Evaluation of pedicled omental flap delivered through a minilaparotomy for immediate breast reconstruction in obese patients.

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown the laparoscopically harvested omental flap to be a successful method for immediate breast reconstruction. However, data about its usefulness and safety in obese women are limited. This study examined the effectiveness and safety of a pedicled omental flap delivered via a minilaparotomy in women with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 30 kg/m(2).

METHODS

Women candidates for skin-sparing mastectomy underwent reconstruction with delivery of a pedicled omental flap via a minilaparotomy.

RESULTS

Surgery was performed for 24 women with a mean age of 57.54 years and a mean BMI of 32.54 kg/m(2). The operative time was prolonged by about 1 h without excess blood loss or prolongation of their hospital stay. Except for a single case of partial flap necrosis, no single total flap loss was recorded. In three patients (12.5 %), the flap volume was inadequate, and silicone implant was used as an adjunct. Only one patient (4 %) experienced a small incisional hernia. The majority of the patients (67 %) described their cosmetic outcome as excellent.

CONCLUSION

Delivery of a pedicled omental flap via a minilaparotomy is a safe and reliable method for immediate breast reconstruction after skin-sparing mastectomy in women with a BMI higher than 30 kg/m(2).

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