The Split Breast Flap: Revisited – a Medieval Or An Ideal Solution in the Selected Case?

Abstract

In assessing a patient requiring palliative reconstruction of the anterior chest wall, a host of techniques engulf the reconstructive surgeon, who has to evaluate the local situation, the tissue lost, the tissue required and the tissue available. The patient's general condition is usually a major influence on this decision. The split breast flap is an often forgotten, simple means of palliative reconstruction.

Unilateral breast reconstruction with the free contralateral split breast flap using supermicrosurgical anastomosis: A case report

“…While free tissue transfers, such as the free muscle sparring transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (ms‐TRAM) flap and the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap, are a common tool in breast reconstruction, these are time‐consuming and associated with significant donor site morbidity (Blondeel et al, 1997; Koshima, Inagawa, Yamamoto, & Moriguchi, 2000; Schoeller et al, 2001; Schusterman, Kroll, Miller, et al, 1994). There is little knowledge on the contralateral breast as a potential donor site though there have been several reports on using a pedicled contralateral split breast for reconstruction (Degreef, 2011; Geerards et al, 2018; Marshall, 1993; Marshall et al, 1981; Morritt et al, 2006; Novo‐Torres et al, 2015; Pontes, 1973; Reinhard, 1932; Schoeller et al, 2001). However, in‐tunnel venous congestions and the issue of symmastia have been raised as potential complications in a recent case series by Novo‐Torres et al (2015).…”