Immediate breast reconstruction with a wise pattern mastectomy and NAC-sparing McKissock vertical bipedicle dermal flap

Abstract

Preservation of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) in immediate reconstruction of ptotic and large breasts is surgically challenging. This article presents a modification of the inferior dermal flap ("dermal sling") to a vertical bipedicle flap with NAC preservation. This flap is well described in breast reductions but has never been described in a mastectomy setting. The study reviews data for a case series of 17 breasts in 11 women who underwent breast reconstruction with the new technique. The complication rate was 12%, thus indicating that the vertical bipedicle NAC-sparing flap should be considered a feasible option for breast reconstruction in women with ptotic and/or large breasts.

Keywords: Dermal sling; Immediate breast reconstruction; McKissock flap; Nipple-sparing mastectomy; Vertical bipedicle dermal flap.