Peri-mammary artery flaps are useful in breast-conserving surgery in patients with small or medium-sized breasts

Results

According to the study outcomes, the mean flap size was 5.3*4.2*2.8 cm

The mean surgical time was 142 min (100–250 min).

No partial flap failure was detected, and no severe complications were observed.

Most patients were satisfied with the outcomes regarding the dressing, sexual life, and breast shape postoperation.

Furthermore, the sensation of the surgical area, scar satisfaction, and recovery state gradually improved.

Overall, LICAP and AICAP had higher scores when different flaps were compared.

Based on this study, they found that peri-mammary artery flaps had significant value in breast-conserving surgery, especially in patients with small or medium-sized breasts. Perforators could be detected by vascular ultrasound before the operation. More than one perforator could be found most of the time. No severe complications occurred when performing a suitable plan, including discussing and recording the operation procedure; the focus of care, the choice for precise and proper perforators, and the mechanism for hiding the scars were all considered and recorded in a specific chart. Patients were satisfied with the reconstruction technique of peri-mammary artery perforator flaps after breast-conserving, and the satisfaction of AICAP and LICAP was higher. In general, this technique is suitable for partial breast reconstruction and has no negative impact on patient satisfaction.

Reference:

Shen, M., Xu, Y., Wu, Z. et al. Partial breast reconstruction of 30 cases with peri-mammary artery perforator flaps. BMC Surg 23, 41 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12893-023-01937-4