Breast Reconstruction Techniques: Historical Evolution and Current Surgical Practice
Main Article Content
Abstract
Breast reconstruction has become an integral component of the comprehensive management of patients undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer. Over the past decades, reconstructive techniques have evolved significantly, transitioning from simple pedicled flaps to sophisticated microsurgical procedures that aim to restore breast volume, symmetry, and patient quality of life. The objective of this review is to analyze the current therapeutic options for breast reconstruction in plastic and reconstructive surgery, emphasizing developments from 2020 to 2025, while also providing a historical overview of the principal reconstructive flaps, including their original descriptions and clinical evolution. Implant-based reconstruction and autologous tissue reconstruction using pedicled and free flaps are discussed in terms of indications, advantages, disadvantages, and associated complications. A comparative analysis of the most commonly used techniques is presented, highlighting patient selection criteria and surgical outcomes. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each reconstructive option allows the reconstructive surgeon to individualize treatment and optimize functional and aesthetic results.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
I. Hartrampf CR, Scheflan M, Black PW. Breast reconstruction with a transverse abdominal island flap. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1982;69(2):216–225.
II. Koshima I, Soeda S. Inferior epigastric artery skin flaps without rectus abdominis muscle. Br J Plast Surg. 1989;42(6):645-648.
III. Allen RJ, Treece P. Deep inferior epigastric perforator flap for breast reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg. 1994;32(1):32-38.
IV. Grotting JC. The superficial inferior epigastric artery flap in breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1991;88(5):1009-1014.
V. Allen RJ, Tucker C. Superior gluteal artery perforator flap for breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1995;95(7):1207-1212.
VI. Yousif NJ, Matloub HS, Kolachalam R, Grunert BK, Sanger JR. The transverse upper gracilis musculocutaneous flap. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1992;90(2):327-332.
VII. Angrigiani C, Grilli D, Siebert J. The profunda artery perforator flap for breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2012;129(1):16e-23e.
VIII. Chang EI, Liu J. Prospective evaluation of autologous breast reconstruction outcomes. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021;147(1):10-20.
IX. Nelson JA, Allen RJ Jr, Polanco T, et al. Long-term patient-reported outcomes following postmastectomy breast reconstruction: An 8-year examination of 3268 patients. Ann Surg. 2019;270(3):473-483.