Source Surgery of The Breast Principals and Art Volume: n/a Number: n/a 1999

Conclusion

Although autogenous reconstruction accounts for less than half of the breast reconstructions performed annually, this method is gaining in popularity. Previously described myocutanous flaps, such as the TRAM flap, have the advantage of avoiding the use of prosthetic materials; however, the perforator flaps described in this chapter have the added advantage of avoiding muscle and fascia sacrifice. This translates into significantly decreased donor site morbidity, including significantly less incidence of postoperative hernia, decreased postoperative pain, shortened hospital stay, and more expedient and complete return to preoperative activity levels. Finally, because there are five de-scribed donor sites, the surgeon is able to make more individualized decisions regarding donor site selection, taking into account the patient's own wishes and particular body type. Essentially all patients are candidates for reconstruction with perforator flaps. This provides for an increased level of patient satisfaction, both with the process and the final result. Since 1992, all breast reconstructions performed by the author have been executed using perforator flaps.