Axillary Reconstruction with a Posterior Circumflex Humeral Artery Perforator Flap as a Salvage Surgery for Axillary Invasion of Advanced Breast Cancer

Abstract

Summary:. A case of advanced breast carcinoma with large skin invasion that extended from the breast to the axilla and which was reconstructed with a meshed split skin graft for the chest defect and a posterior circumflex humeral artery perforator flap for the axillary area was described. When skin invasion of the breast cancer extends to the axillary area, reconstruction methods of the defect are probably complicated. The purpose of reconstruction is not only to close defects, but also to protect important tissues, such as axillary vessels and the brachial plexus. Moreover, thinner flaps are preferred to prevent a bulky contour. Many reconstruction methods can be used; however, if total mastectomy causes a large tissue defect from the breast to the axilla involving the subscapular artery, and only limited reconstruction is possible, a posterior circumflex humeral artery perforator flap can be an option to reconstruct the axilla.