[Experience with Thoracoepigastric Flap Reconstruction after Mastectomy].

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Plastic Surgery
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Advanced breast cancer can necessitate mastectomy with extensive skin resection, leading to significant defects.
• Reconstruction of large skin defects following mastectomy presents a surgical challenge, often requiring skin grafting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the successful utilization of thoracoepigastric flaps in two cases of advanced breast cancer with extensive skin defects following mastectomy.
• To demonstrate that thoracoepigastric flaps can be an effective alternative to skin grafting for wound closure in complex breast cancer surgeries.

Main Methods:

• Two case studies of patients with advanced breast cancer requiring mastectomy and extensive skin resection were reviewed.
• Thoracoepigastric flaps were employed for wound closure in both cases to manage large skin defects.
• Postoperative outcomes, including wound healing and complications, were monitored.

Main Results:

• Both patients achieved successful wound closure using thoracoepigastric flaps without the need for skin grafting.
• Postoperative courses for both patients were uneventful, with no major complications reported.
• The flaps provided adequate coverage for the extensive skin defects resulting from cancer resection.

Conclusions:

• Thoracoepigastric flaps are a feasible and effective method for reconstructing extensive skin defects after mastectomy in advanced breast cancer cases.
• This flap technique can successfully avoid the need for skin grafting, potentially improving patient outcomes.
• The use of thoracoepigastric flaps represents a valuable reconstructive option in oncoplastic breast surgery for complex defect scenarios.