Visualized bilateral breast reconstruction by propeller thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps

摘要

Thoracodorsal artery perforator (TAP) flaps are versatile flaps that provide a consistent and aesthetically pleasing breast reconstruction. We prefer the TAP flap to the latissimus dorsi (LD) flap due to the morbidity associated with the LD flap. In this paper we aim to show how we perform bilateral TAP flap breast reconstruction and present our preliminary results from 32 bilateral reconstructions in 16 patients. The TAP flap breast reconstruction can be performed as a direct-to-implant or a delayed procedure depending on patient factors. Color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) is used in the preoperative planning which promotes the safety and reliability of the flap by mapping perforators thus enabling faster dissection. The bilateral TAP flap breast reconstruction is usually performed in three steps: (I) raising the flaps at the recipient site; (II) rotating the TAP flaps and (III) completion of the breast reconstruction.