The Lateral Thoracodorsal Flap in Delayed Bilateral Breast Reconstruction for an Obese Patient with Redundant Lateral Chest Wall Soft Tissue

Abstract

Obesity (body mass index [BMI] > or = 30 kg/m2), one of the main risk factors for complications of breast reconstruction, makes surgeon hesitate to choose a single ideal surgical technique. Compared to transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap and latissimus dorsi flap, standard methods for autologous breast reconstruction, local flaps have some advantages in terms of aesthetic results and surgical morbidity. A 55-year-old woman who had been undergone modified radical mastectomy, complaints of breast deformity and redundant both lateral chest wall soft tissue. We decided to perform the lateral thoracodorsal flap with implant considering obesity which can cause prolonged operating time and unpredictable results. No major complications were encountered and competent result was obtained when cosmetic analysis was conducted 6 months after surgery.

Keywords

• breast reconstruction
• flap
• obesity
• cosmetic