Reverse Abdominoplasty Flap in Reconstruction of Post-Bilateral Mastectomies Anterior Chest Wall Defect

Abstract

Reverse abdominoplasty was originally described for epigastric lift. Since the work by Baroudi and Huger in the 1970s, it has become clear that reverse abdominoplasty application can be extended beyond just aesthetic procedure. Through the knowledge of anterior abdominal wall vascularity, its application had included reconstructive prospect in the coverage of various chest wall defects. To date, reverse abdominoplasty flap has been used to reconstruct unilateral anterior chest wall defect or for larger defect but only in combination with other reconstructive techniques. Here, we presented a case where it is used as a standalone flap to reconstruct bilateral anterior chest wall soft tissue defect post-bilateral mastectomies in oncological resection. In conclusion, reverse abdominoplasty flap provided us with a simple, faster, and satisfactory reconstructive outcome.

Chest resurfacing with a reverse abdominoplasty flap for invasive breast cancer recurrence

“…Quilting sutures are used to reduce tension on skin edges and minimise dead space. Here we show that the reverse abdominoplasty is a versatile, simple and reliable solution for resurfacing the anterior chest wall, with acceptable aesthetic outcome [7,8,11].…”

“…Little is known about the reliability to perform RA when the chest wall has been previously irradiated [11], especially in presence of relevant defects.…”

ITADE flap after mastectomy for locally advanced breast cancer: A good choice for mid‐sized defects of the chest wall, based on a systematic review of thoracoabdominal flaps

“…They consist of monopedicle flaps and are less complex to perform, allowing resolution and primary suture mid‐sized defects and not requiring a specialized complementary team. For central tumors, bilateral involvement or as a solution for large resections, reverse abdominoplasty is an option, which has bilateral irrigation. The knowledge of these techniques helps the surgeon in daily practice.…”

Surgical management of a giant sternal chondromyxoid fibroma: a case report

“…To avoid local recurrence, complete surgical resection, which usually requires wide excision and full-thickness resection, is strongly recommended. However, for a giant sternal tumor, complete resection may result in a large defect of the anterior chest wall requiring extensive reconstruction surgery to protect the intrathoracic organs [ 7 – 9 , 11 – 14 ].…”