Simultaneous Bilateral Microsurgery in Autologous Tissue Breast Reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Microsurgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Bilateral autologous breast reconstruction involves complex microsurgery on both sides.
• This increases operative time and surgeon workload compared to unilateral procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a simultaneous microsurgical approach for bilateral breast reconstruction.
• To determine if this method reduces operative time and surgeon burden.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study of 22 patients undergoing bilateral breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps.
• Patients were divided into conventional sequential and simultaneous microsurgical groups.
• Simultaneous group involved two surgeons operating concurrently with separate microscopes.

Main Results:

• The simultaneous group demonstrated significantly shorter operative times (538 vs. 657 minutes, P=0.04).
• Ischemia times were also significantly reduced in the simultaneous group (92 vs. 177 minutes, P=0.006).
• No reoperations were required in the simultaneous group; one flap loss occurred in the conventional group due to infection.

Conclusions:

• The bilateral simultaneous microsurgical approach is effective in reducing operative and ischemia times for breast reconstruction.
• This method maintains safety and offers an efficient, reliable solution for bilateral procedures.
• Requires two skilled microsurgeons but optimizes workflow and patient outcomes.