Immediate chest wall reconstruction using an external oblique myocutaneous flap for large skin defects after mastectomy in advanced or recurrent breast cancer patients: A single center experience

Background and Objectives

We report 75 single-stage chest-wall reconstructions using ipsilateral external oblique myocutaneous flap (EOMCF) to cover the extensive skin defects following resection of advanced or recurrent breast tumours at the Pusan National University Hospital.

Methods

Between January 2007 and October 2015, 75 women with advanced or recurred breast cancer who underwent extensive mastectomy with immediate chest wall reconstruction using EOMCF were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Mean age was 50.5 ± 9.8 years and mean follow-up period was 36.7 ± 25.1 months. A total of 59 patients (78.7%) had stage III disease and the remaining 16 patients (21.3%) had stage IV. Mean excised breast tissue weight was 687.6 ± 416.5 g (range, 120.3-2797.1 g). The mean chest wall skin defect covered with an EOMCF was 228.3 ± 168.1 cm² and corresponded to an approximately 15 × 15 cm defect. Average operative time for reconstruction was <2 h. There were no major complications such as flap loss, full thickness skin necrosis, or surgical site infections. With respect to loco-regional recurrence, nine patients (12%) experienced recurrence. Among the 59 non-stage IV patients, loco-regional relapse occurred in five patients (8.5%).

Conclusions

EOMCF can effectively cover large chest wall defects with a few minor complications and reliable local disease control.

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