Microsurgery in oncoplastic breast reconstruction

Oncoplastic breast reconstruction has allowed for the optimization of oncologic and reconstructive outcomes after breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Volume replacement procedures in oncoplastic reconstruction most commonly utilize regional pedicled flaps, though several studies have reported benefits to free tissue transfer for oncoplastic partial breast reconstruction in the immediate, delayed-immediate and delayed settings. Microvascular oncoplastic breast reconstruction is a useful technique in the appropriate patients with small-to-medium size breasts and larger tumor-to-breast ratios who desire to preserve breast size, those with a paucity of regional breast tissue and patients that wish to avoid chest wall and back scars. Several free flap options for partial breast reconstruction exist, including superficially-based abdominal flaps, medial thigh-based flaps, deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps and thoracodorsal artery-based flaps. However, special consideration should be given to preserving donor sites for potential future total autologous breast reconstruction with any flap choice that should be tailored to individual recurrence risk. Aesthetically placed incisions should take recipient vessel access into consideration which include the internal mammary vessels and perforators medially, and then intercostal, serratus branch and thoracodorsal vessels laterally. The utilization of a thin strip of lower abdominal tissue based on the superficial abdominal circulation allows for a well-concealed donor site with minimal morbidity and preservation of the abdominal donor site if future total autologous breast reconstruction is needed. Optimizing outcomes requires a team-based approach to appropriately design recipient and donor-site considerations while individualizing tumor and patient-specific plans.