The Use of Serratus Anterior Fascial Flap in Integrated Mastectomy and Implant Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND

Tissue reinforcement with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in implant-based breast reconstruction contributes to the coverage of the implant and avoids its direct exposure to skin incision, yet not without risk of infection. Our integrated technique makes use of the in situ serratus anterior fascia as a support of the implant following mastectomy, which serves the same purpose of ADM in terms of aesthetic outcomes, but minimizes the hazard of infective complications.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all the nipple-sparing mastectomies with direct-to-implant immediate reconstruction in Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital from 2012 to 2016. The authors made use of the serratus anterior fascial flap as inferolateral coverage for the subpectoral implant. Consequently, the implant would be completely covered by autologous tissues.

RESULTS

Among the 51 women included, primary breast cancers account for 91.8% of our indications for these 61 procedures of integrated mastectomy and implant reconstruction. The remaining five (8.2%) were performed as contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. Almost three quarters of the patients had a bra cup size of B or below. After a mean follow-up of 28.9 months, there was no reported post-operative complication of skin flap or nipple-areolar complex necrosis, or infection or extrusion of the implant.

CONCLUSIONS

Our series support that the serratus anterior fascial flap could provide autologous coverage in integrated mastectomy and implant breast reconstruction, especially in small- and medium-sized breasts. Appropriate patient selection, as well as meticulous surgical technique, is critical for its success.