Medially Based "Abdominal Rotation Advancement Flap": A Promising Technique for Mastectomy Defect Reconstruction in...

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Breast Cancer Reconstruction

Background:

• Extensive postmastectomy defects often necessitate reconstructive flap surgery.
• Reconstruction aims for simple closure, quality skin cover, and early adjuvant therapy initiation.
• Medially based abdominal transposition flaps are a type C fasciocutaneous option.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the medial abdominal transposition fasciocutaneous (MATF) flap for postmastectomy defect reconstruction.
• To assess outcomes in high-risk and comorbid locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients.
• To determine operative duration, postoperative morbidity, hospital stay, and time to adjuvant treatment.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 56 LABC patients undergoing MATF flap reconstruction (2019-2023).
• Inclusion of patients with Stage IIIB LABC and those requiring defect closure post-mastectomy.
• Data collected on operative time, complications, hospital stay, and adjuvant therapy initiation.

Main Results:

• Mean operative duration was 58.85 minutes; average hospital stay was 5.39 days.
• 8 patients experienced tip/edge necrosis; 3 patients had infections.
• Patients were ready for adjuvant therapy in an average of 24.57 days.

Conclusions:

• The MATF flap is a straightforward, reliable, and cost-effective method for extensive postmastectomy defects in LABC patients.
• This technique is particularly suitable for high-risk, comorbid patients and in resource-limited settings.
• The flap's simplicity and affordability make it a sustainable solution for LABC reconstruction.