Georgette Oni1, Charles M Malata2. 1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK. 2. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; Cambridge Breast Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; Anglia Ruskin University School of Medicine, Cambridge and Chelmsford, UK. Electronic address: Charles.malata@addenbrookes.nhs.uk.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Microvascular free tissue transfer is the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction. For many surgeons, the internal mammary vessels (IMV) are the preferred recipient vessels. The merits of the rib preservation technique have been previously discussed. There are, however, instances in which greater access than afforded by one intercostal space (ICS) may be required, for example, multiple or redo anastomoses or inadvertent recipient vessel damage. We therefore have refined this technique further to allow exposure of two ICSs without sacrifice of the intervening rib cartilage. METHOD: We identified all patients who had simultaneous contiguous ICSs dissected whilst preserving the intervening costal cartilage for microvascular anastomoses for breast free flaps. The indications, surgical technique, and its refinements are described. RESULTS: Simultaneous exposure of the IMVs in both the second and third ICSs whilst preserving the intervening costal cartilage for microvascular anastomoses was successfully performed in 15 patients with no flap failures. Indications included bipedicled DIEP flaps (9), bipedicled DIEA/SIEA flap (1), stacked DIEP flaps (4), and salvage (1). One flap was successfully re-explored for venous congestion. There were no intraoperative complications. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that simultaneous contiguous ICS exposure of the internal mammary recipient vessels with total rib preservation is technically feasible, has no adverse patient sequelae, and has the benefit of allowing multiple anterograde and retrograde microvascular anastomoses (even in patients with narrow ICSs). This technique preserves the intervening rib and is of particular utility in bipedicled flaps when multiple "extra-flap" anastomoses may be required.
INTRODUCTION: Microvascular free tissue transfer is the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction. For many surgeons, the internal mammary vessels (IMV) are the preferred recipient vessels. The merits of the rib preservation technique have been previously discussed. There are, however, instances in which greater access than afforded by one intercostal space (ICS) may be required, for example, multiple or redo anastomoses or inadvertent recipient vessel damage. We therefore have refined this technique further to allow exposure of two ICSs without sacrifice of the intervening rib cartilage. METHOD: We identified all patients who had simultaneous contiguous ICSs dissected whilst preserving the intervening costal cartilage for microvascular anastomoses for breast free flaps. The indications, surgical technique, and its refinements are described. RESULTS: Simultaneous exposure of the IMVs in both the second and third ICSs whilst preserving the intervening costal cartilage for microvascular anastomoses was successfully performed in 15 patients with no flap failures. Indications included bipedicled DIEP flaps (9), bipedicled DIEA/SIEA flap (1), stacked DIEP flaps (4), and salvage (1). One flap was successfully re-explored for venous congestion. There were no intraoperative complications. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that simultaneous contiguous ICS exposure of the internal mammary recipient vessels with total rib preservation is technically feasible, has no adverse patient sequelae, and has the benefit of allowing multiple anterograde and retrograde microvascular anastomoses (even in patients with narrow ICSs). This technique preserves the intervening rib and is of particular utility in bipedicled flaps when multiple "extra-flap" anastomoses may be required.