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The Rubens flap. The deep circumflex iliac artery flap
1Atlanta Plastic Surgery, Georgia, USA.
Clinics in Plastic Surgery
|June 17, 1998
Summary
The Rubens free flap offers an autogenous tissue option for breast reconstruction using hip tissue. This technique is a secondary choice after abdominoplasty or TRAM flap surgery, with careful abdominal wall closure being crucial for success.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Autogenous tissue breast reconstruction offers a valuable alternative for patients.
- The Rubens free flap is an option utilizing tissue from the hip region.
- It serves as a secondary reconstructive choice in specific patient populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the Rubens free flap as an option for autogenous tissue breast reconstruction.
- To outline the indications and key surgical considerations for this technique.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes fatty tissue from the hip region, superior to the iliac crest.
- The flap is based on the deep circumflex iliac artery.
- Considered after prior abdominoplasty or transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap procedures.
Main Results:
- The Rubens flap provides an alternative autogenous tissue source for breast reconstruction.
- Successful outcomes depend on meticulous closure of the abdominal wall musculature.
- It is indicated as a secondary option when primary methods are not feasible or have been previously performed.
Conclusions:
- The Rubens free flap is a viable secondary option for autogenous breast reconstruction.
- Careful surgical technique, particularly abdominal wall closure, is essential for optimal results.
- This method expands reconstructive possibilities for breast cancer patients.