The Preferential Use of Subcutaneous Arteries (SCIA-SB and SIEA) in Abdominal-based Autologous Breast Reconstruction with a Modified Flap Design.

Abstract

Background: Despite its many advantages, the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap requires fascial incision and intramuscular dissection, which can lead to pain and weakening of the abdominal wall. The superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap offers an alternative to avoid this damage but is often considered unreliable due to its variable anatomy. In this study, we report our experience in autologous breast reconstruction using either the superficial branch of the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA-SB) or the SIEA as the sole flap pedicle.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from August 2022 to December 2023. A total of 17 patients underwent breast reconstruction with 18 flaps (1 bilateral and 16 unilateral reconstructions). The SCIA-SB (14 flaps) or SIEA (4 flaps) served as the exclusive arterial sources. Preoperative vessel identification was performed using color-coded duplex sonography, and the flap design was adjusted accordingly. Intraoperative flap perfusion was assessed via indocyanine green angiography. Demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative data were recorded.

Results: The mean follow-up was 5.7 months (range: 3-17 mo). Of the 18 flaps, 1 was lost due to arterial insufficiency. Partial flap necrosis requiring revision occurred in 1 case, whereas minor complications (seroma, wound dehiscence, mastectomy skin necrosis, and infection) were observed in 7 patients.

Conclusion: In our experience, either the SCIA-SB or SIEA can be successfully used as a pedicle in autologous breast reconstruction, provided that the abdominal flap design is modified to include their functional angiosomes.