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European Journal of Plastic Surgery

Published in:

04-10-2023 | Mastectomy | Original Paper

A retrospective cohort study comparing donor site morbidity between the L-shaped upper gracilis and transverse upper gracilis flap in breast reconstruction

Authors: Maria Chicco, Georgios Skepastianos, Adam Blackburn

Published in: European Journal of Plastic Surgery | Issue 6/2023

Abstract

Background

Several modifications of the transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flap have been described to reduce donor site morbidity and augment flap volume in breast reconstruction. However, outcome comparisons are lacking in the literature. Our group previously described a design modification known as the L-shaped upper gracilis (LUG) flap.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients treated with LUG and TUG flap breast reconstruction in a single centre between March 2019 and March 2023. The study compared donor site morbidity, flap volume and need for secondary procedures between the two cohorts.

Results

Thirty-one patients were included in each cohort (62 total). The patients presented similar demographics (age and BMI), as well as reconstruction modalities (immediate/delayed/stacked and unilateral/bilateral). Patients in the LUG cohort experienced faster donor site healing time and fewer donor site complications. The flap volume was similar in both cohorts, but fewer secondary procedures were required in patients treated with LUG reconstruction.

Conclusions

In our study, the LUG flap presented reduced donor site morbidity with less need for secondary procedures. Further studies are needed to validate these results on a larger scale and understand the psychosocial impact of a more conspicuous scar.

Level of evidence: Level III, therapeutic

Available only for authorised users

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Title: A retrospective cohort study comparing donor site morbidity between the L-shaped upper gracilis and transverse upper gracilis flap in breast reconstruction
Authors: Maria Chicco
Georgios Skepastianos
Adam Blackburn
Publication date: 04-10-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Mastectomy
Fat Grafting
Published in: European Journal of Plastic Surgery / Issue 6/2023
Print ISSN: 0930-343X
Electronic ISSN: 1435-0130
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-023-02113-w

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

A retrospective cohort study comparing donor site morbidity between the L-shaped upper gracilis and transverse upper gracilis flap in breast reconstruction

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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