Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap for Chronic Radiation-Induced Ulcer of the Axilla in Vietnam

Abstract

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in females worldwide. Radiotherapy plays an important role for locoregional control in the comprehensive management of breast cancer. Chronic radiation-induced ulcer of the axilla can occur, and it is complicated to treat for these lesions. The application of a thoracodorsal artery perforator flap offers many advantages to be one of the most efficient treatments for radiation-induced ulcers of the axillary region. We introduce a series of 5 patients with radiation-induced ulcers of the axilla treated by using a thoracodorsal artery perforator flap. The mean operative time was 190 minutes. During at least a two-year follow-up, no complication has been found, and the patient has achieved good cosmetic result without movement limitation of the upper limb.