Breast reconstruction with the fasciocutaneous infragluteal free flap (FCI).

Abstract

Thin patients who will not accept breast reconstruction with foreign material may not have enough tissue associated with the TRAM or latissimus muscle to achieve an acceptable reconstruction. We feel the next choice is tissue from the infragluteal region raised and moved as a free fasciocutaneous flap (FCI) based on the descending branch of the inferior gluteal artery. This (FCI) has not been described for this to our knowledge. Thirty-five FCI flaps were done for 28 patients between 1998 and 2005 for autologous breast reconstruction, as well as simultaneous augmentation of the contralateral breast in 4 of these patients. There was no flap loss. Complications include seroma, scar pain, and fat necrosis and are reported and discussed. We suggest that the FCI flap be considered as a worthy alternative for autologous breast reconstruction in thin patients.