to venous congestion.
- Four patients (57%) had minor complications with minimal impact on the final outcome.
- Functional and aesthetic results were highly satisfactory, with one patient needing lipofilling for volume enhancement.
Conclusions:
- The breast-sharing technique is a viable option for one-stage breast reconstruction, particularly for patients with hypertrophic and ptotic breasts.
- Despite potential complications, the method yields good aesthetic results and has shown no oncological recurrences in follow-up.
- This approach offers an alternative reconstructive strategy utilizing autologous tissue from the contralateral breast.
