Feasibility and early cosmetic outcome of modified lateral intercostal artery perforator flap after breast conservative surgery

Abstract

Abstract Background The lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap aims at replacing the excised breast lump with axillary tissue rich blood supply. The purpose of this study is to report the initial results of a modification LICAP flap technique in terms of intraoperative technical feasibility and short-term cosmetic outcomes in the early postoperative period. Methods Modified LICAP flap technique was performed on 36 female patients with pathologically proven BC located in the outer half of the breast in the period from June 1, 2021, to April 30, 2022. Results The LICAP flap modification enabled performing the procedure with the patient in supine position without repositioning. The majority of the patients (90%) had satisfactory early cosmetic results as reported by the patients and oncoplastic independent surgeon. Conclusion Modified LICAP flap reconstruction is feasible to be performed with the patient in supine position without repositioning and it has satisfactory early cosmetic outcomes.

Keywords

• Modified lateral intercostal artery flap
• Breast-conserving surgery
• Breast reconstruction
• Lumpectomy
• Cosmetic outcome