Breast reconstruction using a laparoscopically harvested pedicled omental flap after endoscopic mastectomy for patients with breast cancer: an observational study of a minimally invasive method.

[BACKGROUND] Breast reconstruction is typically performed using autologous tissue from a laparoscopically harvested omental flap. Because open surgery and another abdominal wall incision for a subcutaneous tunnel cannot be avoided, minimal scars typically cannot be achieved. This study explored a minimally invasive method of pedicled omental flap breast reconstruction in which omentum harvesting, mastectomy, and subcutaneous tunnel establishing were performed laparoscopically and endoscopically, and large incisions on the thoracic and abdominal wall were unnecessary.

[METHODS] Ten patients with breast cancer were enrolled. They underwent endoscopic subcutaneous mastectomy (ESM) and single-stage breast reconstruction using a laparoscopically harvested pedicled omental flap (LHPOF), which was pulled through a subcutaneous tunnel that was created under laparoscopic vision. The incisions made on the abdominal wall were no wider than 12 mm, and the thoracic wall incisions were no wider than 30 mm. Three of the patients had a prosthetic implant placed for reconstruction at the same time because of the large breast volume, and the omental flaps were used to cover the prostheses.

[RESULTS] All patients underwent successful single-stage breast reconstruction surgery, and laparotomy was not required. Eight of the patients (80%) had satisfactory aesthetic results (five had excellent results and three had good results). The incisions at the thoracic wall and in the donor site area were short and hidden. The mean operation time was 367.6 min and the mean time for harvesting the omental flap was 62.9 min, similar to previous studies. The total mean blood loss was 37.0 mL. No serious donor-site complications occurred.

[CONCLUSIONS] LHPOF breast reconstruction combined with ESM is minimally invasive, and satisfactory aesthetic results are achievable. In patients who undergo ESM combined with prosthetic implant reconstruction, the pedicled omental flap can be used to cover the prosthesis instead of using acellular dermal matrix.