The Internal Mammary Vessel as a Recipient Site for Delayed Breast Reconstruction

지연 유방 재건시 수혜부 혈관으로써 내유동정맥

  • Ahn, Hee-Chang (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hanyang University Kuri Hospital)
  • 안희창 (한양대학교 구리병원 성형외과)
  • Published : 1999.10.30

Abstract

In breast reconstruction with a free flap following mastectomy, the recipient vessels most widely used are in the axillary system, which limits flap movement and flexibility in breast shaping. In addition, scarring and fibrosis can make dissection of the vessels difficult. We have performed 43 breast reconstructions using a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous(TRAM) flap. In 10 cases out of 20 delayed reconstruction, we anastomosed to the internal mammary vessels rather than subscapular system. There has been no flap failure. The surgical techniques, advantages and limitations of the internal mammary system are presented. The internal mammary vessel are compared with the axillary vessels as a recipient vascular system.

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