Lipofilled Mini Dorsi Flap: An Efficient Less Invasive Concept for Immediate Breast Reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Oncologic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• The traditional extended latissimus dorsi flap with lipofilling is a common breast reconstruction method.
• This technique often requires extensive muscle harvesting and multiple lipofilling sessions for optimal outcomes.
• A less invasive, single-operation approach is desirable to improve patient recovery and satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the experience with the lipofilled mini dorsi flap technique for breast reconstruction.
• To evaluate the efficacy and patient outcomes of this modified technique in a new clinical scenario.
• To compare the lipofilled mini dorsi flap with the traditional extended latissimus dorsi flap in terms of invasiveness and results.

Main Methods:

• The study involved female patients undergoing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction using the lipofilled mini dorsi flap.
• The operative technique was meticulously detailed.
• Patient and surgical team evaluations were used to assess the results.

Main Results:

• 72 procedures were performed between May 2017 and January 2019, with 81.9% being immediate reconstructions.
• No flap infection or necrosis occurred; one case of infected lymphocele was managed with drainage.
• Higher Body Mass Index (BMI) was associated with increased postoperative dorsal seroma.
• The majority of patients and the surgical team reported satisfactory to very satisfactory outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The lipofilled mini dorsi flap is an efficient, less invasive, and quicker alternative for immediate breast reconstruction.
• This technique, utilizing lipofilling to minimize latissimus dorsi dissection, offers excellent long-term results and better patient tolerance.
• The lipofilled mini dorsi flap has become the preferred primary technique for immediate breast reconstruction in this study cohort.